Introduction

Facial fat filling with one's own fat has become a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This procedure offers a natural - looking solution to restore volume to the face, reduce wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. In this article, we will explore the various hospitals and clinics in New York City that offer this service, the procedure itself, its benefits, recovery process, and more.

Understanding Facial Fat Filling with One's Own Fat

What is Facial Fat Filling?

Facial fat filling, also known as facial fat grafting or fat transfer, is a cosmetic procedure that involves harvesting fat from one part of the patient's body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, and injecting it into areas of the face that have lost volume due to aging, weight loss, or other factors. According to multiple sources from top Google search results, this technique not only adds volume but also improves skin texture as the transferred fat contains growth factors.

Benefits of Facial Fat Filling

• Natural Results: Since it uses the patient's own fat, the results blend seamlessly with the natural facial features, providing a more authentic appearance compared to synthetic fillers. For example, in the case of a patient who had fat transfer to the cheeks, the new volume looks and feels like part of their own face, as per real - patient testimonials.
• Improved Skin Quality: The growth factors in the transferred fat can help improve the skin's texture and tone. Over time, patients may notice that the skin in the treated areas becomes smoother and more supple.
• Long - Lasting: Unlike synthetic fillers that may require frequent touch - ups, the results of fat grafting can last for several years. However, some fat may be reabsorbed in the initial months, and multiple treatments may be needed for optimal and long - term results.
• Dual Benefit: It reduces unwanted fat in the donor areas while enhancing facial contours. For instance, if fat is harvested from the abdomen, it can contribute to a slimmer waistline in addition to facial rejuvenation.
• Low Risk of Rejection: As the fat is taken from the patient's own body, there is a minimal risk of allergic reactions or rejection, making it a safer option for many patients.

Top Hospitals and Clinics for Facial Fat Filling in New York City

Gotham Plastic Surgery

Gotham Plastic Surgery offers fat injection procedures. Dr. Miller and the doctors at this clinic perform fat injection on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. The procedure usually takes under an hour and can be done with local anesthesia. They have a comprehensive approach to plastic surgery, offering various treatments for different body parts including the face, eyes, nose, breasts, and body. Their unique Natra Face™ approach addresses both restorative and transformative changes. For facial fat filling, they harvest fat from areas of excess on the body like the outside of the leg or the stomach using gentle liposuction techniques and then re - inject it into the face. There is minimal downtime, with most patients experiencing only minor swelling or bruising that resolves within 48 hours, and they can often resume normal activities the same or next day.

Zuckerman Plastic Surgery

Located in the prestigious upper east side of New York City, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery offers expert facial fat grafting injections. He provides a natural - looking rejuvenation and long - lasting results. During the consultation, he conducts a thorough assessment of the patient's facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals, and also evaluates potential donor sites for fat extraction. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, often combined with sedation. Fat is harvested using a gentle liposuction technique, purified, and then carefully injected into the target areas of the face. Recovery is relatively quick, with mild swelling and bruising at both the donor and injection sites that typically resolve within a week or two, and patients can usually return to normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery has multiple locations in New York City and other areas. He can design a treatment plan tailored to each patient's goals and natural facial features. The first step of the fat grafting treatment is liposuction, where fat cells are usually harvested from the hips, abdomen, buttocks, or thighs. After harvesting, the fat is purified in a special centrifuge. Then, using a syringe, Dr. Greenberg layers fat cells at decreasing depths until the desired volume and shape are restored to the facial areas. He uses at least two access points for each area to ensure a uniform and smooth transfer. The cost of the facial fat transfer depends on factors such as the amount of fat needed and the extent of the work. The recovery timeline involves an initial two - week period with soreness, swelling, bruising, and numbness, and patients can usually return to work within two weeks. In the three - week to one - year period, patients need to take precautions such as avoiding prolonged sun exposure and saunas.

Dr. Kolker's Practice

Dr. Adam Kolker offers facial fat transfer in New York City. During the initial consultation, he thoroughly discusses the patient's desires and expectations, and conducts a detailed examination of the skin and soft tissue relationships. He carefully plans the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques and any combination of cosmetic surgery and fat graft techniques to achieve the most natural and desired result. The fat grafting procedure is performed in his office - based surgical suite, accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). It can take between 30 minutes for very mild corrections and 3 hours for more substantial volume restorations. When performed as an isolated procedure, it can be done under local anesthesia. After the procedure, 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 fat grafts, and more strenuous activity can start at two to three weeks.

Dr. Cangello's Practice

Dr. David Cangello is an expert in fat grafting to the face. He was mentored by one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman, and has mastered the techniques necessary to deliver long - lasting and natural - looking results. Ideal candidates for his fat transfer to the face procedure in NYC include those with under - eye hollows, sunken temples and cheeks, or a desire to augment facial structures. The fat transfer to face procedure generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. Fat is harvested from areas like the hips, thighs, or flanks, processed using a centrifuge to ensure only healthy fat cells are used, and then transferred to the recipient area. Recovery usually involves about one to two weeks of puffiness and mild bruising, and the majority of swelling disappears within a month. The results can last for many years, but significant weight fluctuations may affect them.

