The 5 Selected Hospitals for Fat-Filling the Face in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

Fat-filling the face, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, has emerged as a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This method involves taking fat from one's own body, typically from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, processing it, and then injecting it into the face to restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. As the demand for this natural - looking and long - lasting facial rejuvenation option grows, several hospitals and clinics in New York City have distinguished themselves in providing high - quality fat - filling services. In this article, we will explore the five selected hospitals for fat - filling the face in New York City.

1. Dr. Kolker's Practice

Unique Approach and Expertise

Dr. Adam Kolker is well - known for his unique approach to facial fat transfer in New York City. He understands that as we age, we lose volume in our faces, and the transitions between different facial areas become more pronounced. His goal is to replenish this lost volume and restore a soft, youthful fullness.

During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker conducts a thorough examination of the patient's skin and soft - tissue relationships. He pays attention to details such as skin tone, texture, elasticity, the depth of folds, wrinkles, or depressions, and the underlying bone or cartilage support. Based on this comprehensive 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 the patient.

The Procedure

The fat cells are harvested using a very small cannula from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Once removed, they are carefully prepared as fat grafts. These fat grafts are then transferred into the areas of the face that need volume restoration, such as nasolabial folds, glabellar lines, lips, eyelids, tear troughs, or cheeks, using a small needle.

Since the fat graft cells are the patient's own, they are not rejected by the body. Although some resorption is possible, fat grafts last considerably longer than most fillers. The fat grafts are ultimately incorporated as soft, natural tissue that is indistinguishable from the native soft tissue in the area.

Recovery

Following the facial fat transfer, patients can 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, Dr. Kolker suggests taking two or three days off before returning to work, though many patients are able to return the next day. When the fat graft 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 time may range from seven to fourteen days.

Swelling is very common after the fat transfer, and it often resolves after two weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks for the final results of the fat graft procedure to be evident. Light aerobic activity like elliptical, walking, or cycling can be resumed as early as four to five days following the fat grafts, and more strenuous activity can begin at two to three weeks.

Patient Testimonials

Many patients have expressed their satisfaction with Dr. Kolker's work. One patient said, “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 described Dr. Kolker as “precise & gentle” and said that he “produces natural results that make me look refreshed, never ‘frozen’.”

2. Gotham Plastic Surgery

Fat Injection Offerings

Gotham Plastic Surgery offers fat injection, also referred to as fat grafting or fat transplant, as an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials. Fat injection can reduce wrinkles and creases and fill in areas of lost volume resulting from age, injury, surgery, or other causes. It is also being used to enhance areas other than the face, including the buttocks and breasts.

The candidates for fat injection at Gotham Plastic Surgery are generally healthy, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations for improvement. The procedure is often seen as a complement to other, more current aging - face treatments, and the best results are often achieved with a combination of fat transfer and a minor surgical procedure.

The Procedure at Gotham

Dr. Miller and the doctors at Gotham Plastic Surgery perform fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. The procedure is typically completed in under an hour and may 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.

Recovery and Results

There is minimal downtime or recovery associated with fat injection at Gotham. 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.

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. To get a more personalized understanding of the expected results, patients are encouraged to consult with the doctors at Gotham Plastic Surgery.

3. Dr. Cangello's Practice

Expertise in Fat Grafting

Dr. David Cangello is a renowned expert in fat grafting to the face techniques. 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 working together and performing multiple fat transfer procedures, Dr. Cangello learned the techniques and mastered the skills 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 entitled “Fat Injection from Filling to Regeneration.” His specialized training and extensive experience allow him to produce superior results for those seeking a fat transfer procedure in NYC.

Ideal Candidates and Consultation

Ideal candidates for a fat transfer to the face procedure in NYC with Dr. Cangello include men and women who have started to notice a hollow or shallow appearance to individual or multiple areas of the face, or those who desire augmentation of features such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. There is no “perfect age” for fat grafting to the face, as age - related changes are determined by genetics, lifestyle, and many other factors.

During the consultation, Dr. Cangello will take a look at the patient's areas of concern and identify potential donor sites where the fat can be removed, such as the hips, thighs, or flanks. He will also address any questions or concerns the patient may have about facial fat grafting and guide the patient through the options for additional procedures that may complement the effects of a fat transfer to the face procedure.

