Introduction to Autologous Fat Filling Around the Eyes
As people age, volume loss occurs in the upper and lower eyelids, tear troughs, temples, and brows, which is one of the most common signs of facial aging. This hollowness often contributes to a chronically tired appearance. Autologous fat filling around the eyes, also known as micro - fat transfer or autologous fat grafting, has emerged as a long - lasting and effective method to restore volume and contour in these areas. This procedure involves taking a sample of one’s own fat from areas like the abdomen, hips, or thighs, preparing it, and then carefully re - injecting it under the skin, acting as a natural alternative to synthetic fillers.
What to Consider Before Autologous Fat Filling
When considering autologous fat filling around the eyes, several factors need to be taken into account. The most important priority is the “aesthetic vision” relative to each person’s age, overall facial proportions, and skin quality. Fat is a powerful volumizer, and improper use can lead to obvious and unnatural results. Good candidates are those with volume loss and skin tone that can support fat injections. Individuals with very transparent, thin skin may be at higher risk for lumpiness and poor outcomes.
Top 5 Hospitals for Autologous Fat Filling Around the Eyes in New York City
1. Haideh Hirmand, MD
Procedure Technique
Dr. Hirmand uses a micro - fat transfer technique with stem cell - enriched fat cells, which is best suited for eyelid and peri - orbital rejuvenation. Fat is harvested fresh using custom - made small cannulas, processed to purify and concentrate the stem cell - enriched portion. Then, it is separated and injected through access holes in very small quantities with special small - caliber blunt cannulas. These cannulas minimize damage to fat cells during harvesting and to the recipient tissue. They also deliver micro - droplets of fine fat harvest, preventing large fat clumps from forming and resulting in a smooth full contour.
Procedure Details
- Anesthesia: Local and/or sedation
- Length of procedure: 30 - 60 minutes depending on complexity
- Outpatient/Inpatient: Outpatient
- Recovery: There may be bruising and swelling requiring concealer, but overall recovery is relatively fast. The bruising and swelling is less with each transfer.
2. Williams Center
Procedure Overview
At the Williams Center, fat injections, also known as autologous fat transplantation or micro - lipoinjection, are used to treat loss of volume in the face, including the areas around the eyes. Fat is removed from a donor site, often the abdomen or thighs, using a syringe and a cannula attached to a suction device. The donor fat is then prepared and injected with a cannula into the recipient site.
Patient Considerations
Good candidates for fat injections include physically healthy men and women with realistic expectations. After the procedure, the treated area may appear puffy and swollen for several weeks, and there may be bruising and redness on both the recipient and donor sites. However, patients are typically able to return to work and other normal activities immediately after treatment, though sun exposure should be avoided for about two days. The results of fat injection can last between 2 to 5 years, but it can vary depending on lifestyle behaviors and how the patient's body ages.
3. Albert Plastic Surgery
Facial Fat Transfer for the Eyes
Facial fat transfer at Albert Plastic Surgery can address hollowing around the eyes. The procedure is minimally invasive and is the longest - lasting treatment and the most cost - effective option for volume restoration and rejuvenation. Dr. Albert, a top - rated, board - certified plastic surgeon, examines patients' physical characteristics and concerns during the consultation and establishes a customized treatment plan.
Advantages and Procedure Details
- Advantages: Restored volume on the face, minimized skin creases and wrinkles, decreased appearance of scarring, minimally invasive, minimal discomfort, short recovery period, no synthetic material used, usually performed under local anesthesia.
- Procedure: A thin cannula is used to liposuction fat from donor sites such as the arms, back, abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, and knees. After the fat is prepared, it is injected into the target areas. Patients can drive home on their own after the procedure as local anesthetic is used, and the recovery takes a few days with some swelling and bruising.
4. Dr. Neal Goldberg's Practice
Facial Fat Injections for Eye Areas
Dr. Neal Goldberg performs autologous fat injections to help achieve cosmetic goals related to volume loss around the eyes and on the face. He uses a micro - droplet technique to administer small quantities of fat underneath the skin to create a natural - looking infusion of volume. During the initial consultation, he listens to patients' cosmetic goals, examines areas of concern, and determines if fat injections alone or in combination with other procedures can optimize the outcome.
