Introduction
Autologous fat filling of the whole face has emerged as a popular cosmetic procedure, offering natural - looking results and long - lasting benefits. In New York City, known for its top - tier medical facilities and experienced plastic surgeons, patients have numerous options to choose from when considering this treatment. This article explores some of the hospitals and surgeons that are renowned for achieving good results in autologous fat filling of the whole face.
What is Autologous Fat Filling of the Whole Face?
Autologous fat filling, also known as facial fat grafting or autologous fat transfer, is a procedure where a patient's own fat is harvested from areas with excess, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, and then purified before being injected into specific areas of the face. This process aims to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, and enhance the overall facial contours, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
The advantages of autologous fat filling are significant. It uses the patient's own tissue, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. Additionally, the transferred fat can improve skin texture due to the presence of stem cells, and the results can last for several years.
Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City with Good Results
Dr. Michael Koch - RMichaelKochPlasticSurgery
Dr. Michael Koch is well - known for his expertise in facial fat grafting in New York City. With his advanced surgical techniques, he has achieved excellent results for many patients seeking autologous fat filling of the whole face.
Dr. Koch uses a two - part process for facial fat transfer. First, he performs liposuction to harvest fat from areas like the hips, flanks, or abdomen. He typically uses local or twilight anesthesia for the procedure as only a small amount of fat is required. Once the fat is harvested, it is purified and prepared for injection. Dr. Koch then uses different injection angles and techniques to ensure ideal immersion rates into the skin and create symmetry, targeting areas such as the cheeks, lips, and beneath the eyes.
Patients who are ideal candidates for Dr. Koch's facial fat grafting are those who want to add natural - looking volume to specific areas of their face, fill in wrinkles such as laugh lines and crow's feet, minimize the appearance of pitted areas and scars, and enhance the volume of their lips and cheeks for a more youthful look. To be a candidate, patients need to have enough excess fat to meet their goals.
After the procedure, patients can expect incisions to be stitched and cleaned, and they will be monitored in a recovery area before being sent home with dressings and compression garments. The recovery period varies based on the amount of fat removed and transferred, but patients usually need to take a couple of weeks to rest and heal. Swelling and bruising are common at the liposuction and transfer sites initially, and the final results may take several weeks to become visible.
Dr. Mark G. Albert - Albert Plastic Surgery
Dr. Mark G. Albert is a top - rated, board - certified plastic surgeon performing facial fat transfer in New York City. His practice in Manhattan specializes in facial fat grafting for local and out - of - state clients.
Facial fat transfer at Albert Plastic Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that addresses volume loss due to aging, including hollowing around the eyes, loss of cheek volume, and sunken temples. It can also help with changes caused by trauma, such as scarring.
During the consultation, Dr. Albert examines the patient's physical characteristics and addresses their concerns to create a customized treatment plan. The procedure can be performed using local anesthesia alone, allowing patients to be awake and actively participate. A thin cannula is used to liposuction fat from donor sites such as the arms, back, abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, knees. After harvesting, the fat is prepared for injection.
Patients can expect a relatively short recovery period, with some swelling and bruising that typically resolves within a few days. The final results become visible about three months after the procedure, and they offer the added benefit of skin and scar rejuvenation due to the positive effects of stem cells in the fat.
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman - Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Located on the prestigious upper east side of New York City, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery offers expert facial fat grafting injections.
Facial fat grafting here involves harvesting fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or hips and injecting it into areas of the face that have lost volume. This technique not only adds volume but also improves skin texture. The benefits of the procedure at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery include natural results, as the body's own fat is used; improved skin quality due to growth factors in the transferred fat; long - lasting effects, unlike synthetic fillers; and a dual benefit of reducing unwanted fat in donor areas while enhancing facial contours.
Ideal candidates are those who seek a natural method for facial enhancement without synthetic materials, have areas of facial volume loss contributing to a tired or aged appearance, possess sufficient fat deposits for extraction, and are in good health with realistic expectations.
During the procedure, Dr. Zuckerman conducts a thorough assessment during the consultation, evaluates potential donor sites, and performs the procedure under local anesthesia often combined with sedation. The recovery is relatively quick, with mild swelling and bruising at the donor and injection sites that typically resolve within a week or two. To maintain the results, patients are advised to follow a healthy lifestyle, protect their skin from the sun, and maintain a stable weight.
Dr. Elliot Westreich - New Face NY
Dr. Elliot Westreich at New Face NY is recognized for using advanced techniques in facial fat transfer. As a double - board surgeon certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology, his knowledge of facial muscles and structures is particularly beneficial for this procedure.
Facial fat transfer at New Face NY aims to restore volume to the face and create a more youthful look. The process involves three main steps: harvesting fat from areas such as the thighs, gluteal region, or abdomen; purifying the removed fat; and strategically injecting the purified fat into specific areas of the face, such as temporal fat grafting to add fullness above the cheeks, buccal and malar fat grafting for rounder cheeks, perioral fat grafting to soften smile lines, and periorbital fat grafting to fill areas around the eyes.
The advantages of facial fat transfer here include a natural look, long - lasting results, safety due to the use of the patient's own tissues, a dual benefit of slimming the donor site, and versatility in addressing various facial issues. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, non - smokers, have adequate excess fat for harvesting, are experiencing facial volume loss, and have sufficient skin elasticity.
