Is Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer Painful?

The surgery is performed under twilight IV anesthesia, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the process. Afterward, you may experience discomfort in both the chest and the donor areas. This soreness can be minimized by taking pain medication, icing, and wearing your compression garments as instructed. Most patients can switch to over-the-counter painkillers within a few days.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

One fat transfer session is typically all that is needed to achieve your breast enhancement goals. After your surgery, we will have you return in approximately one week to monitor your recovery and remove any stitches and bandages. We include a post-operative lymphatic massage treatment to help reduce swelling and promote recovery. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will typically see patients several times to monitor healing and recovery.

How Long Until I See Results?

Most women notice positive improvements in their appearance soon after surgery, and final results can be seen about six months after surgery once the swelling has resolved.

What Will Scarring Look Like?

Scars from a breast augmentation fat transfer will initially appear as a raised, red line after surgery but will flatten, soften, and become less noticeable over time. Your scarring will be a combination of the skill of your surgeon, the amount of time that has passed, your scar care, and your body’s ability to heal. Once your incisions have healed, Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will have you apply creams specially formulated by Dr. Michelle Copeland to help your scars heal. No matter how talented your surgeon is at hiding incisions, it is important to accept that scars will always be visible.

Can I Combine Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation With Other Procedures?

Yes. It is common to pair a fat-transfer breast augmentation with a breast lift, especially if the procedure is performed after implant removal, implant-based breast augmentation, or breast reconstruction. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin can discuss your options for a combination approach during your private New York City consultation.

What Are the Risks Associated With Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

When body contouring experts Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin perform fat transfer breast augmentation, complications are exceedingly rare. However, certain risks do exist. These include: Swelling Bruising Pain Infection Cysts Asymmetry Microcalcification Fat cell death

Breast Augmentation Fat Transfer

New York, NY

Introduction to Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

For women who wish to enhance their breasts in the most natural-looking way possible, breast augmentation with fat transfer may be the ideal solution. By utilizing extracted fat from the abdomen, thighs, or hips to create fullness and roundness in the breast mounts, a fat transfer breast augmentation procedure can help women achieve a more proportionate and feminine figure while avoiding the risks associated with implants. Esteemed plastic surgeons, Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin, provide a seamless experience and elegant results at their world-class New York City practice.

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What is Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer?

During a fat transfer procedure, whether for the face, breasts, or buttocks, fat cells are removed from an area of excess, such as the belly, hips, thighs, or flanks, using fine cannulas inserted through very small incisions (similar to liposuction). They are then purified and injected into another area to create enhanced volume, fullness, and youthfulness. This provides the dual benefit of sculpting both the donor region and the recipient area.

Breast augmentation performed with fat transfer (also known as autologous—meaning “your own”—fat grafting) has several unique advantages over implant-based enhancement. The most obvious advantage is that the patient is very unlikely to develop an allergic reaction or complications, as only your own fat is used.

Additionally, while implants require long-term maintenance and often monitoring, this is optional when using your own fat. Thus, many women choose fat transfer-only breast augmentation for its safety and durability. Additionally, it is a more convenient and cost-effective method of boosting breast volume, as patients do not have to replace their implants at any point down the line.

The drawback of the procedure is that it can only enhance the breasts by around one cup size. However, this is sufficient for many women to meet their aesthetic goals, and the procedure can be repeated for those desiring further enhancement. For women who desire implant-based breast augmentation, Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will often also add some fat to enhance the cleavage area.

What Are the Benefits of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation with fat transfer is a popular method of enhancing the breasts’ proportion, balance, and beauty. It comes with the following benefits:

There is no risk of an allergic reaction
Long-lasting outcome
Eliminates the risk of capsular contracture, BII, BIA-ALCL or BIA-SCC
Creates natural-looking, elegant changes
Slims and sculpts the donor region
Improves bodily proportion and balance
Expands clothing options
Boosts self-confidence

Who Are the Best Candidates For Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer?

