1. What is Autologous Fat Filling?
Autologous fat filling, also known as fat grafting or fat transfer, is a popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedure. It involves removing fat from areas of the body where it is either unnecessary or unwanted, such as the tummy, flanks, inner or outer thigh, or arms, through liposuction. Then, the harvested fat is purified and re - implanted into other areas of the body that may be lacking in volume, like the face, hands, breasts, or buttocks.
This procedure provides a natural form of cosmetic enhancement. It not only allows patients to remove excess fat from one part of their body but also uses that same fat to enhance the shape or size of another area. It is a combination of fat reduction and body enhancement in one procedure, and it can help to shape and contour the body.
2. Top Experts for Autologous Fat Filling in New York City
2.1 Dr. Leonard Grossman
Dr. Leonard Grossman is a world - renowned plastic surgeon in New York. With over 25 + years of trusted experience, he has completed over 12,000 successful fat grafting plastic surgery operations. Since 1993, he has been performing fat grafting procedures and is the pioneer of ‘organic plastic surgery’.
His fat grafting procedure uses autologous fat and fat - derived stem cells to increase fullness and volume in areas such as the breasts, buttocks, calves, face, cheeks, and neck. He also focuses on natural - looking results and uses innovative techniques like stem cell integration. His approach ensures minimal scarring, a low risk of complications, and a quick recovery time. Patients can usually resume work and normal activities almost immediately. For example, he invented a procedure in 1995 for the enhancement and correction of calf contours or deformity, including the correction of 'bowed legs'.
2.2 Dr. David Cangello
Dr. David Cangello is a world - class, board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC. He is trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as general surgery. He is one of only two surgeons in the world trained by Dr. Sydney Coleman, a pioneer of the fat grafting technique, and he co - authored a chapter in Dr. Coleman’s book.
Dr. Cangello approaches plastic surgery from an artistic point of view, creating results that showcase the delicate balance between aesthetic beauty and medical precision. He is committed to excellence and produces cosmetic transformations that look natural. His plastic surgery practice offers a comprehensive range of services, including fat transfer and fat grafting procedures for the body and face. For example, he can perform Brazilian butt lift and facial fat transfer procedures with high precision.
2.3 Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman
At Zuckerman Plastic Surgery on the upper east side of New York City, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers expert facial fat grafting injections. His facial fat grafting procedure provides natural - looking rejuvenation and long - lasting results.
During the procedure, fat is harvested from the patient's own body, typically from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or hips, and injected into areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging, weight loss, or other factors. The benefits of his facial fat grafting include natural results, improved skin quality, long - lasting effects, and a dual benefit of reducing unwanted fat in donor areas while enhancing facial contours.
2.4 Dr. Mark H. Schwartz
New York City board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark H. Schwartz performs fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer or liposculpture. This procedure is effective in treating sunken cheeks, facial lines, acne scars, and other areas of lost volume that have developed as a result of aging, sun damage, and other conditions.
Unlike fillers and other volume - enhancing treatments, fat grafts are taken from the patient’s own body, so there is no risk of allergic reaction. The fat is naturally accepted by the body, and the results last longer than synthetic materials, resulting in fewer repeat treatments.
2.5 Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg
Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg has many years of experience and training in fat transfer surgery. His fat transfer procedures can fill an area of the body with volume that looks and feels natural, providing significant body contouring for an enhanced figure.
The preferred method for performing buttock augmentation at his practice is fat transfer, which uses the patient’s own body fat to reshape the butt. It achieves a more natural result, has a lower risk of infection, and also contours the areas around the buttocks to enhance the overall effect. Consultations are offered at his seven convenient locations in Manhattan New York City, Princeton New Jersey, Scarsdale, Woodbury Long Island, Southampton, Smithtown, and Boca Raton, Florida.
3. Advantages of Autologous Fat Filling
3.1 Natural Appearance
Since autologous fat filling uses the patient's own body fat, the results blend seamlessly with the natural features of the body. The transferred fat looks and feels like natural tissue, providing a more realistic and aesthetically pleasing outcome compared to some synthetic fillers or implants. For example, in facial fat transfer, it can restore the volume of the face, making it look more youthful and natural, without the tell - tale signs of surgery.
3.2 Reduced Risk of Rejection
As the fat is sourced from the patient's own body, there is a significantly reduced risk of rejection or allergic reactions. The body recognizes the transferred fat as its own, which minimizes the chances of complications related to foreign body reactions. This is a major advantage over using synthetic materials in cosmetic procedures.
3.3 Dual Benefits
The procedure offers dual benefits of fat reduction in one area and volume enhancement in another. For instance, when performing a Brazilian butt lift with autologous fat transfer, fat is removed from areas like the abdomen or thighs, which helps in contouring these areas, while simultaneously adding volume to the buttocks. This way, patients can achieve a more balanced and attractive body shape.
3.4 Long - Lasting Results
Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply and integrate with the surrounding tissue, the results can be long - lasting. Unlike some temporary fillers that may need to be repeated frequently, the fat grafts can remain in place for a significant period. However, it should be noted that some fat may be reabsorbed in the initial stages, but the remaining fat can provide permanent enhancement.