Natural Look Institute

Dr. Yoel Shahar at the Natural Look Institute has been performing fat injection procedures for 15 years and has the experience and expertise to obtain optimal results. The fat injection procedure at this clinic involves harvesting fat from the abdomen or flanks using a small tube (cannula) and injecting it into the face. It is often performed under local anesthesia, and patients can return to work the next day. The fat injection can last for years in certain areas of the face and body, correcting facial disproportions and enhancing features such as the cheeks, eliminating depressions under the eyes and nasolabial folds. The cost of the procedure depends on the complexity of the facial fat transfer, the areas requiring injections, and the patient's aesthetic goals.

Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Dr. Darrick Antell is a highly respected plastic surgeon who has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by various magazines. He offers facial fat transfer to restore lost volume to areas such as sunken cheeks or temples, under - eye hollows, and smile or frown lines. The procedure involves harvesting healthy fat cells from an appropriate area of the body, such as the buttocks or thighs, using specialized, gentle techniques. The fat is then purified and injected at a specific depth in the skin tissue. Most patients prefer to have the procedure in his discreet, private operating room across the street from Lenox Hill Hospital. A facial fat transfer procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation. After the surgery, patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite and can return home the same day. There is usually some swelling and bruising that subsides within the first two weeks, and many patients can return to their usual daily activities within a day.

Allure Plastic Surgery

Allure Plastic Surgery in New York offers facial fat injection as a great option to rejuvenate the face without plastic surgery. They can perform facial fat injections to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, soften nasolabial folds, smooth over labio - mandibular folds, restore volume to the cheeks or lips, and fill in hollows under the eyes. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. It involves three steps: fat removal from areas like the thighs, hips, or abdomen; isolation of fat cells by processing the harvested fat to remove impurities; and re - injection of the healthy fat cells into the targeted facial sites. Fat injections only take about one hour, and the recovery time is usually one to two days, with minimal bruising or swelling that fades in a few days.

The Procedure of Facial Fat Filling

Consultation

Before the procedure, a consultation with the surgeon is crucial. The surgeon will assess the patient's facial structure, skin quality, and discuss their aesthetic goals. They will also evaluate potential donor sites for fat extraction and determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure. This is the time for the patient to ask questions and understand the entire process, including the potential risks and expected results.

Fat Harvesting

Fat is usually harvested from areas of the body with excess fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or buttocks. The surgeon makes a small incision in the donor area and uses a slender tube called a cannula to gently suction out the fat using liposuction techniques. To collect as many healthy fat cells as possible, extremely low - suction liposuction is often used to limit the damage of fat cells.

Fat Processing

Once the fat is harvested, it is processed to remove impurities, fluids, and damaged cells. This is typically done using a centrifuge, which spins the fat at a high speed to separate the viable fat cells from other substances. The cleansed, undamaged fat cells are then ready for injection.

Fat Injection

The processed fat cells are injected into the targeted areas of the face using a small needle or cannula. The surgeon carefully places the fat at the appropriate depths and locations to achieve the desired volume and contour. Skillful and strategic placement is crucial to ensure a natural - looking result.

Recovery Process

Immediate Post - Procedure

After the procedure, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort at both the donor and injection sites. In most cases, the swelling and bruising are minimal and start to subside within a few days. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage any discomfort.

First Few Weeks

Swelling and bruising usually continue to improve over the first two weeks. Patients may be advised to keep their head elevated to reduce swelling, avoid strenuous activities, and follow any specific post - operative instructions provided by the surgeon. Some patients may need to wear surgical tape on the facial areas for a few days and sleep on their back with the head elevated for about a week.

Long - Term Recovery

The final results of the facial fat filling may take several weeks to become fully visible as the swelling completely subsides. It is important for patients to maintain a stable weight and protect their skin from the sun during the recovery period. Over time, the transferred fat will integrate with the surrounding tissue, and the results can last for a long time.

Considerations Before Choosing a Hospital or Clinic

Surgeon's Experience and Expertise

It is essential to choose a surgeon who has extensive experience in performing facial fat filling procedures. Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have a proven track record of successful results. You can check their before - and - after photos, patient testimonials, and any awards or recognition they have received.

Facility Accreditation

Ensure that the hospital or clinic where the procedure will be performed is accredited. Accreditation indicates that the facility meets certain standards of safety and quality. For example, facilities accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) are more likely to provide a safe environment for the procedure.

Cost and Payment Options

The cost of facial fat filling can vary depending on factors such as the amount of fat transfer required, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the hospital or clinic. It is important to get a detailed cost estimate from the surgeon and understand what is included in the price. Some clinics may offer payment plans or financing options to make the procedure more affordable.

Patient Comfort and Support

Consider the level of patient comfort and support provided by the hospital or clinic. A good clinic will have a friendly and knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions, address your concerns, and make you feel at ease throughout the process. They should also provide comprehensive pre - and post - operative care instructions and be available to assist you during the recovery period.

Conclusion

Facial fat filling with one's own fat is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City. There are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer this service, each with its own unique approach and advantages. The procedure offers numerous benefits such as natural results, improved skin quality, and long - lasting effects. However, it is important for patients to do their research, choose a qualified surgeon and a reputable facility, and understand the entire process and recovery period. If you are considering facial fat filling, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the mentioned hospitals or clinics to learn more about how this procedure can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Share this article with your friends and family who may also be interested in facial rejuvenation, and explore more related topics on the websites of these respected medical practices.