Public disclosure of the word - of - mouth list for fat - filled facial rejuvenation in New York City!

Introduction

In New York City, the quest for a youthful and rejuvenated appearance through fat - filled facial rejuvenation has gained significant momentum. People are constantly on the lookout for the best procedures, surgeons, and clinics to achieve natural - looking results. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to fat - filled facial rejuvenation in NYC, covering everything from different procedures to what to expect and how to choose the right option.

Understanding Facial Fat Transfer

What is Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer is a cosmetic surgery procedure where fat is removed from one part of the body and inserted into another, specifically into the face. Fat serves as the body's natural filler and is an excellent volume expander and contouring agent. It is one of the options used in treating the aging face, targeting the volume loss that occurs with age.

The two main concepts in facial aging are gravity and volume loss. Volume loss happens at various rates in different parts of the face, including the skin, fat, muscle, and bone. Restoring volume to the face is a key strategy in facial rejuvenation, and facial fat transfer, also known as facial fat grafting, is a popular method to achieve this (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

History of Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat transfer surgery has a long history. It was first performed in the 1890s when a surgeon used fat to correct indentations under scars in the face. Later, another surgeon used it to restore volume to an area of the breast that had been partially removed. When liposuction technology became available in the 1970s, facial fat transfer became an increasingly popular procedure, especially for face contouring (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

Areas Treated with Facial Fat Transfer

There are several areas of the face that are typically treated with fat transfer, as these areas often experience volume loss with aging:

• Temples: Located at each side of the forehead, the temples can appear depressed as we age due to the loss of temporalis muscle mass and temporalis fat pad atrophy. Loss of the temporalis muscle can also be associated with nutritional deficiencies, cancer, and other underlying diseases.
• Tear Troughs (Under Eyes): Situated underneath the lower eyelid at the lid - cheek junction, volume loss in the tear troughs is due to decreased fat, weakening of the muscle, and changes in the bones associated with aging. This can make the eyes appear sunken and may give them a dark color appearance.
• Malar Eminence (Upper Cheeks): The malar eminences are important in defining youth. A youthful face is often shaped like an inverted triangle with the apices being the malar eminences and the chin. Loss of volume in this area causes the triangle to reverse and change shape.
• Nasolabial Folds (“Smile” or “Laugh” Lines): These lines extend from the bottom of each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth. They can become more prominent with age due to changes in the skin's elasticity.
• Chin: As part of the inverted triangular shape that gives a face a youthful appearance, the chin can become deflated with age due to changes in the facial bones, giving a blunted appearance. Some people are also born with less prominent chins.
• Prejowl Sulcus: Refers to the indentations that form on either side of the chin and in front of the jowls. They can become more prominent as jowling increases over time (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

Who is a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Transfer?

Facial fat transfer can be suitable for a variety of people. The majority of those seeking this procedure are women, but men are also becoming more interested in maintaining youthful facial contours. Additionally, young people with congenital facial abnormalities, such as scars, or those who desire more prominent contouring, may benefit from it. People who show the typical signs of aging in the areas mentioned above are also good candidates (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

How is Facial Fat Transfer Done?

Determining Donor Site

The first step is determining the donor site for the fat. Most commonly, the lower central part of the abdomen is used. However, for those who do not have enough abdominal fat or do not wish to use the abdomen as the donor site, the thigh is an alternative option (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

Removal of Fat from Donor Site

Once the donor site is identified and marked with a surgical marker, local anesthesia is injected to the area to reduce pain. Liposuction is then performed, and typically 40 to 60 ml of fat is removed. After enough fat is removed, the liposuction cannula is withdrawn, and a small surgical bandage (steri strip) is placed over the small incisions to facilitate closure, or a suture is used (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

Processing of Fat

After the fat is removed, it needs to be separated from other non - fat liquids and particles in the fat tissue. This can be done by allowing gravity to separate the pure fat from the liquid or by using a centrifuging device to spin the fat until separation occurs. The remaining pure fat is called microfat. A portion of microfat may be further processed to obtain nano fat, which is rich in stem cells and has a thinner consistency (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

Insertion of Fat

The amount and type of fat used for facial fat transfer depend on the degree of volume loss and the specific treatment location. Microfat is bulkier and is typically used for areas such as the temples, nasolabial folds, chin, and surrounding areas. Nanofat is used for more delicate areas of the face, such as the tear troughs, wrinkles in the upper face, and the nasolabial folds and marionette lines (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

How Long Does Facial Fat Transfer Last?

