Introduction

Surgeries using one's own fat, also known as fat transfer or fat grafting, have gained significant popularity in recent years. These procedures offer a natural alternative to synthetic materials and can provide long - lasting and aesthetically pleasing results. In New York City, a vibrant hub of medical excellence, there are several public hospitals and private practices that offer high - quality fat transfer surgeries. This article aims to explore these options in detail, providing you with comprehensive information to make an informed decision.

What is Fat Transfer Surgery?

Fat transfer surgery involves the removal of fat from one area of the body (donor site) and its transplantation to another area (recipient site) where volume is desired. Common donor sites include the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and hips. The harvested fat is then processed to remove any impurities such as oil, water, and blood, and only the most viable fat cells are retained for injection into the target area.

This procedure is versatile and can be used for various purposes, including facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, buttock augmentation (Brazilian butt lift), and scar revision. One of the key advantages of fat transfer is that it uses the patient's own body fat, which reduces the risk of rejection and allergic reactions compared to synthetic implants or fillers.

Benefits of Fat Transfer Surgeries

Natural Results

Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, the results are more natural - looking and can blend seamlessly with the surrounding tissues. For example, in facial fat grafting, it can restore lost volume due to aging, giving the face a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The transferred fat also has the potential to improve skin quality as it contains stem cells and growth factors that stimulate collagen production, leading to a smoother and firmer skin texture.

Long - Lasting

While some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, the fat that successfully integrates with the surrounding tissue can remain in place long - term. This provides a more durable solution compared to some temporary injectable fillers. However, individual results may vary, and in some cases, touch - up procedures may be required to maintain the desired volume.

Body Contouring

Fat transfer surgeries not only add volume to the recipient area but also have a slimming effect on the donor area. For instance, when fat is removed from the abdomen or thighs for breast or buttock augmentation, it can help improve the overall body contour, creating a more balanced and proportional appearance.

Reduced Risk of Complications

Using the patient's own fat reduces the risk of rejection, allergic reactions, and capsular contractures that can occur with synthetic implants. This makes fat transfer a safer option for many patients, especially those with concerns about foreign materials in their bodies.

Public and Private Healthcare Facilities in New York City Offering Fat Transfer Surgeries

Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery

Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery has seven convenient locations in Manhattan, New York City, Princeton, New Jersey, Scarsdale, Woodbury, Long Island, Southampton, Smithtown, and Boca Raton, Florida. Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S., is an experienced surgeon in fat transfer procedures. His offices in the greater New York City area offer fat transfer for body contouring. For example, fat transfer can be used for filling in volume in areas like the face or buttocks. The preferred method for buttock augmentation at his practice is fat transfer, using the patient's own body fat to reshape the butt, which results in a more natural look, lower risk of infection, and enhanced overall body contours.

During the consultation, Dr. Greenberg will assess if a patient is a good candidate for the procedure. He may suggest spreading out the fat transfer procedures over several treatments as fat transfers are done in small amounts at a time. The surgery is performed at one of his state - of - the - art, fully accredited ambulatory surgery centers. Fat is typically obtained from the buttocks, thighs, or abdomen, similar to liposuction, using local anesthesia and a small incision or puncture. The procedure lasts one to three hours.

Recovery usually involves some swelling, bruising, and numbness in the incision or puncture areas. Most patients can return to work within seven days and resume normal activities in about two weeks. The cost of the procedure will be based on the extent of the work required and other factors, and financing options are available.

Gotham Plastic Surgery

At Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York City, fat injection (also known as fat grafting or fat transplant) is offered as an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials. It can be used for volume enhancement in the face, reducing wrinkles and creases, and filling in areas of lost volume due to age, injury, surgery, or other causes. The procedure is also used to enhance areas such as the buttocks and breasts.

Candidates for fat injection are generally healthy, non - smokers, and have realistic expectations for improvement. Dr. Miller and the other doctors at Gotham 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. After preparation, the fat is re - injected into the desired areas of the face or body.

There is minimal downtime associated with fat injection. Some minor swelling or bruising may occur, which typically resolves within 48 hours. Most patients can resume work and other normal activities on the same or next day. 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.

Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Located on the prestigious upper east side of New York City, Zuckerman Plastic Surgery offers expert facial fat grafting injections. Facial fat grafting is an innovative cosmetic procedure that enhances facial volume and contours by transferring fat from one part of the body (such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips) to the face. This technique not only adds volume but also improves skin texture.

The benefits of facial fat grafting at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery include natural results that blend seamlessly with the patient's facial features, improved skin quality due to the growth factors in the transferred fat, long - lasting effects (unlike synthetic fillers), and the dual benefit of reducing unwanted fat in the donor areas while enhancing facial contours. Ideal candidates are those who seek a natural method for facial enhancement, have areas of facial volume loss, possess sufficient fat deposits for extraction, and are in good health with realistic expectations.

During the procedure, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman will conduct a thorough consultation to assess the patient's facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, often combined with sedation. Fat is harvested using a gentle liposuction technique, purified, and then carefully injected into the target areas of the face. Recovery is relatively quick, with 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.

Dr. Leonard Grossman's Practice

Dr. Leonard Grossman, a distinguished plastic surgeon based in New York, has over 25 years of experience in fat grafting procedures. He is known as the pioneer of ‘organic plastic surgery’ and has completed over 12,000 successful fat grafting plastic surgery operations. His innovative approach ensures natural - looking results by using the body's own tissues.