Cost and Recovery
Fat grafting to the face usually costs $5,500 depending on the exact details of the surgical plan. After the operation, patients may feel swollen and tender, especially in the donor areas. Most patients experience little discomfort in the area where the fat was administered. Swelling and bruising may last for about one to two weeks. Fat transfer is designed to provide long - lasting benefits, but there will be some degree of volume loss as the results settle, typically between 30 - 70 percent.
5. Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice
Facial Fat Transfer for a Natural Look
Dr. Kolker offers facial fat transfer to restore volume and smooth wrinkles around the eyes and other areas of the face. He carefully helps patients plan the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques to achieve the most natural and desired result. Fat grafts are prepared from fat cells gently removed from the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks and transferred to problem areas.
Recovery and Procedure Time
Following facial fat transfer, patients go home on the same day. If the fat grafts are performed as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, patients can usually return to work in two or three days, while many are able to return the next day. When used to correct moderate or substantial lines, folds, or in conjunction with other procedures, the return to work may range from seven to fourteen days. Swelling is common and often resolves after two weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks for the final results to be evident.
Comparing the 5 Hospitals
| Hospital | Procedure Technique | Anesthesia | Procedure Time | Recovery | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haideh Hirmand, MD | Micro - fat transfer with stem cell - enriched fat cells | Local and/or sedation | 30 - 60 minutes | Some bruising and swelling, less with each transfer, fast recovery | Not specified |
| Williams Center | Standard fat injection using cannula and syringe | Local anesthesia, sedation optional | About 1 hour | Puffy and swollen for weeks, bruising and redness, can return to normal activities soon, avoid sun for 2 days | Not specified |
| Albert Plastic Surgery | Facial fat transfer with liposuction and injection | Local anesthesia (general anesthesia optional) | Not specified | A few days with swelling and bruising, can drive home alone | Not specified |
| Dr. Neal Goldberg's Practice | Micro - droplet technique for fat injection | Local or general anesthetic depending on liposuction extent | Not specified | Swollen and tender for 1 - 2 weeks, volume loss 30 - 70% during settling | About $5,500 |
| Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice | Fat grafting with careful planning | Local anesthesia for isolated procedure, light sedation or general anesthesia when combined | 30 minutes (mild corrections) - 3 hours (substantial restorations) | Return to work in 2 - 3 days (isolated) or 7 - 14 days (combined), swelling resolves in 2 weeks, final results in 12 weeks | Not specified |
General Tips for Choosing a Hospital
When choosing a hospital for autologous fat filling around the eyes in New York City, it is important to consider the following aspects:
- Surgeon's Qualifications: Choose a surgeon who is certified by the board of facial plastic & reconstructive surgeons. This ensures that they have completed the proper training to safely conduct the procedure. Ask about their experience in performing autologous fat filling around the eyes.
- Hospital Accreditation: Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is accredited by a national or state - recognized accrediting organization. This guarantees a certain level of safety and quality in the surgical environment.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous patients. This can give you an idea of the hospital's service quality, the surgeon's skills, and the overall patient experience.
- Cost and Insurance: While cost should not be the only determining factor, it is important to understand the total cost of the procedure, including any additional fees. Also, check if your insurance will cover any part of the treatment (usually not for cosmetic purposes).
- After - care Service: A good hospital should provide comprehensive after - care service, including follow - up appointments, guidance on recovery, and addressing any concerns that may arise after the procedure.
Conclusion
Autologous fat filling around the eyes is an effective way to restore volume and reduce the signs of aging in the eye area. The five hospitals in New York City introduced in this article - Haideh Hirmand, MD, Williams Center, Albert Plastic Surgery, Dr. Neal Goldberg's Practice, and Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice - each have their own unique techniques, advantages, and recovery processes. When considering this procedure, it is crucial to thoroughly research and choose the hospital and surgeon that best suit your needs, taking into account factors such as qualifications, cost, and patient reviews.
If you are interested in autologous fat filling around the eyes, we encourage you to take the next step. Schedule a consultation with one of the hospitals mentioned above to learn more about the procedure, ask any questions you may have, and see if it is the right option for you. Share this article with friends or family who may also be interested in this cosmetic treatment to help them make an informed decision.
