Selection of the top five hospitals for facial fat filling in New York City!
Facial fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, is a popular cosmetic procedure that 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, a bustling metropolis known for its advanced medical facilities and top - notch plastic surgeons, choosing the right hospital for facial fat filling is crucial. Here is a detailed selection of the top five hospitals for this procedure.
1. Dr. Kolker's Practice
Overview
Dr. Adam Kolker is well - recognized in New York City for his expertise in facial fat transfer. His office - based surgical suite is accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), ensuring a high level of safety and quality of care.
Unique Approach
Dr. Kolker takes a personalized approach to each patient. During the initial consultation, he thoroughly discusses the patient's desires and expectations. He conducts a detailed examination of the skin and soft tissue relationships, paying close attention to skin tone, texture, elasticity, and the depth of folds and wrinkles. Based on this assessment, he carefully plans the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques, as well as any combination of cosmetic surgery and fat graft techniques, to achieve the most natural and desired result. For example, he might suggest combining facial fat transfer with a chin implant or other facial implant techniques for a more balanced look.
Patient Testimonials
Many patients have left positive testimonials about their experience with Dr. Kolker. One patient stated, “My sole stipulation was that I look ‘natural’ and the fact that I had cosmetic surgery should not be obvious. Dr Kolker recommended fat transfer to give me a ‘softer’ and more natural appearance. I accepted his professional opinion and agreed to his recommendations without hesitation. Now not only do I receive many compliments on my appearance, I finally look the way I feel.” Another 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’.”
Recovery
If the fat grafts are performed as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, patients are advised to take two or three days off before returning to work, though many are able to return the next day. When the procedure is used to correct moderate or substantial lines, folds, 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 fat transfer 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 following the fat grafts, and more strenuous activity can start at two to three weeks.
2. Gotham Plastic Surgery
Overview
Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York City offers fat injection (also known as fat grafting or fat transplant) as an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials. Their office - based surgery facility is JCAHO - accredited, providing a reliable and safe environment for the procedure.
Procedure and Results
The fat injection procedure at Gotham Plastic Surgery is typically completed in under an hour and can be performed with local anesthesia. Fat is first harvested from an area of excess on the body, such as the outside of the leg or the stomach, using a very small cannula and gentle liposuction techniques. The harvested fat is then prepared and re - injected into areas of the face. The procedure can reduce wrinkles and creases and fill in areas of lost volume resulting from age, injury, surgery, or other causes. There is some controversy regarding the duration of results with fat injection; some claim that the fat can remain for years while others say it only lasts for a few months.
Comprehensive Services
In addition to facial fat injection, Gotham Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures from head to toe. Their natra face™ approach addresses both restorative and transformative changes. They also perform procedures such as natra lift™ (facelift/necklift), facial shaping, liquid facelift, and various eye, nose, breast, body, and skin procedures. This comprehensive approach allows patients to combine facial fat filling with other treatments for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Recovery
There is minimal downtime or recovery associated with fat injection at Gotham Plastic Surgery. Some minor swelling or bruising may occur, which typically resolves within 48 hours. Most patients experience little discomfort and can often resume work and other normal activities on the same or next day.
3. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice
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, indicating a high level of patient satisfaction with his results.
Facial Fat Transfer Benefits
Dr. Antell's approach to facial fat transfer emphasizes achieving subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance facial features. Unlike facial fillers that fade with time and require retreatment, 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. Moreover, since no synthetic material is involved, there is no risk of rejection.
Procedure Details
The facial fat transfer procedure at Dr. Antell's practice typically involves harvesting healthy fat cells from an appropriate area of the body, such as the buttocks or thighs, using specialized and gentle techniques to ensure the cells are not damaged. The fat cells are then purified and prepared for injection at a specific depth in the skin tissue to add volume to the desired area. Most patients prefer to have the procedure in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The facility is fully accredited, designed for comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
Recovery
After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite. Facial fat transfer is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. However, if “twilight” sedation is used, patients need an escort as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. There will likely be some swelling and bruising, most of which will subside within the first two weeks. Applying ice can help reduce swelling. Many patients experience minimal downtime and 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.
4. Dr. Cangello's Practice
Surgeon's Expertise
Dr. David Cangello is a renowned expert in fat grafting to the face. He was mentored by and shared a practice with one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman. After two years of practice together and performing multiple fat transfer procedures, Dr. Cangello learned and mastered the necessary techniques 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 entitled Fat Injection from Filling to Regeneration.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for fat transfer to the face at Dr. Cangello's practice include men and women who have noticed 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, 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 procedure may need to be repeated more than once to achieve ideal results.