The results of facial fat transfer can last several years and, in some cases, be permanent. However, a portion of the fat cells initially injected into the treatment area will die within the first few months of the procedure. Final results are expected to be seen in 6 to 12 months. The fat that remains after this period is considered permanently transplanted, but it does not stop the aging process. Additional fat transfer surgery or other aging face procedures may be needed to enhance the results (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

Preparing for Facial Fat Transfer

If you decide to undergo facial fat transfer surgery, there are several steps you need to take to prepare:

• Stop taking certain medications that can thin the blood, such as aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), warfarin (Coumadin), and vitamin E.
• Choose an escort who can accompany you home after the surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the facial fat transfer (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

What to Expect on the Day of the Procedure?

On the day of your facial fat transfer surgery, you will meet with a top - rated plastic surgeon (e.g., Dr. Gary Linkov) and an anesthesiologist. They will review your medical history to ensure it is safe for you to receive deep sedation anesthesia. The surgeon will mark the donor sites and recipient sites with a surgical pen and review these markings before starting the procedure. Once you have received anesthesia, the fat transfer to the face will begin. This procedure typically takes about 2 to 3 hours (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

Recovery from Facial Fat Transfer

Bruising and swelling are common and expected after facial fat transfer. Swelling usually improves in the first 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure, but it can take a couple of months to fully resolve. Keeping the head elevated and using a cool compress can help reduce swelling. There is typically minimal pain at the face recipient sites and only mild discomfort at the donor site. People can usually return to work after 5 - 7 days and resume regular exercise at least 1 week after the procedure. Final results are expected in 6 to 12 months after facial fat transfer (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

Complications of Fat Transfer

Although facial fat transfer surgery is relatively well - tolerated, some complications may occur:

• Lump Formation: A focal, round collection of excess fat. Lumps can be treated with steroids or surgically removed.
• Bulge Formation: A wider, oval - shaped collection of excess fat. Bulges can be treated with steroids or surgically removed.
• Overcorrection: Generalized excessive fat in the treatment area. Overcorrection should be assessed 6 months after the procedure after all swelling has resolved. It can be treated with micro liposuction or surgical removal.
• Undercorrection: Not enough fat was transferred to the treatment area. Undercorrection can be treated with additional facial fat transfer.
• Dimpling: A dimple may form at the treatment site where the fat was injected. Dimpling is treated by making a small incision under the skin at the site (subcision).
• Vascular Occlusion: Fat can enter a blood vessel. If fat is injected into a blood vessel, it can block the artery and cause skin damage and, more rarely, vision changes (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

Contraindications for Fat Transfer

Some people may not be suitable candidates for facial fat transfer. People who have had liposuction many times in the past may not have enough stable donor fat. Those under the age of 40 may not be appropriate due to the possibility of abnormal appearance of treatment sites later in life. People who do not have enough donor fat and those who are unable to receive deep sedation anesthesia due to underlying medical issues may also not be able to undergo the procedure (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

Comparison with Other Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

Facial Fat Transfer vs. Fillers

Fat transfer can be considered a type of natural, biologic filler, while synthetic fillers are typically made of hyaluronic acid, which is a gel - like sugar molecule. Facial fat transfer results can last years and sometimes be permanent, while synthetic filler results usually last from 6 months to 2 years. Fat transfer surgery typically requires the use of deep sedation anesthesia, while synthetic fillers are performed under local anesthesia with minimal downtime. The risk of vascular occlusion is higher in fat transfer procedures than it is with hyaluronic acid filler (Source: NYC Fat Transfers | New York Fat Grafting, Injections | UES).

