Introduction
Autologous fat contour filling, also known as fat transfer or fat grafting, has emerged as a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This technique involves removing fat from one area of the patient's body and re - injecting it into another area where volume enhancement or contouring is desired. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of autologous fat contour filling, including what it is, who is a suitable candidate, the benefits, and a compilation of some of the top facilities in New York City that offer this procedure.
What is Autologous Fat Contour Filling?
Autologous fat contour filling is a cosmetic procedure that uses the patient's own fat as a natural filler. The process begins with liposuction, where fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen, waist, thighs, or upper back. This fat is then processed and purified to remove any impurities, excess fluids, or oils. Once prepared, the fat is carefully injected into the targeted area, such as the breasts, buttocks, face (cheeks, lips, etc.), to enhance volume, improve contour, and achieve a more youthful appearance.
Common Areas for Fat Harvesting
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Abdomen (Tummy) | Often a good source of fat as it can store a significant amount. It can also lead to a slimmer abdominal area after fat removal. |
| Waist (Love Handles) | Excess fat in this area can be easily harvested, and removing it can improve the waistline. |
| Thighs | Both the inner and outer thighs can provide a substantial amount of fat for transfer. |
| Upper Back (Back Bra Roll) | This area can be a source of fat, especially for patients who have a noticeable roll of fat. |
Common Areas for Fat Injection
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Buttocks | Popular for the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure, where fat is injected to enhance size and shape. |
| Breasts | Used for breast augmentation, offering a more natural - looking and feeling alternative to implants. |
| Face (Cheeks, Lips, etc.) | Helps to reduce wrinkles, add volume to sunken cheeks, and enhance the lips, giving a more youthful appearance. |
Benefits of Autologous Fat Contour Filling
There are several benefits associated with autologous fat contour filling, which contribute to its growing popularity:
- Natural Results: Since the fat used is from the patient's own body, the results look and feel more natural compared to synthetic fillers or implants. The body is less likely to reject its own fat, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.
- Versatility: Fat can be transferred to various parts of the body, making it a versatile procedure. It can be used for both facial rejuvenation and body contouring.
- Long - lasting Results: Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply, the results can be long - lasting. While some of the fat may be reabsorbed by the body in the initial months, a significant portion can remain permanently.
- Body Contouring: In addition to adding volume to the desired area, the fat harvesting process also acts as a form of body contouring. Areas where fat is removed, such as the abdomen or thighs, can become slimmer and more toned.
- Minimally Invasive: Compared to some other surgical procedures, autologous fat contour filling typically involves smaller incisions and less trauma to the body, resulting in a shorter recovery time.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Autologous Fat Contour Filling?
Ideal candidates for autologous fat contour filling are those who meet the following criteria:
- Healthy Weight: Candidates should be at a healthy weight with a reasonable amount of body fat that can be used as a donor site. If a patient has too little body fat, the procedure may not be possible.
- Good Overall Health: They should be in good overall health and not suffer from any underlying medical conditions that may affect recovery after the procedure. Non - smokers are generally better candidates as smoking can impair the healing process.
- Realistic Expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. While autologous fat contour filling can enhance volume and improve contour, it may not completely transform one's appearance.
A Compiled Ranked List of Facilities in New York City for Autologous Fat Contour Filling
New York City is home to many top - notch plastic surgery facilities that offer autologous fat contour filling. Here are some of them:
1. Luxurgery
Dr. Sachin Shridharani at Luxurgery is a board - certified plastic surgeon who has been serving Manhattan for years. He and his dedicated team understand the importance of providing high - quality treatment and achieving patient satisfaction. They offer a personalized treatment plan for fat transfer procedures, taking into account the patient's body needs and aesthetic goals. Patients have the option to have their procedures performed at the office or at area hospitals and “surgicenters” in New York City. The operating room and facility have certification and accreditation by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
2. Dr. Steven Wallach's Practice
Dr. Steven Wallach is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive experience and uses the latest techniques and technology to provide patients with the best possible results for fat transfer. He offers customized treatment plans to address each patient's unique needs and goals. Dr. Wallach will evaluate the patient's medical history, skin quality, and overall health during the initial consultation to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. The fat transfer procedure here involves careful harvesting from donor sites such as the belly, butt, and back of the thigh, followed by purification and injection into the desired area.
3. Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon. His approach to facial aesthetic treatments focuses on attaining the most beautiful and effective results with minimal downtime. In the case of autologous fat grafting for the face, fat can be gently removed from areas like the abdomen, love handles, or thighs and transferred to lines, wrinkles, folds, and volume - deficient areas of the face. Dr. Kolker's experience in the nuances of facial anatomy allows him to achieve natural - looking results. He uses blunt - tipped needles for injections, which dramatically decrease post - treatment bruising.
