Overview of Facial Fat Filling with One's Own Fat
Facial fat filling with one's own fat, also known as facial fat grafting or autologous fat transfer, is a popular cosmetic procedure. As we age, the face tends to lose subcutaneous fat, leading to a hollowed - out look, fine lines, and wrinkles. This procedure involves harvesting fat from one part of the patient's body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, purifying it, and then injecting it into areas of the face that have lost volume. Since it uses the patient's own fat, there is no risk of rejection by the body, making it an attractive option for many.
Top Three Selected Hospitals for Facial Fat Filling in New York City
1. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery is a renowned expert in facial fat grafting. 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 and mastering the techniques under Dr. Coleman, Dr. Cangello continues to perform fat transfer using the described technique.
Ideal Candidates: Ideal candidates include men and women who have noticed a hollow or shallow appearance in individual or multiple areas of the face, or those who desire augmentation of features such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. They should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas like the hips, flanks, and thighs. Also, patients need to have realistic expectations about the outcome, understanding that the procedure may need to be repeated more than once to achieve ideal results.
Procedure: The fat transfer to the face procedure at Cangello Plastic Surgery generally has three steps - harvest, process, and transfer. During the harvest, Dr. Cangello identifies the donor site, injects an anesthetic, makes a small incision, and suctions out the appropriate amount of fat using a specialized cannula. Once the fat is removed, it is processed using a centrifuge to separate it from fluids and oils. Finally, the purified fat is transferred to the recipient area through a tiny incision using a cannula.
Results and Recovery: After the procedure, patients should expect to look puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks. Mild discomfort may be experienced during the first week, but Dr. Cangello will prescribe 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, and patients may need to wait around three - to - six months after the first procedure before deciding if an additional treatment is necessary. The transferred fat cells that survive will generally stay in the treatment area indefinitely, aging naturally with the body.
2. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Located in the prestigious upper east side of New York City, Zuckerman Plastic Surgery is led by Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman, who offers expert facial fat grafting injections.
Benefits: One of the key benefits of facial fat grafting at this facility is the natural results. Since it uses the patient's own body fat, the results blend seamlessly with the natural facial features. The transferred fat can also improve the skin's texture and tone due to the growth factors it contains. Additionally, the results are long - lasting compared to synthetic fillers, and it has the dual benefit of reducing unwanted fat in donor areas while enhancing facial contours.
Ideal Candidates: Ideal candidates are those who seek a natural method for facial enhancement without the use of synthetic materials, have areas of facial volume loss contributing to a tired or aged appearance, possess sufficient fat deposits for extraction, and are in good health with realistic expectations about the effectiveness and outcomes of the procedure.
Procedure: The process starts with a consultation where Dr. Zuckerman conducts a thorough assessment of the facial structure, skin quality, and discusses the aesthetic goals. He also evaluates potential donor sites for fat extraction. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, often combined with sedation. Fat is harvested using a gentle liposuction technique, purified, and then meticulously injected into the target areas of the face to restore volume and improve contours.
Recovery: Recovery from facial fat grafting at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery is relatively quick. Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising at both the donor and injection sites, which typically resolve within a week or two. Patients can usually return to normal activities shortly after the procedure, with some minor restrictions.
3. New Face NY
At New Face NY, Dr. Westreich is recognized for using advanced techniques in facial fat transfer. His skill in the procedure leads to long - lasting results and subtle, natural - looking outcomes that enhance individual facial features.
Ideal Candidates: The ideal candidate for facial fat transfer at New Face NY typically has good overall health without chronic illnesses or infections that could impair healing, is a non - smoker as smoking can compromise blood flow and affect the healing process, has adequate excess fat in other body regions for harvesting, is experiencing facial volume loss due to aging or weight loss, and has sufficient skin elasticity.
Procedure: Before the procedure, patients have a detailed consultation with Dr. Westreich. During this consultation, they discuss the goals, medical history, and the specifics of the facial fat transfer process, including the areas to be treated, the source of fat, and the expected outcomes. The procedure uses local or general anesthesia. Fat is gently extracted from the donor site using liposuction and prepared for transfer. Dr. Westreich emphasizes precision and symmetry to achieve a natural look when placing the fat into the target facial areas.
