Introduction to Autologous Fat Filling of the Temples
Autologous fat filling of the temples is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves harvesting fat from one part of the body, processing it, and then injecting it into the temples to enhance their volume and contour. This procedure offers several advantages, such as using the patient's own tissue, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions and rejection. It can also provide a more natural - looking and long - lasting result compared to some other fillers.
For over a century, clinicians have attempted to use fat for tissue deficiencies and contour abnormalities. Autologous fat transplantation for soft - tissue augmentation has gained increasing popularity in recent years. The popularity of tumescent liposuction has made fat more accessible for transplantation, and newer techniques have provided more predictable results. As stated in the research "Fat Ful‘fill’ment: A Review of Autologous Fat Grafting" (Marwah et al., 2013), fat has the potential to be the ideal soft - tissue filler because it is abundant, easily accessible, inexpensive, host - compatible, and can be harvested repeatedly.
Factors to Consider in Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital
- Surgeon's Experience and Expertise: Experienced surgeons are more likely to achieve better results. Surgeons who have performed a large number of autologous fat filling procedures are familiar with the nuances of the operation, such as the optimal amount of fat to inject, the best donor sites, and how to handle potential complications.
- Hospital Facilities and Technology: Modern and well - equipped hospitals can provide a more sterile and safe environment for the surgery. Advanced equipment for fat harvesting, processing, and injection can improve the quality of the procedure. For example, some hospitals may use state - of - the - art centrifuges to process the fat, which can help maintain a higher concentration of stem cells within the processed lipoaspirates, as mentioned in previous studies.
- Patient Reviews and Reputation: Reading patient reviews can give an idea of the hospital's quality of service, the surgeon's skills, and the overall patient experience. A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to provide reliable and high - quality care.
- Cost: The cost of the procedure is an important factor. However, it should not be the only consideration. A lower cost may sometimes be associated with substandard facilities or less experienced surgeons. It is important to balance cost with quality.
Top Three Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Autologous Fat Filling of the Temples in New York City
1. Natural Look Institute
Introduction
The Natural Look Institute is a well - known fat injection clinic located on Park Avenue in New York City. It is conveniently located near Grand Central Station and has easy access to multiple train lines. The institute is led by Dr. Yoel Shahar, who has over 15 years of experience in performing fat injection procedures. He has done thousands of fat injections, which gives him the expertise to obtain optimal results.
The clinic offers personalized advice, caring attention, and support before and after the surgery. Dr. Shahar takes the time to understand each patient's aesthetic goals and provides the most suitable treatment options. Fat injection at this institute is often used for facial rejuvenation, including autologous fat filling of the temples.
Price Reference
The cost of fat injections or fat transfers at the Natural Look Institute depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the facial fat transfer, the areas that require injections, and the patient's aesthetic goals. The fat needs to be harvested from a donor site and processed before being re - injected. It is recommended to call the office at (212) 717 - 4066 or book a consultation for a free consultation to get an accurate price estimate.
Patient Testimonials
Many patients have had positive experiences at the Natural Look Institute. For example, one patient who went to Dr. Shahar to fix their under - eye area said, "Dr. Shahar thoughtfully recommended a fat transfer procedure and thoroughly explained to me why fat from my own body creates more desirable results in this delicate area (not to mention it lasts longer and is more cost - effective over time). After the procedure, I literally had no bruising and very minimal swelling. Within days, I looked completely refreshed. I looked younger, and everyone noticed it."
2. Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Introduction
Columbia University's plastic and reconstructive surgery program is one of New York's best and the world's top medical centers. The clinical staff consists of highly proficient plastic surgeons who are specialists in multiple areas, including routine non - surgical cosmetic procedures, complex reconstructive operations, and body contouring surgery after significant weight loss. The division is also at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery.
For autologous fat filling of the temples, the surgeons at Columbia University can draw on their extensive knowledge and research in the field. They use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcome for patients. The hospital also provides comprehensive care, from pre - operative evaluation to post - operative follow - up.
Price Reference
The price for autologous fat filling of the temples at Columbia University can vary depending on multiple factors. These include the surgeon's fee, the cost of the operating room, anesthesia fees, and any additional medications or follow - up care. To get a more accurate price, patients can call (212) 305 - 3103 or request an appointment online for a consultation.
Notable Surgeons
- Dr. Christine Rohde: A highly skilled clinician, researcher, and teacher, she is trained in the full range of plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. She specializes in microsurgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, body contouring, cosmetic surgery, and breast, trauma, and cancer reconstruction.
- Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman: An experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 75 scientific publications. He has been included in Castle Connolly’s list of America’s top doctors and New York magazine’s annual list of best doctors.
3. New York Liposuction Center
Introduction
The New York Liposuction Center is known for its expertise in liposuction procedures, which is an essential part of autologous fat filling. The center is led by Dr. Arnold Breitbart, an experienced plastic surgeon. The center offers an all - inclusive pricing model, which is transparent and has no hidden costs.
The facility is fully accredited, and the surgeons use modern techniques and equipment for fat harvesting and injection. The center also provides financing options through partnerships with financial institutions like CareCredit and Alphaeon, making the procedure more accessible to patients.
