Introduction
Breast augmentation with fat has emerged as a popular and natural - looking option for women in New York City seeking to enhance their breast size and shape. In this article, we will explore the top 10 plastic surgery hospitals in New York City that offer this procedure, highlighting their features, the expertise of their surgeons, and the benefits they provide. We will also provide detailed information about the breast augmentation with fat procedure, including candidacy, preparation, the process itself, and recovery.
What is Breast Augmentation with Fat?
Breast augmentation with fat, also known as autologous fat transfer breast augmentation, is a plastic surgery technique that uses the patient's own fat cells to increase breast volume. The process involves three main steps:
- Liposuction: Fat is harvested from areas of the body with excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, using a liposuction technique. A small incision is made at the donor site, and a thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted. The excess fat is then suctioned out.
- Purification: The harvested fat must be purified to remove any other bodily fluids that may have been collected during liposuction. This can be done by spinning the vials of collected fat in a centrifuge or allowing the fat to separate by gravity and collecting the fat in syringes or an aspiration cannister.
- Injection: After purification, the fat is injected into the breasts at multiple strategic injection sites. This helps ensure an even distribution of fat and a natural - looking breast shape.
Benefits of Breast Augmentation with Fat
- Natural Look and Feel: Since the fat used is from the patient's own body, the breasts look and feel more natural compared to using breast implants.
- Body Contouring: The liposuction part of the procedure allows for body contouring in the donor areas, removing unwanted fat and creating a more sculpted figure.
- Minimal Scarring: The incisions made for liposuction and fat injection are small, resulting in minimal scarring.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Unlike breast implants, there is no risk of implant rupture, capsular contracture, or breast implant illness.
Top 10 Breast Augmentation with Fat Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City
1. Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai's plastic surgeons have extensive experience in breast augmentation procedures. They are pioneers in the NaturalFill® technique, which is a form of fat transfer breast augmentation. Before the surgery, they use advanced 3D imaging technology to help patients visualize how their larger breasts will look on their unique bodies. This technology allows patients to try on different sizes of breasts virtually, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their desired outcome.
The surgeons at Mount Sinai will also carefully consult with patients to understand their goals, take into account their body type, and help them decide on the best approach. They perform a physical exam and ask health - related questions to confirm that the patient is a candidate for the procedure. The hospital aims to provide natural - looking results and ensure patient satisfaction.
2. Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam R. Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has received extensive education and training from some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world, including Harvard Medical School, New York University, and the University of Melbourne in Australia. As an associate clinical professor of surgery at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he stays at the forefront of advancements in plastic surgery.
Dr. Kolker is highly regarded in the field, being featured in New York Magazine's Best Doctors issues from 2008 - 2024, Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons in 2021 - 2024, and Castle Connolly's Top Doctors. His combination of scientific knowledge and artistic creativity allows him to deliver beautiful, natural, and proportional results in breast augmentation procedures, including fat transfer breast augmentation. He offers comprehensive consultations, both virtually and in person, to understand each patient's unique needs and goals.
3. Dr. John E. Sherman
Dr. John E. Sherman is an experienced and acclaimed plastic surgeon. He has a deep understanding of breast implants and has worked closely with Allergan in the development of the Natrelle 410 cohesive gel breast implants. While breast implants are a well - known option for breast augmentation, Dr. Sherman also offers fat transfer breast augmentation.
During the consultation, he works closely with patients to develop an individualized approach. He will discuss the pros and cons of different implant options as well as fat transfer, based on the patient's body type, goals, and medical history. He takes into account factors such as breast tissue, desired size, and shape when making recommendations. The doctor emphasizes the importance of patient education and provides detailed information about the procedure, recovery, and potential complications.
4. Steven Wallach MD, FACS
Dr. Steven Wallach is a cutting - edge expert in the field of plastic surgery, having authored numerous papers and publications. He offers fat transfer breast augmentation as a safe, natural, and permanent option for breast enlargement. He addresses common questions during consultations, such as the difference between fat transfer and breast implants.
