Introduction of Top 5 Well - Known Plastic Hospitals for Autologous Fat Filling of the Facial Contour in New York City

Autologous fat filling of the facial contour is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help restore volume, reduce wrinkles, and give a more youthful appearance. In New York City, there are several well - known plastic hospitals that offer this service. Here is an in - depth look at the top 5.

1. Dr. Kolker's Practice

Unique Approach

Dr. Kolker takes a comprehensive approach to autologous fat filling. During the initial consultation, he thoroughly discusses the patient's desires and expectations. He conducts a detailed examination of the skin and soft tissue relationships, paying attention to skin tone, texture, elasticity, and the depth of folds and wrinkles. Dr. Kolker carefully plans the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques, as well as combinations of cosmetic surgery and fat graft techniques, to achieve the most natural and desired result. He also takes into account the patient's entire facial rejuvenation needs, often combining fat grafting with other procedures like facelifts, neck lifts, blepharoplasty, brow lifts, and lip lifts.

Procedure

Fat cells are gently removed from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks using a very small cannula. These cells are then carefully prepared as fat grafts and transferred to problem areas of the face through a small needle. The procedure is usually performed in Dr. Kolker's office - based surgical suite, which is accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Depending on the patient's needs, the fat graft procedure can take 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. More often, it is combined with another cosmetic surgery procedure and performed under light sedation or general anesthesia.

Recovery

Patients usually go home on the same day with a friend or family member. If the fat grafts are performed as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, Dr. Kolker suggests taking two or three days off before returning to work, though many patients can return the next day. When combined with other facial or body contouring procedures, the return - to - work time can range from seven to fourteen days. Swelling is common after the procedure and usually 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 after fat grafts, and more strenuous activity can start at two to three weeks.

Cost

The cost of facial fat transfer at Dr. Kolker's practice can vary depending on the extent of the procedure. However, a general range for more comprehensive facial fat transfer combined with other procedures could be upwards of $10,000, but this is highly individualized.

Testimonials

Patients have highly praised Dr. Kolker. They mention his precision and gentle touch, as well as the natural results he produces. One patient said, “My sole stipulation was that I look ‘natural’ and the fact that I had cosmetic surgery should not be obvious. Dr Kolker recommended fat transfer to give me a ‘softer’ and more natural appearance. I accepted his professional opinion and agreed to his recommendations without hesitation... now not only do I receive many compliments on my appearance, I finally look the way I feel.”

2. Dr. Mark H. Schwartz's Practice

Expertise

Dr. Mark H. Schwartz is a New York City board - certified plastic surgeon. He 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 due to aging, sun damage, and other conditions. He has performed scores of fat transplants over the years and has refined the skills needed to produce superb results.

Procedure

During the fat grafting procedure, fat is taken from the donor area, such as the abdomen or thighs, by inserting a small cannula and suctioning out the fat, similar to liposuction. This is done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The harvested fat is then purified so that only the fat cells are grafted. Once the fat is ready, it is injected into the targeted area through a small instrument until the desired appearance is achieved. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in his New York City office, and the treatment time can vary significantly depending on the number of areas being treated.

Recovery

Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising after the fat grafting procedure, which can be minimized with oral pain medications. Fat grafts usually last longer than fillers and are considered safe for most patients since no foreign material is being injected into the body. Similar to any procedure, there are several uncommon risks such as infection, bleeding, and under or over - correction. These risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced doctor like Dr. Schwartz and following the post - surgery instructions. The recovery time is relatively short, and patients can typically resume normal activities within a few days to a week.

Cost

The cost of fat grafting at Dr. Schwartz's practice depends on the number of areas being treated and the extent of the procedure. On average, for facial fat grafting, it could range from $3,000 - $8,000, but this is just an estimate.

Testimonials

Patients appreciate the expertise and professionalism of Dr. Schwartz. His patients have reported good results in terms of volume restoration and the natural - looking appearance of their faces after the fat grafting procedure.

3. Dr. Neal Goldberg's Practice

Customized Treatment

Dr. Neal Goldberg takes a customized approach to autologous fat injections. He listens attentively to the patient's cosmetic goals during the initial consultation and examines the areas of concern. He collaborates with the patient to determine if fat injections alone or in combination with other procedures can optimize the outcome. For example, if a patient has significant skin laxity, he may recommend a facelift in addition to fat injections.

Procedure

To harvest the fatty tissue for facial enhancement, Dr. Goldberg uses liposuction, typically from the flanks and abdomen. Either local or general anesthetic is provided, depending on the extent of liposuction required and the number of treatments performed. After acquiring and preparing the fatty tissue, he uses his micro - droplet technique to administer small quantities of fat underneath the skin to create a natural - looking infusion of volume. His artistic eye and professional experience help him avoid an “overstuffed” appearance and achieve an aesthetically appealing, natural look.

Recovery

After the operation, patients may feel swollen and tender, particularly in the areas from which the fatty tissue was derived. Most patients experience little discomfort in the region where the fat was administered due to the small cannulas and ultrafine needles used. Side effects such as bruising may last for approximately one to two weeks. Fat transfer is designed to provide long - lasting benefits and is generally considered a permanent technique, but there may be some degree of volume loss as the results settle, typically between 30 - 70 percent. Inflammation can continue for up to and beyond six months, after which the final outcome is visible.

