Overview of Autologous Fat Full - Face Augmentation
Autologous fat full - face augmentation, also known as facial fat transfer, facial fat grafting, autologous fat transfer, fat injection, lipofilling, or facial fat injection, is a cosmetic procedure that has gained significant popularity in New York City. This procedure involves harvesting a patient's own fatty tissue via liposuction, purifying it, and then injecting it into areas of the face that lack volume or need enhancement. It's a great way to address volume loss, one of the most common signs of aging, and can help with hollowing around the eyes, loss of cheek volume, sunken - in temples, and an overall change in face shape that results in an aged, tired appearance.
Advantages of Autologous Fat Full - Face Augmentation
- Natural Results: Since the fat used is from the patient's own body, the results look and feel more natural compared to using synthetic fillers.
- Long - lasting: Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply, the results can be long - lasting. Some of the fat may be reabsorbed over time, but a significant portion can remain in place for many years.
- Minimal Risk of Rejection: As the body recognizes its own cells, there is a minimal risk of allergic reactions or rejection, unlike some synthetic fillers.
- Multiple Benefits: In addition to adding volume to the face, the procedure can also improve the texture and quality of the skin due to the presence of stem cells and growth factors in the transferred fat.
Top 5 Public and Private Hospitals for Autologous Fat Full - Face Augmentation in New York City
1. Albert Plastic Surgery
Albert Plastic Surgery, located in Manhattan, specializes in facial fat grafting for New York City area clients as well as those traveling from out of state. Dr. Albert, a top - rated, board - certified plastic surgeon, is adept at performing facial fat transfer procedures.
Procedure and Techniques
- The procedure can be performed using local anesthesia alone, unless the patient is undergoing another procedure under general anesthesia. Being awake during the procedure allows for active participation on the patient's part, which many patients appreciate.
- A thin cannula is used to liposuction fat from donor sites such as the arms, back, abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, and knees.
- After harvesting, the fat is prepared for injection. Once the procedure is completed, the patient can drive home on their own as local anesthetic avoids the usual post - op symptoms associated with general anesthesia.
Patient Outcomes
Patients can expect to address a variety of concerns, including under - eye hollows, tear troughs, orbital areas, eye hollows, nasolabial folds, lips, laugh lines, corners of the mouth, temples, forehead, cheeks, chin, jawline contouring, marionette lines, scars, acne pitting, and even in some cases, hands, breasts, and buttocks. The final results become visible about three months after the procedure, and they offer the added benefit of skin and scar rejuvenation due to the positive effects of the stem cells present in the fat.
Contact Information
To learn more about facial fat transfer at Albert Plastic Surgery, patients can reach out to the team at their NYC offices. A member of the team will be happy to help set up an initial consultation. Contact them by using the form on their website or by phone at (332) 239 - 2255.
2. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery is a renowned 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.
Procedure and Techniques
The fat transfer to the face procedure generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer.
- Harvest: Dr. Cangello identifies the donor site(s) on the patient's body, such as the hips, thighs, or flanks. These sites are injected with an anesthetic, and a small incision is made to access and gently suction out the appropriate amount of fat using a specialized cannula.
- Process: Once the fat is removed, it is processed using a centrifuge to separate the fat from fluids and oils, ensuring that only healthy, viable fat cells will be injected into the treatment areas.
- Transfer: After purification, the fat is transferred to the recipient area through a tiny incision using a cannula. Small amounts of fat are gradually placed into the treatment site until the desired fullness is achieved.
Patient Outcomes
Fat grafting to the face at Cangello Plastic Surgery can be used for facial rejuvenation, lip enhancement, facial sculpting, and improving surface depressions. The transferred fat cells that survive in the treatment area will generally stay there indefinitely, although it may take a few weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside. Approximately 50 - 60 percent of transferred fat cells will survive after the procedure, and it's common for the procedure to be repeated to achieve ideal volume.
Contact Information
Patients interested in exploring the benefits of a fat transfer to the face procedure can contact plastic surgeon Dr. David Cangello at (212) 644 - 4416 to schedule a fat grafting to face consultation in NYC.
3. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world's most respected and sought - after plastic surgeons. He was trained at Stanford and Cornell University and has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by Harper's Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine.
Procedure and Techniques
A facial fat transfer procedure at Dr. Antell's practice typically involves harvesting healthy fat cells from an appropriate area of the body, such as the buttocks or thighs, using specialized, gentle techniques to ensure the cells are not damaged. After extraction, the fat cells are purified and prepared for injection at a specific depth in the skin tissue to add volume to the desired area. The procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or another form of “twilight” sedation, with a board - certified anesthesiologist monitoring the patient during the surgery.
Patient Outcomes
The procedure can restore lost volume to sunken cheeks or temples, under - eye hollows, smile or frown lines, nasolabial folds, and chin wrinkles or creases. After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite and can return home the same day. They may experience some swelling and bruising, most of which will subside within the first two weeks. The final result may not be visible for up to a month due to residual swelling.
Contact Information
Dr. Darrick E. Antell and his staff will be happy to provide a discreet and private consultation to evaluate patients' needs and discuss a facial fat transfer. Patients can call the office at (212) 988 - 4040 to schedule their consultation.
4. Luxurgery
At Luxurgery, Dr. Sachin Shridharani and his dedicated team focus on providing high - quality plastic surgery treatments. Dr. Shridharani is board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been serving Manhattan for years.
