Introduction

New York City, a global hub of fashion, beauty, and culture, offers a plethora of options for those seeking fat full - face augmentation. This procedure has gained immense popularity as it provides a natural - looking solution to combat the signs of aging and enhance facial features. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top aspects related to fat full - face augmentation in NYC, including what it is, the best hospitals and surgeons, the procedure details, recovery, and much more.

What is Fat Full - Face Augmentation?

Fat full - face augmentation, also known as facial fat grafting, facial fat transfer, or autologous fat transfer, is a procedure that involves using the patient's own fat to restore volume and fullness to the face. As we age, the face tends to lose subcutaneous fat, leading to a hollowed - out appearance. Fat transfer helps to address this issue by taking fat from other parts of the patient's body, such as the hips, thighs, or abdomen, processing it, and then injecting it into areas of the face that have lost volume.

There are several reasons why people opt for this procedure. It offers a natural alternative to synthetic fillers and implants. Since the fat used is the patient's own, there is no risk of rejection by the body. Additionally, it can provide long - lasting results and can also improve the overall texture and quality of the skin.

Top Plastic Surgeons and Hospitals in NYC for Fat Full - Face Augmentation

Dr. David Cangello

Dr. Cangello is an expert in fat grafting to the face. 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 two years of practice with Dr. Coleman and performing multiple fat transfer procedures together, Dr. Cangello mastered the necessary skills to deliver long - lasting and natural - looking results. He co - authored the chapter on fat grafting of liposuction deformities in the latest edition of Dr. Coleman's textbook entitled Fat Injection from Filling to Regeneration.

His practice offers consultations where he takes a look at the patient's areas of concern, identifies potential donor sites, and addresses any questions or concerns. He creates a completely customized treatment plan based on the patient's goals and cosmetic tastes. Patients with more advanced signs of age frequently choose to have a facelift, necklift, or eyelid surgery performed in conjunction with fat transfer for optimal rejuvenation under his guidance.

Millennial Plastic Surgery - Dr. David Shokrian

At Millennial Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Shokrian performs facial fat transfer treatments that can revive tired, aging facial features. The clinic offers comprehensive consultations, both virtually and in person. Dr. Shokrian has performed thousands of surgical procedures on the face and body. He can address various concerns such as sunken cheeks, forehead wrinkles, and loss of lip definition through fat transfer.

The cost of the facial fat transfer at this clinic encompasses liposuction and fat grafting. It starts at around $5,300, and financing options are available. The procedure involves extracting fat from areas like the buttocks, belly, or thighs, processing it, and then injecting it into the face. Their post - operative care instructions help patients achieve the best possible results.

Albert Plastic Surgery - Dr. Mark G. Albert

Dr. Mark G. Albert is a top - rated, board - certified plastic surgeon adept at performing facial fat transfer in NYC. The practice is conveniently located in Manhattan and specializes in facial fat grafting for local clients and those traveling from out of state. During the consultation, Dr. Albert examines the patient's physical characteristics, addresses concerns, and establishes a customized treatment plan.

The advantages of having the procedure done here include restored volume on the face and other areas of the body, minimized skin creases and wrinkles, and decreased appearance of scarring. The procedure is minimally invasive, usually performed under local anesthesia, and has a short recovery period.

Gotham Plastic Surgery

At Gotham Plastic Surgery, fat injection, which is similar to fat full - face augmentation, is offered as an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials. Their doctors perform fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. The procedure typically takes under an hour and can be performed with local anesthesia.

There is minimal downtime or recovery associated with fat injection at this clinic. 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.

Allure Plastic Surgery

Allure Plastic Surgery in New York offers facial fat transfer, also known as fat injection, to rejuvenate the face without plastic surgery. This procedure can reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, soften nasolabial folds, and restore volume to the cheeks or lips. They also cater to patients with lipoatrophy, a condition where there is a loss of fat tissue in the face due to subcutaneous injection of insulin during diabetes treatment.

The clinic's board - certified surgeons ensure a proper procedure that involves fat removal from donor sites, isolation of fat cells, and re - injection of healthy fat cells into targeted areas on the face. After the procedure, they provide clear post - operative instructions to enhance recovery.

Dr. Richard Swift

Dr. Richard Swift, a double - board certified plastic surgeon, is renowned as one of the city's premier facial surgeons. His practice offers a comprehensive range of treatments, including facial fat grafting. He is dedicated to providing each patient with high - quality, personalized care. Along with fat full - face augmentation, he also offers popular surgical methods such as facelifts, neck lifts, and rhinoplasty, as well as non - surgical options like dermal fillers and Botox.