Patients should be healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations for their results, understanding they may not get the same dramatic size increase as with an implant-based procedure. Most importantly, a good candidate for surgery will have enough donor fat available in the stomach, thighs, hips, or other area of the body to make the transfer successful. For this reason, the procedure may not be suitable for ultra-lean individuals.

The best way to determine your candidacy is to meet with Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin at their offices on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, New York City, for a private consultation, physical exam, and thorough medical review.

Your Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Surgery journey

What’s the First Step?

If you are interested in learning more about fat transfer breast augmentation, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin, during which they will listen to your goals, assess your donor regions, investigate your surgical and medical history, and begin to curate a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. We will review your current medications and any allergies to ensure no contraindications are present. We will also review specific details about the procedure, potential risks and complications, and the expected recovery.

If you and your doctor agree to proceed with the fat transfer breast augmentation procedure, our expert team will help you price out your options, provide a detailed, written quote, and discuss financing options. We will also review preoperative and postoperative instructions. Please follow these closely to get the best results and recovery.

To begin, you will meet with Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin for a private consultation. During this consultation, they will listen to your goals, assess your donor regions, investigate your surgical and medical history, and begin curating a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. They will also review all current medications you take and any allergies to ensure no contraindications are present.

Once your surgery date has been booked, you will need to get clearance from your primary doctor indicating that you are in good health for surgery and discontinue certain medications that might interfere with the safety of your procedure. If you smoke, it is critical that you stop at least 6-8 weeks before and after your fat transfer breast augmentation, as smoking can present serious complications and compromise the results of your surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation with fat transfer is performed under twilight IV anesthesia administered by board-certified anesthesiologists and generally takes 2-3 hours to complete. Dr. Michelle Copeland or Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin will then create small incisions in the donor region, inserting a fine cannula (narrow tube) to suction out the fat (similar to liposuction).

Once the extracted fat cells have been cleaned and purified, they are injected strategically into the chest to create fuller-looking breasts. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin are known for their artistry and precision and will ensure your final outcome is balanced, symmetrical, and naturally youthful.

Your guide to post-Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer Surgery care

Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer Recovery

Once your surgery is complete, you will be wrapped in compression garments for both the donor and recipient areas and given a detailed aftercare plan to follow. A friend or family member will need to drive you home. At first, you will experience swelling, bruising, and soreness, but any discomfort will be well-managed with pain medication, ice packs, and rest. At your first post-op visit, we include a lymphatic massage treatment to help reduce swelling and promote recovery.

Most patients can resume work and light activities within the first week of recovery. Gentle walks throughout the day can boost circulation and mood. During your recovery phase, try to focus on staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and eating a healthy diet.

How Much Does Breast Augmentation With Fat Transfer Cost in New York City, NY?

The cost of fat transfer breast augmentation in New York City varies based on your goals and the specific techniques needed to extract the donor fat. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will provide customized pricing upon the completion of your consultation and physical evaluation.

Why Choose Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin?

Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin are two of the rare mother-daughter surgical teams in practice. They work together synergistically to provide you with outstanding concierge care and superior results. Their offices are located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, facing Central Park and the world-famous Metropolitan Museum of Art. Patients travel from all over the country, as well as from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, to undergo transformative cosmetic procedures performed by the precision-oriented duo.

Dr. Michelle Copeland is board-certified and is a prestigious author, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and an attending surgeon at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin is double board-certified and received in-depth microsurgery training at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is known for her artistry and commitment to safety in the field of breast reconstruction. In addition to seeing patients at 1001 Fifth Avenue, Dr. Copeland-Halperin also operates at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, affiliates of Northwell Health, where she is involved in teaching residents.

If you are in the New York City area and are looking for world-class body sculpting results, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin, leaders in breast augmentation. If you are traveling to New York City, please call our office, and we can help schedule your visit to include a consultation.