Cost

Fat grafting to the face at Dr. Goldberg's practice usually costs around $5,500, depending on the exact details of the surgical plan. This approximation is all - inclusive of the fees normally associated with plastic surgery.

Testimonials

Patients are satisfied with the natural results and the personalized care they receive from Dr. Goldberg. They mention that he takes the time to understand their needs and provides clear information about the procedure and recovery process.

4. Gotham Plastic Surgery

Comprehensive Services

Gotham Plastic Surgery offers a comprehensive range of plastic surgery services, including fat injection for facial contouring. Their doctors, including Dr. Miller, perform fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. The fat injection procedure is often seen as a complement to other aging face treatments, and the best results are often achieved with a combination of fat transfer and a minor surgical procedure.

Procedure

Fat is first harvested from an area of excess on the body, such as the outside of the leg or the stomach, using a very small cannula and gentle liposuction techniques. The harvested fat is then prepared and re - injected into areas of the face. The procedure is typically completed in under an hour and may be performed with local anesthesia.

Recovery

There is minimal downtime or recovery associated with fat injection at Gotham Plastic Surgery. Some minor swelling or bruising may occur, which typically resolves within 48 hours. Most patients experience little discomfort and can often resume work and other normal activities the same or next day. However, there is some controversy regarding the duration of results with fat injection, with some claiming the fat can remain for years while others say it only lasts for a few months.

Cost

The cost of facial fat injection at Gotham Plastic Surgery can vary based on the areas treated and the complexity of the procedure. A rough estimate could be in the range of $2,500 - $6,000.

Testimonials

Patients have commended the expertise of the doctors at Gotham Plastic Surgery and the overall quality of care. They appreciate the minimally - invasive nature of the fat injection procedure and the relatively quick recovery time.

5. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson's Practice

Holistic Approach

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson takes a holistic approach to fat transfer. She understands that as we age, there is a gradual loss of fat in the face, resulting in flattening of facial contours and sagging of the overlying skin. Fat transfer at her practice can be performed either as a standalone procedure or in combination with superficial skin treatments or more extensive plastic surgery to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Procedure

Fat transfer is performed under sterile conditions in the operating room and usually requires local anesthetic and intravenous sedation for maximum patient comfort. The fat is removed from an area of the body where it can be spared, such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, using a technique similar to liposuction. A tiny incision is made at the donor site, and a thin cannula is inserted to suction out the fat, which is then purified. Finally, the fat is precisely injected into areas of deflation and depletion to enhance contour and aesthetic appearance.

Recovery

Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort after the procedure, but the majority of fat cells survive and produce a very long - lasting, natural - looking result. The recovery time is relatively reasonable, and patients can gradually resume normal activities under the guidance of Dr. Hutchinson.

Cost

The cost of facial fat transfer at Dr. Hutchinson's practice can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and any additional treatments. A general estimate for facial fat transfer could be in the range of $4,000 - $9,000.

Testimonials

Patients have had great experiences with Dr. Hutchinson. They praise her expert care, personal follow - up, and the wonderful results they have achieved in terms of facial rejuvenation.

Comparative Table of the Top 5 Plastic Hospitals

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Hospital for Autologous Fat Filling

Surgeon's Experience

The experience of the surgeon is crucial. Look for a surgeon who has a significant amount of experience in autologous fat filling of the facial contour. Experienced surgeons are more likely to understand the intricacies of the procedure, handle any complications that may arise, and achieve natural - looking results. You can check the surgeon's credentials, the number of procedures they have performed, and patient testimonials to gauge their experience.

Hospital's Reputation

The reputation of the plastic hospital matters. A hospital with a good reputation is likely to have high - quality facilities, a professional staff, and a track record of successful procedures. You can research online reviews, ask for recommendations from friends or family who have had similar procedures, and check if the hospital is accredited by relevant organizations.

Treatment Plan Customization

Every patient is different, and a good plastic hospital should offer customized treatment plans. The surgeon should take the time to understand your specific goals, examine your facial features, and develop a plan that is tailored to your needs. A one - size - fits - all approach may not yield the best results.

Cost

Cost is an important factor, but it should not be the only consideration. Make sure to get a clear understanding of all the costs associated with the procedure, including the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, hospital fee, and any post - operative care costs. Compare the costs among different hospitals, but also consider the quality of service and the expected results.

Recovery Support

Good recovery support is essential. The hospital should provide clear instructions on post - operative care, including how to manage swelling, pain, and any other side effects. They should also schedule follow - up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure that the results are as expected.

New Price List Considerations

The prices of autologous fat filling of the facial contour can be influenced by several factors. As of 2025, while the above - mentioned price ranges are a general guide, the following factors can cause prices to vary:

Extent of the Procedure

If more areas of the face need to be treated or if a larger volume of fat needs to be transferred, the cost will be higher. For example, treating just the nasolabial folds will be less expensive than treating multiple areas such as the cheeks, temples, and lips.

Combination with Other Procedures

If the fat filling is combined with other cosmetic procedures like facelifts, eyelid lifts, or brow lifts, the overall cost will increase. However, combining procedures can sometimes result in a more comprehensive and long - lasting facial rejuvenation.