Introduction
Filling the temples with one's own fat has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. It offers a natural - looking solution to address the volume loss in the temples that often occurs with aging. The use of a patient's own fat reduces the risk of rejection and allergic reactions. In this article, we will explore the top three hospitals in New York City for this procedure and also provide in - depth information about the fat - filling process, candidates, benefits, and more.
Understanding Fat Filling in the Temples
What is Fat Filling in the Temples?
Fat filling in the temples, also known as temple fat grafting, is a procedure that involves taking fat from one area of the patient's body (usually areas with excess fat like the abdomen, thighs, or love handles) and injecting it into the temples. As people age, the fat under the skin in the temples dissipates, leading to a sunken and less youthful appearance. This procedure helps to restore volume and give the face a more rounded and youthful look.
How the Procedure Works
- Harvesting: Using liposuction techniques, a small cannula is inserted into the donor area. The fat is then gently suctioned out. For example, at Gotham Plastic Surgery, the doctors use a very small cannula and gentle liposuction techniques to harvest fat from areas like the outside of the leg or the stomach. The amount of fat harvested depends on the patient's needs and the volume required to fill the temples.
- Processing: Once the fat is removed, it is processed to separate the healthy and viable fat cells from fluids and oils. This is often done using a centrifuge. The goal is to ensure that only high - quality fat cells are injected into the temples to improve the chances of successful grafting.
- Injection: A tiny incision is made near the temple area, and the processed fat is injected using a cannula. The doctor carefully places small amounts of fat in multiple layers and areas of the temple to achieve a natural and even result.
Benefits of Filling the Temples with One's Own Fat
- Natural Look and Feel: Since the fat is from the patient's own body, the results look and feel more natural compared to synthetic fillers. The temples blend well with the rest of the face, and there is no risk of an unnatural appearance that can sometimes occur with other materials.
- Low Risk of Rejection: As it uses the patient's own tissue, the immune system is less likely to reject the fat. This significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions or other immune - related complications that can be associated with artificial dermal fillers.
- Long - Lasting Results: Once the fat cells are successfully established in the temples, they can last for a long time. While some fat may be reabsorbed by the body in the initial period after the procedure, the remaining fat can provide long - term volume restoration. In many cases, the results can last for several years.
- Multi - Purpose Harvesting: The fat can be harvested from areas where the patient has excess fat. So, in addition to filling the temples, the procedure can also provide some body contouring benefits, such as slimming the abdomen or thighs.
Top 3 Hospitals in New York City for Filling the Temples with One's Own Fat
1. Gotham Plastic Surgery
Gotham Plastic Surgery is a well - known name in the field of plastic surgery in New York City. They offer a comprehensive range of plastic surgery procedures, including fat injection for volume enhancement, which can be used to fill the temples.
Expertise and Experience
The doctors at Gotham Plastic Surgery, including Dr. Miller, have significant experience in performing fat injection procedures. They perform these procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. Their experience allows them to handle the fat harvesting, processing, and injection with precision, increasing the chances of a successful outcome.
Techniques and Approach
They use very small cannulas and gentle liposuction techniques for fat harvesting. This minimizes trauma to the donor area and ensures that the harvested fat is of high quality. For the injection process, they are known for their attention to detail, carefully placing the fat to achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasing result. They also often combine fat transfer with other minor surgical procedures to achieve the best results, especially for aging - related facial concerns.
Patient Experience
The recovery period at Gotham Plastic Surgery is relatively short. There is minimal downtime associated with fat injection. 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. The clinic also provides personalized treatment plans and excellent after - care support, ensuring patient satisfaction.
2. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery is an expert in fat grafting to the face. His specialized training and extensive experience make this clinic a top choice for filling the temples with one's own fat.
Training and Skill
Dr. Cangello had the privilege of being mentored by and sharing a practice with one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman. He 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, demonstrating his in - depth knowledge in the field.
Procedure Process
The fat transfer to the face procedure at Cangello Plastic Surgery has a well - defined three - step process: harvest, process, and transfer. During the harvest, appropriate donor sites like the hips, thighs, or flanks are identified, and the fat is carefully suctioned out. In the processing step, a centrifuge is used to separate the fat from fluids and oils, ensuring only healthy fat cells are used. For the transfer, a tiny incision is made near the temples, and the fat is injected to achieve the desired fullness.
Results and Recovery
The results of fat transfer at Cangello Plastic Surgery are often very natural - looking. The clinic provides a comfortable and safe environment for the procedure, with an in - house state - of - the - art, fully accredited operating room. The recovery from fat transfer usually isn't overly burdensome. Patients can expect to look puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks, with most of the swelling disappearing within a month and bruising subsiding in about 10 - 14 days. Dr. Cangello also prescribes appropriate pain medication to help reduce discomfort during the recovery period.
3. Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery
Stephen T. Greenberg, M.D., F.A.C.S at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery has many years of experience and training in fat transfer surgery, making it another top option for temple fat filling in New York City.
Consultation and Evaluation
Dr. Greenberg offers consultations at multiple convenient locations in New York City and other areas. During the consultation, he carefully examines the patient to determine if they are a good candidate for fat transfer. He discusses the details of the procedure, the potential results, and may suggest spreading out the fat transfer procedures over several treatments if necessary. This personalized approach ensures that the patient's goals and expectations are well - understood.
Surgical Approach
The fat transfer surgery at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery is performed at state - of - the - art, fully accredited ambulatory surgery centers. Local anesthesia is used, and only a small incision or puncture is required for fat harvesting and injection. The fat is obtained from areas like the buttocks, thighs, or abdomen, and after processing, it is re - injected into the temples. The surgery typically lasts one to three hours.
