Autologous Fat Full - Face Filling in New York City: Top Hospitals

Autologous fat full - face filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure. It involves harvesting fat from one's own body, usually from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or hips, and then injecting it into the face to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer this procedure. Let's explore the top five options.

1. Dr. Kolker's Clinic

Overview

Dr. Kolker is well - known for his expertise in facial fat transfer. He takes a unique approach to each patient, carefully considering their desires and expectations. The clinic is located at 710 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021, and has an office - based surgical suite accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).

The Procedure

During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker conducts a thorough examination of the patient's skin and soft tissue relationships. He pays attention to skin tone, texture, elasticity, depth of folds, wrinkles, or depressions, and the underlying bone or cartilage support. He then helps the patient plan the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques, as well as the combination of cosmetic surgery and fat graft techniques, to achieve the most natural and desired result. The fat cells are removed using a very small cannula and prepared as fat grafts. These grafts are then transferred to the wrinkled or hollow areas of the face using a small needle. The procedure can take between 30 minutes (for very mild corrections) and 3 hours (for more substantial volume restorations).

Recovery

Patients can go home on the same day with a friend or family member. If the fat grafts are performed as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, Dr. Kolker suggests taking two or three days off before returning to work, though many can return the next day. When combined with other procedures, the return to work may range from seven to fourteen days. Swelling is common and usually resolves after two weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks for the final results to be evident. Light aerobic activity can be resumed as early as four to five days after the procedure, and more strenuous activity can start at two to three weeks.

Patient Testimonials

Patients rave about Dr. Kolker's precision and gentle touch. Many testimonials mention that he produces natural results, making them look refreshed rather than "frozen." For example, one patient said, "I will only let one person touch my face for injectables and that is Dr. Kolker. He is precise with his execution and gentle with his touch, and produces natural results that make me look refreshed, never ‘frozen’. Dr. Kolker keeps me looking like ‘me’ only better!"

2. Albert Plastic Surgery

Overview

Albert Plastic Surgery is a well - established practice in New York City. Dr. Albert, a top - rated, board - certified plastic surgeon, is adept at performing facial fat transfer. The practice is conveniently located in Manhattan and caters to clients from the New York City area as well as those traveling from out of state.

The Procedure

The facial fat transfer at Albert Plastic Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. If not combined with another procedure under general anesthesia, it can be performed using local anesthesia alone. A thin cannula is used to liposuction fat from the donor sites chosen by the patient, such as the arms, back, abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, or knees. After the fat is prepared for injection, it is injected into areas of the face that lack volume, such as under the eyes, cheeks, lips, and temples.

Advantages

One of the main advantages is that it restores volume on the face and other areas of the body. It also minimizes skin creases, wrinkles, and fine lines, and decreases the appearance of scarring from acne or other trauma. The procedure is minimally invasive, causing minimal discomfort and a short recovery period. No synthetic material is used, and local anesthesia minimizes cost and maximizes comfort.

Results

The final results become visible about three months after the procedure. The presence of stem cells in the fat also offers the added benefit of skin and scar rejuvenation. Dr. Albert's deep understanding of facial aesthetics enables him to create results that often exceed his patients' initial expectations.

3. Cangello Plastic Surgery

Overview

Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery is an expert in fat grafting to the face. He had the privilege of being mentored by and sharing a practice with one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman. He continues to perform fat transfer using the technique described by Dr. Coleman and co - authored a chapter on fat grafting of liposuction deformities in Dr. Coleman's textbook.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for fat transfer to the face at this clinic include men and women who notice a hollow or shallow appearance in individual or multiple areas of the face, or those who desire augmentation of features such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. Candidates should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas like the hips, flanks, and thighs.

The Procedure Steps

• Harvest: Dr. Cangello identifies the donor site(s) on the patient's body. The site is injected with an anesthetic, and a small incision is made. Fat is then gently suctioned out using a specialized cannula.
• Process: The removed fat is processed using a centrifuge to separate it from fluids and oils, ensuring that only healthy, viable fat cells are used for injection.
• Transfer: A tiny incision is made in the recipient area, and the processed fat is injected using a cannula until the desired fullness is achieved.

