Introduction

Facial fat filling has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This method offers a natural way to restore volume, reduce wrinkles, and enhance facial features. As more people seek this treatment, it's essential to know about the top doctors and institutions in the area. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive ranking list of doctors and institutions for facial fat filling in New York City, along with in - depth information about their expertise, experience, and patient reviews.

Understanding Facial Fat Filling

Facial fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, is a procedure that involves taking fat from one part of the body (usually the abdomen, thighs, or hips) using liposuction. The harvested fat is then purified and injected into specific areas of the face to add volume. Some of the common uses of facial fat filling include:

• Minimizing wrinkles and fine lines
• Adding volume to sunken areas such as the cheeks and under - eyes
• Filling in nasolabial folds (the lines from the nose to the mouth corners)
• Reducing the prominence of scarring
• Correcting facial deformities

One of the significant advantages of facial fat filling is that it uses the patient's own fat, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions and provides a more natural look compared to synthetic fillers. Moreover, the fat may contain stem cells that can contribute to skin rejuvenation.

Ranking List of Doctors for Facial Fat Filling in New York City

1. Dr. Basil Pakeman, MD

Dr. Pakeman is an oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology. He has 28 years of experience, which adds to his credibility in performing facial fat transfer procedures. His clinic is located at 240 E. 64th St., New York, New York. Patients have reported fantastic experiences with him. For example, one patient who had developed severe eye bags over COVID found his treatment to be highly effective. The doctor's long - standing experience in the field gives patients confidence in his skills, especially when it comes to delicate areas around the eyes.

2. Dr. Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS

As a facial plastic surgeon, board - certified in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery, Dr. Madnani is well - versed in facial procedures. He has 18 years of experience and is known as a destination doctor. His clinic is situated at 800a Fifth Ave., New York, New York. Patients have appreciated his honesty during consultations. For instance, a patient who underwent a facial fat transfer was extremely satisfied with the results and the overall experience with Dr. Madnani and his staff.

3. Dr. Andrew Miller, MD

Dr. Miller is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon with 25 years of experience. His practice is located at 1424 Richmond Ave., Staten Island, New York. A patient who had previously received fillers opted for a more natural and cost - effective solution with Dr. Miller's facial fat transfer. This patient's positive feedback highlights the doctor's ability to provide alternative and suitable treatment options.

4. Dr. Mansher Singh, MD, FACS

Although relatively new with 4 years of experience, Dr. Singh is a board - eligible plastic surgeon and a destination doctor. His clinic is at 905 5th Av, New York, New York. He has received high praise from patients, with one patient giving a 10/10 rating and highly recommending him for the treatment of under - eye bags. This shows that even with less experience, he has the skills to deliver satisfactory results.

5. Dr. James C. Marotta, MD

Dr. Marotta is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon with 19 years of experience. His office is at 895 W. Jericho Tpke., Smithtown, New York. Having a long - term patient who has been with him since 2009 and always had amazing results indicates his consistency in providing high - quality facial fat transfer treatments.

6. Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS

With 30 years of experience as a board - certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Greenberg has extensive knowledge and skills. His practice is located at 160 Crossways Park Dr., Woodbury, New York. A patient who had an abdominoplasty and liposuction with him in 2023 also speaks highly of his abilities, although facial fat filling was not the primary procedure in this case, his overall surgical skills suggest he would be competent in facial fat transfer as well.

7. Dr. Trevor M. Born, MD

Dr. Born is a certified plastic surgeon with 28 years of experience. His clinic is at 910 Fifth Ave., New York, New York. A patient who had a facial fat transfer and an upper and lower blepharoplasty from him described it as the best thing they had ever done, with their face looking perfect and natural. This positive review attests to his proficiency in performing facial fat transfer along with other related procedures.

8. Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD

As a board - eligible plastic surgeon with 3 years of experience, Dr. Lisiecki is based at 737 Park Ave., New York, New York. A patient who needed a fat transfer to their eyes had an amazing experience with him, which shows that he has the necessary skills to handle specific facial fat filling cases.

9. Dr. Brett S. Kotlus, MD, MS, FACS

Dr. Kotlus is an oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology, with 19 years of experience. His clinic is at 20 E. 66th St., New York, New York. A patient who was very happy with their face after a facial fat transfer by Dr. Kotlus is a testament to his expertise, especially in treating areas around the eyes.

10. Dr. Elliot M. Heller, MD

Dr. Heller is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon with 32 years of experience. His practice is at 150 E. 61st St., New York, New York. A patient who was 9 weeks post - op and very pleased with the result, feeling like ten years had been taken off their face, indicates that Dr. Heller's facial fat filling procedures can bring about significant and satisfying aesthetic changes.

Institutions for Facial Fat Filling in New York City

There are several well - known institutions in New York City that offer high - quality facial fat filling services. While some of the doctors mentioned above may be associated with these institutions, here are a few institutions worth highlighting:

New York Center for Facial Plastic Surgery

Home to Dr. Andrew Jacono, this institution is highly regarded. Dr. Jacono is considered one of the best plastic surgeons in New York, specializing in mini facelifts, rhinoplasties, and eyelid lifts. Although facial fat filling is not the only service offered, his expertise in facial plastic surgery extends to related procedures. He has received numerous recognitions, such as being named one of the best plastic surgeons in America by Newsweek and voted the best plastic surgeon by New York magazine. The institution uses advanced techniques, digital photography, and 2D and 3D Vectra computer imaging software during consultations to provide patients with a clear understanding of the expected results. They also offer a range of services, including both surgical and non - surgical options for facial rejuvenation.

