Introduction
Fat filling of the cheeks has emerged as a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City. It offers a natural - looking way to restore volume, smooth out facial contours, and enhance overall facial aesthetics. Whether it's to counteract the effects of aging, correct facial asymmetries, or simply achieve a more youthful and vibrant appearance, many individuals are turning to this procedure. In this article, we will explore the top 5 doctors in New York City for cheek fat filling, considering their expertise, patient reviews, and the quality of care they provide. Before we delve into the top doctors, let's understand some important aspects related to cheek fat filling.
Understanding Cheek Fat Filling
What is Cheek Fat Filling?
Cheek fat filling is a cosmetic procedure that involves transferring fat from one part of the body, typically the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, to the cheeks. The harvested fat is then processed and purified before being injected into the cheeks to add volume. This is a popular alternative to dermal fillers as it uses the patient's own tissue, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. As Dr. Michele Green, an internationally renowned board - certified dermatologist, mentions, age - related volume loss in the midface can lead to a gaunt and tired look, and cheek fat filling can effectively address this issue (source: what is the best cheek filler? - Dr. Michele Green M.D.).
Benefits of Cheek Fat Filling
- Natural Look and Feel: Since the fat is taken from the patient's own body, the results are more natural in appearance and texture compared to synthetic fillers.
- Long - lasting Results: Unlike some dermal fillers that may need to be reapplied every few months, the results of cheek fat filling can be long - lasting, with a significant portion of the transferred fat surviving in the cheeks.
- Improved Facial Contours: It can enhance the cheekbone structure, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the overall symmetry of the face.
Procedure Steps
- Fat Harvesting: The doctor uses liposuction to extract fat from the donor site. This process requires precision to ensure minimal damage to the fat cells.
- Fat Processing: The harvested fat is then purified to remove any impurities, such as blood and excess fluid.
- Fat Injection: The processed fat is carefully injected into the cheeks in small, precise amounts to achieve the desired volume and contour.
Criteria for Selecting the Top Doctors
Expertise and Experience
A doctor's level of expertise and experience in cheek fat filling is crucial. Doctors who have performed a large number of these procedures are more likely to have mastered the techniques and be able to handle any complications that may arise. For example, doctors who have trained at top - tier medical institutions and have years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery are better equipped to perform the procedure with precision.
Patient Reviews and Testimonials
Patient reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into the doctor's bedside manner, the quality of the results, and the overall patient experience. Positive reviews from satisfied patients are a good indicator of a doctor's competence and professionalism. Platforms like Healthgrades and RealSelf can be great resources to find patient feedback on doctors in New York City.
Board Certification
Board certification is an important credential. Doctors who are board - certified in plastic surgery or a related field have met the rigorous standards set by the relevant medical boards. This ensures that they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical conduct to perform the procedure safely and effectively.
Artistic Vision
Cheek fat filling is not just a medical procedure; it also requires an artistic eye. A doctor with a good artistic vision can understand the patient's aesthetic goals and create results that are in harmony with the patient's overall facial features. For instance, they can determine the right amount of fat to inject to achieve a natural and balanced look.
The Top 5 Doctors in New York City for Cheek Fat Filling
Dr. David Cangello
Dr. David Cangello is a world - class, board - certified plastic surgeon in NYC. He trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as general surgery at some of the nation's top institutions. He has a unique approach to plastic surgery, considering it both a science and an art. As an artist himself, he has the ability to create natural - looking cosmetic transformations.
Expertise in Fat Grafting
Dr. Cangello is one of only two surgeons in the world trained by Dr. Sydney Coleman, a pioneer of the fat grafting technique. He co - authored a chapter in Dr. Coleman's book titled, “fat injection from filling to regeneration” regarding correction of liposuction deformities with fat transfer. This shows his in - depth knowledge and experience in fat - related procedures, including cheek fat filling.
Media Recognition and Awards
He has received numerous recognitions, such as being named a “top doctor” by Castle Connolly, listed as a “super doctor” in the New York Times magazine, and named “top doctor” by RealSelf. He has also been sought by numerous media outlets for his expert opinion as a plastic surgeon and has appeared multiple times as a medical contributor on CBS. These accolades are a testament to his skill and reputation in the medical field.
Patient Experience
Dr. Cangello aims to cultivate trust and understanding with his patients. His state - of - the - art, fully accredited (AAASF) operating room in his NYC office provides a safe and comfortable environment for patients. He also has operating privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital for patients who prefer a hospital setting.
Dr. William Lao
Dr. William Lao is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon. He has performed over 1,000 successful facial plastic surgeries over the last 10 years. He has a comprehensive understanding of both eastern and western aesthetic ideals, which is beneficial when working with a diverse patient population in New York City.
Facelift and Fat Grafting Expertise
Although his facelift expertise is well - known, facelift procedures often involve fat grafting techniques. In his practice, he has extensive experience in enhancing facial contours, which includes procedures related to cheek fat filling. His experience in facelift surgery also gives him a deeper understanding of facial anatomy, which is crucial for a successful cheek fat filling procedure.
Awards and Professional Affiliations
He is a winner of the 2020, 2021, and 2022 top doctor awards from New Beauty magazine. He is a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. These affiliations and awards reflect his high - standard practice and commitment to the field of plastic surgery.
Patient - centric Approach
Dr. Lao prides himself on patient safety and his ability to connect with his patients. He takes the time to understand the patient's goals during the consultation process and tailors the treatment plan accordingly. His practice offers facelifts priced between $10,000 and $25,000, and he provides a detailed cost estimate during the consultation.
