Introduction
Autologous fat facial augmentation, also known as facial fat grafting, is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves using a patient's own fat to enhance the volume and contours of the face. In New York City, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer this procedure. This article will provide an in - depth inventory of the top 3 hospitals for autologous fat facial augmentation in New York City in 2025.
What is Autologous Fat Facial Augmentation?
Autologous fat facial augmentation is the process of harvesting a patient's own fatty tissue via liposuction from areas such as the arms, back, abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, or knees. The harvested fat is then purified and injected into areas of the face that lack volume or that the patient wants to enhance. It can address volume loss, which is a common sign of aging, and help with issues like hollowing around the eyes, loss of cheek volume, sunken - in temples, and an overall aged appearance.
Benefits of autologous fat facial augmentation include:
- Restored volume on the face and other areas of the body
- Minimized skin creases, wrinkles, and fine lines
- Decreased appearance of scarring from acne or other trauma
- The procedure is minimally invasive
- Minimal discomfort and a short recovery period
- No synthetic material is used, reducing the risk of rejection
Top 3 Hospitals for Autologous Fat Facial Augmentation in New York City
1. Albert Plastic Surgery
Surgeon and Expertise
Dr. Albert is a top - rated, board - certified plastic surgeon adept at performing facial fat transfer in NYC. He has a deep understanding of facial aesthetics, which enables him to create results that often exceed patients' expectations. Conveniently located in Manhattan, the practice specializes in facial fat grafting for New York City area clients as well as those traveling from out of state.
Procedure Details
If you choose Albert Plastic Surgery for autologous fat facial augmentation, here's what you can expect. Unless you're undergoing another procedure under general anesthesia, the facial fat transfer can be performed using local anesthesia alone. A thin cannula is used to liposuction fat from the donor sites of your choice. After the fat is prepared for injection, it is carefully placed into the targeted areas of the face.
The possible donor sites for the fat include arms, back, abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, and knees. Once the procedure is done, you can drive home on your own as local anesthetic avoids the usual post - op symptoms associated with general anesthesia. However, there will be some swelling and bruising, and there may be soreness at the donor site. The recovery takes a few days.
Areas Treated
Dr. Albert can use facial fat transfer to treat various areas of the face, 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, and acne pitting. It can also be used on other parts of the body such as hands, breasts, buttocks, and for cellulite dimples.
Patient Testimonials
While no specific testimonials from the source are provided here, patients can often rely on word - of - mouth and online reviews to gauge the satisfaction of previous patients. Many patients appreciate the personalized approach and the long - lasting results of the procedures at Albert Plastic Surgery.
2. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
Surgeon and Reputation
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. Many new patients come to him through referrals, indicating a high level of patient satisfaction with the results of his procedures.
Procedure and Anesthesia
At Dr. Antell's practice, facial fat transfer 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 healthy cells are not damaged. 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 with another form of “twilight” sedation, allowing patients to be comfortable throughout. A board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor patients during the surgery to ensure safety.
Recovery and Results
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. It is an outpatient procedure, but when performed with “twilight” sedation, patients need an escort to bring them home as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. There will likely be some swelling and bruising, most of which will subside within the first two weeks. Applying ice to the area can be useful in reducing swelling. Many patients experience minimal downtime and can return to their usual daily activities within a day, but the final result may not be visible for up to a month due to residual swelling.
Reasons to Choose
One of the main reasons to choose Dr. Antell's practice is his approach to achieving subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance facial features. His goal is for plastic surgery to “whisper, not scream,” providing patients with a rejuvenated, refreshed appearance. Additionally, the use of natural fat cells in the procedure reduces the risk of rejection compared to synthetic fillers.
3. Millennial Plastic Surgery
Surgeon and Experience
Dr. David Shokrian at Millennial Plastic Surgery has performed thousands of surgical procedures on the face and body. If you're worried about the potential side effects of chemical injections in your face but want to rejuvenate your appearance, a facial fat transfer at this clinic may be an ideal choice. The practice offers various facial procedures in addition to fat transfer, such as brow lift, chin augmentation, rhinoplasty, and lip augmentation.
