Introduction
Nasolabial folds, often referred to as smile lines, are a common sign of aging that many people wish to address. Autologous fat removal for nasolabial folds is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure. In New York City, there are several top - notch doctors and institutions that excel in this area. This article will introduce you to the top 5 doctors and institutions for autologous fat removal of nasolabial folds in New York City in 2025.
What is Autologous Fat Removal for Nasolabial Folds?
Autologous fat removal for nasolabial folds, also known as facial fat grafting, involves harvesting fat from one area of the patient's body (such as the abdomen or thighs) using liposuction. The harvested fat is then processed and purified before being injected into the nasolabial folds to restore lost volume, smooth out the wrinkles, and give a more youthful appearance. This method has several advantages, including using the patient's own tissue, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions and provides a more natural - looking result.
The Top 5 Doctors and Institutions
Dr. Yoel Shahar and Natural Look Institute
Doctor's Expertise
Dr. Yoel Shahar has over 15 years of experience performing fat injection procedures. He has done thousands of fat injections, which gives him extensive expertise and a high level of skill in this area. He understands the right volume and placement of fat to achieve optimal results. His patients often give him 5 - star ratings on Google, and there are many positive patient reviews. For example, one patient had a fat transfer procedure on the under - eye area and was very satisfied with the results, with little bruising and swelling and a refreshed appearance.
Institution's Features
The Natural Look Institute is a well - known fat injection clinic located on Park Avenue in New York City. It is centrally located near Grand Central Station and has more than 9 train lines in the immediate vicinity, making it easily accessible from every corner of the city. The institute offers personalized advice, caring attention, and support before and after the surgery. Dr. Shahar is committed to delivering the best patient support and the most natural - looking cosmetic surgery.
Treatment Process and Benefits
The fat injection procedure at the Natural Look Institute is usually done under local anesthesia, and patients can return to work the next day. The fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen or flanks using a small tube (cannula) and then injected into the face. As a filler, the fat injection can last for years in certain areas of the face and body, providing long - lasting results. It can correct the disproportion of facial features, enhance the cheeks, and eliminate nasolabial folds.
Patient Considerations
Before the procedure, patients need to consult with Dr. Shahar. The cost of the fat injection depends on the complexity of the facial fat transfer, the areas that require injections, and the patient's aesthetic goals. There may be some swelling and bruising after the procedure, which usually subside within 48 hours, and patients should avoid the sun until then. Full recovery usually takes 1 - 2 weeks.
Dr. Thomas W. Loeb and His Practice
Doctor's Reputation
Dr. Thomas W. Loeb is a highly - regarded plastic surgeon in New York City. He has made frequent appearances on major news networks such as Fox News, The View, ABC News, NBC News, Extra, Inside Edition, and the CBS Evening News. He has also been recognized in print media, including Elle, Vogue, and Glamour magazines. Internationally, he is rated as one of the top 10 best eye surgeons in the world and has been named one of the best doctors in New York by New York Magazine.
Institution's Strengths
Dr. Loeb's plastic surgery practice encompasses a wide range of procedures. His office on Fifth Avenue is fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Facilities. The scheduling is easy, and the office environment is clean, with a wait - time goal of less than 15 minutes. The long - standing and experienced staff are like a family, providing a high - level of professionalism and care.
Nasolabial Fold Treatment
While his practice offers a variety of facial cosmetic procedures, he can also perform autologous fat removal for nasolabial folds. His skillful hand and sensitive ear allow him to understand the patient's goals and provide natural - looking results. He is up - to - date with the latest anti - aging skin care treatments and can offer comprehensive solutions for patients.
Patient Experience
Patients who choose Dr. Loeb can expect a high - quality experience from consultation to recovery. The office offers a private nurse for post - op overnight stays if needed. The recovery time for nasolabial fold surgery may vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure, but the staff will provide detailed after - care instructions.
Dr. Darrick Antell and His Practice
Doctor's Accolades
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 high patient satisfaction with his work.
Institution's Facilities
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 state - of - the - art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology. The staff is thoroughly trained to offer personalized care.
Facial Fat Transfer for Nasolabial Folds
Dr. Antell's approach to plastic surgery is to achieve subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance facial features. His facial fat transfer procedure for nasolabial folds involves harvesting healthy fat cells from areas like the buttocks or thighs. The fat is harvested using gentle techniques to ensure cell viability. After purification, the fat cells are injected at a specific depth in the skin tissue of the nasolabial folds to add volume.
Recovery and After - care
The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Patients recover in the state - of - the - art recovery suite and can return home the same day. There will be some swelling and bruising, most of which will subside within the first two weeks. Ice can be used to reduce swelling. Many patients can return to their normal daily activities within a day, but the final result may not be visible for up to a month due to residual swelling.
Dr. Steven Wallach and His Practice
Doctor's Expertise
Dr. Steven Wallach is a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience. He uses the latest techniques and technology to provide patients with the best possible results for fat transfer procedures. He offers customized treatment plans to address each patient's unique needs and goals.
