Introduction

Fat breast augmentation has become an increasingly popular choice for women in New York City who desire a more natural-looking and -feeling breast enhancement. Unlike traditional breast implants, fat breast augmentation uses the patient's own fat cells, which can offer several advantages. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top plastic surgery hospitals in New York City for fat breast augmentation, the procedure itself, its benefits and risks, and what to expect during the entire process. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of the available options and be better equipped to make an informed decision about your breast augmentation journey.

Understanding Fat Breast Augmentation

What is Fat Breast Augmentation?

Fat breast augmentation, also known as autologous fat transfer or fat grafting, is a surgical procedure that involves extracting fat cells from one area of the body, typically through liposuction, and injecting them into the breasts to increase their size and improve their shape. This technique offers a more natural alternative to traditional breast implants, as it uses the patient's own body tissue.

Benefits of Fat Breast Augmentation

• Natural Appearance and Feel: Since the fat used is from the patient's own body, the results tend to look and feel more natural compared to breast implants. The breasts have a softer texture and move more naturally.
• Dual Benefit: In addition to enhancing the breasts, the procedure also provides body contouring in the area where the fat is harvested. For example, if fat is taken from the abdomen or thighs, it can help reduce unwanted bulges and improve the overall body shape.
• Reduced Risk of Complications: There is no risk of implant-related complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture, which are common concerns with breast implants.
• Long-Lasting Results: Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply and survive in the breast tissue, the results can be long-lasting. However, some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, so multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results.

Candidates for Fat Breast Augmentation

Ideal candidates for fat breast augmentation are typically women who desire a modest increase in breast size, improved breast shape, or enhanced breast symmetry. They should have enough excess fat in other areas of the body to be used for the transfer and be in good overall health. It's important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure, as the increase in breast size is usually limited to about one cup size.

Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City for Fat Breast Augmentation

Mount Sinai - New York

Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in performing various breast augmentation procedures, including fat breast augmentation. They use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies before the surgery. During the consultation, the surgeon will listen carefully to the patient's desires and goals, explain the procedure in detail, and answer any questions. The hospital offers both breast implant options and the natural fill® technique, which is a fat transfer method pioneered and perfected by Mount Sinai surgeons. This two-step procedure involves removing fat from the buttocks or abdomen using liposuction and immediately inserting it into the breasts. The goal is to provide patients with a natural shape and size that they will be happy with for years to come.

Cangello Plastic Surgery

Dr. David L. Cangello, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Cangello Plastic Surgery, is known for his artistic approach to breast surgery. He offers personalized treatment plans to meet each patient's aesthetic goals, including fat breast augmentation. Dr. Cangello has extensive experience and has perfected his surgical techniques over the years, earning the trust of many patients, including professional models. He incorporates the patient's tastes and preferences into the treatment plan, whether they desire a subtle look or bold cosmetic enhancements. The hospital has a state-of-the-art, fully accredited operating room at its NYC office, where most procedures are performed, ensuring the safety and comfort of patients. Dr. Cangello is also one of only two surgeons in the world trained in fat grafting techniques by one of the pioneers in the field, Dr. Sydney Coleman, and has extensive experience with cosmetic fat transfer treatment.

New York Group for Plastic Surgery

The New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers breast augmentation through fat transfer as an option for patients seeking a more natural enhancement. Their board-certified plastic surgeons will discuss the patient's options during a private consultation, explaining how the procedure will be performed and what to expect from the results. The hospital uses Vectra XT 3D-imaging technology to help patients visualize different combinations of implant sizes, shapes, and textures or the results of fat transfer. The fat transfer procedure involves extracting viable fat cells from an area of the body with excess fat, such as the thighs, abdomen, or hips, processing and purifying the fat, and then injecting it strategically into the breasts. This method can only increase the breasts by one full cup size but has the benefit of being completely natural, and the surviving fat will last indefinitely.

Rapaport Plastic Surgery

Dr. David P. Rapaport, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Rapaport Plastic Surgery, is a world-recognized expert in breast augmentation and breast implant revision. He offers breast augmentation with both saline and silicone implants, as well as fat transfer for patients who prefer a more natural option. The incision for the procedure can be placed in the underarm, under the breast, or within the areola, depending on the patient's needs and preferences. Dr. Rapaport uses an endoscope to perform a scarless breast augmentation procedure, allowing for precise implant positioning and minimizing the risk of complications. For fat breast augmentation, he will harvest fat from the patient's body, process it, and then inject it into the breasts to achieve the desired size and shape. The hospital provides comprehensive care throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the post-operative follow-up.

740 Park Plastic Surgery

Dr. Stafford Broumand, a board-certified plastic surgeon at 740 Park Plastic Surgery, performs natural breast enhancement with fat transfer at the practice located on Manhattan's upper west side. This innovative procedure uses the patient's own fat tissues to increase the cup size and improve the overall shape of the breasts. The benefits of this approach include achieving natural-looking and -feeling results, dual body contouring with liposuction, being less invasive than breast augmentation with implants, having a reduced risk of implant-related complications, providing long-lasting results, and improving breast symmetry. During the consultation, Dr. Broumand will conduct a physical exam and review the patient's medical history to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. He will then guide the patient through the preparation process, which includes quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications, and arranging for a responsible adult to accompany them on the day of the surgery.

