Introduction to the top five hospitals for facial fat filling in New York City!

Introduction

Facial fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. It offers a natural way to restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. In this article, we will introduce you to the top five hospitals for facial fat filling in New York City, providing you with information about their expertise, services, and patient experiences.

What is Facial Fat Filling?

Facial fat filling is a procedure that involves harvesting fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, and injecting it into specific areas of the face to add volume and improve the overall appearance. As we age, our face loses fat, which can lead to a more hollow and aged look. Facial fat filling helps to reverse these effects by replenishing the lost volume and giving the face a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Some of the common areas treated with facial fat filling include sunken cheeks, under - eye hollows, smile or frown lines, and nasolabial folds.

The process typically consists of three main steps:

1. Harvesting: Fat is gently removed from the donor site using a small cannula and liposuction techniques. Special care is taken to ensure that the fat cells remain healthy during the extraction process.
2. Purification: The harvested fat is then processed to remove any fluids, oils, or other impurities, leaving behind only the pure fat cells.
3. Injection: The purified fat is injected into the targeted areas of the face using a fine needle. The surgeon carefully places the fat to achieve a natural and balanced result.

Benefits of Facial Fat Filling

There are several benefits to choosing facial fat filling over other cosmetic procedures:

• Natural Results: Since the fat used is your own, the results look and feel natural, blending seamlessly with your existing facial features. It gives a more subtle and long - lasting enhancement compared to some synthetic fillers.
• Reduced Risk of Rejection: Because the fat is from your own body, there is a lower risk of allergic reactions or rejection compared to using synthetic materials.
• Dual Benefit: In addition to improving the appearance of the face, the fat harvesting process can also result in a slimmer appearance in the donor area, such as the abdomen or thighs.
• Improved Skin Quality: The transferred fat contains stem cells that can help improve the texture and tone of the skin, making it look healthier and more radiant.

Top Five Hospitals for Facial Fat Filling in New York City

1. Dr. Kolker's Practice

Dr. Adam Kolker is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City who offers facial fat transfer procedures. He has a unique approach to each patient, carefully planning the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques to achieve the most natural and desired result.

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 answers all questions regarding the fat grafting process. He takes into account factors such as skin tone, texture, elasticity, depth of folds, wrinkles, and the underlying bone or cartilage support.

The fat grafting procedure at Dr. Kolker's practice is performed in an office - based surgical suite accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The procedure can be done under local anesthesia for mild corrections or under light sedation or general anesthesia when combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures. Depending on the needs of the patient, the fat graft procedure takes between 30 minutes (for very mild corrections) and 3 hours (for more substantial volume restorations).

Recovery time varies. If the fat grafts are performed as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, patients may take two or three days off work, while those having the procedure in conjunction with other facial or body contouring procedures may need seven to fourteen days. Swelling is common after the procedure and usually resolves after two weeks, although it may take up to 12 weeks for the final results to be evident. Dr. Kolker provides continuous support during the recovery process, seeing the patient often through the first weeks and months following the fat grafts.

Many patients have left positive testimonials about their experience with Dr. Kolker. They praise his precision, gentle touch, and ability to produce natural results that make them look refreshed without looking “frozen”. For example, 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. Gotham Plastic Surgery

Gotham Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Miller and other expert physicians, offers fat injection procedures for facial volume enhancement. Fat injection at this clinic is also known as fat grafting or fat transplant and provides an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials.

Candidates for fat injection at Gotham Plastic Surgery are generally healthy, non - smokers, and have realistic expectations for improvement. The best results are often achieved by combining fat transfer with a minor surgical procedure. The doctors perform the fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility.

The procedure is typically completed in under an hour and may be performed with local anesthesia. First, fat is 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.

There is minimal downtime or recovery associated with fat injection at this clinic. Some minor swelling or bruising may occur, which typically resolves within 48 hours. Most patients experience little discomfort and can 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 that the fat can remain for years while others say it only lasts for a few months.

In addition to facial fat injection, Gotham Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, including facelifts, necklifts, blepharoplasties, rhinoplasties, breast surgeries, and body contouring procedures. Their unique Natra Face™ approach addresses both restorative and transformative changes, allowing them to create custom treatment plans for each patient.

3. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world’s most respected and sought - after plastic surgeons, with a reputation for his work in facial fat transfer. He was trained at Stanford and Cornell University and has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by several prestigious magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine.

Dr. Antell’s approach to plastic surgery is that “plastic surgery should whisper, not scream”, meaning his goal is to achieve subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance the facial features. When it comes to facial fat transfer, he uses specialized, gentle techniques to harvest healthy fat cells from an appropriate area of the body, such as the buttocks or thighs. The fat cells are then purified and prepared for injection at a specific depth in the skin tissue to add volume to the desired area.

