Selected top five hospitals in New York City for facial fat filling are presented!

Top Five Hospitals in New York City for Facial Fat Filling

Facial fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure. It involves harvesting healthy fat cells from one area of the body and re - injecting them into the facial tissues to restore lost volume, smooth lines and creases, and enhance facial features. In New York City, there are several outstanding hospitals and clinics that offer high - quality facial fat filling services. Here, we present the top five institutions based on their expertise, patient reviews, and overall reputation.

1. Hospital Associated with Dr. Adam Kolker

Expertise and Approach

Dr. Adam Kolker is highly regarded in the field of facial fat transfer. He takes a personalized approach to each patient, thoroughly discussing their desires and expectations during the initial consultation. He conducts a detailed examination of the patient's skin and soft - tissue relationships, paying close attention to factors such as skin tone, texture, elasticity, and the depth of folds, wrinkles, or depressions. Based on this assessment, he carefully plans 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.

His practice emphasizes the natural look of facial fat transfer. For example, a patient, Kristen Foodim, wanted a full facial rejuvenation for her 50th birthday. Dr. Kolker developed a comprehensive plan that included facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, facial fat grafting, and a lip lift. After the procedure, Kristen reported that she finally looked as good as she felt, which attests to Dr. Kolker's ability to create beautiful and natural - looking results.

Procedure Details

The fat grafting procedure with Dr. Kolker starts with the removal of fat cells using a very small cannula from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. These fat cells are then carefully prepared as fat grafts. The grafts are transferred to the areas of the face that need volume using a small needle. This procedure is usually performed in his office - based surgical suite, which is accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Depending on the patient's needs, the procedure can take between 30 minutes (for very mild corrections) and 3 hours (for more substantial volume restorations). It can be performed under local anesthesia when done as an isolated procedure, or under light sedation or general anesthesia when combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures.

Recovery

Patients who undergo facial fat transfer with Dr. Kolker typically 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, he suggests taking two or three days off before returning to work, although many patients are able to return the next day. When the procedure is used to correct moderate or substantial lines, folds, or areas of deficiency, or in conjunction with other facial or body contouring procedures, the return to work may range from seven to fourteen days. Swelling is common after the procedure and often 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 following fat grafts, and more strenuous activity can begin at two to three weeks.

2. Facility of Dr. David Cangello

Expertise and Training

Dr. David Cangello 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. After two years of practice with Dr. Coleman and performing multiple fat transfer procedures together, Dr. Cangello learned and mastered the techniques necessary to deliver long - lasting and natural - looking fat transfer results. He also co - authored the chapter on fat grafting of liposuction deformities in the latest edition of Dr. Coleman's textbook, demonstrating his in - depth knowledge and expertise in this field.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for a fat transfer to the face with Dr. Cangello include men and women who have started to notice a hollow or shallow appearance in individual or multiple areas of the face. This may include under - eye hollows, sunken temples and cheeks, and a desire to augment facial structures such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. There is no “perfect age” for this procedure, as age - related changes are determined by genetics, lifestyle, and other factors. However, candidates should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas, such as the hips, flanks, and thighs, to be harvested for treatment. They should also have realistic expectations about the outcome and understand that the fat transfer to the face procedure may need to be repeated more than once to achieve ideal results.

Procedure Steps

The fat transfer to the face procedure with Dr. Cangello generally has three main steps. First, the harvest step involves identifying the donor site (or sites) on the patient's body, injecting an anesthetic, and making a small incision to access and harvest the fat using a specialized cannula. Second, in the process step, the removed fat is processed using a centrifuge to separate the fat from fluids and oils, ensuring that only healthy, viable fat cells will be injected into the treatment areas. Finally, in the transfer step, a tiny incision is made, and the processed and purified fat is injected into the recipient area using a cannula until the desired fullness is achieved.

Recovery and FAQs

Recovery from fat transfer usually isn't overly burdensome. Patients can expect to look puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks. They may also experience mild discomfort during the first week, but Dr. Cangello will prescribe appropriate pain medication to help reduce pain. The majority of swelling should disappear within a month, and bruising will subside in about 10 - 14 days. Approximately 50 - 60 percent of transferred fat cells will survive after the procedure, so it's common for facial fat grafting to be repeated to achieve ideal volume. Patients usually wait around three - to - six months after their first fat grafting to the face procedure before deciding if an additional treatment is necessary. Dr. Cangello has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited operating room in his NYC office, and the procedure will be performed onsite. For patients who prefer a hospital setting, he also has operating privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in NYC.

3. Hospital Related to Dr. Darrick Antell

Surgeon's Reputation

Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world's most respected and sought - after plastic surgeons. He was trained at Stanford and Cornell University and has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by Harper's Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. Many new patients come to him through referrals, which indicates a high level of patient satisfaction with his work. His approach to plastic surgery is that “plastic surgery should whisper, not scream,” aiming for subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance facial features.

Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer

Dr. Antell promotes facial fat transfer as an alternative to fillers. While facial fillers can produce a beautiful effect on aging skin, their results fade with time and require retreatment. In contrast, facial fat transfer involves moving healthy fat cells to smooth a specific facial area. As the cells become viable and establish a blood supply in the new location, they may have a longer - lasting effect than dermal fillers. Additionally, since no synthetic material is involved, there is no risk of rejection by the body.

Procedure and Anesthesia

The facial fat transfer procedure with Dr. Antell involves harvesting healthy fat cells from an appropriate area of the patient's body, such as the buttocks or thighs, using specialized, gentle techniques to ensure the cells are not damaged. The extracted 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. The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or with another form of “twilight” sedation, and a board - certified anesthesiologist will monitor the patient during the surgery to ensure safety.

