Introduction
Autologous fat filling, also known as fat transfer or fat grafting, has become a popular plastic surgery procedure in New York City. This method involves using a patient's own fat to enhance different parts of the body, such as the face, breasts, and buttocks. It offers several advantages, including a lower risk of rejection or allergic reaction since the fat is from the patient's body. In this guide, we will explore the top plastic surgery hospitals for autologous fat filling in New York City, the procedure itself, its benefits, and other important aspects.
What is Autologous Fat Filling?
Autologous fat filling is a procedure where fat is removed from one area of the body (the donor site) and then transferred to another area (the recipient site) that needs volume enhancement. This process is also referred to as fat injection, fat grafting, or fat transplant. The procedure has gained popularity because it provides a natural - looking result and uses the patient's own tissue.
How it Works
- Fat Harvesting: Fat is usually harvested from areas with excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or buttocks. A small cannula is inserted under the skin, and the fat is gently suctioned out using liposuction techniques. This step is typically performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
- Fat Processing: The harvested fat is then processed to remove any unwanted materials, such as blood, oil, and debris. This can involve techniques like centrifugation or filtration to obtain pure fat cells.
- Fat Injection: Once the fat is processed, it is injected into the targeted area using a small needle. The surgeon carefully distributes the fat to achieve a smooth and natural - looking result. The amount of fat injected depends on the patient's desired outcome and the area being treated.
Benefits of Autologous Fat Filling
- Natural Results: Since the fat used is from the patient's own body, the results look and feel more natural compared to synthetic fillers.
- Lower Risk of Rejection: As it is the patient's own tissue, there is a significantly lower risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
- Long - Lasting Effects: In many cases, the transferred fat can survive and provide long - lasting volume enhancement. Although some of the fat may be reabsorbed over time, a significant portion can remain in the recipient site.
- Simultaneous Body Contouring: The fat harvesting process can also act as a form of body contouring. For example, removing fat from the abdomen can help achieve a slimmer waistline while adding volume to another area.
Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Autologous Fat Filling in New York City
Gotham Plastic Surgery
Gotham Plastic Surgery offers fat injection procedures. Dr. Miller and the team of doctors perform these procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. The procedure usually takes less than an hour and can be done with local anesthesia. They harvest fat from areas of excess on the body, like the outside of the leg or the stomach, using a small cannula and gentle liposuction techniques. After preparation, the fat is re - injected into areas of the face. There is minimal downtime, and most patients can resume normal activities the same or next day. Some minor swelling or bruising may occur but typically resolves within 48 hours.
In addition to facial fat filling, Gotham Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures for the face, eyes, nose, breasts, body, and skin. Their unique Natura Face™ approach addresses both restorative and transformative changes.
Dr. Mark H. Schwartz
Dr. Mark H. Schwartz, a New York City board - certified plastic surgeon, performs fat grafting. This procedure involves restoring lost volume with the patient's own fat, taken from the abdomen, thighs, or other areas. It is effective in treating sunken cheeks, facial lines, acne scars, and other areas of lost volume due to aging, sun damage, and other conditions. Unlike fillers and other volume - enhancing treatments, fat grafts are from the patient's own body, so there is no risk of allergic reaction. The fat is naturally accepted by the body and lasts longer than synthetic materials, resulting in fewer repeat treatments.
During the procedure, fat is taken from the donor area using a small cannula and suctioned out under local anesthesia. The harvested fat is then purified, and only the fat cells are grafted. It is injected into the targeted area through a small instrument until the desired appearance is achieved. The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis in Dr. Schwartz's office, and the treatment time varies depending on the number of areas being treated.
Luxurgery
At Luxurgery, Dr. Sachin Shridharani offers fat transfer procedures. An autologous fat transfer at Luxurgery involves removing fat from one area of the patient's body through liposuction and re - injecting it into an area where contouring is desired. Popular injection sites include the buttocks, breast, lips, cheekbones, and around the mouth. Common areas to liposuction for fat harvesting are the abdomen, waist, pubis, upper back, hips, thighs, arms, knees, calves, and ankles.
Patients can 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). Ideal candidates for a fat transfer at Luxurgery are those at a healthy weight with a reasonable amount of body fat, in overall good health, and with realistic expectations about the results. The results of a fat transfer are long - lasting, with the transferred fat cells settling into the skin permanently, although some patients may choose follow - up treatments as they age.
Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker specializes in facial fat transfer in New York City. As we age, we lose volume in the face, and fat transfer can restore youth and beauty by replenishing lost volume. Dr. Kolker will conduct a thorough examination of the patient's skin and soft tissue relationships during the initial consultation. He will carefully plan the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques, as well as the combination of cosmetic surgery and fat graft techniques, to achieve the most natural and desired result.
Facial fat transfer at Dr. Kolker's practice can be used to rejuvenate the face by filling folds and wrinkles, restoring volume to the lips, highlighting cheek areas, and filling areas anywhere on the body. The fat cells are gently removed from the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, prepared as fat grafts, and transferred to problem areas. The procedure is performed in his office - based surgical suite, accredited by the AAAASF. Depending on the needs, the fat graft procedure takes between 30 minutes (for very mild corrections) and 3 hours (for more substantial volume restorations). When performed as an isolated procedure, it can be done under local anesthesia.
