Introduction
Facial fat filling has gained immense popularity in recent years as a natural and effective way to rejuvenate the face. In New York City, a hub of cosmetic procedures, there are several hospitals and clinics that are highly regarded by netizens for their expertise in facial fat transfer. This article will explore these establishments, their procedures, and the benefits they offer.
Understanding Facial Fat Filling
Facial fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, and injecting it into specific areas of the face. This helps to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Benefits of Facial Fat Filling
- Natural Results: Since the fat is taken from the patient's own body, the results look and feel more natural compared to synthetic fillers.
- Long - Lasting: Once the fat cells have settled and established a blood supply, the results can be long - lasting.
- Dual Benefit: It not only adds volume to the face but also reduces unwanted fat from the donor site.
- Low Risk of Allergic Reaction: As the fat is autologous (from the patient's own body), there is a minimal risk of allergic reaction.
Top Hospitals and Clinics Selected by Netizens in New York City
1. Dr. Kolker's Clinic
Dr. Adam Kolker is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He offers facial fat transfer procedures with a unique approach. During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker thoroughly discusses the patient's desires and expectations, conducts a detailed examination of the skin and soft tissue relationships, and carefully plans the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques.
Procedure
The fat cells are removed using a very small cannula from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. They are then carefully prepared as fat grafts and transferred to the problem areas of the face using a small needle. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia if done as an isolated procedure, or under light sedation or general anesthesia when combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures.
Recovery
Patients usually go home on the same day with a friend or family member. If the fat grafts are an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, patients may take two or three days off work, but many can return the next day. Swelling is common and often resolves after two weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks for the final results to be evident. Light aerobic activity can be resumed as early as four to five days, and more strenuous activity at two to three weeks.
Patient Testimonials
Patients praise Dr. Kolker for his precision, gentle touch, and ability to produce natural - looking results. Many have reported receiving compliments on their appearance and feeling more confident after the procedure.
2. Dr. Cangello's Clinic
Dr. David Cangello 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 use the techniques he learned.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates include men and women who have noticed a hollow or shallow appearance in areas of the face, such as under - eye hollows, sunken temples and cheeks, or those who desire augmentation of features like the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. Patients should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas like the hips, flanks, and thighs.
Procedure Steps
- Harvest: Dr. Cangello identifies the donor site(s) on the body, injects an anesthetic, makes a small incision, and suctions out the appropriate amount of fat using a specialized cannula.
- Process: The removed fat is processed using a centrifuge to separate it from fluids and oils, ensuring only healthy, viable fat cells are used for injection.
- Transfer: The processed fat is transferred to the recipient area through a tiny incision using a cannula, gradually adding small amounts of fat until the desired fullness is achieved.
Recovery and FAQs
Recovery usually involves looking puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks. Mild discomfort may be experienced during the first week, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. The majority of swelling disappears within a month, and bruising subsides in about 10 - 14 days. Approximately 50 - 60 percent of transferred fat cells will survive, and it's common for the procedure to be repeated to achieve ideal volume. The procedure can be performed in Dr. Cangello's state - of - the - art, fully accredited operating room in his NYC office or at affiliated hospitals like Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital.
3. Greenwald Plastic Surgery
Dr. Greenwald is a leading plastic surgeon in Westchester County, with a reputation for achieving natural results in facial procedures. He specializes in an extensive array of advanced facial beautification procedures, including fat injections.
Fat Transfer Procedure
Dr. Greenwald begins by extracting fat cells from an appropriate area of the body, such as the buttocks and/or thighs. He then prepares the fat cells using a special method before injecting them into the face. Since only a small needle is inserted in the facial tissue, patients require no bandages or special care after the procedure.
Benefits and Considerations
The fat transfer technique uses the patient's own tissue, eliminating the risk of an allergic reaction or rejection. However, the body absorbs some of the injected fat cells, so Dr. Greenwald recommends that patients undergo several fat transfer procedures. Many patients also schedule periodic fat injections to maintain the rejuvenation effect.
4. Steven Wallach MD, FACS
Dr. Steven Wallach offers facial fat injections as an excellent option for men looking to gain fullness and shape in their face. The procedure is non - allergenic as it uses the patient's own fat to enhance facial contours.
Preparation
Patients are advised to avoid smoking for a few weeks before and after the procedure and to avoid blood thinners for 1 - 2 weeks prior. Dr. Wallach provides explicit instructions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
Procedure
During the consultation, Dr. Wallach assesses the shape and contours of the face to determine the areas that will benefit from increased volume, most commonly the cheeks. He then identifies the donor site, typically the abdomen, thighs, or waist. After the procedure, there is some downtime, but the risks of complications are minimal.
Results
The results are visible immediately, though the enhancement may appear greater right after the procedure and will settle over time. The amount of fat transferred is slightly greater than required because some fat cells are absorbed. Future procedures may be necessary as the patient ages.
5. New Face NY
Dr. Westreich at New Face NY is recognized for using advanced techniques in facial fat transfer. He aims to increase the chances of the transferred fat cells surviving, leading to long - lasting results.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates are in good overall health, non - smokers, have adequate excess fat in other body regions for harvesting, are experiencing facial volume loss due to aging or weight loss, and have sufficient skin elasticity.
Procedure Process
The process involves three main steps: harvesting fat from areas with excess fat like the thighs, gluteal region, or abdomen; purifying the removed fat; and strategically injecting the purified fat into specific areas of the face. Fat can be processed into different - sized pieces (regular, micro, and nano fat) for a tailored approach.