Institution's Advantages
His practice serves patients in New York City. He can evaluate patients during a personal consultation to determine if they are suitable candidates for fat transfer. He provides detailed pre - operative instructions to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
Autologous Fat Transfer for Nasolabial Folds
For autologous fat transfer to the nasolabial folds, Dr. Wallach first harvests fat from areas such as the belly, butt, or back of the thigh. The fat is then processed and purified before being carefully injected into the nasolabial folds using local anesthesia. He pays close attention to the patient's natural facial contours to ensure smooth and natural - looking results.
Recovery and Follow - up
Patients can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area for the first few days. Pain medication may be prescribed. They should avoid strenuous activities and exercise for at least two to three weeks. There will be a follow - up appointment to monitor progress and ensure proper healing.
Dr. David Cangello and Cangello Plastic Surgery
Doctor's Training and Skills
Dr. David Cangello is a top board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City. He was mentored by the pioneer of fat grafting techniques, Dr. Sydney Coleman. His specialized training and extensive experience allow him to produce long - lasting and natural - looking fat transfer results.
Institution's Quality
Cangello Plastic Surgery has a fully accredited surgical facility onsite in the NYC office. The institution only works with board - certified anesthesiologists to maximize patient safety. Patients can take a tour of the surgical facility during their consultation. Dr. Cangello also has operating privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital.
Fat Grafting for Nasolabial Folds
Dr. Cangello can perform fat grafting to the nasolabial folds as part of facial rejuvenation. He carefully harvests and processes fat from a donor site and then re - injects it into the nasolabial folds to restore volume. His results are completely customized to the patient's natural anatomy and cosmetic preferences.
Patient Journey
During the consultation, Dr. Cangello will determine the best donor sites for fat harvesting and the amount of fat needed. After the procedure, patients need to wear a compression garment on the harvested areas and keep pressure off the grafted areas. There will be bruising and swelling, which usually resolves over time.
Comparison of the Doctors and Institutions
| Doctor and Institution | Doctor's Experience | Institution Location | Procedure Features | Recovery Time | Cost Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Yoel Shahar and Natural Look Institute | Over 15 years of fat injection experience, thousands of procedures | Park Avenue, near Grand Central Station | Local anesthesia, can return to work next day, long - lasting results | 1 - 2 weeks | Depends on complexity, areas, and aesthetic goals |
| Dr. Thomas W. Loeb and His Practice | High - profile plastic surgeon, international recognition | Fifth Avenue | Skillful in various facial procedures, can customize nasolabial fold treatment | Varies depending on individual and procedure | Consultation required for cost estimate |
| Dr. Darrick Antell and His Practice | World - renowned, trained at Stanford and Cornell | Across from Lenox Hill Hospital | Subtle, natural - looking results, gentle fat harvesting techniques | Swelling and bruising subside in 2 weeks, final result in up to 1 month | Consultation to discuss cost |
| Dr. Steven Wallach and His Practice | Board - certified, uses latest techniques | Serves New York City | Customized treatment plans, attention to facial contours | 2 - 3 weeks of avoiding strenuous activities | Cost estimate during consultation |
| Dr. David Cangello and Cangello Plastic Surgery | Mentored by fat grafting pioneer | Onsite surgical facility in NYC, with privileges at other hospitals | Completely customized results, high - level safety measures | Wear compression garment, swelling resolves over time | Contact for consultation and cost details |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is autologous fat removal for nasolabial folds safe?
Autologous fat removal for nasolabial folds is generally considered safe. Since the fat is taken from the patient's own body, the risk of allergic reactions is extremely low. However, like any surgical procedure, there are still some risks, such as infection, uneven fat absorption, and bruising or swelling. But these risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced doctor and following the pre - and post - operative instructions.
How long do the results of autologous fat removal for nasolabial folds last?
The results can be long - lasting. However, a small portion of the re - injected fat may be reabsorbed during the first six months. For a long - lasting effect, patients generally receive 3 to 4 treatments over a six - month period. The fat lasts longest when injected in stationary areas like the cheeks.
Does the procedure hurt?
The discomfort from the fat injection is usually minimal. It can be easily controlled with medication. Most patients take pain medication for the first two days after the procedure.
What is the recovery process like?
There will usually be some swelling and bruising after the procedure, which can last for about 48 hours. Patients should avoid the sun until it subsides. The full recovery time can vary from patient to patient, but it usually takes 1 - 2 weeks. During the recovery period, patients need to follow the doctor's instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities and taking prescribed medications.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City offers a wealth of options for those seeking autologous fat removal of nasolabial folds. Dr. Yoel Shahar at the Natural Look Institute, Dr. Thomas W. Loeb, Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Steven Wallach, and Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery are all top - notch choices. Each doctor has unique expertise, and their institutions provide high - quality facilities and services. When considering this procedure, it is important to do thorough research, have in - depth consultations with the doctors, and make a well - informed decision based on your own needs and preferences.
If you are interested in autologous fat removal of nasolabial folds, we encourage you to contact these doctors for consultations. You can explore their websites, read patient reviews, and compare the different treatment options. Take the first step towards a more youthful and confident you today!
