Introduction of Hospitals for Autologous Fat Breast Filling in New York City
Autologous fat breast filling surgery has become an increasingly popular choice for many women seeking breast enhancement. In New York City, there are several hospitals and clinics that have gained a reputation for their expertise in this area. This article will introduce some of these highly - recommended medical institutions.
1. Mount Sinai - New York
Autologous Breast Reconstruction Expertise
Mount Sinai offers autologous (microvascular) breast reconstruction services. This approach involves taking a piece of skin and fat (a “flap”) from one site on the patient's body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and transferring it to the chest to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy. Autologous breast reconstruction has several advantages over implant reconstruction:
- Long - lasting Results: It is generally a single procedure that lasts a lifetime as it uses the patient's own natural tissue (fat).
- Lower Risk of Complications: Since it uses the patient's own donor tissue instead of a foreign body, there is less chance of rejection or infection.
- Natural Appearance: The reconstructed breast is more likely to look natural, and patients may have a better chance of regaining sensation compared to implant reconstruction.
DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
At Mount Sinai West, under the direction of Hani Sbitany, MD, they have special expertise in the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap breast reconstruction. This advanced technique completely avoids any muscle transfer and only involves the use of skin and fat. The surgeon removes a section of skin and fat from the lower abdominal roll and transfers it to the chest to rebuild the breast while preserving all abdominal muscles. An added benefit is that it can result in a “tummy tuck” effect.
However, the DIEP flap procedure is not suitable for every patient. The patient must want autologous tissue reconstruction after a mastectomy, have sufficient fat tissue in the lower abdomen to meet breast size and shape goals, and not have a history of certain types of abdominal surgery.
Comprehensive Breast Reconstruction Program
The breast reconstruction program at Mount Sinai West offers a full complement of breast reconstruction options. They work closely with breast oncology surgeons to provide comprehensive breast care. The team includes Hani Sbitany, MD (plastic and reconstructive surgery), Stephanie Bernik, MD (breast surgery), and Jennifer Casher Lehman, MD (breast surgery).
Address: 425 West 59th Street 7th floor New York, NY 10019. Phone: 212 - 523 - 8700. Office hours: Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
2. Dr. Leonard Grossman
Pioneer in Fat Grafting for Breast Augmentation
Dr. Leonard Grossman is one of the first plastic surgeons in the US and the world, and definitely one of the first in NYC, to have successfully performed all - natural breast augmentation with consistently reproducible results. He pioneered and perfected the procedure of fat grafting or fat transfer to the breasts in 1995.
The Fat Transfer Procedure
The procedure of fat transfer in breast augmentation consists of two parts:
- Fat Harvesting: Using a syringe or specialized vacuum pump and a very small cannula, fat is harvested from areas where it is not wanted, such as the thighs, waistline, or the abdomen.
- Fat Transfer: The harvested fat cells, which have a high content of adult stem cells, are then washed, centrifuged, and chemically stabilized for transfer. Live fat and stem cells are then injected into the breasts scarlessly with a specially modified needle.
Patients can expect an increase in breast size of approximately one to one - and - a - half cup sizes from a single procedure of fat - stem cell transfer. If a greater increase is desired, the procedure may need to be repeated. If a patient wants an increase of two cup sizes or more in a single procedure, breast augmentation using saline or silicone breast implants should be considered.
Dr. Grossman's patients usually have a relatively easy recovery. The removal and harvest of fat are gentle, and most patients don't even bruise. They rarely need more than acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort, don't need compression garments, can go to work the next day, the gym in a few days, and can even swim in the open water within a week. The procedure is normally done under twilight anesthesia, resulting in no postoperative nausea and a quick recuperative period.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Grossman, please call 212 - 585 - 2133.
3. Dr. Leo Keegan
Team Approach to Autologous Reconstruction
Dr. Keegan pioneered the team approach to autologous reconstruction and is a member of the longest - standing team of breast microsurgeons in the New York City area. The team approach minimizes operating time, reducing the time under anesthesia and improving patient recovery.
Types of Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Autologous breast reconstruction can refer to several procedures:
- DIEP Flap Reconstruction: This technique has the highest success rate and most predictable results. The microsurgeon harvests lax skin and fat from the abdominal area and uses that tissue to reconstruct the breast area. The abdomen is then closed like a tummy tuck, and the abdominal architecture is left fully intact.
- SIEA Flap Reconstruction: Similar to DIEP flap, but the reconstructive tissue is harvested from just underneath the abdominal skin. It does not involve the abdominal muscles at all.
- LD Flap Reconstruction: Utilizes all or part of the patient's latissimus dorsi, a long, flat muscle of the back. It is usually combined with implants in a hybrid reconstruction.
