Introduction

Full - face fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This technique involves harvesting healthy fat cells from one area of the body and injecting them into the face to restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and give a more youthful and radiant appearance. With the high demand for this procedure, there are numerous doctors offering it. In this article, we will publicly announce the top 5 doctors for full - face fat filling in New York City in 2025, based on their expertise, experience, patient testimonials, and reputation in the industry.

What is Full - Face Fat Filling?

Full - face fat filling is a surgical procedure that can address various aesthetic concerns. As we age, our faces naturally lose volume, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. This procedure helps to reverse these signs of aging by using the patient's own fat cells as a natural filler.

The process typically involves three main steps:

1. Harvesting: Fat cells are removed from a donor site, usually the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, using a technique like liposuction. Specialized and gentle instruments are used to ensure that the fat cells remain healthy during the extraction process.
2. Purification: The harvested fat is then purified to remove any impurities, such as blood, debris, and excess fluid. This step helps to increase the viability of the fat cells and improve the success rate of the procedure.
3. Injection: The purified fat cells are carefully injected into specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, temples, under - eye hollows, and lips, to add volume and restore a more youthful contour.

Advantages of Full - Face Fat Filling

• Natural Results: Since the filler used is the patient's own fat, the results look and feel more natural compared to synthetic fillers.
• Long - Lasting: While some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time, the remaining fat cells can provide long - lasting results. In many cases, the effects can be permanent.
• Minimal Risk of Allergic Reaction: Because the fat is taken from the patient's own body, there is a very low risk of allergic reaction or rejection.
• Multi - Purpose: It can not only add volume to the face but also improve skin texture and tone in the treated areas.

The Top 5 Doctors for Full - Face Fat Filling in New York City

Dr. David L. Cangello

Dr. Cangello is a leading plastic surgeon in New York City. He has developed a reputation for achieving superior, natural - looking results through the art of plastic surgery. He follows the philosophy that plastic surgery is both a science and an art, and combines this with expert surgical knowledge.

Expertise in Full - Face Fat Filling

When it comes to full - face fat filling, Dr. Cangello creates beautiful results. This unique procedure involves removing cells from certain areas of the body, purifying them, and injecting them into areas of the face. These injections volumize the skin, filling out lines and wrinkles, and allowing patients to look fresh and rejuvenated. Patients can even have their lips volumized with fat grafting. One of the great advantages is that fat grafting is permanent. While some fat may be reabsorbed, the remaining cells stay where they are placed indefinitely, so patients can look their absolute best for years to come.

Other Procedures

Dr. Cangello also offers a wide range of other plastic surgery procedures, including rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelift, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, liposuction, and breast augmentation. His rhinoplasty results have been featured in publications such as Seventeen magazine and are known for appearing naturally beautiful.

Patient Testimonials

Patients have praised Dr. Cangello for his attention to detail, execution of his vision, and his personable nature. One patient who had a septorhinoplasty performed by him said, "Dr. Cangello is an amazing surgeon! Let me start off by saying he is genuinely one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. The results are amazing! My nose was broken when I was younger and it really affected my self - confidence growing up. Now, I finally have the straight gorgeous nose I yearned for. Dr. Cangello is definitely one of the best plastic surgeons out there right now. I highly recommend him."

Dr. Darrick Antell

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.

Approach to Full - Face Fat Filling

Dr. Antell's approach to full - face fat filling is based on the principle that “plastic surgery should whisper, not scream.” His goal is to achieve subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance the patient's facial features. He offers full - face fat transfer as a way to restore lost volume to areas such as sunken cheeks or temples, under - eye hollows, smile or frown lines, nasolabial folds, and chin wrinkles. The procedure involves harvesting healthy fat cells from an appropriate area of the body, such as the buttocks or thighs, using specialized and gentle techniques to ensure that the cells are not damaged. After purification, the cells are injected at a specific depth in the skin tissue to add volume to the desired areas.

Facility and Care

Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but most patients prefer for the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. His state - of - the - art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors patients during the surgery to ensure safety.

Recovery and Support

After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse. Since it is an outpatient procedure, patients can return home the same day. Dr. Antell and his staff provide thorough discharge instructions and are available to answer any questions during the recovery process. Most patients experience some swelling and bruising, which usually subside within the first two weeks, and many can return to their normal daily activities within a day.

Dr. Richard Swift

Dr. Richard Swift is a double - board certified plastic surgeon, being board - certified in both plastic surgery and general surgery. He is dedicated to providing each patient with high - quality, personalized care.

Full - Face Fat Filling Expertise

Dr. Swift offers full - face fat grafting as part of his comprehensive range of facial plastic surgery procedures. His expertise in this area allows him to effectively address concerns related to facial aging, such as loss of volume and the appearance of wrinkles. He takes a personalized approach, combining his surgical skills with an understanding of the patient's unique aesthetic goals.

Comprehensive Facial Treatments

In addition to full - face fat filling, Dr. Swift offers a diverse array of treatments for the face, including popular surgical methods such as facelifts, neck lifts, and rhinoplasty, as well as innovative approaches like buccal fat removal and chin implant surgery. For those seeking non - surgical options, he also provides dermal fillers and Botox.