The Fat Breast Augmentation Procedure

Pre-Operative Consultation

The first step in the fat breast augmentation process is the pre-operative consultation. During this appointment, the plastic surgeon will discuss the patient's goals and expectations, perform a physical examination, and review the patient's medical history. The surgeon will also explain the procedure in detail, including the risks and benefits, and answer any questions the patient may have. They may use imaging technology to help the patient visualize the potential results. In addition, the surgeon will determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure based on factors such as the amount of available fat, the patient's overall health, and their expectations.

Preparing for Surgery

If the patient decides to proceed with the fat breast augmentation, they will need to prepare for surgery. This may include undergoing a medical evaluation, which may involve blood tests, a mammogram, or other diagnostic tests. The patient may also be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs, for a period of time before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. They will need to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany them to and from the surgical facility and to assist them during the initial recovery period. Additionally, the patient should follow any specific instructions provided by the surgeon, such as eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, and getting plenty of rest.

The Procedure Itself

The fat breast augmentation procedure typically consists of three main steps: liposuction, purification of the fat, and injection of the fat into the breasts.

1. Liposuction: The surgeon will first mark the areas of the body from which the fat will be harvested, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Then, using a small cannula, the surgeon will make tiny incisions in the marked areas and insert the cannula to suction out the excess fat. The liposuction procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation to ensure the patient's comfort.
2. Purification: Once the fat has been harvested, it will be processed to remove any impurities, such as blood, water, or damaged fat cells. This is typically done by spinning the fat in a centrifuge or using other purification techniques. The purified fat is then ready for injection into the breasts.
3. Injection: The surgeon will make small incisions in the breasts and use a syringe or cannula to carefully inject the purified fat into multiple layers of the breast tissue. The fat is injected in small amounts to ensure proper distribution and to increase the chances of the fat cells surviving. The surgeon will strategically place the fat to achieve the desired shape and volume of the breasts.

Recovery and Aftercare

After the fat breast augmentation procedure, the patient will be taken to a recovery area where they will be monitored until the anesthesia wears off. They may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas, including the breasts and the donor sites where the fat was harvested. The surgeon will provide pain medication to help manage the pain and may recommend wearing a compression garment to aid in the healing process.

Patients should expect a recovery period of about 1 - 2 weeks of downtime. During this time, they should avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise or heavy lifting, and follow all post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. It's important to keep the incision sites clean and dry to prevent infection. The swelling and bruising will gradually subside over time, and the final results of the procedure will become more apparent as the body heals. The patient will need to schedule follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure that the healing is going as expected.

Potential Risks and Complications

General Surgical Risks

As with any surgical procedure, fat breast augmentation carries some general risks, such as bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and blood clots. These risks can usually be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon and following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions. The surgeon will closely monitor the patient during the procedure and in the recovery period to detect and address any potential complications early.

Fat Transfer-Specific Risks

In addition to the general surgical risks, there are some risks specific to fat breast augmentation. One of the main concerns is the reabsorption of the transferred fat cells. Some of the fat may not survive the transfer process and may be reabsorbed by the body over time. This can result in a decrease in the volume of the breasts and may require additional procedures to achieve the desired results. Other potential risks include fat necrosis (the death of fat cells), which can cause lumps or hardening in the breasts, asymmetry, changes in nipple sensation, and contour irregularities.

Cost of Fat Breast Augmentation in New York City

The cost of fat breast augmentation in New York City can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon's experience and reputation, the location of the surgical facility, the complexity of the procedure, and the amount of fat that needs to be harvested and transferred. On average, the cost of fat breast augmentation can range from several thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars. It's important to note that most insurance companies do not cover the cost of cosmetic procedures, including fat breast augmentation, unless it is deemed medically necessary. Some plastic surgery clinics may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the procedure.

Conclusion

Fat breast augmentation is a popular and effective option for women in New York City who want a more natural breast enhancement. By using the patient's own fat cells, this procedure can provide a more natural appearance and feel compared to traditional breast implants. There are several top plastic surgery hospitals in New York City that offer fat breast augmentation, each with experienced surgeons and advanced techniques. However, it's important to thoroughly research and choose a qualified and reputable surgeon who can understand your goals and provide personalized care. Before making a decision, be sure to schedule a consultation with a few different surgeons to discuss your options, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the procedure and what to expect. Remember, the success of your fat breast augmentation journey depends on choosing the right surgeon and following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions.

If you're considering fat breast augmentation in New York City, take the next step and schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon today. Learn more about the procedure, discuss your goals, and see if it's the right option for you. You can also share this article with your friends and family who may be interested in learning about fat breast augmentation. By being informed and proactive, you can achieve the beautiful, natural-looking breasts you've always desired.