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    Fat Grafting Breast Reconstruction in Long Island


    Fat grafting breast reconstruction in New York offers a natural-looking solution for enhancing the chest without the risk of allergic reactions. It can effectively address issues such as asymmetry, scarring, and irregularities. Fat grafting can be used in combination with flap or breast implant reconstruction techniques to optimize the roundness and aesthetic attractiveness of your breast profile. Dr. Neil Tanna is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed thousands of successful breast reconstruction procedures. He is devoted to helping women regain their quality of life and achieve their best appearance after experiencing the devastating effects of breast cancer. 

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    What Is Fat Grafting?

    Fat grafting, also called fat transfer, is performed on an outpatient basis. The first step is to harvest fat cells from an area of the body where they are plentiful, often the thighs, stomach, or buttocks. Next, the fat cells are purified in a centrifuge. The last step is to inject the fat into the chest area, increasing breast volume in a way that looks organic and seamless. 

    While some of the fat will be absorbed by the body over the course of several months, the fat that remains will boost the cup size and help to enhance the result of implant or flap reconstruction surgery.

    What Are The Benefits Of Fat Grafting Breast Reconstruction in New York?

    • Increases the size of the breasts
    • Improves breast symmetry
    • Creates a fuller, more youthful-looking bust
    • Corrects breast contours negatively affected by radiation or lumpectomy
    • Can revise the results of a previous breast reconstruction procedure
    • Enhances satisfaction with one’s image
    • Highly customized result
    • Natural-looking outcome
    • Slims and sculpts the donor region
    • It helps camouflage the edges of breast implants
    • It helps minimize the appearance of scars
    • Little to no risk of an allergic reaction 
    • The transferred fat mimics human breast tissue
    • It can be performed in around 1 hour
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    What Can I Expect After A Fat Grafting Procedure?

    After fat grafting breast reconstruction in New York, patients typically experience minor swelling, bruising, and tenderness at both the donor site and the recipient areas. Dr. Tanna will provide prescription pain medications, antibiotics, and a detailed aftercare plan that covers your self-care in the coming weeks and months. You will be fitted with a compression garment to help reduce swelling in the donor site. You will not need to wear a surgical bra, however, because the breasts should remain unrestricted as they heal. Avoid stomach sleeping and any activity that might place undue pressure on the chest. Those with sedentary vocations can return to work within one week, while patients with more physically demanding jobs may need an additional week of recuperation. 

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    Recovery Tips for Fat Grafting Breast Reconstruction

    • Rest and Take it Easy:
      • Allow your body time to heal by resting and avoiding strenuous activities.
    • Wear Compression Garments:
      • Follow your surgeon's recommendations on wearing compression garments to minimize swelling and support the treated areas.
    • Pain Management:
      • Take prescribed pain medications as directed to manage any discomfort.
    • Monitor Surgical Sites:
      • Keep a close eye on the grafting sites for signs of infection, excessive swelling, or unusual changes, and report them to your surgeon.
    • Maintain a Healthy Diet:
      • Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients to promote healing and tissue regeneration.
    • Stay Hydrated:
      • Drink plenty of water to help your body flush out toxins and promote recovery.
    • Avoid Smoking and Alcohol:
      • Refrain from smoking and limit alcohol consumption as they can impede the healing process.
    • Follow Postoperative Instructions:
      • Adhere to your surgeon's postoperative guidelines for optimal results.
    • Gentle Massage:
      • Some surgeons recommend gentle massage of treated areas to distribute fat evenly.
    • Gradual Return to Normal Activities:
      • Slowly resume normal activities as advised by your surgeon to prevent complications.
    • Attend Follow-up Appointments:
      • Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon for monitoring and guidance during recovery.


    Always consult your plastic surgeon for personalized recovery instructions based on your case.

    Cost of Breast Reconstruction in Long Island

    The average cost of breast reconstruction in Long Island can vary depending on several factors, including the type of reconstruction (e.g., implant-based or flap reconstruction), the surgeon's experience, the facility where the surgery is performed, and whether it is done in conjunction with a mastectomy.