Patient - Centered Care

Dr. Swift is known for his patient - centered approach. He takes the time to listen to his patients' concerns and desires, and then uses his expertise to develop a customized treatment plan. Patients appreciate his friendly and professional demeanor, as well as his commitment to achieving natural - looking results.

Dr. Adam Kolker

Dr. Adam Kolker offers a unique approach to full - face fat filling in New York City. He focuses on helping patients achieve a soft, youthful fullness by replenishing areas that have lost volume over time.

Consultation and Planning

During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker thoroughly discusses the patient's desires and expectations for the full - face fat transfer procedure. He conducts a detailed examination of the skin and soft tissue relationships, paying close attention to factors such as skin tone, texture, elasticity, and the depth of folds and wrinkles. Based on this 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 help the patient achieve the most natural and desired result.

Fat Grafting Process

The fat grafting process with Dr. Kolker involves gently removing fat cells from the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, preparing them as fat grafts, and then transferring them to the problem areas of the face. Since the fat cells are the patient's own, there is a very low risk of rejection. Although some resorption may occur, fat grafts last considerably longer than most fillers. The fat grafts are ultimately incorporated as soft, natural tissue in the treated areas.

Recovery and Results

Following the full - face fat transfer, patients can go home on the same day with a friend or family member. The recovery time depends on the extent of the procedure. If it is an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, patients may take two or three days off work, while more complex procedures may require a return to work ranging from seven to fourteen days. Swelling is common but usually resolves within two weeks, and the final results of the fat graft procedure may take up to 12 weeks to be evident.

Dr. Andrew Jacono

Dr. Andrew Jacono is widely regarded as one of the pioneers in the field of facial plastic surgery and has an esteemed reputation as a top surgeon in New York City.

Full - Face Fat Filling in Rejuvenation

Dr. Jacono may incorporate full - face fat filling as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan. His innovative techniques and artistic approach to facial surgery allow him to create natural - looking results. He has extensive experience in addressing a wide range of facial concerns, including sagging skin, loss of volume, and the appearance of wrinkles. By using full - face fat filling in combination with other procedures such as facelifts, eyelid surgery, and neck rejuvenation, he can achieve a more harmonious and youthful appearance.

Signature Techniques

He is well - known for his deep - plane facelift technique, which goes deeper than traditional facelifts and does not separate the skin from underlying musculature, resulting in a more natural and long - lasting result. His expertise in these techniques can enhance the effectiveness of full - face fat filling by creating a better framework for the fat to be injected and providing overall facial rejuvenation.

Patient Success Stories

Dr. Jacono has numerous patient success stories. For example, a 59 - year - old patient who had a mini facelift, neck lift, lateral temporal lift, blepharoplasty, and full - face fat filling as part of a facial rejuvenation process looked at least 20 years younger and was very happy with the results. His patients often praise his attention to detail, personalized care, and the natural - looking outcomes of his procedures.

Comparison of the Top 5 Doctors

Considerations When Choosing a Doctor for Full - Face Fat Filling

Selecting the right doctor for your full - face fat filling procedure is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your treatment. Here are some important considerations:

Qualifications and Certification

Ensure that the doctor is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has completed the necessary education, training, and exams to practice plastic surgery safely and effectively. Double - board certification, such as in plastic surgery and general surgery, is an added advantage as it shows a broader range of expertise.

Experience

Look for a doctor with extensive experience in performing full - face fat filling procedures. Ask about the number of similar procedures they have done and request to see before - and - after photos of their patients. A doctor with more experience is more likely to have the skills and knowledge to handle any complications that may arise during the procedure.

Reputation and Patient Testimonials

Read patient testimonials and reviews to get an idea of the doctor's reputation. Positive feedback from previous patients is a good sign that the doctor provides high - quality care and satisfactory results. You can also check online review platforms, as well as ask for referrals from friends, family, or other healthcare professionals.

Artistic Vision

Full - face fat filling is not just a medical procedure; it is also an art form. A doctor with a good artistic vision will be able to understand your aesthetic goals and create a result that looks natural and harmonious with your facial features. During the consultation, discuss your expectations with the doctor and see if they can visualize and plan a treatment that aligns with your desires.

Communication and Comfort

Choose a doctor with whom you feel comfortable communicating. The doctor should be willing to listen to your concerns, answer all your questions, and explain the procedure in detail. A good doctor - patient relationship is essential for a successful outcome, as it ensures that you are well - informed and confident throughout the treatment process.

Facility and Technology

Consider the quality of the doctor's practice facility. A modern and well - equipped facility with the latest technology is more likely to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the procedure. Check if the facility is accredited, which means it meets certain standards of quality and safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, full - face fat filling is a highly effective cosmetic procedure that can help you achieve a more youthful and radiant appearance. The top 5 doctors in New York City - Dr. David L. Cangello, Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Richard Swift, Dr. Adam Kolker, and Dr. Andrew Jacono - offer their unique expertise, experience, and approaches to this procedure. Each doctor has a proven track record of providing high - quality care and achieving excellent results for their patients.