Introduction
Nasolabial folds, the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, are a common sign of aging. As people get older, the loss of facial fat, reduced collagen production, and the effects of gravity can make these folds more prominent. Autologous fat transfer has emerged as a popular and effective solution for reducing nasolabial folds. This procedure involves taking fat from one part of the patient's body, purifying it, and then injecting it into the nasolabial fold area to restore volume and smooth out the lines. In New York City, there are several excellent plastic hospitals and surgeons specializing in this procedure. This article will introduce some of the top institutions and professionals in the city.
What is Autologous Fat Transfer for Nasolabial Folds?
How it Works
Autologous fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat injection, is a minimally - invasive cosmetic procedure. First, the surgeon uses liposuction to harvest fat from areas of the body with excess fat, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs. The harvested fat is then processed to remove impurities and excess fluids. After that, the purified fat is carefully injected into the nasolabial folds using a fine needle. This process helps to add volume to the area, reducing the appearance of the folds and giving the face a more youthful look.
Advantages of Autologous Fat Transfer
- Natural Results: Since the fat used is from the patient's own body, the results look and feel more natural compared to synthetic fillers.
- Long - lasting: Once the fat cells establish a blood supply in the new location, the results can be long - lasting, unlike some temporary fillers that need to be repeated frequently.
- Low Risk of Allergic Reaction: As it uses the patient's own fat, there is a very low risk of allergic reaction or rejection.
- Body Contouring: In addition to reducing nasolabial folds, the liposuction part of the procedure can also help in contouring other areas of the body.
Top Plastic Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City for Autologous Fat Transfer to Remove Nasolabial Folds
1. Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC
Dr. Elie Levine at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC is well - known for his expertise in fat grafting. The facility is equipped with a state - of - the - art in - office surgical suite accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). During the fat grafting process, Dr. Levine takes great care to harvest and handle the fat gently to ensure fat cell survival. He uses advanced tools and years of experience to achieve long - lasting and natural - looking results. Fat grafting here can not only reduce nasolabial folds but also be used to address other facial aging concerns, such as hollowed cheeks and under - eye bags. The clinic also offers a multidisciplinary approach, including customized pre - and post - surgical skin care regimens to optimize results and promote faster healing.
Contact Information: Phone: 212.988.1800; Address: 35a east 84th street, New York, NY 10028
2. Natural Look Institute
Dr. Yoel Shahar at the Natural Look Institute has been performing fat injection procedures for over 15 years and has done thousands of them. He has the experience and expertise to obtain optimal results. The fat injection procedure at this institute is done under local anesthesia, and patients can usually return to work the next day. Fat injection here is considered an effective way to correct facial disproportions, eliminate nasolabial folds, and restore facial volume. It provides long - lasting results compared to some other injectable fillers. Dr. Shahar also takes the time to discuss different options with patients and recommend the best approach based on their individual needs.
Contact Information: Phone: (212) 717 - 4066; Located on Park Avenue in New York City, near Grand Central Station and easily accessible from various parts of the city.
3. Creative Facial Aesthetics
At Creative Facial Aesthetics, autologous fat injections are a popular choice for facial rejuvenation. This minimally invasive procedure effectively improves facial contours by eliminating nasolabial folds and marionette lines. The clinic uses the patient's own body fat, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. The process involves liposuction to harvest fat from areas like the lower abdomen, hips, or thighs, and then injecting it into the targeted facial areas. Since some fat cells may not survive, the area may be overfilled initially to compensate. Once a blood supply is established with the healthy fat cells, the results can be relatively permanent.
Contact Information: Details need to be verified further through the official channels of the clinic.
4. Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world's most respected plastic surgeons, having been trained at Stanford and Cornell University and named a “top plastic surgeon” by multiple well - known magazines. His approach to plastic surgery is to achieve subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance facial features. Facial fat transfer at his clinic can restore lost volume in areas such as nasolabial folds, sunken cheeks, and under - eye hollows. The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or “twilight” sedation, in a fully accredited outpatient surgery facility. Patients can expect some swelling and bruising, which usually subsides within the first two weeks, and most can return to their daily activities within a day.
Contact Information: Phone: (212) 988 - 4040; His private operating room is located just across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital.
5. Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker offers facial fat transfer and fat grafting in New York City. He takes a personalized approach, carefully planning the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques for each patient. During the initial consultation, he conducts a thorough examination of the patient's skin and soft tissue relationships. Fat grafts to nasolabial folds and other facial areas can be performed in his office - based surgical suite, which is accredited by the AAAASF. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia for isolated cases or combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures under light sedation or general anesthesia. After the surgery, patients may experience swelling, which often resolves after two weeks, and the final results may take up to 12 weeks to be evident. Dr. Kolker also provides long - term support during the recovery process.
Contact Information: Phone: 212 - 744 - 6500; Address: 710 park avenue, New York, NY 10021
6. Darren M. Smith MD
Dr. Darren M. Smith is a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in fat grafting. His practice offers a high level of service, including advanced patient safety protocols and personalized aftercare. Facial fat grafting at his clinic can minimize wrinkles, add volume to sunken areas, and specifically help fill in nasolabial folds. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. Fat is harvested from donor sites, processed, and then injected into the treatment areas. Patients can expect swelling, bruising, and redness, which usually diminish rapidly, and they can resume normal activities right away.