- Other Flap Reconstructions (GAP, I - GAP, TUG, TRAM): Harvest tissue from other areas such as the abdominal muscles, buttocks, and thighs. However, most mastectomy patients can expect the best results with the DIEP flap, SIEA flap, or LD flap procedures.
Dr. Keegan performs all autologous reconstructions at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Patients may elect to stay in a private room on a well - appointed floor designed for breast surgery recovery. Autologous procedures are often completed at the same time as a mastectomy, eliminating the need for an additional operation. Most patients can move comfortably within a few days after the surgery and return to normal life within three to four weeks. The team also assists patients and families visiting from outside Manhattan with hotel accommodations, transportation, and other logistics.
4. Dr. Adam Kolker
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Dr. Kolker offers fat transfer breast augmentation in New York City. This procedure allows women to subtly enhance breast size by using their own fat cells, which is a natural alternative to breast implants. It can achieve conservative increases in breast size by collecting fat from one part of the body and transferring it directly to the breast tissue.
Candidates for Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Ideal candidates for this procedure desire an increase in breast volume of approximately one - quarter of a cup size, have areas of fat excess for which liposuction treatment is being contemplated, have a body mass index (BMI) of below 25 kg/m², have a normal mammogram, and no personal or family history of breast disease.
Benefits and Limitations
The benefits of fat transfer breast augmentation include no breast incision (only needle access sites are used), no need for implant “maintenance” as the results are long - lasting after graft “take,” no breast implant “downsides” such as leak or capsular contracture, and the opportunity to sculpt and contour areas through liposuction. However, the limitations are that only small volume increases can be anticipated (usually about ¼ cup size increase), longer - term breast volume increases are rarely more than 50 cc to 75 cc, several procedures may be required for more substantial size increases, irregularities and deformities may occur in the fat donor site, and lumps, nodules, and oil cysts may occur in the breasts, which can confound mammography and routine breast cancer surveillance.
The fat transfer process involves liposuction to harvest fat cells and then carefully transferring the harvested fat to the breasts. Dr. Kolker often uses the Brava system before surgery to promote a well - vascularized “scaffold” for the acceptance of fat grafts, which can make the results more reliable and long - lasting.
5. Dr. David Cangello
Expert in Fat Grafting
Dr. David Cangello is an expert in fat grafting procedures. He was mentored by the pioneer of fat grafting techniques, Dr. Sydney Coleman. His specialized training and extensive experience allow him to produce superior results for those seeking a fat transfer procedure in NYC.
Breast Augmentation via Fat Grafting
For patients who do not want artificial breasts, breast augmentation via fat grafting is an alternative. It provides a modest size increase and uses the patient's own tissue to augment the breasts.
The Fat Grafting Process
The goal of fat grafting is to add volume to areas of the face and body that appear flat or drooping, or to correct irregularities after liposuction. The fat is carefully harvested from a donor site, processed, and then re - injected into the desired areas, such as the breasts.
Patients interested in fat grafting can contact Dr. David Cangello at (212) 644 - 4416 to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Cangello will evaluate the patient's candidacy, determine the best locations for fat harvesting, and decide which type of fat grafting technique would be most suitable.
Complications and Considerations of Autologous Fat Breast Filling
While autologous fat breast filling has many advantages, there are also potential complications that patients should be aware of. According to a study on “Complications and Surgical Treatment of Breast Augmentation Using Autologous Fat Transfer and Fillers,” complications such as induration, cyst formation, calcification, and infection can occur. For example, a large bolus injection of adipose tissue may raise the odds of complications, and in hyaluronic acid injection, lumps due to pseudocystic encapsulation are a frequent complication.
The study also discussed the surgical treatment of these complications. A zig - zag incision in the peri - areolar margin was found to be useful for treating complications of breast augmentation with autologous fat grafting and hyaluronic acid injection, resulting in inconspicuous fine scars and high patient satisfaction. However, this incision was insufficient to remove injected silicon and paraffin.
Patients considering autologous fat breast filling should have a detailed discussion with their surgeon about these potential complications and the appropriate treatment options. It is also important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon with years of experience and to have the procedure performed at a certified surgical facility.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several excellent hospitals and clinics that offer autologous fat breast filling surgery. Each institution has its own unique features and expertise, such as Mount Sinai's advanced DIEP flap reconstruction, Dr. Grossman's long - standing experience in fat grafting, Dr. Keegan's team approach to autologous reconstruction, Dr. Kolker's use of the Brava system for fat transfer, and Dr. Cangello's specialized fat grafting techniques.
Before making a decision, patients should thoroughly research these options, consult with multiple surgeons, and have a clear understanding of the procedure, potential complications, and recovery process. By choosing the right hospital and surgeon, patients can increase their chances of achieving satisfactory results from autologous fat breast filling surgery.
If you are considering autologous fat breast filling surgery, we encourage you to explore further by scheduling consultations with the surgeons mentioned in this article. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic to help them make informed decisions.