Price Reference
At the New York Liposuction Center, the total cost of liposuction (a key step in autologous fat filling) is primarily based on the first body area chosen for liposuction, which is around $5,000. If additional areas such as the thigh, knee, neck, or hip are treated, there is an added fee of about $2,500 per area. The quote covers facility fees, local anesthesia, compression garments for certain areas being treated, medications to aid in recovery, and follow - up visits.
Financing Options
CareCredit is a leading program for patient payments. It allows patients to finance 100% of their cosmetic surgery, with no upfront fees, pre - payment penalties, or annual fees. Alphaeon Credit is also available, which is associated with a lifestyle healthcare company that promotes patient wellness, beauty, and performance.
Price - related Considerations for Autologous Fat Filling of the Temples
The cost of autologous fat filling of the temples can vary significantly from one hospital to another. Several factors influence the price:
- Surgeon's Skill Level: More experienced and well - known surgeons usually charge higher fees. Their expertise can lead to better results and lower risks, so patients are often willing to pay a premium for their services.
- Complexity of the Procedure: If the patient requires a large amount of fat to be harvested and injected, or if there are underlying anatomical issues, the procedure may be more complex and thus more expensive.
- Hospital Overhead Costs: Hospitals in prime locations or those with high - end facilities may have higher overhead costs, which are reflected in the price of the procedure. For example, a hospital located in a high - rent district of New York City may charge more.
- Additional Services: Some hospitals may include additional services such as post - operative care, follow - up consultations, and medications in the price, while others may charge separately for these.
Comparative Table of the Three Hospitals
Hospital Name | Specialty | Notable Surgeons | Price Range | Financing Options | Location |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural Look Institute | Fat injection for facial rejuvenation | Dr. Yoel Shahar | Depends on complexity, call for consultation | Not specified, can discuss during consultation | Park Avenue, near Grand Central Station |
Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery | Full - range of plastic and reconstructive surgery | Dr. Christine Rohde, Dr. Jeffrey A. Ascherman, etc. | Variable, call for consultation | Not specified, can discuss during consultation | Multiple locations in New York |
New York Liposuction Center | Liposuction and fat - related procedures | Dr. Arnold Breitbart | First area: around $5,000; additional areas: about $2,500 per area | CareCredit, Alphaeon Credit | Not specified |
Pre - operative and Post - operative Care
Pre - operative Care
Before autologous fat filling of the temples, patients typically need to undergo a comprehensive pre - operative evaluation. This may include a physical examination, medical history review, and laboratory tests. As recommended in "Fat Ful‘fill’ment: A Review of Autologous Fat Grafting", patients are usually instructed to stop all medications that interfere with platelet function 2 weeks prior to surgery and can restart them 1 week after the procedure. They may also need to take antibiotics and other medications as prescribed by the surgeon.
During the pre - operative consultation, the surgeon will discuss the patient's goals, explain the procedure in detail, and address any concerns. The patient will also be informed about the expected recovery time and possible complications.
Post - operative Care
After the procedure, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. They are usually advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a certain period. The recovery time can vary from patient to patient, but generally, patients can expect to see a normal appearance within 3 - 5 days, although the extraction zones may take longer to return to normal. Antibiotics and anti - inflammatories are often prescribed post - operatively, and pain can usually be managed with medications.
Follow - up appointments are crucial to monitor the healing process and ensure the best possible outcome. The surgeon will check the injected area, assess the fat survival rate, and make any necessary adjustments.
Potential Complications
Although autologous fat filling of the temples is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential complications:
- Fat Absorption: A certain amount of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time. This can result in a less - than - optimal result, and additional procedures may be required to achieve the desired volume. As mentioned in previous research, the overall take rate of fat grafting by even more experienced surgeons ranges from about 50 - 90%.
- Irregularities: Superficial nodules can occur if an extremely large bolus of fat is injected too superficially. Depressions, asymmetries, and bulges may also appear, which can affect the aesthetic outcome.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection following the augmentation. The physician needs to screen for and treat any active, chronic, or recurrent infections before the surgery. Infections can also occur during the post - operative period, and appropriate antibiotics may be required for treatment.
- Vascular Complications: Vascular occlusion or the development of emboli is the most serious complication associated with fat transplantation. There have been reports of blindness, middle cerebral artery occlusion, and ocular fat embolism following fat injection in the face. To reduce this risk, surgeons often use techniques such as slow injections of small aliquots of fat using low injection pressures and the use of blunt - tipped cannulas.
Conclusion
Autologous fat filling of the temples is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure that can enhance the appearance of the face. In New York City, there are several top - notch plastic surgery hospitals, such as the Natural Look Institute, Columbia University Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, and the New York Liposuction Center, that offer this service. When choosing a hospital, patients should consider factors such as the surgeon's experience, hospital facilities, patient reviews, and cost.
It is important to have a thorough pre - operative consultation with the surgeon to understand the procedure, potential risks, and expected results. Post - operative care is also crucial for a successful outcome. By making an informed decision and following the surgeon's advice, patients can achieve the desired aesthetic improvement.
If you are considering autologous fat filling of the temples, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended hospitals. Take the time to research and choose the hospital and surgeon that best suits your needs and goals. Share this article with others who may be interested in this procedure and explore more resources on cosmetic surgery to make a well - informed decision.