Contact Information: Details need to be obtained from the official website of his practice.
7. LipsG
LipsG offers fat transfer procedures that can be used to address nasolabial folds among other facial aging concerns. The fat transfer here utilizes excess fatty tissue from one area of the body, refines it, and injects it into the target site. It provides a natural - looking alternative to cosmetic injectables for restoring facial volume. During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will determine the patient's candidacy and discuss the best approach to meet their cosmetic goals. The recovery period is typically 1 - 2 weeks, and the final results may take several weeks to be fully visible as a portion of the transferred fat is absorbed by the body.
Contact Information: Contact the office for more details to schedule a consultation.
8. Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift, a facial fat grafting specialist, has devised a combination procedure for eyelid and facial rejuvenation. His method can help address the issue of facial volume loss, which is often associated with prominent nasolabial folds. By using micro fat grafting technique with a blunt microcannula, he can blend the lid - cheek junction, add volume to the under - eye area, and lift the nasolabial fold. The procedure is safe, can be done outpatient under local anesthesia with little to no discomfort for the patient. The use of the patient's own fat also has the benefit of improving overall skin quality and providing long - lasting results with a lower risk of hyperpigmentation.
Contact Information: Contact the clinic to learn more about the procedure and schedule an appointment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plastic Hospital or Surgeon
Qualifications and Experience
Ensure that the surgeon is board - certified and has extensive experience in performing autologous fat transfer procedures for nasolabial folds. A well - experienced surgeon is more likely to achieve the desired results and handle any potential complications effectively.
Reputation and Reviews
Look for reviews and testimonials from previous patients. Positive reviews can give you an idea of the quality of service, the surgeon's skills, and the overall patient experience at the hospital or clinic.
Facility Accreditation
Choose a plastic hospital or clinic with an accredited surgical facility. Accreditation ensures that the facility meets certain safety and quality standards.
Personalized Approach
A good surgeon will take the time to understand your goals and concerns, conduct a thorough examination, and develop a personalized treatment plan that is suitable for your unique facial structure and needs.
After - care Services
Post - operative care is crucial for a successful recovery. Inquire about the after - care services provided by the hospital or clinic, such as follow - up appointments, instructions for care at home, and support in case of any issues.
Preparing for Autologous Fat Transfer to Remove Nasolabial Folds
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, you will meet with the surgeon to discuss your goals, expectations, and medical history. The surgeon will examine your facial structure and the condition of your nasolabial folds. They will also explain the procedure in detail, including the potential risks and benefits.
Medical Evaluation
You may need to undergo a medical evaluation, which may include blood tests, imaging studies, and a general physical examination. This is to ensure that you are in good health and suitable for the procedure.
Lifestyle Changes
Your surgeon may recommend certain lifestyle changes before the surgery, such as quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, and taking certain medications or supplements as prescribed. These changes can help improve the success of the procedure and reduce the risk of complications.
Arrangements for Recovery
Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the surgery and to assist you during the initial recovery period. Stock up on necessary supplies, such as ice packs, pain medications, and comfortable clothing.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
During the Procedure
The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. You will be given local anesthesia or “twilight” sedation to ensure your comfort. The surgeon will first harvest the fat from the donor area using liposuction, then process the fat, and finally inject it into the nasolabial folds. The duration of the procedure depends on the extent of the treatment, but it can range from less than an hour for minor cases to 3 hours for more complex procedures.
After the Procedure
- Swelling and Bruising: It is normal to experience swelling and bruising in the treated area and the donor area. This usually subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Recovery Time: The recovery time varies from person to person. For minor procedures, you may be able to return to work in 1 - 3 days, while more involved procedures may require 5 - 10 days off work. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 2 - 3 weeks.
- Results: The final results may not be visible immediately due to swelling. As the swelling goes down and the fat cells settle, you will start to see a more natural and youthful appearance. A small portion of the re - injected fat may be reabsorbed in the first few months, but the remaining fat can provide long - lasting results.
Potential Risks and Complications
Although autologous fat transfer is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications, including:
- Fat Absorption: A certain percentage of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body, which may require additional treatments to achieve the desired results.
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the donor or treatment site. Following proper post - operative care instructions can help reduce this risk.
- Uneven Results: In some cases, the distribution of the transferred fat may not be completely even, resulting in unevenness in the treated area.
- Bruising and Swelling: While normal, excessive or prolonged bruising and swelling may indicate a problem and should be reported to the surgeon.
Conclusion
Autologous fat transfer is an effective and natural - looking solution for reducing nasolabial folds. In New York City, there are many excellent plastic hospitals and surgeons who specialize in this procedure. When choosing a provider, it is important to consider factors such as qualifications, experience, reputation, and after - care services. By carefully preparing for the procedure and following the post - operative instructions, you can achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. If you are considering autologous fat transfer to remove nasolabial folds, take the time to research and consult with a qualified professional to make an informed decision.
Call - to - Action
If you are interested in learning more about autologous fat transfer to remove nasolabial folds, or if you want to schedule a consultation with one of the top plastic surgeons in New York City mentioned in this article, please contact the respective hospitals or clinics. You can also share this article with your friends and family who may be interested in similar cosmetic procedures.
