Introduction
Full - face fat filling has emerged as a popular cosmetic procedure in recent years. It offers a natural - looking solution to restore volume, reduce wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence and innovation, there are several hospitals and clinics known for their high - quality full - face fat filling services. This article will explore some of these establishments, delve into the details of full - face fat filling, and provide insights into choosing the right place for your cosmetic needs.
Understanding Full - Face Fat Filling
What is Full - Face Fat Filling?
Full - face fat filling, also referred to as facial fat grafting or fat injection, involves harvesting fat from one area of the patient's body, typically the abdomen, thighs, or hips, and then injecting it into various parts of the face. The process helps to add volume to areas that have lost it due to aging, weight loss, or other factors, such as sunken cheeks, under - eye hollows, and nasolabial folds. Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, it eliminates the risk of rejection or allergic reaction, making it a natural and relatively safe option for facial rejuvenation.
Benefits of Full - Face Fat Filling
- Natural Results: As the fat is from the patient's own body, the results look and feel natural, seamlessly blending with the existing facial tissues.
- Long - Lasting: Unlike some dermal fillers that provide temporary results, full - face fat filling can offer long - lasting effects. Once the transplanted fat cells establish a blood supply, they can remain in the face for years.
- Multi - Area Treatment: It can address multiple areas of the face simultaneously, providing a comprehensive facial rejuvenation effect.
- Additional Benefits: The fat cells may contain stem cells that can have a rejuvenating effect on the skin, improving its texture and appearance.
Procedure Steps
- Harvesting: Using liposuction techniques, a small amount of fat is removed from the donor site. The donor site is usually chosen based on the patient's body fat distribution and the amount of fat needed. Gentle liposuction is used to minimize damage to the fat cells.
- Processing: The harvested fat is then processed to separate the healthy fat cells from fluids, oils, and damaged cells. This is typically done using a centrifuge.
- Injection: The purified fat cells are carefully injected into the targeted areas of the face using a fine needle or cannula. The surgeon strategically places the fat to achieve the desired volume and contour.
Hospitals and Clinics in New York City for Full - Face Fat Filling
Gotham Plastic Surgery
Gotham Plastic Surgery is well - known in New York City for its comprehensive range of plastic surgery services, including full - face fat filling. Dr. Miller and the team of doctors at Gotham perform fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility.
- Expertise: Their doctors are highly skilled and experienced in fat injection techniques. They have the ability to create custom treatment plans that combine minimally - invasive techniques and advanced technology to help patients achieve the best version of themselves.
- Patient Experience: The procedure is typically completed in under an hour and may be performed with local anesthesia. There is minimal downtime or recovery associated with the fat injection. Some minor swelling or bruising may occur, which typically resolves within 48 hours. Most patients can resume work and other normal activities the same or next day.
- Combination Therapies: The team at Gotham believes that the best results are often achieved with a combination of fat transfer and other minor surgical procedures. They use their unique Natra Face™ approach to address both restorative and transformative changes.
Manhattan Surgical Care
Conveniently located to serve New York City, Manhattan Surgical Care offers facial fat grafting as a way to restore the youthfulness of the face. Dr. Basil Pakeman is the key surgeon performing these procedures.
- Patient - Centered Approach: Dr. Pakeman takes the time to understand each patient's appearance goals and performs a thorough assessment before recommending facial fat grafting. He discusses the details of the procedure, the expected results, and any potential risks.
- Procedure Details: The fat grafting procedure typically lasts between 1 - 3 hours, depending on the extent of treatment needed. Fat is carefully removed from an area of excess, such as the thighs or abdomen, using liposuction and then injected into the parts of the face where volume has decreased. No incisions are needed, and the injections are virtually non - invasive.
- Recovery and Results: Patients may notice initial results shortly after the procedure, but the full outcome will become more noticeable as the swelling subsides over a few weeks. The results can last between 9 months to 2 years, depending on lifestyle, aging, and overall health.
Steven Wallach MD, FACS
Dr. Steven Wallach offers facial fat injections, which are an excellent way for men and women to gain fullness and shape in their face. His practice is conveniently located to serve the areas of New York.
- Customized Treatment: During the consultation, Dr. Wallach assesses the shape and contours of the face to determine which areas will benefit from increased volume. He then selects the appropriate donor site, most commonly the abdomen, thighs, or waist.
- Results: The results from the facial fat injections are visible immediately. The enhancement may appear greater right after the procedure, but it settles as the body absorbs some fat cells. Future procedures may be necessary to add more volume as the patient ages.
- Preparation and Aftercare: 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 detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world's most respected and sought - after plastic surgeons in New York City. He is known for his expertise in facial fat transfer.
- High - Profile Practice: Many new patients come to Dr. Antell through referrals, which is a testament to the satisfaction of his patients. His approach is focused on achieving subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance facial features.
- Procedure Advantages: Facial fat transfer with Dr. Antell has the advantage of being entirely natural, with no risk of rejection. It can also have a longer - lasting effect than dermal fillers. The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation.
- Facility and Care: Most patients prefer to have the procedure in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. His state - of - the - art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited, and his staff provides personalized care throughout the recovery process.
Dr. David Cangello
Dr. David Cangello is a renowned expert in fat grafting to the face in New York City. He had the privilege of being mentored by and sharing a practice with one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman.