Facial Fat Transfer vs. Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is a procedure where the unwanted fat deposits from the buccal region are taken out to give the face sharper contours and more prominent cheekbones. It is often suitable for people with large buccal fat pads, also known as a “baby face.” In contrast, facial fat transfer adds volume to the face. Buccal fat removal is usually an in - office procedure performed under local anesthesia, while facial fat transfer is typically done in an operating room under deep sedation anesthesia. The recovery time for buccal fat removal is relatively short, allowing patients to resume normal activities within a few days, while facial fat transfer may have a longer recovery period with more swelling and bruising initially (Source: Buccal Fat Removal in NYC - Dr. Steven Pearlman).

Dermal Fillers in Facial Rejuvenation

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are cosmetic injectables used to enhance facial contours, augment certain features, replenish volume loss, and provide a more youthful appearance. They are among the most popular non - invasive cosmetic procedures worldwide due to their stunning results, lack of downtime, and ease of injections. Dermal fillers are composed of various substances, each with its own distinct properties and ideal applications (Source: Dermal Fillers, Types of Dermal Fillers, Injectable & Wrinkle Fillers).

Types of Dermal Fillers

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Many popular dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero, are made of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs in the skin and provides essential hydration and youthful suppleness. These fillers create a lifting, plumping effect and a smoother skin texture. They can also stimulate the production of new collagen in the skin over time. For example, Juvederm Ultra XC is good for augmenting the lips and restoring lost volume in mild to moderate smile lines, while Juvederm Voluma is designed to enhance contour and replace volume loss in the cheekbones (Source: Dermal Fillers, Types of Dermal Fillers, Injectable & Wrinkle Fillers).

Poly - l - lactic Acid Fillers

Sculptra is a poly - l - lactic acid filler. Once injected, it stimulates the production of new collagen in the skin, which can create tighter, smoother skin and reduce signs of aging. The cosmetic effects are long - lasting, with results remaining up to two years after completing an initial short series of injections. Sculptra can be used for pan - facial rejuvenation and also in other areas of the body, such as the neck, décolletage, and buttocks (Source: Dermal Fillers, Types of Dermal Fillers, Injectable & Wrinkle Fillers).

Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers

Radiesse is an FDA - approved injectable dermal filler made of calcium hydroxyapatite. It starts a process called collagenases, which stimulates new collagen production. The calcium hydroxyapatite gel microspheres themselves also provide immediate volume to fill in visible deep lines and wrinkles. Radiesse typically lasts a year and, in some cases, up to two years and is ideal for treating deep wrinkles and volume loss (Source: Dermal Fillers, Types of Dermal Fillers, Injectable & Wrinkle Fillers).

Other Fillers

Bellafill consists of purified bovine collagen and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. It was originally approved to reduce the appearance of smile lines and can also diminish the appearance of acne scars. It has been reported to last for more than five years. However, since it contains bovine collagen, skin tests are required to ensure the patient is not allergic to the dermal filler (Source: Dermal Fillers, Types of Dermal Fillers, Injectable & Wrinkle Fillers).

Who is a Good Candidate for Dermal Filler Treatment?

Healthy individuals over the age of 21 are good candidates for injectable dermal filler treatment. However, pregnancy or breastfeeding are contraindications, as safety has not yet been established. Other contraindications include a history of severe reactions (anaphylaxis), bleeding disorder, allergy to gram - positive bacterial proteins used to make hyaluronic acid, and allergy to lidocaine. If you have any active rash, infection, or breakout, it is advisable to hold off on filler injection until your skin condition has been resolved (Source: Dermal Fillers, Types of Dermal Fillers, Injectable & Wrinkle Fillers).

Process of Having Dermal Filler Treatment

The first step is to consult an expert injector, such as a board - certified dermatologist. During the consultation, the doctor will collect a thorough medical history, review previous cosmetic procedures, and discuss your skin concerns and aesthetic goals. Photographs of the treatment area will be taken. If you are a good candidate, the injections may be performed on the same day or scheduled later. Before the injection, it is recommended to avoid blood thinners, NSAIDs, multivitamins, vitamin E, and fish oil for one week to minimize the risk of bruising. On the day of treatment, a topical lidocaine cream is applied to the treatment area one hour before the injections to desensitize the site. After the injections, ice packs are applied to minimize bruising or swelling, and you will be provided with aftercare information. A follow - up appointment is usually scheduled about two weeks after