Dr. Gerald Imber

Dr. Gerald Imber is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon who offers two options for cheek augmentation, including fat transfer. He has performed over 25,000 surgical procedures and is recognized by U.S. News and World Report and Castle Connolly as among the top 1% of plastic surgeons in the United States. He prefers fat transfer for cheek augmentation as it produces a more natural result.

During the consultation, Dr. Imber will discuss the patient's appearance goals, medical history, and possible techniques. He creates a highly personalized treatment plan to highlight the patient's best features.

Ideal Candidates for Fat Full - Face Augmentation

Ideal candidates for fat full - face augmentation include men and women who have started to notice a hollow or shallow appearance in individual or multiple areas of the face. These areas may include under - eye hollows, sunken temples and cheeks, and a lack of volume in other facial areas. People who desire augmentation of features such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw can also be good candidates.

There is no “perfect age” for this procedure as age - related changes are determined by genetics, lifestyle, and many other factors. However, candidates should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas, such as the hips, flanks, and thighs, to be harvested for treatment. It is also important for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcome and understand that the procedure may need to be repeated more than once to achieve ideal results.

The Fat Full - Face Augmentation Procedure

Consultation

The first step in the fat full - face augmentation process is the consultation. During this stage, the surgeon will take a detailed look at the patient's face, discuss their goals and expectations, and identify potential donor sites for fat extraction. For example, if a patient has concerns about under - eye hollows, the surgeon may assess if the patient has enough fat in the thighs or abdomen to be used for filling those areas.

The surgeon will also explain the procedure in detail, including the potential risks and benefits. They may show before - and - after photos of previous patients to give the patient a better idea of what to expect. Additionally, the surgeon will address any questions or concerns the patient may have about the procedure, anesthesia, recovery, and costs.

Harvesting the Fat

Once the consultation is complete and the patient decides to proceed with the procedure, the next step is to harvest the fat. Prior to the procedure, the surgeon will determine which area(s) of the patient's body will be used as a donor site. Common donor sites include the hips, thighs, abdomen, and flanks.

During the harvest, the donor site(s) will be injected with an anesthetic to numb the area. A small incision will then be made, and a specialized cannula will be used to gently suction out the appropriate amount of fat. The use of a cannula allows for a precise and gentle removal of fat cells. For instance, if the donor site is the abdomen, the surgeon will carefully insert the cannula through the small incision and use it to collect the fat while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue.

Processing the Fat

After the fat is removed, it needs to be processed before it can be transferred to the face. The fat is typically processed using a centrifuge. This machine spins the fat at a high speed, separating it from fluids and oils that have been removed from the body along with the fat cells. This ensures that only healthy, viable fat cells will be injected into the treatment areas, which helps to promote fat viability.

Some clinics may also use additional techniques to further purify the fat, such as filtering it to remove any remaining impurities. By processing the fat in this way, the surgeon increases the chances of the transferred fat cells surviving and providing long - lasting results.

Transferring the Fat

Once the fat has been appropriately processed and purified, it is ready to be transferred to the recipient area on the face. A tiny incision will be made in the treatment area, and a cannula will be used to inject the fat. With every pass of the cannula, small amounts of fat are gradually placed into the treatment site until the desired fullness is achieved.

The surgeon will strategically inject the fat into key areas of the face to address the patient's specific concerns. For example, if the patient wants to enhance their cheekbones, the surgeon will carefully inject the fat into the cheek area to create a more defined and full - looking cheekbone structure. The injection process requires precision and skill to ensure a natural - looking result.

Benefits of Fat Full - Face Augmentation

Natural Appearance

One of the main benefits of fat full - face augmentation is the natural appearance it provides. Since the fat used is the patient's own, it blends seamlessly with the existing facial tissue. This results in a more harmonious and natural - looking fullness compared to synthetic fillers or implants, which may sometimes look artificial or “over - done.”

Long - Lasting Results

The transferred fat cells that survive in the treatment area will generally stay there indefinitely. The fat will continue to age naturally with the body and behave just like other fat in the face. While some of the transferred fat cells may be absorbed by the body over time, approximately 50 - 60 percent of them will survive, providing long - lasting results. This means that patients can enjoy a more youthful and full - faced appearance for many years to come.

