Introduction to Autologous Fat Transplantation

Autologous fat transplantation, also known as fat transfer, is a popular plastic surgery procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the patient's body through liposuction and then re - injecting it into another area where contouring or volume enhancement is desired. For example, fat can be taken from areas like the abdomen, waist, or thighs and placed in areas such as the buttocks, breasts, lips, or cheeks. This procedure offers a natural alternative to synthetic fillers and implants as it uses the patient's own body fat.

How Autologous Fat Transplantation Works

• Fat Harvesting: The first step in autologous fat transplantation is to extract fat from the donor site. Common donor sites include the abdomen (tummy), waist (love handles), pubis (lower abdomen), upper back (back bra roll), hips, thighs, arms, knees, calves, and ankles. A thin cannula is inserted through a small incision at the donor site, and the fat is suctioned out. The amount of fat harvested depends on the patient's needs and the amount of available fat in the donor area.
• Fat Processing: Once the fat is harvested, it is processed to remove any impurities, such as blood, oil, and tissue debris. This can be done through various methods, including centrifugation or filtration. The goal is to obtain pure, viable fat cells that are more likely to survive when transplanted into the recipient site.
• Fat Injection: After processing, the purified fat is carefully injected into the recipient site using a small cannula or syringe. The surgeon will strategically place the fat to achieve the desired shape and volume. Multiple small injections may be made to ensure even distribution of the fat and to maximize the chances of fat cell survival.

Benefits of Autologous Fat Transplantation

Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Autologous Fat Transplantation in New York City

1. Columbia Surgery - Columbia University

Columbia University is one of New York's best hospitals and a world - class medical center. Their plastic surgery division has extensive experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Expertise in Fat Transfer

• Surgeons at Columbia are proficient in performing fat transfer to various areas of the body, including breast augmentation, facial rejuvenation, and body contouring. They use the latest techniques to ensure optimal results and patient safety.
• The hospital has a strong focus on research, which allows them to stay at the forefront of plastic surgery innovation. For example, their plastic surgery research laboratory is conducting studies on stem cells and tissue engineering, which may have implications for fat transfer procedures in the future.

Patient Care

• Columbia offers personalized care, starting from the initial consultation. The surgical team takes the time to understand the patient's goals and concerns and develops a customized treatment plan.
• They have a comprehensive after - care program to support patients during their recovery and ensure the best possible outcomes.

2. Luxurgery

Luxurgery is known for its expertise in fat transfer procedures in New York City. Dr. Sachin Shridharani, a board - certified plastic surgeon, leads the team.

Customized Treatment

• At Luxurgery, patients can expect a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to their body's needs and aesthetic goals. Dr. Shridharani carefully assesses each patient's donor and recipient sites during the consultation to determine the most suitable approach.
• They offer fat transfer procedures for a wide range of areas, including the buttocks, breasts, lips, and cheeks.

High - Quality Facilities

• The operating room and facility at Luxurgery are certified and accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). This ensures a high level of safety and quality during the procedures.
• Patients have the option to have their procedures performed at the office or at area hospitals and “surgicenters” in New York City.

3. Plastic Surgery Group NYC

This practice offers fat grafting, fat injections, and fat transfer plastic surgery by a team of top - rated NYC plastic surgeons.

Diverse Range of Procedures

• They perform common fat transfer procedures such as fat transfer to the breasts, facial fat transfer, Brazilian butt lift, and corrective plastic surgery using fat grafting.
• The surgeons are experienced in using different techniques for fat harvesting and injection to achieve natural - looking results.

Free Consultations

• The practice offers free consultations to interested patients. During these consultations, patients can learn about the surgical team's experience and technique and discuss their goals and expectations.
• They provide comprehensive information about the procedure, including the risks, benefits, and recovery process.

4. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice

Dr. Hutchinson is known for her work in fat transfer procedures. Her practice emphasizes the natural benefits of fat injection.

Natural Results

• Dr. Hutchinson uses the patient's own fat to augment age - related contour depletions, fill in depressions and scar indentations, reduce wrinkles and creases, and correct the visible rippling of breast implants.
• The fat transfer procedure at her practice offers both facial contour improvement and skin quality enhancement, with results that look and feel natural.

Patient Experience

• Patients at Dr. Hutchinson's practice report a great experience, with personalized follow - up and a caring doctor. The office is well - run, and the staff is responsive to patient needs.
• She also offers natural breast augmentation with fat transfer, which is a safe and effective alternative to breast implants.

5. Mount Sinai - New York

Mount Sinai's plastic surgery practice has a team of board - certified plastic surgeons with in - depth experience.

Comprehensive Care

• They offer a full range of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery options, including autologous fat transplantation. The surgeons take the time to understand the patient's personal goals and recommend the most appropriate procedures.
• In addition to surgical procedures, they also offer non - invasive enhancing treatments, providing patients with more options for achieving their desired results.

Advanced Facilities

• The newly designed plastic surgery suite at Mount Sinai Hospital, named the Derfner - Lieberman Family Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, offers a comfortable and advanced environment for patients.
• The consultation suites are equipped with the latest technology, such as 55 - inch touchscreens, to help patients visualize their anticipated results.

6. Leonard Grossman MD

Dr. Leonard Grossman is a pioneer in fat grafting in New York City. He has been perfecting the fat transfer procedure since 1993.

