List of Hospitals Ranked for Autologous Fat Filling of the Face in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

Autologous fat filling of the face has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. It offers a natural way to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. As the demand for this procedure grows, it's essential to know which hospitals and surgeons are the best in the city. In this article, we will explore some of the top - ranked options for autologous fat filling of the face in New York City.

Understanding Autologous Fat Filling of the Face

What is Autologous Fat Filling?

Autologous fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, involves harvesting fat cells from one area of the patient's body, typically the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. These fat cells are then purified and injected into specific areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging, weight loss, or other factors. This technique uses the patient's own tissue, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. According to research, the fat cells, once transplanted, can integrate with the existing facial tissue and provide long - lasting results.

Benefits of Autologous Fat Filling

• Natural Results: Since the filler is the patient's own fat, the results blend seamlessly with the natural facial features, providing a more natural appearance compared to synthetic fillers.
• Improved Skin Quality: The transferred fat contains growth factors that can help improve the skin's texture and tone.
• Long - Lasting: Unlike some synthetic fillers that may need to be re - injected every few months, the results of fat grafting can last for several years.
• Dual Benefit: It not only enhances facial contours but also reduces unwanted fat in the donor areas.

Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Autologous Fat Filling in New York City

1. Dr. Kolker's Practice

Dr. Kolker is well - known for his expertise in facial fat transfer in New York City. He approaches each patient with a personalized treatment plan. During the initial consultation, he conducts a thorough examination of the patient's skin and soft - tissue relationships, paying close attention to factors like skin tone, texture, elasticity, and the depth of folds and wrinkles.

Dr. Kolker carefully plans the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques, often in combination with other cosmetic surgery procedures, to achieve the most natural and desired result. His office - based surgical suite is accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), ensuring a high level of safety and quality. He maintains a comprehensive gallery of before - and - after photographs to show the potential results to his patients, while also preserving their anonymity and confidentiality.

Patient testimonials rave about his precise execution and gentle touch. Many patients have reported achieving a more youthful and natural appearance, with comments like “I finally look the way I feel” and “Dr. Kolker keeps me looking like ‘me’ only better.” Recovery after the procedure depends on the complexity of the treatment. If the fat grafts are performed as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, patients can often return to work in two to three days. However, when combined with other procedures, the return - to - work time may range from seven to fourteen days.

2. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world's most respected and sought - after plastic surgeons. Trained at Stanford and Cornell University, he 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, a testament to the high satisfaction rate of his patients.

His approach to plastic surgery is that it should “whisper, not scream,” aiming for subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance facial features. For facial fat transfer, he harvests healthy fat cells from an appropriate donor site, such as the buttocks or thighs, using specialized, gentle techniques to ensure the cells are not damaged. The purified fat cells are then injected at a specific depth in the skin tissue to add volume to the desired area.

Most patients prefer to have the procedure in his discreet, private operating room located across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited and equipped with the latest technology. The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or “twilight” sedation, with a board - certified anesthesiologist monitoring the patient's safety. After the surgery, patients recover in his modern recovery suite and can usually return home the same day. Swelling and bruising are common but mostly subside within the first two weeks, and many patients can return to their normal daily activities within a day.

3. Gotham Plastic Surgery

At Gotham Plastic Surgery, fat injection, also known as fat grafting or fat transplant, is offered as an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials. The doctors here, including Dr. Miller, perform fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility.

The procedure is typically completed in under an hour and may be performed with local anesthesia. Fat is first 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 areas of the face. Candidates for fat injection are generally healthy, non - smokers, and have realistic expectations for improvement.

There is minimal downtime or recovery associated with fat injection. 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, with some claiming the fat can remain for years while others say it only lasts for a few months.

4. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Located in the prestigious Upper East Side of New York City, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery offers expert facial fat grafting injections. His approach to facial fat grafting focuses on providing natural - looking rejuvenation and long - lasting results.

During the consultation, Dr. Zuckerman conducts a thorough assessment of the patient's facial structure, skin quality, and 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 from facial fat grafting 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. To maintain the results, patients are advised to follow a healthy lifestyle, protect their skin from the sun, and maintain a stable weight.