- Specialized Training: Dr. Cangello's specialized training and extensive experience allow him to produce superior results for those seeking a fat transfer procedure. He uses the technique described by Dr. Coleman and co - authored a chapter on fat grafting in Dr. Coleman's textbook.
- Custom Treatment Plans: Ideal candidates for fat transfer to the face include men and women who have noticed a hollow or shallow appearance in areas of the face. Dr. Cangello creates completely customized treatment plans based on each patient's goals and cosmetic tastes.
- Procedure and Results: The fat transfer to the face procedure generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. The results can last for many years, and the transferred fat cells that survive in the treatment area will generally stay there indefinitely.
Allure Plastic Surgery
Allure Plastic Surgery in New York offers facial fat injections as a way to rejuvenate the face without plastic surgery. Their focus is on providing natural - looking results.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Facial fat injections at Allure can reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, soften nasolabial folds, and restore volume to the cheeks or lips. They are also effective for patients who have experienced lipoatrophy.
- Procedure Process: The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. It involves fat removal from a donor site, isolation of fat cells, and re - injection of the healthy fat cells into the targeted sites on the face.
- Recovery and Follow - up: Recovery time is usually one to two days, with minimal bruising or swelling. Patients are given post - operative instructions, including wearing surgical tape, sleeping on the back with the head elevated, and avoiding strenuous activities for a week.
Dr. Neal Goldberg
Dr. Neal Goldberg performs autologous fat injections to help patients achieve their cosmetic goals. His practice focuses on providing customized treatments.
- Personalized Approach: During the initial consultation, Dr. Goldberg listens to the patient's cosmetic goals, examines the areas of concern, and determines if fat injections alone or in combination with other procedures can optimize the outcome.
- Procedure and Results: He uses a micro - droplet technique to administer small quantities of fat to create a natural - looking infusion of volume. Fat grafting to the face usually costs around $5,500, and the results are designed to be long - lasting, although some volume loss may occur initially.
- Patient Education: Dr. Goldberg provides answers to commonly asked questions about facial fat injections, helping patients make informed decisions about their treatment.
LM Medical NYC
At LM Medical NYC, double - board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lesley Rabach performs facial fat grafting. Her approach focuses on the natural rejuvenation of the face.
- Benefits of Fat Grafting: Facial fat grafting at LM Medical NYC offers several benefits, including being safe and natural, long - lasting, and having the potential to include stem cells that can rejuvenate the face. It can restore youthful softness and contours to the face.
- Consultation Process: Patients interested in fat transfers can schedule a private consultation to learn more about the procedure and determine if it is right for them.
Choosing the Right Hospital or Clinic
Surgeon's Expertise
The skill and experience of the surgeon are crucial factors when choosing a place for full - face fat filling. Look for surgeons who are board - certified, have extensive experience in performing facial fat grafting procedures, and have a good reputation in the field. Check their before - and - after photos and patient testimonials to get an idea of their work quality.
Facility Accreditation
Ensure that the hospital or clinic where the procedure will be performed is accredited. Accreditation indicates that the facility meets certain standards of safety and quality. JCAHO accreditation, for example, is a well - recognized mark of excellence in the healthcare industry.
Patient - Centered Care
A good hospital or clinic should offer patient - centered care. This includes a thorough consultation process where the surgeon takes the time to understand your goals, assess your suitability for the procedure, and answer all your questions. The staff should also provide support throughout the treatment and recovery process.
Cost and Financing Options
Full - face fat filling is a cosmetic procedure, and the cost can vary depending on the extent of the treatment, the surgeon's fee, and the location of the facility. It's important to get a detailed quote and understand what is included in the cost. Some clinics may offer financing options to help make the procedure more affordable.
Potential Risks and Complications
While full - face fat filling is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of:
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common side effects after the procedure. They usually subside within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the individual.
- Asymmetry: In some cases, the injected fat may not distribute evenly, resulting in asymmetry in the face. This can often be corrected with additional treatments.
- Fat Absorption: Not all of the transferred fat cells will survive. Some may be reabsorbed by the body, which can lead to a reduction in the volume of the injected area. This is why surgeons may slightly overfill the area during the initial procedure.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the donor or recipient site. Patients are usually prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection and are advised to follow proper aftercare instructions.
- Lump Formation: Lumps may form under the skin where the fat has been injected. These can usually be treated with massage or other corrective procedures.
Recovery and Aftercare
Proper recovery and aftercare are essential for achieving the best results from full - face fat filling:
- Rest and Relaxation: Rest is crucial in the first few days after the procedure. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of sleep to allow the body to heal.
- Follow Post - operative Instructions: This may include keeping the treated area clean, avoiding touching or massaging the face, and wearing any recommended compression garments.
- Managing Swelling and Bruising: Applying ice packs to the face can help reduce swelling. Pain medications may also be prescribed to manage any discomfort.
- Diet and Hydration: Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals and staying hydrated can support the healing process.
- Follow - up Appointments: It's important to attend all scheduled follow - up appointments with the surgeon. These appointments allow the surgeon to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and make any necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality full - face fat filling services. Each establishment has its own unique features, including experienced surgeons, state - of - the - art facilities, and patient - centered care. When considering full - face fat filling, it's important to do your research, choose a reputable provider, and have realistic expectations about the results. By understanding the procedure, its benefits, potential risks, and recovery process, you can make an informed decision and achieve the facial rejuvenation you desire.
If you're interested in full - face fat filling, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the trusted providers mentioned in this article. Take the first step towards a more youthful and confident you!