Centers associated with top - rated individual doctors

Many of the individual doctors mentioned earlier have their own clinics or are affiliated with specific medical centers. These centers are equipped with the necessary facilities and staff to ensure the safety and effectiveness of facial fat filling procedures. For example, Dr. Darren M. Smith, a board - certified plastic surgeon, has a practice focused on aesthetic surgery and injectables. His center provides advanced patient safety protocols, personalized aftercare, and offers fat grafting services. The environment is friendly and comfortable, which is an important aspect for patients undergoing such procedures.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor or Institution for Facial Fat Filling

When looking for a doctor or institution for facial fat filling in New York City, the following factors should be taken into account:

Board Certification

Ensure that the doctor is board - certified in a relevant specialty, such as plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, or ophthalmology. Board certification indicates that the doctor has met certain standards of education, training, and experience. For example, doctors like Dr. Basil Pakeman (board - certified in ophthalmology) and Dr. Dilip D. Madnani (board - certified in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery) have the necessary qualifications to perform facial fat transfer procedures safely and effectively.

Experience

Look for doctors with a significant number of years of experience in performing facial fat filling procedures. More experienced doctors are likely to have encountered a variety of cases and can handle potential complications better. Doctors like Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg with 30 years of experience and Dr. Elliot M. Heller with 32 years of experience have a long - standing track record in the field.

Patient Reviews

Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the doctor's or institution's reputation. Positive reviews from satisfied patients are a good indication of the quality of service. For instance, the numerous positive reviews about Dr. Trevor M. Born and Dr. Brett S. Kotlus highlight their ability to deliver satisfactory results and a good patient experience.

Technology and Techniques

Choose a doctor or institution that uses the latest technology and advanced techniques. This can lead to better results, less pain, and a shorter recovery time. Institutions like the New York Center for Facial Plastic Surgery use digital photography and computer imaging software to plan procedures, which shows their commitment to providing state - of - the - art care.

Cost

While cost should not be the only determining factor, it is important to consider your budget. Different doctors and institutions may have different pricing structures. However, it's crucial to remember that higher cost does not always guarantee better results, and very low - cost options may come with risks. It's advisable to get a detailed quote from multiple providers and compare what is included in the cost, such as the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, and post - operative care.

Benefits and Risks of Facial Fat Filling

Benefits

Facial fat filling offers several benefits:

• Natural Results: Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, the results look and feel more natural compared to synthetic fillers.
• Long - lasting: Fat that survives the transfer process can provide long - lasting volume to the face. Unlike some fillers that may need to be repeated every few months, the effects of facial fat filling can be permanent to a certain extent.
• Rejuvenation: It can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fill in sunken areas, and give the face a more youthful look.
• Multiple Uses: Can be used to enhance various facial features, such as the cheeks, lips, and under - eyes.
• Less Risk of Allergic Reactions: As it uses the patient's own tissue, the risk of allergic reactions is significantly reduced.

Risks

However, like any surgical procedure, facial fat filling also has some risks:

• Fat Absorption: Some of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body, which means that the results may not be as long - lasting as expected. In some cases, additional treatments may be required to achieve the desired outcome.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the donor site (where the fat is harvested) or the injection site. This can usually be managed with antibiotics, but it can cause delays in the recovery process.
• Irregularities: There may be some unevenness or lumps in the treated areas, which can affect the aesthetic result. This can sometimes be corrected with additional procedures.
• Bruising and Swelling: Patients can expect some bruising and swelling after the procedure, which can take a few days to a few weeks to subside. This may temporarily affect the patient's appearance and daily activities.

Pre - and Post - operative Care for Facial Fat Filling

Pre - operative Care

Before undergoing facial fat filling, patients should:

• Have a detailed consultation with the doctor to discuss their goals, medical history, and any medications they are taking. This will help the doctor determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure.
• Stop taking certain medications that may increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and some herbal supplements, as advised by the doctor.
• Arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure, as they will be under the influence of anesthesia.
• Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to prepare their body for the surgery. This may include avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Post - operative Care

After the procedure, patients need to:

• Follow the doctor's instructions regarding wound care. This may include keeping the treated areas clean and dry, and applying any prescribed ointments.
• Rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days to allow the body to recover. This helps reduce swelling and promotes healing.
• Take any prescribed medications, such as antibiotics or painkillers, as directed.
• Attend all follow - up appointments with the doctor to monitor the healing process and ensure that the results are as expected.

Conclusion

Facial fat filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City. There are many highly skilled doctors and well - equipped institutions offering this service. By considering factors such as board certification, experience, patient reviews, technology, and cost, patients can make an informed decision when choosing a doctor or institution. While facial fat filling has many benefits, it also comes with some risks, and proper pre - and post - operative care is essential for a successful outcome. If you are considering facial fat filling, take the time to research and consult with multiple providers to find the best fit for your needs.

Call - to - action: If you're interested in learning more about facial fat filling or scheduling a consultation with one of the top doctors in New York City, reach out to the institutions or doctors mentioned in this article. Share this article with your friends who may also be considering facial fat filling, and explore related topics such as other facial cosmetic procedures and the latest advancements in plastic surgery.