Introduction
Autologous fat filling of the breasts is a growing trend in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. It offers a natural alternative to traditional breast augmentation with implants, using the patient's own fat to add volume and reshape the breasts. In Albany, there are several public hospitals and medical centers that provide this service. This article will explore the details of autologous fat breast filling, including the procedure, benefits, risks, and provide a list of public hospitals in Albany that offer this treatment.
Understanding Autologous Fat Filling of the Breasts
What is Autologous Fat Filling?
Autologous fat filling, also known as fat transfer breast augmentation, is a procedure where fat is harvested from one area of the patient's body, such as the abdomen, waist, flanks, back, or legs, using liposuction. The harvested fat is then cleaned, filtered, and transferred back into the breasts to add volume. This method provides a more natural look and feel compared to breast implants, as it uses the patient's own tissue.
How is the Procedure Performed?
- Fat Harvesting: Small incisions, usually about 1/4 inch, are made in the skin at the donor site. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through these incisions, and the fat is gently suctioned out. The donor sites are typically areas of fullness on the body where the patient would like to reduce fat.
- Fat Processing: The harvested fat is then processed to remove blood, free lipids, and other cellular debris. This step helps to ensure the viability of the fat cells for transplantation.
- Fat Transfer: A small cannula (blunt needle) is inserted through small needle pokes around the outside of the breast. The processed fat is then injected into different layers of the breast tissue to add volume and create a more natural shape.
Benefits of Autologous Fat Filling
- Natural Results: Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, the results look and feel more natural compared to breast implants.
- Less Invasive: It involves only small needle pokes for fat transfer, eliminating the need for large incisions required in implant surgery. This results in less scarring and a quicker recovery time.
- Improved Body Contour: The fat harvesting process helps to reduce fat in areas such as the abdomen, waist, and thighs, leading to an improved body contour in addition to breast augmentation.
- Lower Risk of Complications: There is no risk of implant - related complications such as infection, capsular contracture, ALCL (anaplastic large - cell lymphoma), or malposition.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Patients with minimal ptosis (droopiness) and a desire for a natural - looking, modest augmentation (about one cup size) are good candidates for breast augmentation without a lift using their own fat. During the consultation, the doctor will take measurements of the breasts and may use in - office sizing and digital three - dimensional computer simulations to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate.
Potential Risks and Complications
While autologous fat filling of the breasts has many benefits, it also has some potential risks and complications:
- Fat Absorption: Some of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body over time, which may require additional procedures to achieve the desired results.
- Fat Necrosis: Ischemia and resulting inflammation can cause fat necrosis, which may lead to palpable abnormalities, calcifications, or oil cysts. These can potentially be seen on radiographic imaging.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the donor or recipient sites.
- Asymmetry: Achieving perfect symmetry between the two breasts can be challenging, and there may be some differences in volume or shape.
Imaging After Autologous Fat Filling
Autologous fat grafting to the breast can cause certain radiographic changes. After fat grafting, common findings on imaging include:
| Radiographic Finding | Mammogram % (95% CI) | Ultrasound % (95% CI) | MRI % (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat Necrosis | 14% (11.4 – 16.6) | 5.7% (2.9 – 8.5) | 7.7% (4 – 11.4) |
| Oil Cyst | 12.3% (10.5 – 14.1) | 5.1% (2 – 8.2) | 1.7% (0 – 3.4) |
| Macrocalcifications | 7% (3.8 – 10.2) | 5.3% (2.7 – 7.9) | 1.5% (0.3 – 4.5) |
| Microcalcifications | 9% (6.4 – 11.5) | 4.8% (2.8 – 6.7) | 1.9% (0.1 – 7.3) |
| “Scar” | 12.9% (1.1 – 24.7) | – | – |
Oncologic Considerations
Many studies have investigated the oncologic safety of autologous fat grafting in breast reconstruction. Current evidence shows no clear statistical correlation between cancer recurrence and autologous fat grafting. For example, a pooled analysis of 5,550 patients from 11 eligible studies found no increased risk of local - regional recurrence (LRR) with autologous fat grafting compared to the control cohort.
Timing and Technique
In general, it is recommended to wait until after the patient has completed their oncologic treatment before performing autologous fat grafting. When performing the fat grafting procedure, the graft should be delivered in multiple planes within the subcutaneous and intraglandular spaces, using small aliquots with each pass as the cannula is withdrawn. The area should be slightly over - filled to account for partial resorption.
Surveillance and Follow - Up
The timing and modality of oncologic follow - up and surveillance should not be affected by autologous fat grafting in breast reconstruction. For aesthetic breast surgery in patients with no personal or family history of breast cancer, standard breast cancer screening guidelines apply. In the setting of breast - conserving therapy (BCT), a minimum of 6 months should be waited after completion of radiation therapy for follow - up examination and baseline imaging.
Public Hospitals in Albany for Autologous Fat Filling of the Breasts
While specific public hospitals in Albany offering autologous fat filling of the breasts are not directly listed in the provided references, we can look at well - known medical centers in the area that are likely to offer this service.
Albany Med Health System
The Albany Med Health System provides a full range of breast care services, including breast surgery. Their breast care centers are staffed with experienced surgeons and medical professionals. Although not explicitly stated, given their comprehensive breast care offerings, they may offer autologous fat filling of the breasts. The system has four hospitals, and breast care is provided at all of them. Their services include cancer care, radiology, and various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Location: The breast care center is located at Albany Medical Center's south clinical campus, 25 Hackett Blvd., Floor 4, Albany, NY 12208.
Contact Information:
- For referrals, fax number: 518 - 262 - 1112
- Breast surgery: call 518 - 262 - 2592 / fax 518 - 262 - 1112
- Radiology / mammograms: call 518 - 264 - 9729 / fax 518 - 262 - 1112
- Plastic & reconstructive surgery: call 518 - 262 - 2229
Finding Doctors in Albany
Healthgrades lists several doctors in Albany who perform breast - related procedures. These doctors may be associated with public or private hospitals and can potentially provide autologous fat filling of the breasts. Some of the top - rated doctors in the area include:
| Doctor's Name | Rating | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Susan Gannon, MD | 4.60 out of 5 stars | 455 Patroon Creek Blvd Ste 101, Albany, NY 12206 |
| Dr. Gabriel Kaufman, MD | 4.70 out of 5 stars | 317 S Manning Blvd Ste C364, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Todd Beyer, MD | 4.80 out of 5 stars | 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Meera Menon, MD | 4.40 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
| Dr. Jonathan Canete, MD | 4.90 out of 5 stars | 50 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208 |
Conclusion
Autologous fat filling of the breasts is a promising option for women looking for a natural - looking breast augmentation or reconstruction. It offers several benefits, including natural results, less invasiveness, and lower risk of certain complications compared to traditional breast implants. However, it also has potential risks and requires careful consideration. In Albany, medical centers like the Albany Med Health System and experienced doctors may be able to provide this service. If you are interested in autologous fat filling of the breasts, it is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can assess your suitability for the procedure and provide you with detailed information about the process, risks, and expected outcomes.
Call to Action: If you have any further questions about autologous fat filling of the breasts or want to learn more about the public hospitals and doctors in Albany, please leave a comment below or explore other related articles on our website. Share this article with anyone who may be interested in this topic to help spread the knowledge.
