Introduction
New York City, a global hub of beauty and aesthetics, has witnessed a significant trend in plastic surgery, especially in the area of self - fat injection to fill the temples. This procedure has gained popularity for its natural - looking results and minimal risk of rejection. In this article, we will delve into the details of self - fat injection for temple filling in New York City, including its procedure, benefits, potential risks, top surgeons, and the latest trends in this field.
Understanding Self - Fat Injection for Temple Filling
What is Self - Fat Injection?
Self - fat injection, also known as fat grafting or fat transplant, is a procedure that uses a patient's own fat to enhance volume in different parts of the body. When it comes to temple filling, the harvested fat is injected into the temples to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and improve facial contour. Unlike artificial dermal fillers, self - fat injection provides a more natural and long - lasting solution. According to the information from Gotham Plastic Surgery, fat injection is not only used for the face but also for areas like the buttocks and breasts. Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
The Procedure
- Harvesting the Fat: The first step in the self - fat injection process is to harvest fat from an area of the body with excess fat, such as the outside of the leg or the stomach. This is typically done using a very small cannula and gentle liposuction techniques at a JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility, like the one at Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York City. The fat is carefully extracted to ensure its viability for reinjection.
- Preparing the Fat: Once the fat is harvested, it is prepared in a specific way to remove any impurities and ensure that only the healthy fat cells are used for injection. This preparation process is crucial for the success of the procedure.
- Injecting the Fat: The prepared fat is then re - injected into the temples. Surgeons use their expertise to carefully place the fat in the right areas to achieve a natural and balanced look. The injection process is typically performed under local anesthesia, and the entire procedure can usually be completed in under an hour.
Benefits of Self - Fat Injection for Temple Filling
- Natural Results: Since the fat used is the patient's own, the results look and feel more natural compared to using artificial fillers. The temples regain a more youthful and smooth appearance, and the facial contour becomes more balanced.
- Long - Lasting Effects: While there is some controversy regarding the exact duration of the results, in many cases, the fat can remain in the temples for years. This provides a more permanent solution compared to some temporary fillers.
- Low Risk of Complications: As the body does not reject its own fat, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is extremely low. This makes it a relatively safe option for temple filling.
- Simultaneous Body Contouring: The harvesting of fat from other areas of the body can also result in some degree of body contouring. For example, if fat is taken from the stomach, it can help in reducing the appearance of excess fat in that area.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Risks
Although self - fat injection is generally considered a safe procedure, there are still some potential risks involved. According to the information from the NYC Fat Injection Fixer episode, when done without careful fat collection, processing, and placement, there can be complications such as lumps, over - filling, and contour irregularities. However, these risks are extremely rare (less than 1%) when the procedure is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon.
Recovery and Downtime
There is minimal downtime associated with self - fat injection to fill the temples. 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 the same or next day. However, patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities and the sun until the swelling and bruising subside. Recovery times can vary from patient to patient, but in general, it should take no longer than 1 - 2 weeks for a full recovery, as mentioned in the frequently asked questions section of the Natural Look Institute's website.
Duration of Results
There is some debate about how long the results of self - fat injection will last. Some claim that the fat can remain for years, while others say it only lasts for a few months. In reality, a small portion of the re - injected fat will be reabsorbed during the first six months. For a long - lasting effect, facial fat grafting patients generally receive 3 to 4 treatments over a six - month period. Fat injections last longest when the fat is injected in stationary areas, such as the cheeks and temples.
Top Plastic Surgeons in New York City for Self - Fat Injection to Fill the Temples
Dr. David Cangello
Dr. David Cangello is a world - class, board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC. He is trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as general surgery. Dr. Cangello approaches each procedure from an artistic point of view, creating results that showcase the delicate balance between aesthetic beauty and medical precision. He is one of only two surgeons in the world trained by Dr. Sydney Coleman, a pioneer of the fat grafting technique. Dr. Cangello co - authored a chapter in Dr. Coleman’s book titled, “Fat injection from filling to regeneration” regarding correction of liposuction deformities with fat transfer. He provides comprehensive plastic surgery services in NYC, including fat transfer for the face, which could be used for temple filling.
Dr. Yoel Shahar
Dr. Yoel Shahar of the Natural Look Institute has extensive experience in performing fat injection procedures. He has been performing the procedure for the past 15 years and has done thousands of fat injections. Dr. Shahar has the expertise to obtain optimal results, and he selects only the best filler products. He offers personalized advice, caring attention, and support before and after the surgery, aiming to deliver the best patient support and the most natural - looking cosmetic surgery results.
Dr. Robert Schwarcz
Dr. Robert Schwarcz is a highly accomplished oculoplastic and facial cosmetic surgeon. He is known as a fat injection expert and is particularly recognized for fixing fat grafting problems, especially under the eyes. He created a special surgical tool to remove fat lumps. He would be a reliable choice for patients considering self - fat injection to fill the temples, as his expertise in fat injection and problem - solving can ensure a successful procedure.