Improved Skin Quality

Fat full - face augmentation can also improve the overall quality of the skin. The fat contains stem cells, which can promote collagen production and enhance the skin's texture and elasticity. This can lead to a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a smoother and more youthful look.

Reduced Risk of Rejection

Since the fat used in the procedure is the patient's own, there is no risk of rejection by the body. This is in contrast to synthetic fillers or implants, which may cause allergic reactions or be rejected by the immune system. With fat full - face augmentation, patients can have peace of mind knowing that their body is less likely to have a negative reaction to the treatment.

Combined Body Contouring

The process of harvesting fat from donor areas can also provide a secondary benefit of body contouring. For example, if fat is harvested from the hips or thighs, it can help to reduce the appearance of excess fat in those areas, resulting in a more sculpted and proportionate body shape.

Recovery from Fat Full - Face Augmentation

Initial Recovery Period

Recovery from fat full - face augmentation usually isn't overly burdensome, but patients should expect some swelling and bruising. For the first one to two weeks, the face may appear puffy and slightly bruised. During the first week, patients may also experience mild discomfort, but the surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain medication to help reduce pain.

Patients are advised to rest during the first 24 hours after surgery. Keeping the head elevated when sleeping for the first few nights can help reduce swelling. Applying ice compresses to the face during the first 24 hours after surgery can also be beneficial for reducing swelling.

Long - Term Recovery

The majority of swelling should disappear within a month, and bruising will subside in about 10 - 14 days. However, the final results of the procedure may take a few months to become fully visible as the transferred fat settles and the body adjusts to the new volume.

Patients should follow the post - operative instructions provided by their surgeon carefully. This may include avoiding strenuous activities for at least one week after the treatment, not scrubbing the face for the first two weeks (only soft washing is allowed), and wearing surgical tape on the facial areas for a certain period, usually at least five days.

Repeat Treatments

Since approximately 50 - 60 percent of transferred fat cells will survive after the procedure, it is common for facial fat grafting to be repeated in order to achieve ideal volume. Generally speaking, patients usually wait around three - to - six months after their first fat grafting to face procedure before deciding if an additional treatment is necessary.

Risks and Complications

While fat full - face augmentation is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications. These include:

• Asymmetry: There is a risk of the face appearing asymmetrical after the procedure. This can occur if the fat is not evenly distributed during the injection process or if the body absorbs the fat unevenly. However, an experienced surgeon can minimize this risk by using precise techniques and carefully assessing the patient's facial symmetry before and during the procedure.
• Poor Healing: In some cases, the incisions made for harvesting and transferring the fat may not heal properly. This can lead to scarring or infection. Patients can reduce this risk by following the post - operative care instructions provided by their surgeon, such as keeping the incisions clean and dry.
• Fat Absorption: Not all of the transferred fat cells will survive. As mentioned earlier, approximately 50 - 60 percent of the fat cells are expected to survive. If too much fat is absorbed, the patient may not achieve the desired fullness, and a repeat procedure may be necessary.
• Swelling and Bruising: While swelling and bruising are normal parts of the recovery process, in some cases, they may be more severe or last longer than expected. This can be due to individual factors such as the patient's blood - clotting ability or the amount of fat harvested and transferred.

Cost of Fat Full - Face Augmentation in NYC

The cost of fat full - face augmentation in NYC can vary depending on several factors. These include the amount of fat that needs to be harvested and transferred, the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience and reputation, and the location of the clinic. Generally, the cost of the procedure encompasses liposuction (for fat harvesting) and fat grafting (for injecting the fat into the face).

At Millennial Plastic Surgery, the total cost of the procedure starts at around $5,300 and goes up from there. Some clinics may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost. It is important to note that this is an elective cosmetic procedure, so it is not covered by insurance.

Conclusion

Fat full - face augmentation is a popular and effective procedure for those looking to restore volume and fullness to their faces in a natural way. New York City offers a wide range of highly skilled plastic surgeons and reputable hospitals that can provide excellent results. Ideal candidates should have realistic expectations and be in good overall health. The procedure involves harvesting, processing, and transferring the patient's own fat, and it offers numerous benefits such as a natural appearance, long - lasting results, and improved skin quality.

However, like any medical procedure, it is not without risks. Patients should carefully research their options, choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, and follow all pre - and post - operative instructions. If you are considering fat full - face augmentation in NYC, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons mentioned in this guide to discuss your goals and determine if this procedure is right for you. Take the first step towards a more youthful and confident you today!