4. Gotham Plastic Surgery
At Gotham Plastic Surgery, Dr. Miller and the team perform fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. The fat injection procedure typically takes under an hour and can be performed with local anesthesia. Fat is harvested from an area of excess on the body, such as the outside of the leg or the stomach, using a very small cannula and gentle liposuction techniques. The procedure has minimal downtime, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a day or two.
5. Dr. Hooman Khorasani's Practice
Dr. Hooman Khorasani is a quadruple board - certified cosmetic surgeon. He has over a decade of experience in helping patients achieve their ideal face and body through minimally - invasive relocation of stubborn fat pockets. His fat transfer procedures are carefully customized to the patient's specific aesthetic goals. He advocates the use of a very thin cannula under very low suction pressure during fat harvesting to maximize the survival of the fat graft. The practice also offers a variety of non - invasive restorative treatments for patients who may not be candidates for autologous fat grafting.
6. Dr. Mark H. Schwartz's Practice
Dr. Mark H. Schwartz is a New York City board - certified plastic surgeon who performs fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer or liposculpture. This procedure is effective in treating sunken cheeks, facial lines, acne scars, and other areas of lost volume. The fat is taken from the donor area, such as the abdomen or thighs, under local anesthesia, purified, and then injected into the targeted area. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in his office.
7. Dr. Ariel Ostad's Practice
Dr. Ariel Ostad is a triple board - certified dermatologist and plastic surgeon. His practice on the upper east side of Manhattan offers fat transfer treatments. He uses a gentle procedure such as liposuction to remove fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs and transfers it to areas where volume is needed, such as the face, buttocks, or breasts. The harvested fat is purified through a centrifuge and filtering process before injection. Dr. Ostad also offers personalized treatment plans and can combine fat transfer with other aesthetic treatments for enhanced results.
The Procedure of Autologous Fat Contour Filling
The autologous fat contour filling procedure generally involves the following steps:
- Consultation: The patient meets with the plastic surgeon to discuss their goals, medical history, and expectations. The surgeon will evaluate the patient's body to determine suitable donor and recipient sites and whether the patient is a good candidate for the procedure.
- Fat Harvesting: Using liposuction, fat is removed from the donor site. The surgeon may use different techniques, such as power - assisted liposuction or smartlipo, depending on the area and the amount of fat to be harvested. The goal is to remove the fat with minimal trauma to the cells.
- Fat Processing: The harvested fat is processed to remove any impurities, excess fluids, or oils. This can involve centrifugation, filtering, or other purification methods to ensure that only healthy, viable fat cells are used for injection.
- Fat Injection: The purified fat is carefully injected into the recipient site using a small needle or cannula. The surgeon will distribute the fat evenly to create a smooth and natural - looking contour.
- Post - operative Care: After the procedure, the patient will be given instructions on how to care for the treated areas. This may include wearing compression garments, taking pain medication, and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period. The patient will also have follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their recovery and the results.
Recovery and Results
Recovery after autologous fat contour filling can vary depending on the areas treated and the amount of fat transferred. In general, patients can expect the following:
- Swelling and Bruising: There will be some swelling and bruising in both the donor and recipient areas, which is normal. This typically peaks in the first few days after the procedure and gradually subsides over the next few weeks.
- Discomfort: Mild discomfort is common, especially in the areas where fat was harvested. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage the discomfort.
- Restriction of Activities: Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities and exercise for at least two to three weeks after the procedure to allow the body time to heal. Sitting directly on the buttocks after a Brazilian Butt Lift should also be avoided.
- Results: While some immediate improvement in volume and contour can be seen, the final results of the procedure may take several months to become apparent. This is because the body needs time to adjust to the transferred fat and for the cells to establish a blood supply. The fat that successfully integrates with the surrounding tissue will remain in place long - term, providing lasting results.
Cost of Autologous Fat Contour Filling in New York City
The cost of autologous fat contour filling in New York City can vary depending on several factors, including the area treated, the amount of fat transferred, the surgeon's experience, and the location of the facility. The initial cost may be higher than some other cosmetic procedures, but the long - lasting results can make it a cost - effective option in the long run. It is important to have a consultation with the surgeon to get an accurate cost estimate for the specific procedure.
Conclusion
Autologous fat contour filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City that offers natural - looking results and multiple benefits. With a wide range of experienced plastic surgeons and top - notch facilities available, patients have many options to choose from. However, it is crucial to do thorough research, choose a qualified and board - certified surgeon, and have realistic expectations about the procedure. If you are considering autologous fat contour filling, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended surgeons in this article to learn more about the procedure and determine if it is right for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning about this procedure and explore more related topics on cosmetic surgery to stay informed.
