Introduction
Autologous fat cheek augmentation has become a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This technique involves using a patient's own fat to enhance the cheeks, providing a natural - looking and long - lasting result. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals and clinics in New York City that offer this service, their procedures, costs, and patient experiences.
Understanding Autologous Fat Cheek Augmentation
As we age, our facial fat naturally depletes, leading to hollowed and gaunt - looking cheeks. Autologous fat cheek augmentation is a solution that can replenish lost volume and restore a youthful appearance. It is a relatively safe procedure as it uses the patient's own fat, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or rejections.
The process typically involves two main steps. First, excess fat is harvested from areas of the body with abundant fat, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, using a small tube called a cannula. The harvested fat is then carefully processed and prepared. Finally, the fat is injected into the cheeks to add volume and contour.
Top Hospitals and Clinics in New York City for Autologous Fat Cheek Augmentation
1. Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC
Dr. Elie Levine at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC is well - known for his expertise in cheek augmentation. He offers a variety of cheek augmentation techniques, including autologous fat grafting. Dr. Levine's approach focuses on personalized treatment, taking into account each patient's unique facial structure and goals.
Procedure Details
The fat grafting procedure at this clinic usually takes about 1 - 2 hours. During the procedure, local or twilight anesthesia is used to ensure the patient's comfort. After the fat is harvested from the donor site, it is carefully prepared and injected into the cheeks to achieve the desired results. Patients can go home the same day after the procedure.
Recovery and After - care
Patients may experience mild to moderate swelling in the days following the procedure. Most patients can return to work in 3 - 5 days. Light exercise can be resumed less than a week after the procedure, and more strenuous exercise can be started in about 1 week. Dr. Levine and his team provide comprehensive post - operative care, including follow - up visits to ensure a smooth recovery.
Contact Information
Telephone: 212.988.1800
Address: 35a East 84th Street, New York, NY 10028
2. Dr. Barry Weintraub's Clinic
Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Barry Weintraub performs cheekbone augmentation at his NYC and East Hampton locations. He offers autologous fat transfer as one of the options for cheek augmentation.
Procedure Details
Dr. Weintraub prefers his patients to be in a comfortable state of twilight sleep during the procedure. He uses the latest techniques to harvest fat from the patient's body and carefully inject it into the cheekbones. The surgical environment is of the highest quality, with board - certified anesthesiologists and state - of - the - art monitoring equipment.
Patient Selection
The best candidates for this procedure are well - balanced, in good general health, and have realistic expectations. They should be highly motivated to make the change, able to pause their daily responsibilities for the procedure, and have the financial means to afford the elective cosmetic surgery.
Contact Information
He has a primary location at 800a 5th Avenue on the upper east side of Manhattan. Contact the office for a private consultation to discuss cheekbone augmentation.
3. Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice
Dr. Adam Kolker in NYC offers facial fat transfer or autologous fat grafts. His approach is centered around achieving natural and desired results for his patients.
Procedure Details
During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker conducts a thorough examination of the patient's skin and soft tissue relationships. He carefully plans the autologous fat graft techniques to ensure the best outcome. The fat grafting procedure is performed in his office - based surgical suite, accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Depending on the patient's needs, the procedure can take between 30 minutes (for very mild corrections) and 3 hours (for more substantial volume restorations).
Recovery
Patients can go home on the same day with a friend or family member. If the fat grafts are performed as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, most patients can return to work in two or three days. Swelling is common after the procedure and usually resolves after two weeks, although it may take up to 12 weeks for the final results to be evident.
Contact Information
Call 212 - 744 - 6500 to schedule a private consultation. His office is located at 710 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021.
4. Dr. Darrick Antell's Clinic
Dr. Darrick Antell is a world - renowned plastic surgeon who offers facial fat transfer. He has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by many leading magazines.
Procedure Details
The procedure involves harvesting healthy fat cells from an appropriate area of the body, such as the buttocks or thighs. The fat is then purified and prepared for injection into the cheeks. A facial fat transfer procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient during the surgery.
Recovery and Results
After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite. Facial fat transfer is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. Most patients experience swelling and bruising, which usually subside within the first two weeks. The final result may not be visible for up to a month due to residual swelling.
Contact Information
Call (212) 988 - 4040 to schedule a consultation. His private operating room is located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital.
Cost Considerations
The cost of autologous fat cheek augmentation in New York City can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the surgeon's experience and reputation, the complexity of the procedure, the amount of fat to be transferred, and the location of the clinic.
For example, if filler injections are used instead of fat transfer, the cost can start as low as $650 and go up depending on the product used and the quantity. Fat injection or cheek implants can cost about $5000 or more. A mid - face lift or facelift procedure (which can sometimes be combined with cheek augmentation) can cost $15,000 or more.
Benefits of Autologous Fat Cheek Augmentation
- Natural Look and Feel: Since the fat used is from the patient's own body, the results look and feel natural. The augmented cheeks blend seamlessly with the rest of the face.
- Long - lasting Results: Autologous fat transfer can provide long - lasting volume enhancement. Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply, they can remain in the cheeks for a significant period.
- Minimal Risk of Rejection: Using the patient's own fat minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or rejections, making it a safer option compared to some synthetic fillers.
- Simultaneous Body Contouring: The fat harvesting process can also provide some body contouring benefits in the donor area, such as the abdomen or thighs.
Potential Risks and Complications
Although autologous fat cheek augmentation is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications. These include:
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after the procedure and usually subside within a few weeks. However, in some cases, it may take longer for the swelling to completely resolve.
- Fat Absorption: Some of the transferred fat cells may be absorbed by the body over time. This can result in a reduction in the volume of the augmented cheeks, and in some cases, a touch - up procedure may be required.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the donor or injection site. Proper sterilization techniques and post - operative care can help minimize this risk.
- Irregularities: There may be some irregularities in the contour of the cheeks, such as lumps or bumps. Skilled surgeons can usually minimize these issues during the injection process.
Patient Testimonials and Reviews
Reading patient testimonials and reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and results offered by different hospitals and clinics. For example, at Dr. Kolker's practice, patients have commented on his precise execution and gentle touch, and how he is able to produce natural results that make them look refreshed. Similarly, patients at Dr. Antell's clinic have praised his approach to achieving subtle and beautiful results.
It is important to note that individual results may vary, and patients should have realistic expectations when considering autologous fat cheek augmentation.
Preparing for Autologous Fat Cheek Augmentation
Before undergoing the procedure, patients should have a detailed consultation with their surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will:
- Examine the patient's facial structure to evaluate the bony and soft tissue architecture, as well as the overall facial balance.
- Discuss the patient's goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for the surgery.
- Explain what to expect before, during, and after the procedure and answer any questions the patient may have.
Patients may also be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin or aspirin - containing compounds, for a week prior to the injection to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Conclusion
Autologous fat cheek augmentation is an effective and popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. There are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer this service, each with its own experienced surgeons and unique approach. When considering this procedure, patients should do thorough research, choose a qualified surgeon, and have realistic expectations.
If you are interested in autologous fat cheek augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the hospitals or clinics mentioned in this article. By taking the time to make an informed decision, you can achieve the natural and youthful look you desire for your cheeks.