Before the procedure, patients have a detailed consultation with Dr. Westreich to discuss goals, medical history, and the specifics of the process. The procedure uses local or general anesthesia, and recovery involves following post - procedure instructions such as limiting physical activities, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow - up appointments. The final results are typically apparent several months post - procedure.
Dr. Gerald Imber
Dr. Gerald Imber is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon with over 25,000 surgical procedures to his credit. He firmly believes that fat transfer is the best of all available fillers for restoring facial volume.
Fat transfer at Dr. Imber's practice aims to replace volume loss in the face that occurs with aging. The procedure fills in lines and folds, builds up cheekbones and chin, and eliminates facial depressions. The required fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen, hips, inner thighs, and buttocks through liposuction or syringe aspiration, and then processed in a centrifuge to separate the fat cells from other components.
Treatment areas include the creases in the middle forehead, temples, tear trough, periorbital area, cheeks, nose, mouth, jawline, and chin. Ideal candidates are those noticing facial wrinkles and folds, and Dr. Imber will determine suitability during a consultation.
Before the fat transfer, patients need to stop taking certain medications, avoid drinking and smoking. The procedure requires minimal downtime, and most patients can resume their daily routine with some restrictions in 24 hours. Slight bruising and swelling may occur. The results can be 50 - 75% permanent depending on the location, and the total cost will depend on the areas selected for treatment, which will be discussed during the consultation.
Dr. David Cangello - Cangello Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Cangello in New York City is an expert in fat grafting to the face. He was mentored by one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman, and continues to perform fat transfer using the techniques he learned.
Facial fat grafting at Cangello Plastic Surgery is an innovative procedure that uses the patient's own fat to restore fullness to areas that have lost volume, such as under - eye hollows, sunken temples and cheeks, and to fill in surface irregularities caused by scarring. It can also be used for lip enhancement, facial sculpting, and improving surface depressions.
Ideal candidates are men and women who have noticed a hollow or shallow appearance in certain facial areas, desire augmentation of features like the lips, cheekbones, chin or jaw, and have enough fat on potential donor areas. Patients should have realistic expectations and understand that the procedure may need to be repeated to achieve ideal results.
The fat transfer to face procedure has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. After the procedure, recovery usually involves looking puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks, with mild discomfort in the first week that can be managed with pain medication. The majority of swelling should disappear within a month, and bruising will subside in about 10 - 14 days. The transferred fat cells that survive will generally stay in the treatment area indefinitely, but significant weight fluctuations may affect the results.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital or Surgeon
Surgeon's Experience and Expertise
The experience and expertise of the surgeon are crucial factors. Look for surgeons who have performed a large number of autologous fat filling procedures and have a proven track record of achieving natural - looking and long - lasting results. Surgeons who are board - certified in plastic surgery, especially those with additional certifications in facial plastic surgery, are more likely to have the necessary skills and knowledge.
Hospital or Clinic Facilities
The facilities where the procedure will be performed should be well - equipped and meet high - quality standards. Accredited facilities ensure that the surgical environment is safe and that proper equipment is available for the procedure and for patient monitoring during and after the surgery. Some surgeons offer the option of performing the procedure in their own certified office facilities, while others may use affiliated hospitals or surgicenters.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other patients who have undergone autologous fat filling with a particular surgeon or at a specific hospital. Look for reviews that mention the results, the surgeon's bedside manner, the quality of pre - and post - operative care, and the overall satisfaction of the patients.
Cost and Payment Options
The cost of autologous fat filling of the whole face can vary depending on the surgeon, the complexity of the procedure, and the areas being treated. It is important to have a clear understanding of the total cost, including any additional fees such as facility and anesthesia fees. Some practices offer payment methods and low - interest medical financing to make the procedure more affordable.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Consultation
During the consultation, the surgeon will conduct a thorough assessment of your facial structure, skin quality, and discuss your aesthetic goals. They will also evaluate potential donor sites for fat extraction. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the procedure, the expected results, the recovery process, and any associated risks.
Procedure
The autologous fat filling procedure typically involves local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's preference and the surgeon's recommendation. The fat is harvested from the donor site using liposuction, purified, and then injected into the target areas of the face. The surgeon will use precise techniques to ensure symmetry and natural - looking results.
Recovery
After the procedure, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and soreness at the liposuction and injection sites. The recovery period varies from person to person, but generally, patients should plan to take a few days to a couple of weeks off from work and strenuous activities. It is important to follow the surgeon's post - operative instructions, which may include taking prescribed medications, wearing compression garments, and avoiding certain foods and activities.
The initial results of the procedure may be visible right away, but the final results will become apparent after the swelling has subsided and the transferred fat has settled, which can take several weeks to a few months. Some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body, but with proper care, the results should last for many years.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several hospitals and surgeons who are well - regarded for achieving good results in autologous fat filling of the whole face. From Dr. Michael Koch's meticulous injection techniques to Dr. Mark G. Albert's minimally invasive approach, each offers unique benefits and expertise. When considering this procedure, it is essential to carefully evaluate the factors mentioned above, such as the surgeon's experience, the facilities, patient reviews, and cost. By doing so, you can make an informed decision and increase your chances of achieving the natural and youthful appearance you desire.
If you are interested in autologous fat filling of the whole face, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended surgeons in this article. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and understand the process fully. Remember, this is a significant decision for your appearance and well - being, so approach it with care and confidence.