Dr. Wallach believes that fat transfer is a great option for women who want to augment their natural breast tissue by about a cup size without the use of implants. His approach involves careful patient selection, thorough preparation, and a precise surgical technique. He provides clear guidance on the preparation process, including blood tests, medication adjustments, and post - operative recovery arrangements. After the procedure, he closely monitors patients to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
5. Dr. Barry Weintraub
Dr. Barry Weintraub is board - certified and Ivy League educated at the Weill - Cornell Medical Center. He is a national spokesperson for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has over two decades of experience in plastic surgery.
Dr. Weintraub prefers the transaxillary subpectoral approach for breast augmentation, which has several advantages such as no jeopardy to nipple sensation, no hindrance to future breastfeeding, and less visible scarring. He also offers fat transfer breast augmentation as an option. He emphasizes the importance of patient safety, performing surgeries in a state - of - the - art surgical center with board - certified anesthesiologists and high - standard monitoring equipment. He takes a patient - centered approach, carefully listening to the patient's concerns and desires to achieve the best possible results.
6. New York Group for Plastic Surgery
New York Group for Plastic Surgery offers a range of breast augmentation options, including breast implants and autologous fat transfer. Dr. Jordan Jacobs, a surgeon at the group, has received training from globally acclaimed medical leaders. He was recently awarded top doctor as featured in New York Magazine.
During the consultation, patients can expect a thorough discussion about their goals, body type, and the best augmentation technique for them. The group uses advanced Vectra XT 3D - imaging technology to help patients visualize their breast augmentation results. This technology allows patients to see how different implant sizes, shapes, and textures will look on their bodies. For fat transfer breast augmentation, the surgeons at the group are highly skilled in harvesting and injecting fat to achieve natural - looking results and help patients regain confidence in their appearance.
7. Doctors Plastic Surgery
Doctors Plastic Surgery offers affordable breast augmentation procedures, including fat transfer breast augmentation. Their board - certified surgeons have years of experience and have performed thousands of successful procedures.
The hospital emphasizes personalized care, tailoring each procedure to the patient's unique goals. They offer a range of implant sizes and types, and also provide fat transfer as an option for a more natural look. Dr. Ross Ratner, a dual - board certified plastic & reconstructive surgeon at the hospital, is renowned as NYC's best breast augmentation surgeon. He combines surgical expertise with a warm bedside manner and uses the latest surgical techniques to ensure exceptional results. The hospital also offers transparent pricing and flexible financing options to make the procedure more accessible.
8. Dr. Antell
Dr. Antell specializes in fat transfer breast augmentation in New York City. He believes this procedure is ideal for women who want to enhance their breasts by one or two cup sizes and achieve the most natural appearance possible without implants.
During the consultation, Dr. Antell reviews the patient's medical history, examines them, and discusses their aesthetic goals. He helps patients decide on the best donor sites for fat harvesting, aiming to create a sculpted, hourglass figure while enhancing the breasts. He takes extra care during the liposuction process to preserve as many fat cells as possible and carefully injects the purified fat into the breasts. After the procedure, he provides detailed instructions for recovery and closely monitors the patient's progress.
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Candidacy for Breast Augmentation with Fat
Not all women are suitable candidates for breast augmentation with fat. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- Health: They should be in good overall health, without any underlying health conditions that could increase the risk of complications during or after the surgery. This includes being free from major heart, lung, or kidney problems, and having a healthy immune system.
- Body Fat: Candidates should have enough excess fat in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks to be harvested for the breast augmentation. A minimum body mass index (BMI) of around 22 is often preferred, as it indicates a sufficient amount of available fat.
- Realistic Expectations: It's important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. Fat transfer breast augmentation can usually increase breast size by one or two cup sizes, but it may not be suitable for those looking for a very dramatic increase.
- Non - smoking: Smokers are generally not ideal candidates as smoking can impair the healing process. Nicotine reduces blood flow, which can lead to poor wound healing and an increased risk of infection. Candidates should be willing to quit smoking before and after the surgery.
- Not Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Women who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding should wait until they have finished breastfeeding and their bodies have fully recovered before considering breast augmentation with fat.
