Introduction
In the bustling metropolis of New York City, aesthetic enhancement procedures are in high demand. One such procedure that has gained significant popularity is autologous fat filling of the temples. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this procedure, including its rankings, key details, and addresses of notable clinics in New York City in 2025. Autologous fat transfer to the temples offers a natural and effective solution for individuals looking to enhance their facial appearance by filling in sunken temples, creating a more youthful and balanced look.
Understanding Autologous Fat Filling of the Temples
What is Autologous Fat Grafting to the Temples?
Autologous fat transplantation to the temples is a cosmetic procedure where fat is taken from the patient's own body, typically from areas such as the thighs, waist, buttocks, or abdomen, and then transplanted into the temple area. This method is considered an optimal way to fill the temple area, creating a full and symmetrical face. Since the fat is taken from the patient's own body, it is likely to easily adapt to the new implant site, reducing the risk of resistance or rejection, as noted in Vinmec's article on fat grafting into the temples.
Sunken temples can affect the overall aesthetics of the face, and this procedure helps to overcome these defects, giving the face a brighter and more beautiful appearance without the need for invasive cutting procedures. It not only fills the temple area but also makes the area from where the fat is removed firmer and slimmer.
How is the Procedure Done?
Before performing autologous temporal fat grafting, a doctor will conduct a thorough examination and provide advice on the location of fat removal and the amount of fat to be injected to correct the defect. The patient will also undergo blood tests, sugar checks, blood pressure and heart rate measurements to ensure they are suitable for the procedure, as described in the Vinmec source.
During the procedure, the patient is anesthetized to minimize pain and discomfort. Fat is then suctioned from the donor area using techniques such as liposuction or syringe aspiration. The harvested fat is then processed, usually using a centrifuge to separate the fat cells from other components, as per a review on autologous fat grafting. The doctor then selects the best and strongest tissue and fibroblasts and uses a special syringe to implant very small layers of fat into the concave area at both temples. After the procedure, the patient may rest at the hospital or clinic for about 15 - 20 minutes before going home.
Advantages of Autologous Fat Filling of the Temples
Natural Results
One of the main advantages of autologous fat filling of the temples is the natural look it provides. Since the fat is from the patient's own body, the results look and feel more natural compared to using synthetic fillers. The face appears more youthful and rejuvenated without an artificial appearance. According to Dr. Gerald Imber in his page on fat transfer, autologous fat is a natural filler option that offers a natural alternative to commercial fillers, as the body is more likely to accept its own fat.
Low Risk of Allergic Reaction
As the fat used in the procedure is the patient's own, there is a very low risk of allergic reaction or rejection. This significantly reduces the potential complications associated with the procedure, making it a safer option for many patients. In contrast, synthetic fillers may carry a risk of allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
Long - Term Results
Autologous fat transfer to the temples can provide long - term results. Once the fat cells have established a blood supply at the transplanted site, they can survive and function like normal fat cells, offering a relatively permanent solution for temple augmentation. Some studies suggest that depending on the location, 50 - 75% of the transferred fat can remain in place as a permanent natural filler, as mentioned in Dr. Imber's information.
Collagen Production and Skin Rejuvenation
Autologous fat tissue, when injected under the skin, can support collagen production. This not only helps to fill the temples but also has a rejuvenating effect on the skin, making it smoother and helping to erase wrinkles. The presence of fibroblasts in the separated adipose tissue can divide continuously, creating new adipose tissue and contributing to long - term stable aesthetic results, as described in the Vinmec article.
Procedure Steps in Detail
Pre - operative Planning
Pre - operative planning is crucial for a successful autologous fat filling of the temples. The patient's medical history, medications, and allergies are reviewed. The doctor will specifically look for medications that may interfere with lidocaine metabolism or platelet function. As advised in the review on autologous fat grafting, patients are usually instructed to stop all medications that interfere with platelet function 2 weeks prior to surgery and can restart them 1 week after the procedure.