    Breast reconstruction surgery in Long Island can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. This estimate typically includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, hospital or surgical facility costs, and any necessary post-operative care. It's important to note that health insurance often covers breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, as mandated by the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, which may significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

    Ideal Candidate for Fat Grafting Breast Reconstruction in New York

    • Adequate Fat Deposits: Candidates should have sufficient fat deposits in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks that can be harvested for grafting.
    • Good Overall Health: Ideal candidates should be in good general health, without conditions that could impair healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or severe cardiovascular diseases.
    • Non-Smokers: Smoking can negatively affect healing and the survival of the fat grafts. Candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit before and after the procedure.
    • Realistic Expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations about the outcomes and understand that multiple sessions may be needed to achieve the desired results.
    • Stable Weight: Significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of fat grafting, so candidates should be stable in weight.
    • No Active Cancer: Patients should be cancer-free, as fat grafting is generally not performed in the presence of active cancer.
    • Desire for Natural Results: Those seeking a more natural reconstruction option that avoids implants may find fat grafting particularly appealing.

    Fat Grafting FAQs

    What Is The Survival Rate For Transplanted Fat Cells?

    Is Fat Transfer Safe?

    What are the advantages of fat grafting over traditional breast reconstruction methods?

    What are the advantages of fat grafting over traditional breast reconstruction methods?

    How long does fat grafting breast reconstruction last?

    Can fat grafting be combined with implants in breast reconstruction?

    Are there any limitations on where the fat can be harvested from?

    What Is The Survival Rate For Transplanted Fat Cells?

    Because some of the fat gets reabsorbed by the body after fat grafting, the survival rate for transplanted fat cells is usually around 40-50%. To anticipate this loss, Dr. Tanna is careful to add more fat in the chest area than is needed. He may also recommend additional fat grafting sessions to add more fat to an already enhanced region.

    Is Fat Transfer Safe?

    Fat transfer is considered among the safest surgical procedures. It can often be performed with local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, reducing risks. The incisions required with fat transfer are micro-sized, which also helps to reduce surgical risks. Because the fat is taken from the client’s own body, it is very unlikely that the patient will suffer a negative reaction to the treatment.

    What are the advantages of fat grafting over traditional breast reconstruction methods?

    Fat grafting offers several advantages, including a more natural look and feel, minimal scarring, and the ability to improve the contour of the donor site through liposuction. It can also be performed as an outpatient procedure with a quicker recovery compared to flap-based reconstructions.

    What are the advantages of fat grafting over traditional breast reconstruction methods?

    Fat grafting offers several advantages, including a more natural look and feel, minimal scarring, and the ability to improve the contour of the donor site through liposuction. It can also be performed as an outpatient procedure with a quicker recovery compared to flap-based reconstructions.

    How long does fat grafting breast reconstruction last?

    Fat grafting results are generally long-lasting, as the transferred fat integrates with the existing tissue. However, some of the grafted fat may be reabsorbed by the body in the months following surgery. To achieve optimal and permanent results, multiple sessions may be required. Once the fat has successfully settled, the results are typically permanent.

    Can fat grafting be combined with implants in breast reconstruction?

    Yes, fat grafting can complement implants during breast reconstruction to refine shape, improve contour, and enhance symmetry. It can fill in gaps or irregularities left by the implant, providing a more natural and smoother appearance. This combined approach is often used to improve aesthetic outcomes and create a more balanced breast profile.

    Are there any limitations on where the fat can be harvested from?

    Fat used for breast reconstruction can be harvested from various areas of the body where excess fat is available, such as the abdomen, thighs, flanks, or buttocks. The specific areas used will depend on your body type, the amount of fat needed for the procedure, and your surgeon's recommendations. The goal is to ensure enough fat can be collected for successful grafting while also contouring the donor areas.

    Why Choose Dr. Tanna For Fat Grafting Breast Reconstruction?

    Dr. Tanna is an experienced leader in breast reconstruction. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, he has the skill, education, and artistry to deliver exquisite, refined results tailored to your unique wishes. Dr. Tanna’s compassionate, transparent approach sets breast cancer survivors instantly at ease. They entrust Dr. Tanna to provide natural breast augmentation results based on a customized treatment plan discussed during a private consultation. 

    Dr. Tanna has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles in world-class medical journals and has been invited to lecture at over 100 global conferences, seminars, and events in the field of cosmetic science. He is actively involved as a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the American College of Surgeons.

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