Introduction

Full - face fat augmentation has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. It offers a natural - looking solution to address the signs of aging, such as loss of facial volume, wrinkles, and creases. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 4 specialized institutions for full - face fat augmentation in the city, exploring their services, expertise, and patient experiences.

1. Gotham Plastic Surgery

Overview of Services

Gotham Plastic Surgery is well - known for its comprehensive range of plastic surgery services, including fat injection fillers. Fat injection, also known as fat grafting or fat transplant, serves as an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials. When used for full - face fat augmentation, it can reduce wrinkles, fill in areas of lost volume due to age, injury, surgery, or other causes. This procedure is not limited to the face; it can also be used to enhance the buttocks and breasts.

Procedure Details

The doctors at Gotham Plastic Surgery, including Dr. Miller, perform fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. The procedure usually takes less than an hour and can be done 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 the desired areas of the face.

Recovery and Results

There is minimal downtime 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. Some claim that the fat can remain for years, while others say it only lasts for a few months.

Additional Services

Besides fat injection, Gotham Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of other plastic surgery services. Their unique Natra Face™ approach addresses both restorative and transformative changes. Services include facelift/necklift (Natra Lift™), facial shaping (cheek/lip/ear/neck), liquid facelift, G.I. Jaw®, Kybella, and reconstructive surgery. They also have specialized techniques for the eyes (Natra Eye™), nose (Natra Nose™), breasts, body, and skin.

2. Dr. Cangello Plastic Surgery

Facial Fat Grafting Expertise

Dr. David Cangello 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 learning from Dr. Coleman for two years and performing multiple fat transfer procedures together, Dr. Cangello mastered the skills necessary to deliver long - lasting and natural - looking fat transfer results.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for a fat transfer to the face at Dr. Cangello's practice include men and women who have noticed a hollow or shallow appearance in individual or multiple areas of the face. This could be under - eye hollows, sunken temples and cheeks, or a desire to augment facial structures such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. Candidates should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas like the hips, flanks, and thighs to be harvested for treatment. They should also have realistic expectations about the outcome, understanding that the procedure may need to be repeated more than once to achieve ideal results.

Procedure Steps

The fat transfer to the face procedure at Dr. Cangello's office generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. During the harvest step, an anesthetic is injected into the donor site, and a small incision is made to access and suction out the fat using a specialized cannula. Once the fat is removed, it is processed using a centrifuge to separate it 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 and FAQs

Recovery from fat transfer 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 facial fat grafting to be repeated to achieve ideal volume. The transferred fat cells that survive in the treatment area will generally stay there indefinitely, but significant weight fluctuations may affect the results.

3. NYC Lipo

Facial Fat Transfer and Facelift Combination

NYC Lipo offers a unique approach by combining facial fat transfer with facelift surgery. As we age, the skin loses its youthful structure, resulting in sagging and loss of facial volume. Combining a facelift with fat transfer can elevate sagging facial tissues while providing volume to gaunt areas. Facial fat transfer uses liposuction to collect fat cells from the body, which are then carefully injected into facial areas to fill in wrinkles and fine lines, while facelift surgery targets loose skin around the brows, eyes, temples, cheeks, lips, and chin to provide a lifting effect.

Procedure Details

The facial fat transfer and facelift procedure at NYC Lipo is performed in their AAAASF - accredited NYC surgical suite. The procedure time ranges from 3 - 5 hours, and local, general, or twilight anesthesia is used, depending on the extent of the procedure. Patients are free to return home the same day as treatment. The fat is typically harvested from common donor areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, and then carefully cultivated to ensure a high survival rate before being injected into the target areas of the face. During the facelift, facial tissues underneath the skin are repositioned, tightened, or elevated, and excess skin is removed or repositioned.

Candidate Selection and Results

Facial fat transfer and facelift surgery at NYC Lipo can benefit patients looking to reduce the appearance of sagging facial skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. Patients seeking a solution to facial aging can opt for this combination for long - term results. After the procedure, mild bruising and swelling around the donor and treatment sites are common in the weeks following, but these side effects should subside within a few weeks. Patients often return to work within one to two weeks, though additional recovery time may be necessary for physical activity. The procedure can achieve long - lasting, natural - looking results, enhancing facial contours and providing a lifting effect to restore features to a youthful - looking position.

Combination with Other Procedures

NYC Lipo also offers the option to combine facial fat transfer and facelift with other facial rejuvenation or liposuction procedures, such as neck lift surgery, submental liposuction, blepharoplasty, brow lift, chin augmentation, Smartlipo®, and Vaser® liposelection, to achieve optimal results.

4. Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery

Facial Fat Transfer Expertise

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery is experienced in facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting. This procedure can restore a more youthful complexion, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and improving contour. Fat transfer can refine and enhance the lips, cheeks, jaw, eyebrows, and under - eye area, addressing signs of aging such as adding fullness to thinning lips, smoothing the appearance of scars, and contouring facial depressions.

Liposuction and Fat Transfer Process

The first step of the fat grafting treatment is liposuction. Dr. Greenberg typically harvests fat cells from the hips, abdomen, buttocks, or thighs. He numbs the treatment area, makes tiny incisions, and uses a slender tube called a cannula to gently suction the fat from the donor site. The incisions are then closed with sutures and a bandage is placed. The collected fat is then purified in a special centrifuge to separate good fat cells and remove damaged cells. Once ready, Dr. Greenberg prepares the injection site and uses a syringe to layer fat cells at decreasing depths until the desired volume and shape are restored to the targeted areas. At least two access points are used for each area to ensure a uniform and smooth transfer.

Recovery Timeline

Normally, the surgery at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. After surgery, patients may experience soreness, swelling, bruising, and numbness. To reduce swelling and avoid complications, patients should keep their head elevated and refrain from strenuous activity for the first week. Most swelling, tenderness, and bruising will disappear within a month, and patients can expect to return to work within two weeks. Numbness around the incisions is normal and should subside within several weeks to several months, and itching around the incisions should completely subside by the end of six months.

Cost and Consultation

The cost of facial fat transfer at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery depends on the amount of fat needed, the extent of the work required, and other factors. Dr. Greenberg offers consultations at his seven convenient locations in Manhattan New York City, Princeton New Jersey, Scarsdale, Woodbury Long Island, Southampton, Smithtown, and Boca Raton, Florida. During the consultation, he will discuss the details of the fat transfer procedure and review the patient's unique goals to determine if they are a good candidate.

Comparative Analysis of the Four Institutions

Conclusion

New York City offers a variety of specialized institutions for full - face fat augmentation. Gotham Plastic Surgery, Dr. Cangello Plastic Surgery, NYC Lipo, and Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery each have their own unique features, expertise, and services. Whether you are looking for a comprehensive plastic surgery experience, specialized facial fat grafting techniques, a combination of fat transfer and facelift, or a well - defined recovery process, there is an institution that can meet your needs. It is important to carefully consider your aesthetic goals, consult with the professionals at these institutions, and make an informed decision.

If you are interested in full - face fat augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one or more of these top institutions in New York City. Explore your options, ask questions, and take the first step towards achieving the youthful and natural - looking appearance you desire.