Benefits
The main benefits include a natural look, long - lasting results, safety, a dual benefit of slimming the donor site, and versatility in addressing various facial issues such as sunken cheeks, thin lips, and facial creases.
6. NYC Lipo (Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine)
This clinic offers a combination of facial fat transfer and facelift procedures. Facial fat transfer can accentuate facelift results by providing volume to wrinkles and creases around the face.
Procedure Details
Facial fat transfer uses liposuction to collect fat from the donor site (common areas are the abdomen, flanks, or thighs) and then injects it into the target areas of the face. The facelift surgery repositions, tightens, or elevates facial tissues and removes or repositions excess skin. The procedure is performed in an AAAASF - accredited NYC surgical suite under local, general, or twilight anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Recovery and Results
Patients may experience mild bruising and swelling around the donor and treatment sites, which should subside within a few weeks. They can usually return to work within one to two weeks, but additional recovery time may be needed for physical activity. The results are long - lasting and natural - looking, with the facelift enhancing facial contours and the fat transfer adding volume.
7. Dr. Mansher Singh's Clinic
Dr. Mansher Singh offers facial fat grafting with a focus on precision and care. His approach addresses various aging concerns and aesthetic goals.
Procedure
The process starts with an in - depth consultation where Dr. Singh evaluates the facial structure and discusses the patient's goals. Fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs using liposuction, purified, and then carefully injected into targeted areas of the face such as the cheeks, under - eye regions, lips, and nasolabial folds. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, but intravenous sedation is also available.
Recovery
Recovery is generally smooth. Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising in the initial days, which gradually subsides. Most can return to work and light activities within a week, and the final results become more apparent in a few months.
8. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery offers expert facial fat grafting injections on the upper east side of New York City.
Benefits and Ideal Candidates
The benefits include natural results, improved skin quality, long - lasting effects, and a dual benefit of reducing unwanted fat in the donor area. Ideal candidates seek a natural method for facial enhancement, have areas of facial volume loss, possess sufficient fat deposits, and are in good health with realistic expectations.
Procedure and Recovery
During the consultation, Dr. Zuckerman assesses the facial structure and donor sites. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, often with sedation. Fat is harvested using gentle liposuction, purified, and injected into the target areas. Recovery is relatively quick, with most patients experiencing mild swelling and bruising that resolves within a week or two, and they can return to normal activities shortly after with some minor restrictions.
Comparing the Options
When choosing a hospital or clinic for facial fat filling in New York City, patients should consider several factors:
Surgeon's Expertise
Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in facial fat transfer procedures. Their training, reputation, and patient testimonials can provide insights into their skills.
Procedure Approach
Different surgeons may have different approaches to the procedure, such as the way they harvest, process, and inject the fat. Some may use more advanced techniques that increase the survival rate of the fat cells.
Recovery and Aftercare
Consider the expected recovery time, the level of support provided during the recovery process, and the aftercare instructions. A surgeon who offers personalized aftercare can contribute to a smoother and more successful recovery.
Cost
The cost of facial fat filling can vary depending on the surgeon, the extent of the procedure, and the location. It's important to get a detailed quote and understand what is included in the cost.
Clinic | Surgeon | Procedure Highlights | Recovery | Patient Testimonials |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Kolker's Clinic | Dr. Adam Kolker | Personalized planning, can be done under local or general anesthesia | Same - day discharge, 2 - 3 days off work for isolated cases, swelling resolves in 2 weeks - 12 weeks | Precision, natural results |
Dr. Cangello's Clinic | Dr. David Cangello | Trained by pioneer, uses Coleman's techniques, three - step process | Puffy and bruised for 1 - 2 weeks, swelling gone in a month, bruising in 10 - 14 days | Natural and long - lasting results |
Greenwald Plastic Surgery | Dr. Greenwald | Uses patient's own tissue, no special post - procedure care | Minimal downtime, may need multiple procedures | Natural results, satisfied patients |
Steven Wallach MD, FACS | Dr. Steven Wallach | Good for men, non - allergenic | Visible results immediately, some downtime | Enhanced facial contours |
New Face NY | Dr. Westreich | Advanced techniques, increased fat cell survival | Follow post - procedure instructions, results evolve over weeks | Natural and long - lasting results |
NYC Lipo | Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine | Combined facial fat transfer and facelift | Bruising and swelling in weeks, return to work in 1 - 2 weeks | Long - lasting and natural results |
Dr. Mansher Singh's Clinic | Dr. Mansher Singh | Precision and care, personalized recovery support | Mild swelling and bruising, final results in months | Natural and harmonious outcomes |
Zuckerman Plastic Surgery | Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman | Expert injections, natural results | Quick recovery, mild swelling and bruising | Enhanced appearance and confidence |
Conclusion
New York City offers a wide range of options for facial fat filling procedures, each with its own unique advantages. Whether you are looking for a surgeon with a particular approach, advanced techniques, or personalized aftercare, there is likely a clinic that meets your needs. It's important to do thorough research, consult with multiple surgeons, and make an informed decision based on your individual goals and preferences.
If you are considering facial fat filling, we encourage you to take the next step. Schedule a consultation with one of the top hospitals or clinics mentioned in this article. Discuss your expectations, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the procedure and what it can do for you. Share this article with friends or family who may also be interested in learning more about facial fat filling in New York City.