Breast Augmentation Fat Transfer FAQs FAQs

The surgery is performed under twilight IV anesthesia, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the process. Afterward, you may experience discomfort in both the chest and the donor areas. This soreness can be minimized by taking pain medication, icing, and wearing your compression garments as instructed. Most patients can switch to over-the-counter painkillers within a few days.
One fat transfer session is typically all that is needed to achieve your breast enhancement goals. After your surgery, we will have you return in approximately one week to monitor your recovery and remove any stitches and bandages. We include a post-operative lymphatic massage treatment to help reduce swelling and promote recovery. Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will typically see patients several times to monitor healing and recovery.
Scars from a breast augmentation fat transfer will initially appear as a raised, red line after surgery but will flatten, soften, and become less noticeable over time. Your scarring will be a combination of the skill of your surgeon, the amount of time that has passed, your scar care, and your body’s ability to heal.

Once your incisions have healed, Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin will have you apply creams specially formulated by Dr. Michelle Copeland to help your scars heal. No matter how talented your surgeon is at hiding incisions, it is important to accept that scars will always be visible.
When body contouring experts Dr. Copeland and Dr. Copeland-Halperin perform fat transfer breast augmentation, complications are exceedingly rare. However, certain risks do exist. These include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Infection
- Cysts
- Asymmetry
- Microcalcification
- Fat cell death

What Our Patients Are Saying

“Natural looking breasts”

Both doctors are good listeners who met with me twice to discuss breast augmentation with fat transfer. Their nurse, Lauren, made certain that I had all instructions before surgery. The results are natural looking breasts and a bra that fits.

As Dr. Michelle Copeland is also an innovator in skincare, she’s currently treating my facial scarring. I’m enjoying using her products, e.g., AHA Face Cream and Revitalizing Formula.

“ Dr Copeland is very professional”

Breast Augmentation following Implant Removal and Liposuction/Fat Transfer

Dr Copeland was recommended to me by a close friend who had procedures done with her. I had my breast implants removed, plus liposuction to use the fat transferred to form “natural” breasts which I absolutely love. Dr Copeland is very professional and I felt safe and informed at all times. I had multiple follow up appointments to ensure all was well. Also it was nice having a female surgeon in a male dominated industry.

“Dr. Copeland’s experience stands out from the crowd”

Nice Experience and Promising Outcome – 28 days post-procedure
First of all, this procedure is not done everywhere. I did lots of research and Dr. Copeland’s experience stands out from the crowd. When I did the consultation, her professionalism, friendly staff member and every detail about the place immediately won me over. The procedure itself went smoothly. Recovery went just as predicted with care from the doctor. Though it’s still in the early stage, I’m very confident the final outcome will be great. I highly recommend anyone considering this procedure visit Dr. Copeland’s office.

“I Had a Great Experience!”

My experience with Dr. Copeland was great! When I entered the office for my procedure, all of the staff were so helpful, nice, and supportive of me throughout the whole thing! I had a procedure done called an autologous fat transfer to both of my breasts, which means Dr. Copeland took fat from other areas in my body and used it to enhance the size and shape of my breasts. Plus the procedure took such a short time and I was able to go home the same day. I am very happy with the results and would definitely recommend my friends and family to see Dr. Copeland!

“A positive experience”

Breast implant exchange + breast lift with autologous fat transfer

In addition to Dr. Copeland being a fabulous and caring surgeon and her associate Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin, her staff is just terrific. From friendly Andrea at the front desk to nurse Lauren who called me from home to Claire who gives the most wonderful lymphatic massage, it was a positive experience.

Schedule Your Consultation

Embark on your cosmetic journey today by contacting the New York City offices of Dr. Michelle Copeland and Dr. Libby Copeland-Halperin to schedule a private consultation. Whether you are just looking to gather more information or have already decided that a breast augmentation with fat transfer is the perfect procedure, an informative consultation is the best way to move forward in achieving your goals for a more youthful, sculpted chest appearance.