The fat grafting procedure at his practice can be used to enhance volume and improve the proportions of various parts of the face and body, including the breasts, buttocks, calves, face, cheeks, and neck. It can also correct defects caused by trauma, illness, or cancer with minimal to no scarring. Dr. Grossman uses autologous fat and fat - derived stem cells, which allows for continued natural growth and volume enhancement over time.

The procedure starts with a pre - operative consultation where Dr. Grossman evaluates the patient's overall health, discusses aesthetic goals, and determines the best fat extraction and grafting areas. On the day of the procedure, fat is extracted from predetermined donor sites using a small cannula, purified, and then injected into the target areas. The entire procedure typically takes 1 - 2 hours, depending on the areas being treated and the amount of fat being transferred.

Recovery is relatively quick, and patients can usually resume work and normal activities almost immediately. Dr. Grossman's techniques minimize post - operative discomfort and eliminate the need for compression garments. However, patients need to follow post - operative care instructions, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and avoid smoking to ensure the best possible outcome.

Dr. Joshua Zimm's Practice

Dr. Joshua Zimm offers fat transfer surgeries in Manhattan. During the aging process, people often lose fullness in their face, resulting in a sunken look. Fat transfer can be an effective option to replace the lost volume. The surgery involves removing fat from one area of the body using liposuction and transplanting it to the face.

Good candidates for fat transfer at his practice are men and women who are physically healthy, have realistic expectations, and are interested in improving the contour of the face by diminishing lines and/or adding fullness. The procedure can be performed in an office - based facility or the hospital, usually with sedation or general anesthesia if combined with a facelift. It typically takes less than an hour to complete.

Most patients experience minimal swelling and rarely any bruising. They can return to work or play shortly after the procedure, but sun exposure should be limited until the redness and bruising have cleared up.

Dr. Steven Wallach's Practice

Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Wallach in New York City offers fat transfer procedures. Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or autologous fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure that can be used on the face, breasts, buttocks, and hands for scar revision, enhancement, and rejuvenation.

Ideal candidates for fat transfer at his practice are those who want to improve the appearance of their face, breasts, buttocks, or other body areas by adding volume or contour. They should have enough excess fat in areas such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, good skin elasticity, be in good overall health (including having a healthy body weight, being a non - smoker, and having no underlying medical conditions that might interfere with recovery), and have realistic expectations about the procedure.

During the consultation, Dr. Wallach evaluates the patient's medical history, skin quality, and overall health. The fat is typically harvested from the deep layer of subcutaneous fat in areas like the belly, butt, and back of the thigh. The procedure can take one hour or more, depending on the size of the treatment area and the amount of fat being transferred. Recovery varies depending on the area treated, but patients generally expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days and should avoid strenuous activities for at least two to three weeks.

Dr. David Cangello's Practice

Dr. David Cangello is an expert in fat transfer to the face in New York City. With aging, the face often develops a hollowed - out look due to loss of subcutaneous fat. Fat transfer to the face can restore fullness to areas such as the temples, under - eyes, cheeks, and lips, and can also fill in surface irregularities caused by scarring.

Ideal candidates for facial fat grafting at his practice 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 like the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. Candidates should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas such as the hips, flanks, and thighs. They should also have realistic expectations and understand that the procedure may need to be repeated to achieve ideal results.

The fat transfer to face procedure at Dr. Cangello's practice involves three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. Fat is harvested from the donor site using a specialized cannula after injecting an anesthetic. It is then processed using a centrifuge to separate it from fluids and oils. Finally, the purified fat is transferred to the recipient area through a tiny incision. Recovery usually involves some swelling and bruising for about one to two weeks, and the majority of swelling should disappear within a month.

Cost Considerations

The cost of fat transfer surgeries in New York City can vary significantly depending on several factors. These include the areas being treated, the amount of fat being transferred, the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon's experience and reputation, and the location of the healthcare facility. For example, facial fat grafting may be less expensive than breast or buttock augmentation using fat transfer due to the amount of fat required and the complexity of the surgical process.

Some surgeons offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the procedure. It is important to have a detailed consultation with the surgeon to get an accurate cost estimate and understand all the components of the pricing, such as the surgical fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee, and any post - operative care costs.

Pre - operative and Post - operative Care

Pre - operative Care

Before undergoing fat transfer surgery, patients will typically have a pre - operative consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's overall health, medical history, and aesthetic goals. They will also discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure and answer any questions the patient may have.

Patients may be given pre - operative instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, quitting smoking to improve blood flow and aid in healing, and avoiding sun exposure to prevent skin damage. It is important for patients to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a safe and successful procedure.

Post - operative Care

After the surgery, patients will need to follow a post - operative care plan. This may include taking prescribed pain medication to manage discomfort, wearing compression garments if required, and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period of time to allow the body to heal. Patients will also have follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing. It is crucial to adhere to the post - operative instructions to minimize the risk of complications and achieve the best possible results.

Conclusion

In 2025, New York City offers a wide range of options for surgeries using one's own fat. From experienced cosmetic surgeons in private practices to specialized medical facilities, patients have access to high - quality fat transfer procedures. Whether it's for facial rejuvenation, body contouring, or breast or buttock augmentation, fat transfer surgeries can provide natural - looking and long - lasting results. However, it is essential for patients to thoroughly research their options, choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, and follow all pre - operative and post - operative care instructions.

If you are considering a fat transfer surgery in New York City, we encourage you to schedule consultations with multiple surgeons to discuss your goals, understand the procedure, and get a personalized treatment plan. Share this article with friends or family who may also be interested in learning about fat transfer surgeries in the city, and continue to explore our other resources on cosmetic procedures for more in - depth information.