Appropriate laboratory tests, such as blood tests, are obtained approximately 1 week before the procedure. The patient may also be instructed to take certain medications, like cefadroxil or acyclovir in case of a history of herpes labialis infection, to prevent potential complications.
Donor Site Selection
Selecting the right donor site is an important aspect of the procedure. Different areas of the body can be used as donor sites, such as the abdomen, hips, inner thighs, and buttocks. Studies have shown that there may not be a clearly favorable donor site in terms of fat viability, but some areas like the lower abdomen and inner thighs have been identified as having a higher concentration of processed lipoaspirate cells or adipose - derived stem cells (ADSCs), according to the review on autologous fat grafting.
The doctor will assess the patient's overall fat percentage and determine the best donor site based on various factors, including the amount of fat needed and the patient's body composition. The area for liposuction is marked with the patient in a standing position after a sterile preparation. In thinner patients, multiple areas may need to be prepared and marked to obtain the required amount of fat.
Harvesting the Fat
There are several methods for harvesting fat, including liposuction and syringe aspiration. General anesthesia or tumescent anesthesia may be used depending on the patient's needs and the size of the area to be suctioned. If a small area is to be treated, tumescent anesthesia alone may be sufficient, while larger areas may require tumescent anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, as detailed in the autologous fat grafting review.
The atraumatic technique is often preferred for fat harvesting, as it emphasizes a gentle approach to minimize damage to the fat cells. A blunt atraumatic fat grafting cannula is commonly used, which is considered superior to conventional liposuction for fat graft harvesting. The appropriate size of the cannula and syringe also plays a role in the viability of the harvested fat. For example, a 2 mm diameter cannula with a blunt tip and several side holes connected to a 10cc syringe has been shown to yield better fat viability compared to other combinations, according to a comprehensive study mentioned in the review.
Processing the Fat
After harvesting, the fat needs to be processed to remove unwanted blood, oil, and other components. There are three primary methods used clinically to process fat grafts: sedimentation by gravity, filtering technique, and centrifugation. Although there is still debate among surgeons about the best method, centrifugation at 3000 rpm (about 1289 g) for 3 minutes is often considered a good option as it can clear the fat from most blood remnants and may maintain a relatively high concentration of stem cells within the processed lipoaspirate, as discussed in the autologous fat grafting review.
Manual centrifuges are sometimes preferred as they are less harsh on the adipocytes and can provide a fairly good separation of blood and fat. Sedimentation technique, which relies on gravity, is time - consuming but can be used when adjunct procedures are planned. Washing of grafts and filtration can also be carried out using commercially available systems.
Placement of the Fat
For the recipient site anesthesia, the entry sites are anesthetized, and a regional nerve block may be given. A standard 18 - gauge needle is used to create the entry site, and local anesthesia is infiltrated with a blunt cannula. A 10cc syringe full of adipose tissue is then used for injection. Approximately 0.1 cc of fat is injected with every pass, and the injection is carried out in an intermittent retrograde pattern while constantly verifying the evacuation of the syringe's contents by its graduated scale.
The fat should be injected at various different levels in a fan - shaped pattern to obtain a harmonious result and restore the previous anatomy of the site. Some studies have shown that the survival of fat grafts is significantly higher if they are placed in the supra - muscular layer compared to the subcutaneous or sub - muscular layer, but many surgeons prefer to inject the fat in the subcutaneous layer as they believe the graft survival is better in this layer, as reported in the review.
Post - operative Care
After the autologous fat filling of the temples, the patient may experience some swelling and bruising in the treated area. The swelling and bruising are usually normal and should subside within a few days to a couple of weeks. Over - the - counter pain medication can be used to manage discomfort, but strong painkillers may not be necessary in most cases, as mentioned in the reviews.
The patient should avoid touching the injection site and the fat removal site, especially in the first few days when there may be some swelling or discoloration. Applying a disinfectant to the injection site regularly morning and evening can help prevent infection. During the first 24 hours after the procedure, the patient is advised not to wear makeup, wash their hair, or engage in activities such as swimming or strenuous sports in very hot or cold environments, as described in the Vinmec article.
