Fat Grafting Breast Reconstruction in Long Island


Using the body's fat, fat grafting 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?

  • 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
  • Helps camouflage the edges of breast implants
  • Helps minimize the appearance of scars
  • Little to no risk of an allergic reaction 
  • The transferred fat mimics human breast tissue
  • 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, patients typically experience minor swelling, bruising, and tenderness at both the donor site and the recipient areas. Dr. Tanna will provide you with prescription pain medications as well as antibiotics and a detailed aftercare plan that goes over 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 free and unrestricted as they heal. Take care to 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 with your plastic surgeon for personalized recovery instructions based on your specific case.

Fat Grafting FAQs

What Is The Survival Rate For Transplanted Fat Cells?

Is Fat Transfer Safe?

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.

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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