Innovative Techniques

• Dr. Grossman's fat grafting procedure utilizes the patient's own “autologous” fat and fat - derived stem cells. This method allows for minimal scarring, quick recovery, and natural - looking results.
• He can treat various areas of the body, including the breasts, buttocks, calves, face, and hands, using his innovative fat transfer techniques.

Patient - Centered Approach

• Dr. Grossman performs fat grafting procedures on an outpatient basis at his plastic surgery center. He offers personalized consultations to determine the ideal options for each patient.
• Patients can expect immediate results without the need to wait for swelling to subside as with traditional implants, and they don't have to wear uncomfortable compression garments during the healing process.

7. Additional Top Surgeons and Their Practices

US News lists many plastic surgeons in New York with significant experience in plastic surgery, which likely includes autologous fat transplantation. Some of these surgeons are affiliated with well - known hospitals.

Dr. Ernest S. Chiu

• Dr. Chiu is a plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in general plastic surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, plastic & reconstructive microsurgery, and wound healing. His expertise may extend to fat transfer procedures for the face and body.
• Located at 240 East 38th Street, New York, NY, 10016, patients can benefit from his long - standing experience and knowledge in the field.

Dr. Jarrod T. Bogue

• Dr. Bogue has 5 - 10 years of experience and is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell. He specializes in burn, plastic & reconstructive microsurgery, breast reconstruction, and general plastic surgery. His skills in microsurgery may be particularly useful in complex fat transfer procedures.
• He can be reached at 161 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY, 10032.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital for Autologous Fat Transplantation

Surgeon's Experience and Expertise

The experience and expertise of the surgeon are crucial factors in the success of an autologous fat transplantation procedure. Look for surgeons who are board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification indicates that the surgeon has met the high standards of education, training, and experience in the field of plastic surgery. Additionally, consider the surgeon's specific experience with fat transfer procedures. Surgeons who have performed a large number of fat transfer surgeries are more likely to have the skills and knowledge to achieve optimal results. You can ask about the surgeon's success rate, before - and - after photos of previous patients, and any specialty training they may have in fat transfer techniques.

Hospital Reputation and Accreditation

The reputation of the hospital or surgical facility where the procedure will be performed is also important. A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care and a safe environment. Check if the hospital is accredited by recognized organizations such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Accreditation ensures that the facility meets certain standards of safety, quality, and patient care. You can also look for online reviews and patient testimonials to get an idea of other patients' experiences at the hospital.

Range of Services

Consider the range of services offered by the hospital or surgical practice. A comprehensive plastic surgery practice may offer additional services that can complement the autologous fat transplantation procedure. For example, they may offer pre - and post - operative consultations, nutritional counseling, and physical therapy to support the patient's recovery. They may also offer other cosmetic procedures that can be combined with fat transfer for more comprehensive results, such as facelifts, breast lifts, or liposuction in other areas of the body.

Technology and Techniques

Advances in technology and techniques can significantly improve the results and safety of autologous fat transplantation. Look for hospitals or surgeons who use the latest equipment and methods for fat harvesting, processing, and injection. For example, some surgeons use advanced centrifugation techniques to purify the fat and increase the viability of the fat cells. Others may use 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize their potential results before the procedure.

Cost and Insurance

Cost is an important consideration for many patients. The cost of autologous fat transplantation can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, the surgeon's fees, the location of the hospital, and any additional services or medications required. It's important to get a detailed cost estimate from the hospital or surgeon before making a decision. Some insurance policies may cover certain aspects of the procedure if it is considered medically necessary, such as in the case of breast reconstruction after cancer surgery. However, cosmetic fat transfer procedures are usually not covered by insurance. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.

The Autologous Fat Transplantation Process

Pre - operative Consultation

The pre - operative consultation is a crucial step in the autologous fat transplantation process. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's overall health, medical history, and aesthetic goals. They will examine the patient's donor and recipient sites to determine the amount of fat that can be harvested and the best approach for the procedure. The surgeon will also discuss the risks, benefits, and expected results of the procedure with the patient. This is an opportunity for the patient to ask questions and express any concerns they may have. The surgeon may also provide the patient with pre - operative instructions, such as avoiding certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, and instructions on how to prepare for the surgery.

Procedure Day

On the day of the procedure, the patient will arrive at the hospital or surgical facility. They will be asked to change into a surgical gown and may be given a mild sedative to help them relax. The donor and recipient sites will be marked, and the area will be cleaned and sterilized. The surgeon will then administer local anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation to ensure the patient's comfort during the procedure. The fat harvesting process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of fat needed. After the fat is harvested, it is processed and prepared for injection. The injection process can take an additional 1 - 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Post - operative Care

After the procedure, the patient will be taken to a recovery area where they will be monitored by the medical staff. They may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort at the donor and recipient sites, which is normal. The surgeon will provide the patient with post - operative instructions on how to care for the incisions, manage pain, and minimize swelling. These instructions may include wearing compression garments at the donor site, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period of time. The patient will need to attend follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing. It may take several months for the final results of the procedure to become apparent as the swelling subsides and the transplanted fat cells establish a blood supply.

Risks and Complications of Autologous Fat Transplantation

Common Risks

• Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common side effects of autologous fat transplantation. They usually subside within a few weeks after the procedure, but the extent and duration can vary from patient to patient.