Introduction

Full - face fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This technique offers a natural and long - lasting way to rejuvenate the face by restoring lost volume and enhancing facial contours. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 5 hospitals in New York City that excel in full - face fat filling procedures, along with detailed information about the procedure itself, its benefits, candidates, and recovery process.

Understanding Full - Face Fat Filling

What is Full - Face Fat Filling?

Facial fat transfer is a process where fat is taken from one part of your body, usually the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, through liposuction. The harvested fat is then purified and strategically injected into specific areas of the face that lack volume or need enhancement. As we age, our face loses volume due to the breakdown of collagen and the migration of fat, leading to a hollowed - out appearance, wrinkles, and fine lines. Full - face fat filling addresses these issues by adding volume back to the face.

How Does It Work?

1. Harvesting: A small incision is made in the donor area, and a thin cannula is used to gently suction out the fat. Popular donor sites include the abdomen, hips, and thighs.
2. Purification: The harvested fat is processed to remove any impurities, such as blood, fluids, and dead cells. This ensures that only healthy and viable fat cells are used for injection.
3. Injection: The purified fat is then injected into the targeted areas of the face using a fine needle or cannula. The doctor carefully places the fat to achieve a natural and balanced look.

Benefits of Full - Face Fat Filling

• Natural Look: Since the procedure uses your own body fat, the results blend seamlessly with your natural facial features, providing a more natural appearance compared to synthetic fillers.
• Long - Lasting Results: Once the transferred fat cells have established a blood supply, they can remain in the face permanently. Although some fat may be reabsorbed in the initial healing phase, a significant portion will survive long - term.
• Improved Skin Quality: The fat contains stem cells that can help improve the skin's texture, tone, and elasticity, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion.
• Dual Benefit: Not only does it enhance the face, but it also has a slimming effect on the donor area, as excess fat is removed from there.
• Versatility: It can address a wide range of issues, including sunken cheeks, thin lips, under - eye hollows, and facial asymmetry.

Top 5 Hospitals for Full - Face Fat Filling in New York City

1. New Face NY

At New Face NY, Dr. Westreich is a double - board surgeon certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology. His in - depth knowledge of facial muscles and structures is a significant advantage for facial fat transfer procedures. He uses advanced techniques to increase the chances of the transferred fat cells surviving, leading to long - lasting results. Dr. Westreich's surgical approach is meticulous, focusing on precision and achieving aesthetically pleasing outcomes. He ensures that each patient gets a natural - looking result that enhances their individual facial features.

2. Gotham Plastic Surgery

Gotham Plastic Surgery offers fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. Dr. Miller and the team of doctors here perform the procedure using local anesthesia, which allows for a shorter recovery time. The procedure is typically completed in under an hour. They use very small cannulas and gentle liposuction techniques for fat harvesting, minimizing discomfort and downtime. Gotham Plastic Surgery also has a unique Natra Face™ approach that combines minimally - invasive techniques and advanced technology to provide personalized treatment plans for patients.

3. Albert Plastic Surgery

Dr. Albert, a top - rated, board - certified plastic surgeon at Albert Plastic Surgery, specializes in facial fat transfer. Located in Manhattan, the practice caters to clients from New York City and those traveling from out of state. Dr. Albert's facial fat transfer procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to be awake and actively participate in the process if they choose. The clinic emphasizes minimal downtime and provides a customized treatment plan based on each patient's physical characteristics and concerns. They also highlight the long - lasting and cost - effective nature of the procedure for volume restoration and rejuvenation.

4. Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery

Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery, with Dr. Cha at the helm, offers facial fat transfer as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Cha uses a fine needle technique for facial fat grafting, giving him greater control over the result and allowing for a more tailored outcome. The procedure can be combined with other facial procedures like facelift surgery, eyelid lift, or brow lift for total facial rejuvenation. The clinic also provides detailed information to patients about the cost, potential risks, and expected results of the facial fat transfer procedure.

5. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Located in the prestigious upper east side of New York City, Zuckerman Plastic Surgery is known for its expert facial fat grafting injections. Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman conducts a thorough consultation to assess the patient's facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, often combined with sedation, and involves gentle liposuction for fat harvesting. Patients at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery can expect natural - looking rejuvenation and long - lasting results. The clinic also provides guidance on long - term care and maintenance to ensure the best possible outcome.

Candidates for Full - Face Fat Filling

Ideal candidates for full - face fat filling are typically in good overall health, non - smokers, and have sufficient excess fat in other body regions for harvesting. They should also be experiencing facial volume loss due to aging, weight loss, or other factors, and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. Some specific signs that may indicate a person is a good candidate include:

• Definition loss around the cheeks or chin
• Hollowed appearance around the eyes
• Wrinkles around the nose and mouth
• Adverse reactions to synthetic injections
• Desire to enhance the fullness of lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw

What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

Before the Procedure

Before undergoing full - face fat filling, you will have a detailed consultation with your surgeon. During this consultation, you will discuss your goals, medical history, and any medications you are taking. The surgeon will examine your face and identify the areas that need treatment, as well as the donor site for fat harvesting. They will also provide you with information about the procedure, including the expected results, risks, and recovery process. You may be advised to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, in the weeks leading up to the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding.

During the Procedure

The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on your preference and the surgeon's recommendation. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon will first harvest the fat from the donor area using liposuction. The harvested fat is then processed and prepared for injection. The surgeon will carefully inject the purified fat into the targeted areas of the face, using a fine needle or cannula to achieve the desired volume and contour. The entire procedure usually takes a few hours, depending on the extent of the treatment.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the donor and injection sites. The surgeon will provide you with post - operative instructions, which may include taking pain relievers, applying ice packs, and wearing a compression garment on the donor area. You will need to rest with your head elevated for several days to reduce swelling. Most patients can return to work within a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks. The swelling will gradually subside over the next few weeks, and the final results will become apparent in a few months as the transferred fat settles.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Although full - face fat filling is generally considered a safe procedure, like any surgery, it carries some risks. Some common risks and side effects include:

• Swelling and Bruising: This is a normal part of the recovery process and usually resolves within a few weeks.
• Asymmetry: In some cases, the transferred fat may not distribute evenly, resulting in an asymmetrical appearance. This can often be corrected with additional treatments.
• Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the donor or injection site. This can usually be treated with antibiotics.
• Fat Reabsorption: Some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body in the initial healing phase. This can vary from person to person, and in some cases, a second procedure may be needed to achieve the desired results.
• Scarring: The incisions made for fat harvesting and injection are usually small, but there is a risk of scarring. However, these scars are often well - hidden and fade over time.

Conclusion

Full - face fat filling is an effective and popular cosmetic procedure in New York City that can help you achieve a more youthful and natural - looking appearance. The top 5 hospitals mentioned in this article, New Face NY, Gotham Plastic Surgery, Albert Plastic Surgery, Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery, and Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, offer high - quality services and experienced surgeons who can provide excellent results. If you are considering full - face fat filling, it is important to do your research, choose a reputable surgeon, and have realistic expectations about the procedure. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome and enjoy the benefits of a rejuvenated face.

We encourage you to reach out to these hospitals or other qualified cosmetic surgery clinics for a consultation. Discuss your goals and concerns with the surgeon to determine if full - face fat filling is the right procedure for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about this popular cosmetic treatment, and explore related topics on our website to stay informed about the latest trends in cosmetic surgery.