Introduction
Autologous fat filling to reshape the contour is a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This technique involves using a patient's own fat to enhance various parts of the body, providing a natural and long - lasting solution. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City for this procedure, as well as the ins and outs of autologous fat filling, including what it is, its benefits, who is a suitable candidate, and more.
What is Autologous Fat Filling?
Autologous fat filling, also known as autologous fat transfer or fat grafting, is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the patient's body (such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips) through liposuction and then injecting it into another area where volume is desired. This could be the face (e.g., cheeks, lips, temples), breasts, or buttocks. The fat serves as a natural filler, and since it is the patient's own tissue, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is significantly reduced.
How the Procedure Works
The process typically begins with the surgeon identifying the donor site. Common donor sites include:
- Abdomen (tummy)
- Waist (love handles)
- Pubis (lower abdomen)
- Upper back (back bra roll)
- Hips
- Thighs
- Arms
- Knees
- Calves
- Ankles
Once the donor site is determined, the surgeon uses a small cannula to perform liposuction, gently removing the fat. The harvested fat is then purified to remove any excess fluid, oils, and cellular debris. Finally, the purified fat is carefully injected into the target area to achieve the desired contour and volume.
Benefits of Autologous Fat Filling
Autologous fat filling offers numerous benefits, which contribute to its popularity among patients in New York City:
- Natural Results: Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, the results look and feel natural. The fat blends seamlessly with the surrounding tissue, creating a more harmonious and balanced appearance.
- Minimal Risk of Complications: Compared to using synthetic fillers or implants, there is a lower risk of allergic reactions or rejection because the fat is from the patient's own body.
- Long - lasting Effects: Once the fat cells have settled in the new location, the results can be permanent. However, it's important to note that some of the transferred fat may be naturally reabsorbed by the body over time.
- Body Contouring: In addition to adding volume to the desired area, the procedure also allows for body contouring at the donor site. For example, removing fat from the abdomen or thighs can result in a slimmer appearance in those areas.
- Improved Skin Quality: Fat contains stem cells and growth factors that can stimulate collagen production and promote tissue regeneration. This can lead to improved skin texture and a more youthful appearance.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Autologous Fat Filling?
Ideal candidates for autologous fat filling should meet the following criteria:
- Healthy Weight: Patients should be at a healthy weight with a reasonable amount of body fat available for donation. However, having too little body fat may make the procedure unfeasible.
- Good Overall Health: They should be in good general health and not suffer from any underlying medical conditions that could affect the recovery process, such as diabetes or heart disease.
- Realistic Expectations: Patients need to have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. It's important to understand that it may take several months to see the full effects, and some touch - up procedures may be required.
- Non - smokers: Smoking can impair blood flow and negatively affect the survival of the transplanted fat cells. Therefore, non - smokers are preferred candidates.
Top Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City for Autologous Fat Filling
1. Luxurgery
Led by Dr. Sachin Shridharani, a board - certified plastic surgeon, Luxurgery is a well - known facility for autologous fat transfer. Dr. Shridharani has extensive experience in the field and is committed to providing high - quality treatment and achieving patient satisfaction.
Advantages:
- Patients have the option to have their procedures performed at the office or at area hospitals and “surgicenters” in New York City. The operating room and facility have certification and accreditation by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), ensuring a safe and comfortable environment.
- Dr. Shridharani provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's body needs and aesthetic goals.
Contact Information: Call 212.508.0000 to schedule a consultation.
2. Steven Wallach, MD
Dr. Steven Wallach is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City who offers fat transfer procedures. He has extensive experience and uses the latest techniques and technology to provide patients with the best possible results.
Advantages:
- He offers customized treatment plans to address each patient's unique needs and goals. Whether it's facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, or buttock enhancement, Dr. Wallach can create a personalized approach.
- Fat transfer at his practice is considered a safe and effective way to add volume and improve the shape and contour of the body. The use of the patient's own fat reduces the risk of allergic reactions and provides long - lasting results.
Contact Information: Call (212) 861 - 6400 or complete the form on his website to get started.
3. Dr. Hooman Khorasani
Dr. Hooman Khorasani is a quadruple board - certified cosmetic surgeon who has spent over a decade helping patients achieve their ideal face and body through minimally - invasive relocation of stubborn fat pockets.
Advantages:
- He has developed a unique protocol to maximize the survival of fat grafts. His protocol includes suctioning at a much lower pressure than traditional liposuction and using a much smaller suction cannula, which increases the chances of fat cell survival.
- Dr. Khorasani offers a plethora of non - invasive restorative treatments for patients who may not be candidates for autologous fat grafting, providing more options for patients.
Contact Information: To request a consultation, text message securely or contact his Manhattan office by phone at 212 - 230 - 3378.
4. Dr. Olivia Hutchinson
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson performs fat transfer procedures, which use a patient's autologous tissue to increase volume anywhere in the body. Her practice offers a natural alternative to other augmentation methods.