Recovery and Results: Post - procedure, patients are given instructions that may include limitations on physical activities, taking prescribed pain relievers or antibiotics, and attending follow - up appointments. The results will evolve over several weeks as swelling decreases and the transferred fat settles. Immediately, patients can expect visible contour improvements in facial features, and final results are typically apparent several months post - procedure.
Comparing the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon's Expertise | Ideal Candidates | Procedure Highlights | Recovery | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cangello Plastic Surgery | Dr. David Cangello, mentored by a pioneer in fat grafting and has extensive experience | Those with facial volume loss, desire for feature augmentation, healthy with sufficient donor fat, and realistic expectations | Three - step process of harvest, process, and transfer; uses centrifuge for fat processing | Puffy and bruised for 1 - 2 weeks, majority of swelling in a month, bruising in 10 - 14 days | 50 - 60% fat cell survival, long - lasting, transferred fat ages naturally |
| Zuckerman Plastic Surgery | Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers expert injections | Seek natural enhancement, have facial volume loss, sufficient fat deposits, good health, and realistic expectations | Under local anesthesia with sedation, gentle liposuction for fat harvest | Mild swelling and bruising resolving in 1 - 2 weeks, quick return to normal activities | Natural - looking, long - lasting, improves skin texture |
| New Face NY | Dr. Westreich, double - board certified, uses advanced techniques | Good health, non - smokers, adequate donor fat, facial volume loss, sufficient skin elasticity | Detailed consultation, emphasis on precision and symmetry, local or general anesthesia | Follow post - procedure instructions, results evolve over weeks, final results in months | Subtle, natural - looking, long - lasting enhancement of facial features |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Facial Fat Filling
Surgeon's Experience and Expertise
The experience and expertise of the surgeon are crucial. Surgeons like Dr. Cangello, who has been trained by a pioneer in fat grafting, and Dr. Westreich, a double - board certified surgeon, are more likely to deliver high - quality results. Their knowledge of facial anatomy and fat transfer techniques can minimize risks and ensure a more natural - looking outcome.
Hospital's Reputation
Research the hospital's reputation in the field of plastic surgery. Look for patient reviews, before - and - after photos, and any awards or recognitions the hospital or surgeon has received. A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to provide a safe and satisfactory experience.
Cost
The cost of the procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the extent of the treatment, the surgeon's fee, and the location of the hospital. While cost should not be the only determining factor, it is important to consider your budget. Some hospitals may offer payment plans or financing options to make the procedure more affordable.
Post - operative Care
Good post - operative care is essential for a successful recovery. Inquire about the hospital's follow - up appointments, the support provided by the medical staff, and any instructions for at - home care. Hospitals that offer comprehensive post - operative care can help ensure that the results are long - lasting and that any complications are promptly addressed.
Potential Risks and Complications of Facial Fat Filling
Although facial fat filling is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications.
- Asymmetry: This can occur if the fat is not evenly distributed during the injection process. It may require additional treatment to correct.
- Poor Healing: Some patients may experience slow or incomplete healing of the incisions made during the fat harvest or injection. This can increase the risk of infection.
- Fat Reabsorption: Not all of the transferred fat cells will survive. Approximately 50 - 60 percent of the fat cells typically survive, but this can vary from patient to patient. Multiple procedures may be needed to achieve the desired results.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after the procedure and usually subside within a few weeks. However, in some cases, they may last longer or be more severe.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the donor or recipient sites. Following the surgeon's post - operative instructions, such as taking antibiotics as prescribed, can help reduce this risk.
Conclusion
Facial fat filling with one's own fat is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure for restoring volume and rejuvenating the face. In New York City, Cangello Plastic Surgery, Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, and New Face NY are among the top - rated hospitals for this procedure. Each hospital has its own strengths, whether it's the surgeon's expertise, the quality of the procedure, or the post - operative care. When considering facial fat filling, it is important to carefully research your options, consider the factors mentioned above, and have a detailed consultation with a qualified surgeon.
Are you ready to enhance your facial appearance through facial fat filling? Contact one of the top hospitals in New York City today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a more youthful and refreshed look! Share this article with friends who might also be interested in facial fat filling and explore other related topics on our website for more in - depth information.