Procedure Steps
The fat transfer to the face procedure at Dr. Cangello's practice generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. During the harvest step, the donor site (usually the hips, thighs, or flanks) is injected with an anesthetic, and a small incision is made to gently suction out the appropriate amount of fat using a specialized cannula. In the process step, the fat is processed using a centrifuge to separate it from fluids and oils, ensuring that only healthy, viable fat cells are used for injection. Finally, in the transfer step, a tiny incision is made in the recipient area, and the purified fat is injected using a cannula until the desired fullness is achieved.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from fat transfer at Dr. Cangello's practice is usually not overly burdensome. Patients can expect to look puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks and may experience mild discomfort during the first week, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. 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 the procedure to be repeated to achieve ideal volume. The transferred fat cells that survive in the treatment area will generally stay there indefinitely and age naturally with the body.
5. Steven Wallach MD, FACS
Procedure for Men
Facial fat injections with Dr. Wallach are an excellent option for men to gain fullness and shape in their face. The procedure transfers fat from one part of the body to the desired area of the face, and it is non - allergenic since it uses the patient's own fat. This can achieve enhanced volume and a sharper facial profile, offering a cost - effective treatment for overall rejuvenation when combined with other surgical procedures.
Procedure Process
During the consultation, Dr. Wallach assesses the shape and contours of the face to determine which areas will benefit from increased volume, with many patients opting for volume enhancement in the cheeks. He then assesses the donor site, with the most common areas being the abdomen, thighs, and waist. The procedure has some downtime, but the risks of complications are minimal. Dr. Wallach provides advice on the recovery period and aftercare instructions.
Results
The results from facial fat injections at Dr. Wallach's practice are visible immediately. However, the enhancement may appear greater right after the procedure, and it will settle by the time of the final results. Since the body absorbs some fat cells and not all survive the transfer process, the amount of fat transferred is slightly greater than what is required. Future procedures may be necessary to add more volume as the patient ages, and the amount of downtime depends on the specific procedure.
Comparison of the Five Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon Reputation | Procedure Approach | Recovery Time | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Kolker's Practice | Well - recognized, many positive patient testimonials | Personalized approach, combination with other techniques | 2 - 14 days depending on procedure complexity | Facial fat transfer and other plastic surgeries |
| Gotham Plastic Surgery | Offers a wide range of plastic surgery services | Under an hour with local anesthesia | Minimal, often same or next day return to normal activities | Full - body plastic surgery procedures |
| Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice | Internationally respected, multiple awards and referrals | Subtle, natural - looking results, no synthetic materials | Swelling subsides in 2 weeks, final result in up to 1 month | Facial fat transfer, other facial and body plastic surgeries |
| Dr. Cangello's Practice | Trained by a pioneer, co - author of relevant chapter | Three - step process (harvest, process, transfer) | 1 - 2 weeks of puffiness and bruising, majority of swelling in 1 month | Facial fat transfer and possible complementary procedures |
| Steven Wallach MD, FACS | Specialized in male facial fat injections | Assessment of face and donor site, non - allergenic | Depends on procedure, some downtime | Facial fat injections and potential combination with other male procedures |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
When selecting a hospital for facial fat filling in New York City, there are several important factors to consider:
- Surgeon's Expertise: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in facial fat transfer. Check their training, certifications, and patient testimonials. Surgeons like Dr. Kolker, Dr. Antell, and Dr. Cangello have well - established reputations in the field.
- Accreditation: Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is accredited by a recognized organization, such as the AAAASF or JCAHO. This indicates that the facility meets high standards of safety and quality.
- Patient Reviews: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of their experiences, the results they achieved, and the level of care they received. Positive reviews can be a good sign of a reliable hospital.
- Cost: While cost should not be the only deciding factor, it is important to understand the pricing structure of the procedure and any additional fees. Compare the costs among different hospitals, but also consider the quality of care and the reputation of the surgeon.
- Recovery and Aftercare: Inquire about the recovery process and the aftercare services provided by the hospital. A good hospital will offer detailed instructions and support during the recovery period to ensure the best possible results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers a plethora of excellent options for facial fat filling. The top five hospitals mentioned - Dr. Kolker's Practice, Gotham Plastic Surgery, Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice, Dr. Cangello's Practice, and Steven Wallach MD, FACS - each have their own unique strengths, whether it's the surgeon's expertise, the procedure approach, or the additional services offered. When considering a facial fat filling procedure, it is essential to do thorough research, consider the factors mentioned above, and consult with multiple surgeons to make an informed decision. By choosing the right hospital and surgeon, you can achieve natural - looking results and enhance your facial features.
If you are interested in learning more about facial fat filling or would like to schedule a consultation, we encourage you to reach out to the hospitals mentioned in this article. Take the first step towards achieving your desired facial rejuvenation today!