The Fat Transfer Process

A fat transfer to the face procedure with Dr. Cangello generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. In the harvest step, the donor site is injected with an anesthetic, a small incision is made, and the appropriate amount of fat is gently suctioned out using a specialized cannula. The removed fat is then 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, a tiny incision is made in the recipient area, and the fat is injected using a cannula until the desired fullness is achieved.

Recovery and FAQs

Recovery from fat transfer usually isn't overly burdensome. Patients should expect to look puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks and may experience mild discomfort during the first week, but Dr. Cangello will prescribe appropriate 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 facial fat grafting to be repeated to achieve ideal volume. Dr. Cangello performs the fat grafting to the face procedure in his state - of - the - art, fully accredited operating room in his NYC office, but he also has operating privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital for patients who prefer a hospital setting.

4. Natural Look Institute

Fat Injection Expertise

Under the leadership of Dr. Yoel Shahar, the Natural Look Institute has been at the forefront of fat injection procedures. Dr. Shahar has been performing the fat injection procedure for the past 15 years and has done thousands of such procedures, giving him the experience and expertise to obtain optimal results.

The fat injection procedure at the Natural Look Institute involves harvesting fat with a small tube (cannula) from the abdomen or flanks and injecting it into the face. It is vital to have a surgeon with an artistic eye for proper placement of the fat to produce optimal results, and Dr. Shahar is well - known for his skill in this regard.

Benefits and Results

The fat injection can last for years in certain areas of the face and body. It can correct the disproportion of facial features to bring balance and harmony to the face. It can enhance the cheeks, eliminate the depression of the lower eyelid and nasolabial folds, or eradicate the pre - jowl depression. Since the patient's own fat is being used, it is the preferred method compared to other injectables with temporary results.

Patient reviews are highly positive. One patient said, “I saw Dr. Shahar to fix my under - eye area. Dr. Shahar thoughtfully recommended a fat transfer procedure and thoroughly explained to me why fat from my own body creates more desirable results in this delicate area (not to mention it lasts longer and is more cost - effective over time). After the procedure, I literally had no bruising and very minimal swelling. Within days, I looked completely refreshed. I looked younger, and everyone noticed it.”

Recovery and FAQs

Some swelling and bruising may appear and last for about 48 hours, and patients should avoid the sun until it subsides. Recovery times vary from patient to patient, but it should take no longer than 1 - 2 weeks of recovery time. The results are permanent, but 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.

5. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Renowned Plastic Surgeon

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 speaks volumes about the satisfaction of his patients with their results.

His approach to plastic surgery is that “plastic surgery should whisper, not scream,” meaning his goal is to achieve subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance the facial features.

Facial Fat Transfer Procedure

Facial fat transfer with Dr. Antell involves harvesting healthy fat cells from an appropriate area of the body, such as the buttocks or thighs, using specialized, gentle techniques to ensure that the healthy 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 areas, such as sunken cheeks or temples, under - eye hollows, smile or frown lines, nasolabial folds, and chin wrinkles or creases.

Procedure Details and Recovery

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. Most patients prefer for the procedure to take place in Dr. Antell's discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital.

After the surgery, patients will 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. They will likely have some swelling and bruising, most of which will subside within the first two weeks. Applying ice to the area can be useful in reducing swelling. Many patients experience minimal downtime after the procedure and are able to 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.

Comparison of the Five Hospitals

Conclusion

Fat - filling the face is a popular and effective way to rejuvenate the face and restore lost volume. The five selected hospitals in New York City - Dr. Kolker's Practice, Gotham Plastic Surgery, Dr. Cangello's Practice, Natural Look Institute, and Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice - each have their own unique strengths and expertise. Whether it's the long - standing experience of a surgeon, the personalized treatment plans, or the state - of - the - art facilities, these hospitals are well - equipped to meet the diverse needs of patients seeking facial fat transfer.

If you are considering fat - filling the face, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one or more of these hospitals. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations with the doctors. They will be able to provide you with detailed information about the procedure, the expected results, and the recovery process. Take the time to make an informed decision and choose the hospital and surgeon that is right for you.