5. Dr. Neal Goldberg's Practice

Dr. Neal Goldberg is an extensively trained plastic surgeon who performs autologous fat injections to help patients achieve their cosmetic goals. He uses fat injections to replace lost volume under the eyes and on the face, minimize common signs of facial aging, and provide more comprehensive aesthetic enhancement when combined with other procedures.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Goldberg listens attentively to the patient's cosmetic goals and examines their areas of concern. He collaborates with the patient to determine if fat injections alone or in combination with other procedures can optimize the outcome. He harvests the fatty tissue using liposuction, usually from the flanks and abdomen. Either local or general anesthetic is provided, depending on the extent of liposuction required and the number of treatments performed.

After acquiring and preparing the fatty tissue, Dr. Goldberg uses his micro - droplet technique to administer small quantities of fat underneath the skin to create a natural - looking infusion of volume. Fat grafting to the face usually costs around $5,500, all - inclusive of the fees normally associated with plastic surgery. After the operation, patients may experience swelling, tenderness, and bruising for approximately one to two weeks. The results are considered long - lasting, but there may be some volume loss as the results settle, typically between 30 - 70 percent.

6. Dr. David Cangello's Practice

Dr. David Cangello is a renowned expert in fat grafting to the face. He was mentored by and shared a practice with one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman. After years of learning and performing multiple fat transfer procedures, Dr. Cangello has mastered the skills necessary to deliver long - lasting and natural - looking fat transfer results.

Ideal candidates for his fat transfer to face procedure 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. During the consultation, Dr. Cangello examines the patient's areas of concern and identifies potential donor sites. He also addresses any questions or concerns and guides the patient through additional procedures that may complement the fat transfer.

The fat transfer to face procedure generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. After the procedure, patients can expect to look puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks, with mild discomfort during the first week. 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 it's common for the procedure to be repeated to achieve ideal volume.

7. Luxurgery

At Luxurgery, Dr. Sachin Shridharani and his dedicated team offer fat transfer procedures. An autologous fat transfer at Luxurgery involves removing fat through liposuction from one area of the patient's body and re - injecting it into an area where contouring is desired, such as the buttocks, lips, or cheekbones.

Dr. Shridharani reviews the patient's areas of interest during the consultation and examines if they are suitable donor sites. Common areas for liposuction include the abdomen, waist, pubis, upper back, hips, thighs, arms, knees, calves, and ankles. The procedures can be performed at his office or at area hospitals and “surgicenters” in New York City. His operating room and facility are certified and accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).

It takes the body six months to one year to see the final results of most fat transfer surgeries, but patients will notice an overall change in contour and fullness within days after the procedure. Swelling and bruising are common during the initial period, and the shape will improve in the ensuing weeks to months. Ideal candidates are at a healthy weight, have a reasonable amount of body fat, are in overall good health, and have realistic expectations about the results.

Comparing the Hospitals and Surgeons

Choosing the Right Hospital and Surgeon

Research and Credentials

Before choosing a hospital or surgeon for autologous fat filling of the face, it's crucial to do thorough research. Look into the surgeon's credentials, including their education, training, and board certification. Surgeons like Dr. Darrick Antell, who have been trained at prestigious institutions and recognized as top plastic surgeons by leading magazines, are often a good choice.

Patient Testimonials

Reading patient testimonials can give you an idea of the surgeon's skills and the patient experience. Positive testimonials about natural results, gentle touch, and good after - care are indicators of a reliable surgeon. For example, Dr. Kolker has many patients who rave about his ability to make them look like “better versions of themselves.”

Accreditation and Facilities

Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is accredited. Accreditation from organizations like the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) indicates that the facility meets high standards of safety and quality. For instance, Dr. Kolker's office - based surgical suite and Dr. Shridharani's facility at Luxurgery are both AAAASF - accredited.

Consultation

Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, ask questions about the procedure, and get a feel for the surgeon's approach. A good surgeon will listen to your concerns, conduct a thorough examination, and create a personalized treatment plan. For example, Dr. Neal Goldberg spends time collaborating with patients to determine the best treatment options.

Conclusion

Autologous fat filling of the face is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City. There are several top - ranked hospitals and surgeons in the city, each with their own specialties and approaches. Dr. Kolker is known for his personalized treatment plans and combination procedures, Dr. Darrick Antell for his subtle enhancements, Gotham Plastic Surgery for quick recovery, and so on. When choosing a hospital and surgeon, it's important to consider factors such as research and credentials, patient testimonials, accreditation, and the consultation experience.

If you're considering autologous fat filling of the face, we encourage you to take the next step. Schedule consultations with the surgeons mentioned in this article, and don't hesitate to ask all your questions. Share this article with friends and family who may also be interested in this procedure, and explore more about facial rejuvenation and cosmetic surgery to make an informed decision.