Overview of Autologous Fat Breast Augmentation
Autologous fat breast augmentation is a revolutionary procedure that has gained immense popularity in New York City. It involves using a patient's own fat cells to enhance the size and shape of the breasts, offering a natural alternative to traditional breast implants. This approach not only provides a more natural look and feel but also minimizes the risk of rejection and other complications associated with foreign materials. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City renowned for their expertise in autologous fat breast augmentation.
Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Autologous Fat Breast Augmentation in NYC
1. Dr. Leonard Grossman
Dr. Leonard Grossman is a pioneer in the field of autologous fat breast augmentation. He performed his first fat transfer procedure in 1993 and has since perfected the technique. With thousands of such procedures under his belt, he is one of the most experienced plastic surgeons in the world when it comes to fat grafting to the breasts. According to his practice, organic breast augmentation using autologous fat and fat - derived cells is the most natural breast augmentation method available.
Procedure Details
- Fat Harvesting: Fat is gently harvested using a syringe or specialized vacuum pump and a small cannula from areas like the saddle bags, inner thighs, knees, flanks, back, waistline, abdomen, and arms. This process also helps improve the body's proportions in the areas where fat is removed.
- Fat Processing: The harvested fat cells, which have a high content of adult fat - derived cells, are washed, centrifuged, and chemically stabilized for transfer.
- Fat Injection: The live fat and cells derived from the fat mixture are then injected into the breasts scarlessly with a specially modified needle. Once in the breasts, these fat and cells will survive permanently.
Benefits and Patient Experience
Patients can expect an increase in breast size of approximately one to one and a half cup sizes from a single procedure. Most patients experience minimal bruising and discomfort, and can return to work the next day, the gym in 10 days, and even go swimming at the beach in just one week. The procedure is usually done under twilight anesthesia, resulting in no postoperative nausea and a quick recuperative period.
Contact Information
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Grossman, patients can call 212 - 585 - 2133.
2. Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker offers fat transfer breast augmentation as an alternative to traditional breast implants. His approach focuses on providing a more conservative increase in breast size using the patient's own fat cells. This procedure is suitable for women who desire a small increase in breast size (approximately ¼ cup size) and have areas of fat excess for liposuction treatment.
Procedure Details
- Fat Harvest and Preparation: Dr. Kolker uses liposuction techniques through tiny needle access sites to harvest fat from areas such as the outer thighs, inner thighs, tummy, and the lumbar region. He aspirates the fat by hand to maximize fat graft “take” and then meticulously prepares it for transfer.
- Fat Transfer: The prepared fat is transferred through small needle sites to the breast, and the process requires finesse and delicate technique to carefully thread the cells into multiple planes of the breast for the best results.
Brava System
To promote better results, Dr. Kolker often uses the Brava system. Patients wear this device on their breasts for a designated time before surgery, which “expands” the breasts and helps create a well - vascularized “scaffold” for the acceptance of fat grafts. This can lead to more reliable and long - lasting results.
Patient Testimonials
Many patients have left positive testimonials about their experience with Dr. Kolker. One patient said, “Dr. Kolker had done something all other surgeons had told me was not possible. He made the impossible, possible. I will forever be thankful to him for correcting my asymmetrical breasts and making me so happy.”
3. Mount Sinai - New York (Under the Direction of Hani Sbitany, MD)
While not strictly a cosmetic breast augmentation facility, Mount Sinai offers autologous (microvascular) breast reconstruction, which can be relevant for patients who have had a mastectomy and want a natural - looking breast reconstruction using their own tissue. This approach has several advantages over implant reconstruction.
Autologous Breast Reconstruction Benefits
- It is generally a single procedure that lasts a lifetime, as it uses the patient's own natural tissue (fat).
- There is less chance of rejection or infection since it uses the patient's own donor tissue instead of a foreign body.
- It is more likely to look natural, and patients are more likely to regain sensation in the breast compared to implant reconstruction.