The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or another form of “twilight” sedation. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient during the surgery to ensure safety. Most patients prefer for the procedure to take place in Dr. Antell’s discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. His facility is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.

After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse until they are well enough to be discharged. Facial fat transfer is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. There will likely be some swelling and bruising, most of which will subside within the first two weeks. Applying ice to the area can help reduce swelling. Many patients experience minimal downtime and can return to their usual daily activities within a day. The final result may not be visible for up to a month due to residual swelling.

New patients often come to Dr. Antell through referrals, which speaks to the high level of patient satisfaction with his work. His emphasis on achieving natural - looking results and providing personalized care has made him a popular choice for facial fat transfer in New York City.

4. New Face NY

At New Face NY, Dr. Westreich is recognized for using advanced techniques in facial fat transfer. His expertise in facial anatomy, as a double - board surgeon certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology, is particularly beneficial for this procedure.

As we age, the face loses volume, which can cause various signs of aging such as wrinkles, sunken cheeks, and sagging skin. Dr. Westreich aims to increase the chances of the transferred fat cells surviving, leading to long - lasting results. He offers a tailored approach to each patient, considering their specific goals and facial structure.

The facial fat transfer process at New Face NY involves three main steps: harvesting fat from areas with excess fat, such as the abdomen or thighs; 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), allowing for a more customized treatment and a smoother result. In addition, the nano fat purification process increases the stem cell component, which can lead to regenerative changes to the skin independent of volume.

Before the procedure, patients have a detailed consultation with Dr. Westreich, during which they discuss their goals, medical history, and the specifics of the facial fat transfer process. Key points covered include the areas to be treated, the source of fat, and the expected outcomes. During the procedure, local or general anesthesia is used to ensure the patient's comfort. After the procedure, patients receive post - procedure instructions, including limitations on physical activities, directions to take pain relievers or antibiotics as prescribed, and follow - up appointments to monitor their progress.

The results of the facial fat transfer at New Face NY evolve over several weeks as swelling decreases and the transferred fat settles. Immediately, patients can expect visible contour improvements in facial features, and the final results are typically apparent several months post - procedure. Dr. Westreich's meticulous surgical approach and focus on achieving aesthetically pleasing results with minimal risk have made New Face NY a top choice for facial fat transfer in New York City.

5. Cangello Plastic Surgery

Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery is an expert in fat grafting to the face. 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. After years of learning and mastering the techniques, Dr. Cangello continues to perform fat transfer using the proven method described by Dr. Coleman. He also co - authored the chapter on fat grafting of liposuction deformities in the latest edition of Dr. Coleman’s textbook entitled Fat Injection from Filling to Regeneration.

Ideal candidates for a fat transfer to the face at Cangello Plastic Surgery include men and women who have noticed a hollow or shallow appearance to individual or multiple areas of the face, or those who desire augmentation of features such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. Patients should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas, such as the hips, flanks, and thighs, to be harvested for treatment. They should also have realistic expectations about the outcome and understand that the fat transfer to the face procedure may need to be repeated more than once to achieve ideal results.

The fat transfer to the face procedure at this clinic generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. During the harvest step, the donor site is injected with an anesthetic, and a small incision is made to access and suction out the appropriate amount of fat using a specialized cannula. The removed fat is then processed using a centrifuge to separate the fat from fluids and oils, ensuring that only healthy, viable fat cells will be injected. Finally, the purified fat is transferred to the recipient area through a tiny incision using a cannula.

Recovery from fat transfer at Cangello Plastic Surgery usually isn’t overly burdensome. Patients can expect to look puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks and may experience mild discomfort during the first week, for which Dr. Cangello prescribes appropriate pain medication. The majority of swelling should disappear within a month, and bruising will subside in about 10 - 14 days. Approximately 50 - 60 percent of transferred fat cells will survive after the procedure, so it’s common for the facial fat grafting to be repeated to achieve ideal volume.

Dr. Cangello's operating room in his NYC office is state - of - the - art and fully accredited. He also has operating privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in NYC, giving patients the option of a hospital setting if they prefer. His commitment to providing natural - looking and long - lasting results has earned him a good reputation among patients seeking facial fat transfer in New York City.

Comparison of the Top Five Hospitals

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Facial Fat Filling

When selecting a hospital for facial fat filling in New York City, there are several important factors to consider:

• Surgeon's Experience and Expertise: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in facial fat transfer and a proven track record of achieving natural - looking results. Check their certifications, training, and patient testimonials.
• Hospital Accreditation: Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is accredited by a recognized organization, such as the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Accreditation indicates that the facility meets certain standards of safety and quality.
• Range of Services: Some hospitals may offer a wider range of related services, such as other cosmetic procedures or post - operative care. This can be beneficial if you may want to combine facial fat filling with other treatments or need comprehensive support during your recovery.
• Patient Care and Communication: A good hospital should provide personalized care, take the time to understand your