Recovery and Follow - up
The incisions and punctures made during the fat transfer are barely noticeable. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and numbness in the incision or puncture areas during recovery. Most patients can return to work within seven days after the surgery and resume most normal activities in about two weeks. Since some fat is reabsorbed into the body, touch - up fat transfers at a later date may be necessary. The clinic also provides after - care support and guidance to ensure a smooth recovery and long - term satisfaction.
Candidates for Filling the Temples with One's Own Fat
Ideal candidates for filling the temples with one's own fat should meet certain criteria:
- Good Health: Candidates should be in overall good health. They should not have any underlying health conditions that may affect the recovery process after the procedure. This includes conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or other serious medical issues.
- Adequate Body Fat: Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, they should have enough fat on potential donor areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or love handles. Patients who have too little body fat may not be suitable candidates for this procedure.
- Realistic Expectations: It is important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. While filling the temples with fat can significantly improve the appearance, it may not completely reverse the signs of aging or create a completely different look. Patients should understand that the results may vary and that some fat reabsorption may occur in the initial period after the procedure.
- Non - Smokers: Smoking can have a negative impact on the healing process and the survival of the transferred fat cells. Non - smokers are generally better candidates for this procedure as smoking can reduce blood flow to the tissues, increasing the risk of complications and poor results.
Comparison of the Top 3 Hospitals
Hospital | Expertise | Procedure Approach | Recovery Time | Additional Services |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gotham Plastic Surgery | Experienced doctors with a wide range of plastic surgery expertise | Uses gentle liposuction techniques, often combines with other minor surgeries | Minimal downtime, swelling and bruising resolve within 48 hours for most patients | Comprehensive plastic surgery services including face, body, and breast procedures |
Cangello Plastic Surgery | Dr. Cangello has specialized training in fat grafting, mentored by a pioneer in the field | Well - defined three - step process (harvest, process, transfer) | Puffy and bruised for 1 - 2 weeks, most swelling disappears in a month | Focus on facial fat grafting for rejuvenation and enhancement |
Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery | Dr. Greenberg has years of experience in fat transfer surgery | Local anesthesia, small incisions, may suggest multiple treatments | Return to work in 7 days, resume normal activities in about 2 weeks | Offers consultations at multiple locations, personalized treatment plans |
Potential Risks and Complications
While filling the temples with one's own fat is generally a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications:
- Fat Reabsorption: A portion of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body in the weeks or months following the procedure. This can result in a decrease in the volume of the temples, and in some cases, a touch - up procedure may be required to achieve the desired results.
- Asymmetry: There is a risk of asymmetry in the temples after the procedure. This can occur if the fat is not evenly distributed during the injection process or if there is uneven fat reabsorption. A skilled and experienced doctor can minimize this risk through careful planning and precise injection techniques.
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. This can occur at the donor site where the fat is harvested or at the injection site in the temples. Proper sterilization techniques and post - operative care can help reduce the risk of infection.
- Bruising and Swelling: Patients may experience bruising and swelling in the temples and the donor area. While this is a normal part of the recovery process, excessive or prolonged bruising and swelling may indicate a problem and should be reported to the doctor.
- Lumps or Irregularities: In some cases, lumps or irregularities may form in the temples as a result of the fat injection. This can be due to improper fat placement or clumping of the fat cells. The doctor may be able to correct these issues through massage or additional treatment.
Pre - and Post - Procedure Care
Pre - Procedure Care
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the doctor to discuss your goals, medical history, and expectations. The doctor will perform a physical examination and may recommend additional tests or evaluations if necessary.
- Medication Review: Inform the doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over - the - counter, and herbal supplements. Some medications may increase the risk of bleeding or other complications during the procedure, and the doctor may advise you to stop taking them before the surgery.
- Lifestyle Changes: Quit smoking at least a few weeks before the procedure to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of complications. Also, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to be in the best possible health for the surgery.
- Arrangements: Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the procedure and to stay with you for the first 24 hours if needed. You may also need to arrange for some time off work or other activities to allow for proper recovery.
Post - Procedure Care
- Follow Doctor's Instructions: Take all the prescribed medications as directed by the doctor, including pain medication and antibiotics if prescribed. This will help manage pain and prevent infection.
- Rest and Recovery: Get plenty of rest in the days following the procedure. Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and excessive bending or stretching for the first few weeks. This will allow the body to heal properly and reduce the risk of complications.
- Ice and Compression: Apply ice packs to the temples and the donor area as recommended by the doctor to reduce swelling and bruising. You may also be instructed to wear a compression garment on the donor area to help with healing and contouring.
- Follow - up Appointments: Attend all the scheduled follow - up appointments with the doctor. The doctor will monitor your recovery, check for any signs of complications, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
- Diet and Hydration: Maintain a healthy diet and drink plenty of water to support the healing process. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help the body recover more quickly.
Conclusion
Filling the temples with one's own fat is a valuable cosmetic procedure that can help restore a youthful and natural appearance to the face. The top three hospitals in New York City - Gotham Plastic Surgery, Cangello Plastic Surgery, and Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery - offer expertise, experience, and a range of services to ensure successful outcomes for their patients. However, it is important for patients to carefully consider the procedure, understand the risks and benefits, and choose a qualified and experienced doctor. By following the pre - and post - procedure care instructions, patients can increase the chances of a smooth recovery and long - lasting results.
If you are interested in filling your temples with your own fat, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended hospitals. Take the time to discuss your concerns and goals with the doctor, and ask any questions you may have. This will help you make an informed decision and start your journey towards a more youthful and confident appearance.