Diep Flap Microvascular Breast Reconstruction
Mount Sinai has special expertise in the most advanced, muscle - sparing, microsurgical technique called DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap breast reconstruction. This technique completely avoids any muscle transfer and only involves the use of skin and fat. A section of skin and fat from the lower abdominal roll is transferred to the chest to rebuild the breast, preserving all abdominal muscles and often resulting in a “tummy tuck” effect.
Contact Information
Patients can make an appointment by calling 212 - 523 - 8700.
4. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a board - certified and Ivy League - educated plastic surgeon. While he performs breast augmentation with both implants and autologous fat, he emphasizes safety and personalized care in all his procedures. He prefers the transaxillary subpectoral approach for breast implant insertion, which offers many benefits such as no jeopardy to nipple sensation, no hindrance to future breast - feeding, and no visible scars near the breast.
Autologous Fat Breast Augmentation Approach
When it comes to autologous fat breast augmentation, Dr. Weintraub ensures that the procedure is carried out with the highest level of precision and care. He believes in the importance of a sterile operating environment and uses state - of - the - art monitoring equipment.
Patient Consultation and Selection
During the consultation process, Dr. Weintraub listens to the patient's needs and desires and helps them determine if autologous fat breast augmentation is the right option for them. He ensures that patients have realistic expectations and are in good general health before proceeding with the surgery.
Contact Information
To schedule a consultation, patients can call the office of Dr. Barry Weintraub.
5. Dr. Frank LaLezar
Dr. Frank LaLezar specializes in breast fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer. He recommends this procedure to women who want fuller breasts without the use of breast implants.
Procedure Details
- Fat Harvesting: Excess fat is taken from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks using liposuction through small incisions.
- Fat Preparation and Injection: The fat is purified and prepared before being carefully injected into the breasts. Dr. LaLezar uses a highly - specialized technique to ensure the fat is evenly distributed for natural - looking results.
Benefits of Breast Fat Grafting
The procedure offers several benefits, including natural - looking results, minimal scarring, a quick recovery time, and a lower risk of complications compared to breast implants. It also allows for customized breast enhancement and body contouring.
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients can expect mild swelling and bruising, which should resolve within a few weeks. Dr. LaLezar provides specific post - operative instructions, including wearing a surgical bra or support garment to minimize swelling and improve healing. Most patients can return to work and light activities within a week but should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks.
Contact Information
To learn more about breast fat grafting in NYC, patients can schedule a consultation with Dr. Frank LaLezar.
Benefits of Autologous Fat Breast Augmentation
Natural Look and Feel
One of the most significant benefits of autologous fat breast augmentation is the natural look and feel it provides. Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat cells, the results are more in harmony with the body's natural aesthetics, and the breasts feel more like the patient's own. According to the top Google search results, many patients are highly satisfied with the natural appearance achieved through this method.
Minimal Scarring
The procedure typically involves small incisions, leading to less noticeable scars compared to traditional implant surgeries. For example, when using the techniques employed by Dr. Grossman and Dr. Kolker, the incisions are made in discreet areas, and the scarring is often minimal and well - hidden.
Body Contouring
In addition to breast enhancement, autologous fat breast augmentation allows for body contouring. Fat is harvested from areas where it is not wanted, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, which can improve the overall body proportions. This dual benefit is appealing to many patients who want to enhance their breasts while also achieving a more sculpted figure.
Reduced Risk of Complications
Since the procedure uses the patient's own tissue, there is a reduced risk of rejection or allergic reactions. Unlike breast implants, which can have complications such as rupture, capsular contracture, or implant migration, autologous fat transfer is generally considered a safer option. However, it's important to note that like any surgical procedure, there are still some risks involved, such as infection and uneven fat distribution.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Hospital or Surgeon
Qualifications and Experience
When choosing a hospital or surgeon for autologous fat breast augmentation, it is crucial to ensure that the surgeon is board - certified and has extensive experience in performing this specific procedure. Surgeons like Dr. Grossman and Dr. Kolker have a long - standing reputation and a high volume of successful cases, which indicates their expertise in the field. According to the references, it's important to ask the surgeon to produce documents showing that they have completed two to three years of plastic surgery training at an accredited residency program.