Procedure and Techniques
During the consultation, Dr. Shridharani will review the patient's desired areas of contouring and examine potential donor sites. Common areas for liposuction include the abdomen, waist, pubis, upper back, hips, thighs, arms, knees, calves, and ankles. The procedure can be performed at the office or at area hospitals and “surgicenters” in New York City, and the operating room and facility have certification and accreditation by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
Patient Outcomes
Patients can expect to see an overall change in contour and fullness within days after the procedure, although it takes the body six months to one year to see the final results. The transferred fat cells will generally stay in place permanently, but the appearance may change as the patient ages. Some patients may schedule follow - up treatments to maintain their desired look.
Contact Information
Patients interested in fat transfer surgery can call 212.508.0000 to schedule a consultation with board - certified NYC plastic surgeon, Dr. Shridharani.
5. Dr. Steven Wallach's Practice
Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Wallach offers customized treatment plans for fat transfer procedures. He has extensive experience and uses the latest techniques and technology to provide patients with the best possible results.
Procedure and Techniques
For facial fat transfer, Dr. Wallach uses local anesthesia to numb the area before making small incisions around the targeted areas of the face, such as the cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, sunken eyes, temples, forehead, and jawline. The purified fat is carefully injected using a small needle, paying close attention to the patient's natural facial contours. The procedure can take one hour or more, depending on the size of the treatment area and the amount of fat being transferred. For body fat transfer, such as breast augmentation or Brazilian butt lift, the procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Patient Outcomes
Patients can expect natural - looking and long - lasting results. Fat transfer can improve the appearance of sunken areas in the face, add volume and enhance the shape of the breasts or buttocks, and also have a slimming effect on the donor area. Some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed, but most of the fat that successfully integrates with the surrounding tissue will remain in place long - term.
Contact Information
To get started, patients can call (212) 861 - 6400 or complete an online form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wallach.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital or Surgeon
Surgeon's Experience and Qualifications
It's crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in autologous fat full - face augmentation. Look for surgeons who have received specialized training in the procedure and have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes. For example, Dr. Cangello was mentored by a pioneer in fat grafting, which indicates his high - level of training and expertise.
Reputation and Patient Reviews
Research the hospital or surgeon's reputation by reading patient reviews and testimonials. Positive reviews can give you an idea of the quality of care, the results achieved, and the overall patient experience. Some patients may share their before - and - after photos, which can also help you assess the surgeon's skills.
Hospital Facilities and Safety Standards
Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility has proper accreditation and meets high safety standards. For instance, facilities like Cangello Plastic Surgery have fully accredited surgical facilities onsite, and Dr. Antell's facility is equipped with the latest technology and is designed for patient comfort and safety.
Cost and Insurance
Autologous fat full - face augmentation is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by insurance. However, it's important to get a clear understanding of the total cost, including the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee, and any post - operative care costs. Some practices may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost.
Pre - operative and Post - operative Care
Pre - operative Care
- Medical Evaluation: The surgeon will conduct a thorough medical evaluation to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure. This may include a review of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests.
- Lifestyle Changes: Patients may be advised to make certain lifestyle changes before the procedure, such as quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications, and maintaining a healthy diet. For example, at Cangello Plastic Surgery, patients are required to stop smoking two - to - four weeks before surgery and avoid nicotine in any form during that time.
- Pre - operative Instructions: The surgeon will provide detailed pre - operative instructions, which may include things like not eating or drinking for a certain period before the surgery, and how to prepare for the day of the procedure.
Post - operative Care
- Recovery Period: The recovery period varies depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. Patients can generally expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area for the first few days. They may need to take pain medication as prescribed by the surgeon.
- Activity Restrictions: Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities and exercise for at least two to three weeks after the procedure to allow the body to heal. They may also need to avoid putting pressure on the treated area, such as sitting directly on the buttocks after a Brazilian butt lift.
- Follow - up Appointments: Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor the healing process and ensure that the results are as expected. The surgeon may adjust the post - operative care plan based on the patient's progress.
Potential Risks and Complications
While autologous fat full - face augmentation is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications that patients should be aware of.
- Asymmetry: There is a risk of the transferred fat not distributing evenly, resulting in an asymmetrical appearance. This can usually be corrected with additional procedures if necessary.
- Fat Reabsorption: Some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, which may require additional treatments to maintain the desired results.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the donor or recipient site. Patients should follow the surgeon's post - operative instructions carefully to minimize this risk.
- Scarring: While the incisions made for harvesting and injecting the fat are usually small and well - hidden, there is still a possibility of visible scarring, especially in patients who are prone to poor scarring.
Conclusion
Autologous fat full - face augmentation is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City. The top 5 public and private hospitals and surgeons mentioned above offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and advanced techniques. When considering this procedure, it's important to carefully research your options, consult with a qualified surgeon, and understand the pre - operative and post - operative care requirements, as well as the potential risks and complications. By making an informed decision, you can achieve the natural - looking and long - lasting results you desire.
If you're interested in learning more about autologous fat full - face augmentation, we encourage you to reach out to one of the hospitals or surgeons mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals, and take the first step towards a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Share this article with your friends and family who may also be interested in this procedure, and explore other related topics in the world of cosmetic surgery.