4. Common Procedures of Autologous Fat Filling
4.1 Fat Transfer to Breasts
Fat transfer to the breasts offers a more natural alternative to breast enlargement with breast implants. It uses the patient's own fat to improve breast size and shape in a more subtle way. The procedure involves removing fat from other parts of the body, purifying it, and then injecting it into the breasts. The advantage of this method is that it reduces the risk of complications associated with implants, such as capsular contracture, and provides a more natural feel.
4.2 Facial Fat Transfer
The aging process often leads to loss of volume in the face, giving a deflated and aged appearance. Facial fat transfer is an alternative and more permanent solution to restore facial volume compared to facial filler injections. It can treat sunken and deflated areas of the face, lips, and cheeks, as well as facial creases such as laugh or smile lines, crow’s - feet, lines around the lip and mouth area, and acne scars. Surgeons can even use grafted fat to minimize lines between the nose and mouth, correct skin depressions or indentations, and minimize forehead wrinkles.
4.3 Brazilian Butt Lift
The Brazilian butt lift has become increasingly popular. It essentially lifts and adds volume to the buttocks, which exercise alone may not be able to achieve. Fat is taken from any area on the patient's body that they wish to remove fat from and is then transferred to the buttocks. This provides the opportunity to enjoy the results of butt implant plastic surgery with an improved contour and shape using the patient's own body fat.
4.4 Hand Rejuvenation
As we age, the hands can lose volume, and veins and tendons may become more prominent. Autologous fat filling can be used to restore volume to the hands, making them look more youthful. The fat is injected into the backs of the hands, smoothing out the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and skeletal structures.
5. Considerations Before Autologous Fat Filling
5.1 Candidate Selection
Ideal candidates for autologous fat filling are those who are at a healthy weight with a reasonable amount of body fat that can be used as the donor site. They should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the results. For example, patients should understand that some fat may be reabsorbed in the initial stages, and it may take a few months to see the final results. Non - smokers are generally better candidates, as smoking can negatively impact blood flow and the survival of the grafted fat cells.
5.2 Pre - operative Preparation
Patients may need to follow certain pre - operative instructions. They may be advised to avoid nonsteroidal anti - inflammatory medications (such as Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, aspirin, Aleve, etc.) for approximately ten days prior to the procedure to minimize the potential for bruising. Some surgeons may also recommend a healthy diet and lifestyle changes to optimize the body's condition for the surgery.
5.3 Understanding the Procedure and Risks
It is crucial for patients to have a thorough understanding of the autologous fat filling procedure. They should be aware of the potential risks, although the procedure is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. Some possible risks include infection, bleeding, under or overcorrection, and fat necrosis (the death of fat cells). Patients should discuss these risks with their surgeon during the consultation.
6. Recovery and Aftercare
6.1 Immediate Post - operative Period
After the autologous fat filling procedure, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and numbness in the donor and injection sites. Oral pain medications can be used to manage any discomfort. In some cases, patients may not need to stay overnight at the hospital and can go home the same day. However, they may need to take some time off work and avoid strenuous activities in the initial days.
6.2 Long - term Recovery
It takes the body six months to one year to see the final results of most autologous fat filling surgeries. During this time, the swelling and bruising will gradually subside, and the shape will continue to improve. Patients are advised to maintain a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect the longevity of the fat grafts. They should also protect their skin from the sun to ensure the best results, especially in cases of facial fat transfer.
6.3 Follow - up Appointments
Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential. The surgeon will monitor the patient's recovery, check the progress of the fat grafts, and address any concerns. These appointments also provide an opportunity for the patient to ask questions and get advice on post - operative care.
7. Plastic Surgery Prices in New York City
The cost of autologous fat filling in New York City can vary significantly depending on several factors. These factors include the areas targeted, the amount of fat transferred, and the complexity of the procedure.
- Areas Targeted: Treating multiple areas or larger areas will generally cost more. For example, a full - body fat transfer or a Brazilian butt lift combined with breast fat transfer will be more expensive than a simple facial fat transfer.
- Amount of Fat Transferred: The more fat that needs to be harvested and transferred, the higher the cost. This is because more time and effort are involved in the liposuction and injection processes.
- Surgeon's Experience and Reputation: Well - known and experienced surgeons with a high success rate may charge more for their services. Their expertise and track record of delivering good results can justify the higher cost.
- Facility Fees: The cost of using a surgical facility, including the operating room, equipment, and staff, also contributes to the overall price. High - end facilities with state - of - the - art equipment may have higher fees.
It is difficult to provide an exact price range, but generally, a simple facial fat transfer may start from a few thousand dollars, while more complex procedures like a Brazilian butt lift or breast fat transfer can cost upwards of $10,000 or more. It is important for patients to have a consultation with a surgeon to get a personalized quote based on their specific needs and goals.
8. Conclusion
Autologous fat filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City. There are several top - rated experts in the field, each with their own unique techniques and areas of expertise. The procedure offers many advantages, including a natural appearance, reduced risk of rejection, dual benefits, and long - lasting results. However, patients need to carefully consider the candidate selection, pre - operative preparation, and potential risks before undergoing the surgery. The cost of the procedure can vary depending on multiple factors.
If you are interested in autologous fat filling, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. This will allow you to discuss your goals, understand the procedure in more detail, and get a personalized treatment plan and price quote. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about autologous fat filling in New York City.