Dr. Jennifer Levine
Dr. Jennifer Levine is a double - board - certified facial plastic surgeon in NYC. She is globally recognized for delivering natural - looking results in her surgical procedures. She has over 20 years of surgical experience specifically on the face, which makes her an expert in facial anatomy.
Buccal Fat Removal and Related Procedures
While her expertise in buccal fat removal is well - documented, the knowledge and skills required for this procedure are closely related to cheek fat filling. She understands the intricate facial structures and can use this knowledge to perform cheek fat filling procedures with precision. Her experience in evaluating patients' facial features and determining the appropriate treatment options is an asset when it comes to cheek fat filling.
Consultation Process
Dr. Levine offers 3D consultations, which allow patients to ‘preview’ their results using 3D renderings of their photos. This advanced consultation process helps patients have a clearer understanding of what to expect from the procedure and makes them more comfortable with the doctor and the anticipated results.
Reputation and Training
She regularly trains colleagues nationwide and internally on optimal surgical and non - surgical techniques to minimize complications and deliver natural - looking results. Her award - winning research and ability to manage complex cases are beneficial for her patients seeking cheek fat filling.
Dr. Michele Green
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board - certified dermatologist. She has over 25 years of experience treating patients with non - invasive cosmetic procedures such as cheek fillers, under - eye or tear trough fillers, Botox, and more.
Cheek Filler Expertise
Although cheek fat filling is a surgical procedure, Dr. Green's extensive knowledge of cheek fillers can be valuable in the context of fat filling. She has in - depth knowledge of facial anatomy and how to enhance the cheeks for a more youthful appearance. Her expertise in choosing the right filler for each patient can translate into a better understanding of how to achieve optimal results with cheek fat filling.
Patient Selection and Consultation
She takes the time to assess each patient's unique facial anatomy, skin concerns, and aesthetic goals during the consultation. She can determine the right amount of fat to inject and the best placement to achieve natural - looking results. For example, she considers factors such as the patient's age - related volume loss, the shape of the face, and the desired degree of enhancement.
Recognition and Patient Satisfaction
She has consistently been voted as a top NYC dermatologist by Castle Connolly, New York magazine, Super Doctors, and the New York Times. Her dedication to her patients and her ability to achieve excellent results contribute to her high patient satisfaction rates.
Dr. Brett Ehrmann
Dr. Brett Ehrmann is a highly rated doctor in New York City. He has a rating of 4.90 out of 5 stars on Healthgrades. Although his specific expertise in cheek fat filling may not be as well - publicized as some of the other doctors on this list, his high rating indicates a high level of patient satisfaction.
Patient Trust
With a high rating, patients can be confident in his ability to provide quality care. His experience in treating patients and achieving positive outcomes likely extends to cheek fat filling procedures as well. The fact that he has received such a high rating suggests that he pays attention to patient needs and provides a good patient experience.
Comprehensive Medical Services
He may offer a range of medical services related to facial aesthetics. This comprehensive approach can be beneficial for patients as they can potentially address multiple concerns in one place. For example, in addition to cheek fat filling, he may be able to provide pre - and post - operative care, as well as advice on complementary treatments.
Comparing the Top 5 Doctors
| Doctor | Expertise | Unique Selling Points | Patient Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. David Cangello | Plastic and reconstructive surgery, fat grafting | Trained by fat grafting pioneer, artistic approach, media recognition | Highly rated, with a reputation for natural - looking results |
| Dr. William Lao | Facial plastic surgery, including facelift and related fat grafting | Double - board - certified, understands eastern and western aesthetics, top doctor awards | Many satisfied patients, with good bedside manner |
| Dr. Jennifer Levine | Facial plastic surgery, buccal fat removal | 3D consultations, extensive facial surgery experience, global recognition | Positive reviews, known for natural - looking results |
| Dr. Michele Green | Non - invasive cosmetic procedures, cheek fillers | Extensive knowledge of facial anatomy, multiple recognitions | Highly regarded as a top dermatologist |
| Dr. Brett Ehrmann | General medical services related to facial aesthetics | High rating on Healthgrades, potential for comprehensive care | Good patient satisfaction indicated by high rating |
Pre - operative and Post - operative Considerations
Pre - operative
Before undergoing cheek fat filling, patients should have a detailed consultation with their chosen doctor. This is the time to discuss their goals, medical history, and any concerns they may have. The doctor will perform a physical examination of the face and body to determine the suitability of the procedure. Patients may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood - thinners, a few weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. They should also arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure and have a comfortable place to rest during the recovery period.
Post - operative
After the surgery, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the cheeks and the donor site. The doctor will provide instructions on how to care for the treated areas, such as applying cold compresses, taking pain medication as prescribed, and keeping the head elevated. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery. Patients should also avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks and attend all follow - up appointments with the doctor to monitor the healing process and the results of the procedure.
Conclusion
Cheek fat filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City. The top 5 doctors mentioned in this article - Dr. David Cangello, Dr. William Lao, Dr. Jennifer Levine, Dr. Michele Green, and Dr. Brett Ehrmann - each bring their own unique skills, expertise, and experience to the table. Whether it's Dr. Cangello's artistic approach and fat grafting expertise, Dr. Lao's understanding of different aesthetic ideals, Dr. Levine's 3D consultations, Dr. Green's knowledge of facial anatomy, or Dr. Ehrmann's high patient satisfaction rating, patients have a range of excellent options to choose from. If you are considering cheek fat filling, take the time to research these doctors further, schedule consultations, and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and goals.
Don't hesitate to take the next step towards achieving your desired facial aesthetics. Reach out to one of these top doctors today to schedule a consultation and start your journey to a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
