In the bustling city of New York, where beauty and self - enhancement are highly valued, autologous fat breast augmentation has emerged as a popular choice for many women. This procedure offers a natural alternative to traditional breast implants, using a patient's own fat cells to enhance breast size and shape. Here, we will introduce you to four regular institutions in New York City that are well - known for their autologous fat breast augmentation services.
1. Dr. Kolker's Practice
Introduction to the Procedure
Dr. Kolker's autologous fat breast augmentation, also known as fat transfer breast augmentation, allows women to subtly enhance breast size. This unique procedure involves collecting fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and transferring it directly to the breast tissue. Unlike breast implants, only very small breast size increases, approximately ¼ cup size, can be anticipated with fat transfer. However, it has several advantages. For example, there are no breast incisions; only needle access sites are used. This results in shorter downtime compared to implant surgery, and there is no need for implant “maintenance” since breast implants will likely need to be replaced in 10 - 20 years.
Candidacy
The best candidates for this procedure at Dr. Kolker's practice desire an increase in breast volume by about one - quarter of a cup size. They should also have sufficient fat elsewhere on their bodies to harvest for the breast augmentation. Ideally, women should have a body mass index (BMI) of below 25 kg/m², a normal mammogram, and no personal or family history of breast disease. Dr. Kolker will carefully assess each patient's breast augmentation goals and specific breast and body anatomy to determine candidacy.
Procedure Details
During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker will assess the patient's anatomic contour and discuss their desires in detail. Areas of excess fat will be evaluated, and the regions that will best contribute to fat transfer and improved body contour will be identified. Fat harvest is performed using liposuction techniques through tiny needle access sites. Dr. Kolker aspirates the fat required for fat transfer to the breasts by hand to gently remove the fat cells and maximize fat graft “take”. The fat is then meticulously prepared and transferred through small needle sites to the breast. To promote a well - vascularized “scaffold” for the acceptance of fat grafts to the breast, Dr. Kolker often uses the brava system. Patients wear this on the breasts for a designated time before surgery, ranging from days to weeks, to “expand” the breasts in preparation for fat grafting.
Patient Testimonials
Many patients have left positive testimonials about their experience with Dr. Kolker. For instance, K.D. from New Jersey said, “As I approach the one - year anniversary of my breast augmentation, I continue to have nothing but the most positive feelings about my 'new' self. I constantly think about how Dr. Kolker and the rest of his staff were so very helpful and caring throughout the entirety of my time with them.”
2. Dr. William Lao's Practice
Overview
Dr. William Lao is a highly regarded plastic surgeon. He graduated from Johns Hopkins Medical School, one of the finest institutions in the world. Although his website has more information about his facial procedures, it also showcases his expertise in fat grafting. While there isn't an abundance of dedicated content on autologous fat breast augmentation, his success in other fat - related procedures like eyelid fat grafting and facial fat grafting demonstrates his skill in handling fat transfer techniques.
Patient Experiences
Patients who have had procedures with Dr. Lao have been extremely satisfied. For example, a 57 - year - old female who had a facial procedure, including eyelid and face lifting, was 100% satisfied with the results. People told her she looked 10 years younger, and her confidence level soared. Another patient with uneven eyelids due to a previous double - eyelid surgery had her problem easily solved with a minimum - invasive suture technique combined with a fat grafting procedure for sunken upper eyelids. After the surgery, her eyes looked natural, and the result was beyond her expectations.
For Autologous Fat Breast Augmentation
Based on his proficiency in fat grafting and patient - centered approach, it can be assumed that Dr. Lao would provide a high - quality autologous fat breast augmentation service. His attention to detail, aesthetic sense, and good medical skills would likely be applied to ensure optimal results for breast augmentation patients as well.
3. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice
General Information
Dr. Barry Weintraub is a top New York plastic surgeon. He is board - certified and ivy league educated at the Weill - Cornell Medical Center. He is also a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery, with more than two decades of experience. In his practice, breast augmentation can be performed using either breast implants or autologous fat.
Autologous Fat Breast Augmentation Approach
Although his focus also includes implant - based breast augmentation, he can offer autologous fat breast augmentation. Dr. Weintraub prefers to perform procedures in his NYC facility, which is a hospital - grade, state - of - the - art surgical center attached to his office at 800a Fifth Avenue. This private facility is attended by a team of board - certified anesthesiologists, certified registered nurses, and fully licensed operating - room staff. Safety is his top priority, and he ensures the most sterile conditions in the operating room with advanced monitoring equipment.
Patient - Surgeon Relationship
During the consultation process, Dr. Weintraub emphasizes the importance of building a trusting relationship with his patients. He listens to their concerns and desires, and helps them make informed decisions about their breast augmentation options. For autologous fat breast augmentation, he would assess each patient's suitability based on their goals, health, and body composition.
4. Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center
Advanced Procedure
At Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center, Dr. Sabry is at the forefront of autologous breast augmentation with fat transfer. He combines advanced fat transfer methods with cutting - edge tissue expansion technology, specifically the brava tissue expansion system, to offer patients a truly natural alternative to traditional breast implants.
Procedure Steps
- Preparation with brava system: Patients are required to use the brava system for several weeks before the actual surgery. This device uses gentle suction to gradually expand the breast tissue, increasing blood supply and stimulating the growth of new tissue. Patients typically wear it for 10 - 12 hours a day, often during sleep and at home.
- Fat harvesting: Dr. Sabry uses a gentle liposuction technique to remove fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, flanks, or other areas with sufficient natural fat. This not only provides the necessary fat for transfer to the breasts but also offers the added benefit of body contouring.
- Breast fat transfer procedure: The harvested donor fat undergoes a purification process to separate the viable fat cells from excess fluids and debris. Dr. Sabry then carefully injects the purified fat into various layers of the breast tissue using an advanced fat transfer technique to achieve natural - looking, long - lasting results.
Benefits and Results
The procedure offers numerous benefits, including being minimally invasive with only tiny incisions and minimal scarring. It provides a customizable breast shape and size, and there is a potential for stem cell benefits to improve skin quality. Results are long - lasting with proper technique and aftercare. Fat transfer breast augmentation at this center typically yields a gain of up to one cup size on average, and with the brava system, more significant results can be achieved in a single surgery. However, the outcome can be somewhat unpredictable as not all transferred fat cells survive, and multiple sessions may be required.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for this procedure are women who desire a modest increase in breast size (up to one cup size), have adequate excess fat in donor areas, prefer a natural alternative to breast implants, are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, are willing to commit to using the brava system before surgery, are not planning to become pregnant in the near future, and have good skin elasticity in the breast area.
Comparison of the Four Institutions
| Institution | Unique Features | Expected Results | Candidacy Criteria | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kolker's Practice | Use of the brava system for better fat graft “take”; experienced in achieving natural - looking results | Approximately ¼ cup size increase | BMI below 25 kg/m², normal mammogram, no breast disease history, desire for small increase | Comprehensive consultation and follow - up care |
| Dr. William Lao's Practice | Graduated from Johns Hopkins Medical School; demonstrated skill in fat grafting for facial procedures | Expected to be natural - looking and based on patient's desires, though not much specific data on breast augmentation | Likely to consider general health, fat availability, and patient's goals | Free consultations; personalized approach |
| Dr. Barry Weintraub's Practice | High - end surgical facility; emphasis on patient - surgeon relationship; focus on safety | Based on patient's goals, whether using fat transfer or other methods | Well - balanced, in good general health, realistic expectations, ability to pause daily responsibilities, financial ability | Medical clearance assistance; custom - made post - surgical garments |
| Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center | Combination of advanced fat transfer methods with the brava tissue expansion system | Up to one cup size increase on average, more with the brava system | Desire for modest increase, adequate fat in donor areas, preference for natural alternative, good overall health, etc. | Financing options available |
Considerations When Choosing an Institution
Surgeon's Expertise
It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Look into their experience specifically in autologous fat breast augmentation. For example, Dr. Leonard Grossman has been performing fat transfer breast augmentation since 1993 and has pioneered and perfected the procedure. His extensive experience gives patients more confidence in the results.
Reputation and Patient Testimonials
Read patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of the institution's reputation. Positive testimonials, like those for Dr. Kolker and Dr. William Lao, can indicate a high level of patient satisfaction and the quality of the services provided.
Facility and Equipment
A state - of - the - art facility with advanced equipment is essential for a successful procedure. Dr. Barry Weintraub's hospital - grade surgical center and Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center's use of the brava system are examples of institutions that invest in the right technology for better results.
Cost
The cost of autologous fat breast augmentation can vary. For instance, at Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center, the average cost ranges from $8,000 to $15,000, not including the cost of the brava system which can be between $2,000 to $3,000. It's important to get a detailed cost breakdown during the consultation and consider any financing options available.
Conclusion
Autologous fat breast augmentation is a great option for women in New York City who want a natural way to enhance their breasts. The four institutions mentioned - Dr. Kolker's practice, Dr. William Lao's practice, Dr. Barry Weintraub's practice, and Murray Hill Plastic Surgery & Vein Center - each have their own unique features and advantages. When considering this procedure, patients should carefully weigh factors such as the surgeon's expertise, the institution's reputation, the facility and equipment, and the cost. By doing so, they can make an informed decision and choose the institution that best suits their needs and goals.
If you're interested in learning more about autologous fat breast augmentation or any of these institutions, don't hesitate to reach out. Schedule a consultation with the surgeons to discuss your specific situation and start your journey towards achieving the breast enhancement you desire. Share this article with others who might be considering the same procedure to help them make an informed choice.