Advantages:
- Fat transfer at her practice provides the dual benefit of slimming the donor area while enhancing the recipient area. It can be used for facial rejuvenation, natural breast augmentation, and more.
- The procedure is minimally invasive, and the use of the patient's own fat means there is no risk of an allergic reaction, and the results look and feel natural.
5. Gotham Plastic Surgery
At Gotham Plastic Surgery, Dr. Miller and the team perform fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility.
Advantages:
- The procedure is typically completed in under an hour and may be performed with local anesthesia, resulting in minimal downtime and recovery. Most patients can resume work and normal activities the same or next day.
- They offer a range of other plastic surgery procedures in addition to fat injection, allowing patients to combine treatments for more comprehensive results.
Contact Information: Visit their website for more information about fat injection filler and other procedures.
6. Dr. Leonard Grossman
Dr. Leonard Grossman is a distinguished plastic surgeon in New York with over 25 years of experience in fat grafting. He is considered a pioneer in the field, having completed over 12,000 successful fat grafting plastic surgery operations.
Advantages:
- His innovative approach includes stem cell integration, allowing for continued natural growth and volume enhancement over time. This technique provides lasting results with a more natural appearance.
- The use of small cannulas for fat extraction and injection results in imperceptible scars, and his meticulous handling of fat cells maximizes fat graft take and minimizes post - operative pain and the risk of infection.
Contact Information: Call 212 - 585 - 2133 or 718 - 934 - 5500 to schedule a consultation.
7. Dr. Mark H. Schwartz
Dr. Mark H. Schwartz is a New York City board - certified plastic surgeon who performs fat grafting procedures. He has extensive experience in treating areas of lost volume, such as sunken cheeks, facial lines, and acne scars.
Advantages:
- Unlike fillers and other volume - enhancing treatments, fat grafts are taken from the patient's own body, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. The fat is naturally accepted by the body, and the results are long - lasting.
- Dr. Schwartz has performed scores of fat transplants over the years and has refined the skills needed to produce superb results.
Contact Information: Schedule a consultation to learn more about fat grafting treatments.
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
Before the Procedure
Before the autologous fat filling procedure, patients will typically have a consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's overall health, discuss their aesthetic goals, and determine the best donor and recipient sites. The patient will also need to provide a detailed medical history, including any medications they are taking and any previous surgeries or medical conditions. In some cases, patients may be required to stop taking certain medications or supplements that could increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or blood thinners.
During the Procedure
The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The patient will be given anesthesia, which can be local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. As mentioned earlier, the fat is first harvested from the donor site using liposuction. The harvested fat is then purified and prepared for injection. The surgeon will carefully inject the fat into the target area using a small needle or cannula, taking care to create a smooth and natural - looking contour.
After the Procedure
After the procedure, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the donor and recipient areas. These side effects are normal and typically subside within a few weeks. The surgeon will provide detailed post - operative instructions, which may include:
- Taking pain medications as prescribed to manage discomfort.
- Wearing compression garments in the donor area to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Avoiding strenuous activities and exercise for a few weeks to allow the body to recover.
- Following a healthy diet and staying hydrated to support the healing process.
- Attending follow - up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the progress of the recovery and the results of the procedure.
Potential Risks and Complications
While autologous fat filling is generally considered a safe procedure, like any surgical procedure, it does carry some risks and potential complications. These may include:
- Infection: There is a risk of infection at the donor or recipient site. This can usually be treated with antibiotics, but in severe cases, further treatment may be required.
- Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the procedure. In most cases, this can be controlled, but in rare cases, additional surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding.
- Uneven Results: It is possible to have uneven distribution of the transferred fat, resulting in an uneven or lumpy appearance. This may require additional procedures to correct.
- Fat Necrosis: In some cases, the transferred fat cells may die, leading to fat necrosis. This can cause pain, swelling, and the formation of lumps or bumps. Treatment may involve removing the necrotic fat tissue.
- Scarring: Although the incisions made during the procedure are usually small, there is still a risk of scarring. However, most scars fade over time and become less noticeable.
To minimize these risks, it is important to choose an experienced and board - certified surgeon who has a proven track record of performing autologous fat filling procedures.
Cost of Autologous Fat Filling in New York City
The cost of autologous fat filling in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, including the areas being treated, the amount of fat being transferred, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's experience and reputation. Generally, the cost can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. It's important to note that most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures, so patients will typically be responsible for the full cost of the treatment.
Conclusion
Autologous fat filling to reshape the contour is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City. It offers numerous benefits, including natural results, minimal risk of complications, and long - lasting effects. By choosing a reputable hospital and an experienced surgeon, patients can achieve their desired aesthetic goals with confidence. If you're considering autologous fat filling, take the time to research the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City, schedule consultations, and ask any questions you may have. Remember to have realistic expectations and follow the surgeon's pre - and post - operative instructions for the best results.
If you're interested in learning more about autologous fat filling in New York City, don't hesitate to reach out to one of the hospitals or surgeons mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step towards achieving your dream look!