Recovery

After the surgery, patients will recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite under the monitoring of a nurse until they are well enough to be discharged. Facial fat transfer is an outpatient procedure, so patients can return home the same day. When performed with “twilight” sedation, patients should have an escort to bring them home as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Patients will likely have some swelling and bruising, most of which will subside within the first two weeks. Applying ice to the area can help reduce swelling. Many patients experience minimal downtime and are able to return to their usual daily activities within a day. The final result may not be visible for up to a month due to residual swelling.

4. Place Associated with Dr. Westreich at New Face NY

Surgeon's Qualifications

Dr. Westreich is a double - board surgeon certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology. His knowledge of facial muscles and structures is particularly beneficial for procedures like facial fat transfer. He is recognized for using advanced techniques in facial fat transfer in NYC to increase the chances of the transferred fat cells surviving, which leads to long - lasting results. His skill in the procedure ensures subtle and natural - looking outcomes that enhance individual facial features.

Benefits of Facial Fat Transfer

Facial fat transfer at New Face NY offers several benefits. It uses the patient's own tissues, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. It not only restores lost volume but also improves the skin's overall texture and tone because the transferred fat is rich in stem cells. The results are natural - looking as the added volume blends seamlessly with the patient's natural contours. The volume replacement can be permanent if there is no significant weight loss, although some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed during the initial healing. The procedure also has a dual benefit of slimming down the donor site, such as the abdomen or thighs, while adding volume to the face. It is versatile and can address a range of issues, including sunken cheeks, thin lips, facial creases, and even improve facial asymmetry.

Procedure Process

The facial fat transfer process with Dr. Westreich has three main steps. First, the harvesting step involves gently removing fat from areas with excess fat, like the thighs, gluteal region, or abdomen. Second, the purification step processes and purifies the removed fat for injection. Fat can be processed into different - sized pieces (regular, micro, and nano fat), which allows for a tailored approach and a smoother result. Additionally, a nano fat purification process increases the stem cell component, leading to regenerative changes to the skin independent of volume. Finally, in the injection step, the purified fat is strategically injected into specific areas of the face.

Pre - and Post - Procedure

Before the procedure, patients will have a detailed consultation with Dr. Westreich to discuss their goals, medical history, and the specifics of the facial fat transfer process. Key points covered include the areas to be treated, the source of fat, and the expected outcomes. During the procedure, local or general anesthesia will be used to ensure the patient's comfort. Fat is gently extracted from the donor site using liposuction and prepared for transfer. Dr. Westreich emphasizes precision and symmetry to achieve a natural look. After the procedure, patients' recovery will be crucial as the body adapts to the transferred fat and heals. Post - procedure instructions may include limitations on physical activities, directions to take pain relievers or antibiotics as prescribed, and follow - up appointments to monitor progress. Results will evolve over several weeks as swelling decreases and the transferred fat settles, with final results typically apparent several months post - procedure.

5. Clinic Related to Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine

Combined Procedures and Benefits

At this clinic, facial fat transfer can be combined with a facelift for enhanced results. As patients age, their skin loses its youthful structure, and facial volume diminishes, leading to sagging skin, wrinkles, and cheek hollows. Combining a facelift with fat transfer can elevate sagging facial tissues while providing volume to gaunt areas. The facelift targets loose skin around the brows, eyes, temples, cheeks, lips, and chin to provide a lifting effect, while facial fat grafting uses the patient's own fat to fill in wrinkles and fine lines. This combination can volumize facial wrinkles and hollows for long - lasting results, simultaneously slim down the donor site, accentuate facial contours for youthful - looking features, and reduce the appearance of skin irregularities for smooth definition.

Procedure Details

The facial fat transfer and facelift procedure is performed in an AAAASF - accredited NYC surgical suite. The procedure time ranges from 3 - 5 hours, and local, general, or twilight anesthesia is used, depending on the extent of the procedure. For facial fat transfer, it uses a combination of liposuction techniques and fat injections. Fat is harvested from common donor areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, and then carefully cultivated to ensure a high survival rate before being injected into the target areas of the face. The facelift surgery repositions, tightens, or elevates facial tissues underneath the skin and removes or repositions excess skin to restore a youthful balance to the facial foundation.

Patient Considerations

Patients considering this combined treatment should be aware that mild bruising and swelling around the donor and treatment sites are common in the weeks following the procedure. These side effects should subside within a few weeks. Patients often return to work within one to two weeks, though additional recovery time may be necessary for physical activity, including exercise. The exact amount of healing time required varies from patient to patient and is dependent on the specifics of each procedure. To maximize results, patients should follow all pre - and post - operative instructions provided by Dr. Levine. Before the procedure, certain products and supplements should be avoided to minimize the risk of bruising and swelling. After the procedure, certain medications may be recommended to alleviate pain or discomfort.

Comparative Analysis of the Five Hospitals/Clinics

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Facial Fat Filling

Surgeon's Expertise

The expertise of the surgeon is perhaps the most important factor. Look for surgeons who are board - certified, have extensive experience in facial fat filling, and a portfolio of successful cases. A surgeon with a deep understanding of facial anatomy can better plan and execute the procedure to achieve natural - looking results. For example, a surgeon like Dr. Adam Kolker, who has a personalized approach and carefully assesses each patient's unique situation, is more likely to deliver satisfactory outcomes.

Hospital/Clinic Reputation