Dr. Gerald Imber
Dr. Gerald Imber is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon who performs fat transfer procedures. Autologous fat transfer is used to fill in lines and folds, build up cheekbones and chin, and eliminate facial depressions. Dr. Imber believes fat transfer is the best of all available fillers as it uses the patient's own body fat, which is a natural filler with a very low chance of allergic reaction or rejection.
The required fat for the transfer is harvested from areas like the abdomen, hips, inner thighs, and buttocks. After harvesting, the fat cells are processed in a centrifuge to separate them from other components. The purified fat is then prepared for injection. Fat transfer candidates at Dr. Imber's practice are those noticing facial wrinkles and folds. The procedure has minimal downtime, and most patients can resume their daily routine with some restrictions within 24 hours. The results of the fat transfer can be 50 - 75% permanent depending on the location.
Natural Look Institute
The Natural Look Institute, under the care of Dr. Yoel Shahar, offers fat injection procedures. Some patients may find fat injection more effective than a mini - face lift, and it is often performed together with a facelift. Dr. Shahar has been performing fat injection procedures for 15 years and has the experience and expertise to obtain optimal results.
Fat injection at the Natural Look Institute involves harvesting fat from the abdomen or flanks using a small tube (cannula) and injecting it into the face. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and patients can return to work the next day. As a filler, the fat injection can last for years in certain areas of the face and body, correcting disproportion of facial features and bringing balance and harmony to the face.
Dr. Steven Wallach
Dr. Steven Wallach offers fat transfer procedures for the face, breasts, buttocks, and hands. He provides customized treatment plans to address each patient's unique needs and goals. Fat transfer at Dr. Wallach's practice can be used for scar revision, enhancement, and rejuvenation.
Before the procedure, Dr. Wallach evaluates the patient's medical history, skin quality, and overall health during the initial consultation. He will determine if the patient is a good candidate and create a personalized treatment plan. The fat is usually harvested from areas like the belly, butt, and back of the thigh. After processing, the purified fat is carefully injected into the desired area. Recovery after fat transfer varies depending on the area treated, and patients are expected to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks.
Considerations Before Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital
Surgeon's Experience and Expertise
One of the most important factors to consider is the surgeon's experience in performing autologous fat filling procedures. Look for surgeons who have a proven track record and have performed a significant number of these procedures. Experienced surgeons are more likely to achieve better results and handle any potential complications.
Hospital's Accreditation
Ensure that the plastic surgery hospital is accredited by recognized organizations. Accreditation indicates that the hospital meets certain standards of safety and quality. For example, hospitals accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) are more likely to provide a safe surgical environment.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the hospital's reputation and the experiences of previous patients. Positive reviews can give you confidence in the hospital's services, while negative reviews can alert you to potential issues.
Cost
The cost of autologous fat filling can vary depending on the hospital, the surgeon, the extent of the procedure, and the areas being treated. It is important to get a detailed cost estimate from the hospital and understand what is included in the price. However, do not make cost the only deciding factor, as quality and safety are crucial.
Range of Services
Consider a hospital that offers a wide range of plastic surgery services. This can be beneficial if you may require additional procedures in the future or if you want to combine autologous fat filling with other treatments for better results.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - Procedure
After the autologous fat filling procedure, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage the discomfort. In most cases, patients can go home the same day, but they will need someone to accompany them.
Recovery Time
The recovery time varies depending on the area treated and the extent of the procedure. For facial fat filling, minor swelling and bruising may resolve within a few days to a week, and patients can usually return to work within a few days. For body fat filling, such as breast or buttock augmentation, the recovery may take longer, and patients may need to avoid strenuous activities for two to three weeks.
Aftercare Instructions
Patients will receive detailed aftercare instructions from their surgeon. These may include:
- Avoiding sun exposure to the treated area to prevent discoloration and damage to the skin.
- Wearing compression garments as recommended by the surgeon to help reduce swelling and support the treated area.
- Following a healthy diet and lifestyle to promote healing and the survival of the transferred fat cells.
- Taking any prescribed medications as directed, such as antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Attending follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
Potential Risks and Complications
Although autologous fat filling is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications:
- Fat Reabsorption: Some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time. This can result in a decrease in the volume of the treated area, and in some cases, additional treatments may be required to maintain the desired results.
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the donor or recipient site. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. If an infection occurs, it will need to be treated with antibiotics.
- Bleeding and Hematoma: Minor bleeding may occur during or after the procedure, which can lead to the formation of a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin). In most cases, hematomas will resolve on their own, but in some situations, surgical intervention may be required.
- Asymmetry: Achieving perfect symmetry can be challenging, and there is a risk of uneven results. This may be due to differences in fat survival or the way the fat is injected. Revision surgery may be necessary to correct any significant asymmetry.
- Calcification: In rare cases, calcification (the formation of hard deposits) may occur in the treated area. This can be detected on imaging studies and may require further evaluation and treatment.
Conclusion
Autologous fat filling is a popular and effective plastic surgery procedure in New York City, offering natural - looking results and numerous benefits. When considering a plastic surgery hospital for autologous fat filling, it is important to research and choose a reputable hospital with experienced surgeons, proper accreditation, and positive patient reviews. Understanding the procedure, recovery process, potential risks, and aftercare instructions is also crucial for a successful outcome.
If you are interested in autologous fat filling, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon at one of the recommended hospitals in this guide. By taking the time to make an informed decision, you can achieve the results you desire and enhance your appearance with confidence.