A specific massage program may be advised for the recovery period to ensure a smooth and even appearance of the treated area. Since some of the fat may be absorbed naturally by the body, the injection sites may be slightly over - filled at first to compensate for this effect. The patient may need to follow up with the doctor for a few weeks to monitor the healing process and the long - term results of the procedure.
Complications and Risks
Fat Absorption
One of the most common complications of autologous fat transplantation is the absorption of fat. Not all of the transplanted fat cells will survive, and the amount of absorption can vary from patient to patient. To compensate for this, doctors may over - correct the area during the procedure. However, unintentional over - correction can also occur, which can be particularly problematic in areas like the infra - orbital area where visible nodules may develop, as mentioned in the autologous fat grafting review.
Superficial Nodules
Superficial nodules can result from the injection of an extremely large bolus of fat too superficially. These nodules can be visible and may require further treatment to correct.
Infection
Although the risk of infection is relatively low, it is still a potential complication. During the pre - operative period, the physician needs to screen for and treat any active, chronic, or recurrent infections, particularly in adjacent facial areas such as the sinus, dental, or ocular regions. There have also been reports of the centrifuge serving as a source of infection with pseudomonas, so the use of sterile centrifuge sleeves is recommended to decrease the chance of transmission, as detailed in the review.
Vascular Complications
Vascular occlusion or the development of emboli is the most serious complication associated with fat transplantation. There have been cases of blindness, middle cerebral artery occlusion, and ocular fat embolism following fat transplantation in the face. In case of vascular compromise, the patient should be placed in the Trendelenburg position, nitroglycerin paste should be applied, and the area should be massaged until blanching resolves. Using a blunt - tipped cannula with initial withdrawal prior to injection, slow injections of small aliquots of fat using low injection pressures, and avoiding fat injection into pre - traumatized tissue can help reduce the risk of these complications, as advised in the review.
Rankings of Clinics in New York City for Autologous Fat Filling of the Temples
While there is no official standardized ranking for clinics offering autologous fat filling of the temples in New York City in 2025, several factors can be considered when evaluating different clinics. These factors include the experience and expertise of the surgeons, patient reviews and testimonials, the quality of the facilities, and the range of services offered.
Dr. Gerald Imber's Clinic
Dr. Gerald Imber is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon who has performed over 25,000 surgical procedures. His practice in New York City offers fat transfer procedures, including autologous fat filling of the temples. He is dedicated to providing natural results and has a good reputation among patients. Patients can expect a high - level of expertise and a comprehensive approach to the procedure, as described on his website.
Dr. Mark H. Schwartz's Office
Dr. Mark H. Schwartz, a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City, performs fat grafting procedures, also known as autologous fat transfer. His office provides effective treatments for sunken cheeks, facial lines, and other areas of lost volume, including the temples. He has years of experience in performing fat transplants and has refined his skills to produce superb results, as mentioned on his website.
Address Overview of Notable Clinics
Clinic Name | Address | Contact Information |
---|---|---|
Dr. Gerald Imber's Clinic | [Specific address in New York City] | [Phone number and email from his official website] |
Dr. Mark H. Schwartz's Office | [Specific address in New York City] | [Phone number and email from his official website] |
It's important to note that before visiting any clinic, patients should research and verify the information to ensure they are making the right choice for their aesthetic needs.
Conclusion
Autologous fat filling of the temples is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City in 2025. It offers numerous advantages, including natural results, low risk of allergic reaction, long - term effects, and skin rejuvenation. However, like any medical procedure, it also carries some risks and complications that patients should be aware of. When considering this procedure, it is crucial to choose a reputable clinic and an experienced surgeon.
If you are interested in autologous fat filling of the temples, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the procedure. You can also explore the different clinics and surgeons in New York City based on the information provided in this article. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about this aesthetic procedure and continue to explore related topics in the field of cosmetic surgery.