Procedure Steps
The facial fat transfer procedure at Millennial Plastic Surgery involves extracting fat cells from areas like the buttocks, belly, or thighs. First, liposuction is used to remove the fat. If only a small amount of fat is needed, it can be done using IV sedation and local anesthetic. General anesthesia is available if the fat removal is extensive. A tube called a cannula is inserted through tiny incisions to loosen and separate fat cells, and the needed amount of fat is removed. The incisions are then closed with stitches.
A centrifuge is used to separate fat from blood and other fluids. After the fat has been processed, the doctor carefully injects it into targeted areas of the face a little at a time, gradually building layers. The procedure usually lasts between one and three hours, and some of the fat cells are absorbed by the body, so a second procedure can be done after 12 months if more volume is desired.
Recovery Instructions
To get the best possible results, patients need to follow post - operative instructions. This includes resting for the first 24 hours after surgery, keeping the head elevated when sleeping for the first few nights, using ice compresses on the face during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling, taking over - the - counter painkillers if needed or prescribed medication as directed, and not eating for at least 12 hours after the procedure, then eating only soft foods for the first few days. The amount of time needed to recover depends on how much fat was removed during liposuction, and the doctor will let patients know when they can get back to work or resume physical activity.
Cost and Financing
The cost of a facial fat transfer at Millennial Plastic Surgery encompasses liposuction and fat grafting. It is an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. The total cost starts at around $5,300 and goes up from there. Financing options are available to help patients manage the cost.
Comparing the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon Expertise | Procedure Anesthesia | Recovery Time | Areas Treated | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert Plastic Surgery | Dr. Albert, a top - rated board - certified plastic surgeon with deep facial aesthetics knowledge | Local anesthesia (can choose general) for most cases | A few days with swelling and bruising | Multiple facial areas and some body parts | Not specifically stated |
| Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice | Dr. Darrick Antell, world - renowned, trained at top universities, multiple top - surgeon recognitions | Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation | Swelling and bruising subside in 1 - 2 weeks, final result visible in about a month | Multiple facial areas | Not specifically stated |
| Millennial Plastic Surgery | Dr. David Shokrian, experienced in multiple facial and body surgeries | IV sedation and local anesthetic (general for extensive fat removal) | Depends on amount of fat removed, following specific post - op instructions | Multiple facial areas | Starts at around $5,300 |
Choosing the Right Hospital
When choosing the right hospital for autologous fat facial augmentation in New York City, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the surgeon's expertise and experience are crucial. A highly skilled and experienced surgeon is more likely to achieve the desired results and minimize the risks associated with the procedure. Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have a good reputation in the field of plastic surgery.
The hospital's facilities and technology also play an important role. State - of - the - art facilities and the latest technology can ensure a safer and more effective procedure. For example, a modern operating room with advanced equipment for fat harvesting, purification, and injection can improve the quality of the procedure.
Patient testimonials and reviews can provide valuable insights into the hospital's quality of care and the results of the procedures. Reading about the experiences of other patients can help you gauge the level of satisfaction and the reliability of the hospital.
Cost is another factor to consider. However, it should not be the sole determining factor. While you want to find a procedure that fits your budget, it's important to remember that the quality of the surgery and the experience of the surgeon are more important in the long run. Some hospitals may offer financing options to help manage the cost.
Conclusion
Autologous fat facial augmentation is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure for restoring volume and enhancing the appearance of the face. In New York City, Albert Plastic Surgery, Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice, and Millennial Plastic Surgery are among the top hospitals offering this procedure. Each hospital has its own strengths, including experienced surgeons, different approaches to the procedure, and specific post - operative care. By considering factors such as surgeon expertise, facilities, patient testimonials, and cost, you can make an informed decision about which hospital is the best fit for your autologous fat facial augmentation needs.
If you're interested in learning more about autologous fat facial augmentation or scheduling a consultation, we encourage you to reach out to one of these top hospitals. Share this article with others who may be considering the same procedure, and continue to explore related topics in the field of cosmetic surgery to make the best decision for your beauty and well - being.