Preparation for Breast Augmentation with Fat
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful breast augmentation with fat procedure. Here are the steps typically involved:
- Consultation: This is the first and most important step. During the consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals, examine their body, and review their medical history. They will also explain the procedure in detail, including the risks and benefits, and answer any questions the patient may have.
- Medical Tests: The patient may be required to undergo certain medical tests, such as blood tests, to ensure they are in good health for the surgery. These tests can help detect any underlying health conditions that may need to be addressed before the procedure.
- Medication Adjustments: The patient may need to stop taking certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and St. John's wort. The surgeon will provide specific instructions on which medications to stop and for how long.
- Smoking Cessation: As mentioned earlier, smoking should be stopped before the surgery to improve the chances of a successful outcome and reduce the risk of complications.
- Arrangements for Recovery: The patient should arrange for someone to drive them to and from the surgical center. They should also prepare a comfortable space at home for recovery, with necessary items such as pillows, pain medication, and easy - to - reach snacks within reach. They may need to take 2 - 3 weeks off work or other strenuous activities to allow for proper healing.
The Breast Augmentation with Fat Procedure
The actual breast augmentation with fat procedure typically unfolds as follows:
- Anesthesia: The patient will be given either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation anesthesia, depending on their preference and the surgeon's recommendation. This ensures that the patient is comfortable and pain - free during the surgery.
- Liposuction: The surgeon will make small incisions at the donor sites, usually in areas with excess fat. A cannula will be inserted through these incisions, and the excess fat will be suctioned out. The surgeon will take care to harvest the fat in a way that preserves as many fat cells as possible.
- Purification: The harvested fat will be taken to a separate area and purified. This involves removing any blood, debris, or other bodily fluids from the fat cells. The purified fat is then ready for injection into the breasts.
- Fat Injection: The surgeon will make multiple small incisions in the breasts and inject the purified fat into specific areas using a fine cannula. The injection process is done carefully to ensure an even distribution of fat and a natural - looking shape. The surgeon will also take into account the patient's desired size and shape during this step.
- Closure: After the fat injection is complete, the incisions in the breasts and donor sites will be closed with sutures. A compression garment or surgical bra may be applied to the breasts and donor areas to reduce swelling and support the healing process.
Recovery from Breast Augmentation with Fat
Recovery from breast augmentation with fat varies from patient to patient, but generally follows these patterns:
- Initial Days: In the first few days after the surgery, it is normal to experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the breasts and donor areas. The patient will be given pain medication to help manage the discomfort. They will also need to wear a compression garment or surgical bra to support the breasts and reduce swelling.
- Return to Work: Most patients can return to work after about 2 - 3 days of rest, depending on the nature of their job. However, they should avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting and intense exercise for at least 3 - 6 weeks.
- Long - term Recovery: Swelling and bruising will gradually subside over the next few weeks. The final results of the breast augmentation with fat may not be fully visible for several months as the body adjusts to the new fat cells. Some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body in the first few weeks, which is normal and expected. In some cases, a follow - up procedure may be needed to add additional fat if the desired results are not achieved.
Potential Risks and Complications
While breast augmentation with fat is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications:
- Fat Necrosis: This occurs when the fat cells do not receive enough blood supply and die. It can result in lumps or nodules in the breasts. In some cases, these lumps may need to be removed surgically.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the donor or injection sites. Symptoms of infection may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat infections.
- Uneven Fat Distribution: The fat may not be distributed evenly in the breasts, resulting in an uneven or asymmetrical appearance. This may require a follow - up procedure to correct.
- Fat Reabsorption: As mentioned earlier, some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time. This can lead to a decrease in breast size and may require additional fat transfer procedures.
Conclusion
Breast augmentation with fat is a popular and effective option for women in New York City who want to enhance their breast size and shape in a natural - looking way. The top 10 plastic surgery hospitals in the city offer a high level of expertise, advanced techniques, and personalized care. However, it is important for women to carefully consider their candidacy, prepare thoroughly for the procedure, and understand the potential risks and recovery process.
If you are interested in breast augmentation with fat, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon at one