Plastic Surgery Trends in New York City in 2025
Emphasis on Natural - Looking Results
The trend in plastic surgery in New York City, as well as globally, is shifting towards achieving natural - looking results. In 2025, patients are more interested in enhancing their natural features rather than undergoing dramatic changes. Self - fat injection to fill the temples fits well into this trend as it provides a natural - looking solution for volume restoration and facial contouring. Techniques like mini facelifts and precise fat grafting, as mentioned in the insights on 2024 facial plastic surgery trends, are at the forefront, and self - fat injection for temple filling is likely to continue to be popular as part of this natural - looking approach.
Rise of Minimally Invasive Procedures
Minimally invasive procedures are gaining more popularity in 2025. With the busy lifestyles of modern patients, they prefer procedures that offer significant cosmetic improvements with less downtime and fewer risks than traditional surgery. Self - fat injection to fill the temples is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia, and patients can quickly resume their normal activities. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to enhance their appearance without taking a long break from their daily lives.
Role of Technology
Advancements in technology are playing a crucial role in plastic surgery. Cutting - edge tools and state - of - the - art techniques allow surgeons to perform surgeries with unprecedented precision. This not only improves safety and outcomes but also contributes to the preference for subtle, natural enhancements. In the case of self - fat injection to fill the temples, technology can help in more accurate fat harvesting, preparation, and injection, resulting in better and more predictable results.
Comparing Self - Fat Injection with Other Temple Filling Methods
Vs. Artificial Dermal Fillers
| Aspect | Self - Fat Injection | Artificial Dermal Fillers |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalness | Provides a more natural look and feel as it uses the patient's own fat. | May not always look as natural, especially in larger amounts or over time. |
| Longevity | Results can last for years, although some fat may be reabsorbed initially. | Generally last for a few months to a couple of years, depending on the type of filler. |
| Risk of Rejection | Extremely low risk of rejection as it uses the patient's own tissue. | There is a small risk of allergic reaction or rejection, depending on the filler material. |
| Procedure Complexity | Involves fat harvesting, preparation, and injection, which is a more complex procedure. | Simpler and quicker procedure, usually just an injection. |
Vs. Surgical Implants
| Aspect | Self - Fat Injection | Surgical Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Naturalness | Offers a very natural appearance and feel. | May feel or look less natural, especially if the implant is not sized or placed correctly. |
| Recovery Time | Minimal downtime with usually only minor swelling and bruising for a short period. | Longer recovery time, as it is a more invasive surgical procedure. There may be more pain, swelling, and a longer healing period. |
| Complications | Low risk of major complications, mainly potential issues with fat reabsorption or contour irregularities. | There is a risk of implant - related complications such as infection, capsule contracture, and implant rupture. |
| Cost | The cost can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, but it may be more cost - effective in the long run considering the potential long - lasting results. | Generally more expensive due to the cost of the implant and the more complex surgical procedure. |
Preparing for Self - Fat Injection to Fill the Temples
Consultation
The first step in preparing for self - fat injection to fill the temples is to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and explain the procedure in detail. They will also evaluate your overall health to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. For example, candidates for fat injection are generally healthy, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations for improvement, as stated in the information from Gotham Plastic Surgery.
Medical History and Tests
You will need to provide your complete medical history to the surgeon, including any past surgeries, allergies, and current medications. The surgeon may also order some medical tests to ensure that you are in good health for the procedure. This is important to minimize the risks associated with the surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
If you smoke, it is recommended to quit smoking at least a few weeks before the procedure. Smoking can affect the blood circulation and the healing process, increasing the risk of complications. You may also be advised to avoid taking certain medications, such as aspirin or blood - thinners, which can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
Post - Procedure Care
Swelling and Bruising Management
After the self - fat injection to fill the temples, you may experience some swelling and bruising. You can apply cold compresses to the treated area in the first 24 - 48 hours to reduce swelling. The surgeon may also prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort. It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions regarding how to care for the injected area to ensure proper healing.
Activity Restrictions
You should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and direct sunlight for a few weeks after the procedure. This will help in the healing process and prevent any complications. You may also need to sleep with your head elevated for a few days to reduce swelling.
Follow - up Appointments
It is crucial to attend all the follow - up appointments scheduled by the surgeon. During these appointments, the surgeon will monitor your healing progress, check for any complications, and provide further instructions if needed. They may also evaluate the results of the procedure and discuss any additional treatments if required.
Conclusion
Self - fat injection to fill the temples is a popular and effective plastic surgery procedure in New York City in 2025. It offers natural - looking results, long - lasting effects, and a relatively low risk of complications. With the increasing trend towards natural - looking and minimally invasive procedures, this method of temple filling is likely to continue to grow in popularity. However, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, such as Dr. David Cangello, Dr. Yoel Shahar, or Dr. Robert Schwarcz, to ensure the best possible results. By understanding the procedure, its benefits, potential risks, and the necessary pre - and post - procedure care, patients can make an informed decision about whether self - fat injection to fill the temples is the right option for them.
If you are considering self - fat injection to fill the temples in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon. Explore your options, ask questions, and take the first step towards enhancing your natural beauty and achieving the facial contour you desire.