Recovery and FAQs

Recovery from fat transfer usually involves about one to two weeks of looking puffy and bruised. Mild discomfort may be experienced during the first week, but appropriate pain medication is prescribed. The majority of swelling disappears within a month, and bruising subsides in about 10 - 14 days. Approximately 50 - 60 percent of transferred fat cells will survive, so the procedure may need to be repeated to achieve ideal volume. The results can last for many years, but significant weight fluctuations may affect them.

4. Antell - MD

Overview

Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world's most respected and sought - after plastic surgeons. He has been trained at Stanford and Cornell University and has been named a "top plastic surgeon" by multiple prestigious magazines. His approach is to achieve subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance facial features.

Why Choose Facial Fat Transfer

Compared to fillers, facial fat transfer has the advantage of being entirely natural. Since no synthetic material is involved, there is no risk of rejection. The healthy fat cells, once transferred and established with a blood supply, may have a longer - lasting effect than dermal fillers.

The Procedure Details

The procedure involves harvesting healthy fat cells from areas like the buttocks or thighs using specialized, gentle techniques. The fat cells are then purified and prepared for injection. They are injected at a specific depth in the skin tissue to add volume to the desired area, such as sunken cheeks, under - eye hollows, smile or frown lines, nasolabial folds, or chin wrinkles.

Anesthesia and Recovery

A facial fat transfer procedure at Antell - MD is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or "twilight" sedation. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient during the surgery. After the procedure, patients recover in the state - of - the - art recovery suite and can return home the same day. They may have some swelling and bruising, most of which will subside within the first two weeks. Many patients can return to their usual daily activities within a day, but the final result may not be visible for up to a month due to residual swelling.

5. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Overview

Located in the prestigious upper east side of New York City, Zuckerman Plastic Surgery offers expert facial fat grafting injections. Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman has a reputation for providing natural - looking rejuvenation and long - lasting results.

Benefits of Facial Fat Grafting

The procedure uses the patient's own body fat, ensuring that the results blend seamlessly with their natural facial features. The transferred fat can also improve the skin's texture and tone due to the growth factors it contains. Unlike synthetic fillers, the results of fat grafting can last for several years. It also has the dual benefit of reducing unwanted fat in donor areas while enhancing facial contours.

Procedure and Recovery

During the consultation, Dr. Zuckerman assesses the patient's facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals, and evaluates potential donor sites. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, often combined with sedation. Fat is harvested using a gentle liposuction technique, purified, and then injected into the target areas of the face. Recovery is relatively quick, with most patients experiencing 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.

Comparing the Top Five Hospitals

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital

Surgeon's Expertise

The experience and training of the surgeon are crucial. Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have a proven track record in autologous fat full - face filling. Check their educational background, mentorships, and any publications or awards related to the procedure.

Hospital Accreditation

Accredited hospitals and clinics adhere to strict safety and quality standards. This ensures that the procedure will be performed in a safe environment with proper equipment and trained staff.

Patient Testimonials and Before - After Photos

Reading patient testimonials can give you an idea of the hospital's reputation and the satisfaction of previous patients. Before - after photos can help you visualize the potential results of the procedure.

Cost

While cost should not be the only determining factor, it is important to understand the total cost of the procedure, including any additional fees for anesthesia, facility use, and post - operative care. Compare the prices of different hospitals, but also consider the value and quality of the services provided.

Location and Convenience

Choose a hospital that is conveniently located, especially if you will need to make multiple visits for consultations, the procedure, and follow - up appointments. Consider the ease of transportation and parking.

Conclusion

In New York City, these top five hospitals - Dr. Kolker's Clinic, Albert Plastic Surgery, Cangello Plastic Surgery, Antell - MD, and Zuckerman Plastic Surgery - offer high - quality autologous fat full - face filling procedures. Each has its own unique advantages, whether it's the surgeon's expertise, the specific procedure techniques, or the overall patient experience. When considering this cosmetic procedure, it's essential to carefully evaluate your options based on the factors mentioned above.

If you're interested in autologous fat full - face filling, take the time to schedule consultations with these top hospitals. During the consultations, ask questions, discuss your goals, and get a better understanding of the procedure. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the hospital that is best suited to your needs. Share this article with friends or family who may also be interested in this topic and start exploring the possibilities of a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance today!