Reputation and Patient Reviews
Researching the surgeon's reputation through patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into their skills and the quality of patient care. Positive reviews from previous patients can give you confidence in your choice of surgeon. For example, the many positive testimonials about Dr. Kolker and Dr. Lao on the top Google search results indicate their high level of patient satisfaction.
Before - and - After Photos
Requesting to see before - and - after photos of previous patients who have undergone autologous fat breast augmentation can give you an idea of the surgeon's aesthetic skills and the type of results you can expect. This visual evidence can help you make a more informed decision and set realistic expectations for your own procedure.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of autologous fat breast augmentation can vary depending on several factors, such as the areas where the fat is harvested from, the volume of the procedure, and the surgeon's experience. It's important to have a clear understanding of the costs involved and to discuss payment options with the surgeon's office. In most cases, cosmetic breast augmentation is not covered by insurance, but it's always worth checking with your insurance provider.
Hospital Accreditation and Safety
Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility where the procedure will be performed is accredited by reputable organizations, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Accreditation indicates that the facility meets the highest standards of safety and quality. You should also research the facility's safety record and make sure there have been no major incidents or malpractice claims against them.
The Procedure Process
Initial Consultation
The first step in the autologous fat breast augmentation process is an initial consultation with a qualified surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your overall health, breast size goals, and body weight to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. They will also discuss the details of the procedure, including the potential risks and benefits, and answer any questions you may have.
Pre - operative Preparation
If you are deemed a suitable candidate, the surgeon will provide you with specific pre - operative instructions. This may include dietary and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding. You may also need to have a medical clearance from your primary care physician before the surgery.
The Surgery
The autologous fat breast augmentation procedure typically involves three main steps: fat harvesting, fat processing, and fat injection. First, fat is harvested from the donor areas using liposuction techniques. The harvested fat is then processed to remove impurities and excess fluids. Finally, the purified fat is injected into the breasts to achieve the desired shape and size.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Your surgeon will provide you with specific post - operative instructions, including wound care, activity restrictions, and the use of pain medication. It's important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. You will also need to attend follow - up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress.
Potential Risks and Complications
While autologous fat breast augmentation is generally considered a safe procedure, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications. Some of the possible risks include:
- Infection: There is a risk of infection following the procedure. Surgeons take precautions to minimize this risk, such as administering antibiotics and ensuring a sterile environment during the surgery.
- Scarring: Although the incisions are typically small, scarring may occur at the sites where fat is harvested or injected. However, the scars are usually minimal and well - hidden.
- Changes in Nipple Sensation: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation, such as increased or decreased sensitivity or numbness.
- Asymmetry: Achieving perfect symmetry in breast size and shape can be challenging. There is a possibility of slight asymmetry after the procedure.
- Need for Additional Procedures: In some cases, additional procedures may be required to achieve the desired results. This could include touch - up procedures or revision surgery to address any issues or refine the outcome.
It's important to discuss these risks with your surgeon during the consultation process so that you can make an informed decision about the procedure.
Conclusion
Autologous fat breast augmentation is a popular and effective option for women in New York City who want to enhance the size and shape of their breasts in a natural way. There are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons in the city, such as Dr. Leonard Grossman, Dr. Adam Kolker, and others, who are experts in this procedure. Before choosing a hospital or surgeon, it's essential to consider factors such as qualifications, experience, reputation, and cost. By doing thorough research and having a detailed consultation with your chosen surgeon, you can make an informed decision and achieve the results you desire.
If you are considering autologous fat breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon. Take the time to learn more about the procedure, ask questions, and understand the potential risks and benefits. With the right surgeon and proper care, you can enhance your confidence and enjoy a more natural - looking and shapely bust.
