Introduction
Self - fat extraction to fill the face has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This technique, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, offers a natural way to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial features. In this article, we will explore the top 10 hospitals and surgeons in New York City for this procedure, along with an in - depth look at the process, benefits, and considerations.
What is Self - Fat Extraction to Fill the Face?
Self - fat extraction to fill the face is a cosmetic surgery procedure where healthy fat cells are harvested from one area of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks (the donor site). These fat cells are then purified and re - injected into specific areas of the face to add volume, smooth out wrinkles, and improve facial contours.
One of the key advantages of this procedure is that it uses the patient's own body fat, which means there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Additionally, it can provide a more natural - looking and long - lasting result compared to some other facial fillers.
Top 10 Surgeons for Self - Fat Extraction to Fill the Face in New York City
| Surgeon Name | Specialty | Years of Experience | Location | Patient Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil Pakeman, MD | Oculoplastic surgeon, board certified in ophthalmology | 28 | 240 E. 64th St., New York, New York | “My experience was nothing short of fantastic. I had developed severe eye bags over covid and nothing...” |
| Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS | Facial plastic surgeon, board certified in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery | 18 | 800A Fifth Ave., New York, New York | “My experience with dr. Madnani and his staff was remarkable. I appreciate how honest he was during...” |
| Andrew Miller, MD | Board certified facial plastic surgeon | 25 | 1424 Richmond Ave., Staten Island, New York | “I have received “fillers” in the past. I opted now for something more natural and to me cost - effective...” |
| Mansher Singh, MD, FACS | Board eligible plastic surgeon | 4 | 905 5th Av, New York, New York | “10/10! Highly recommend dr. Singh - it doesn’t get better than that. My under - eye bags bothered me...” |
| James C. Marotta, MD | Board certified facial plastic surgeon | 19 | 895 W. Jericho Tpke., Smithtown, New York | “I have been a patient of dr Marotta's since 2009 and have always had amazing results. His responsiveness...” |
| Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS | Board certified plastic surgeon | 30 | 160 Crossways Park Dr., Woodbury, New York | “In June 2023, I had an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction with dr. Stephen Greenberg at the...” |
| Trevor M. Born, MD | Certified plastic surgeon | 28 | 910 Fifth Ave., New York, New York | “I had a facial fat transfer and an upper and lower blepharoplasty from dr Born. Best thing I’ve ever...” |
| Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD | Board eligible plastic surgeon | 3 | 737 Park Ave., New York, New York | “I had another amazing experience with dr. Lisiecki. I needed a fat transfer to my eyes and he did an...” |
| Brett S. Kotlus, MD, MS, FACS | Oculoplastic surgeon, board certified in ophthalmology | 19 | 20 E. 66th St., New York, New York | “I'm very happy with my face. I would like to thank dr Brett Kotlus who performed facial fat transfer...” |
| Elliot M. Heller, MD | Board certified facial plastic surgeon | 32 | 150 E. 61st St., New York, New York | “Very pleased with the result. I'm 9 weeks post - op. I feel like my ps took an eraser and took off ten...” |
The Procedure: Step - by - Step
Harvesting the Fat
The first step in the self - fat extraction to fill the face procedure is to harvest the fat from the donor site. The most common donor sites are the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. The surgeon will make a small incision in the donor area and use a specialized cannula to gently suction out the fat. Specialized, gentle techniques are used to ensure that the healthy fat cells are not damaged during this process. For example, as described by Dr. Darrick Antell, a well - respected plastic surgeon in New York, the fat is harvested using methods that maintain the viability of the cells.
Processing the Fat
Once the fat is removed, it is processed to separate it from fluids, oils, and other impurities. This is typically done using a centrifuge, which spins the fat at high speed, allowing the pure fat cells to separate from the unwanted substances. The goal is to ensure that only healthy, viable fat cells are injected into the face.
Injecting the Fat
The final step is to inject the processed fat into the targeted areas of the face. The surgeon will make tiny incisions and use a cannula to carefully place small amounts of fat into the treatment site. The injection is done at a specific depth in the skin tissue to add volume to the desired area. Common areas for fat injection include the cheeks, temples, under - eye hollows, smile or frown lines, nasolabial folds, and chin wrinkles.
Benefits of Self - Fat Extraction to Fill the Face
- Natural Results: Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, the results look and feel more natural compared to synthetic fillers. The fat integrates with the surrounding tissue, providing a more seamless appearance.
- Low Risk of Allergic Reaction: As the fat is from the patient's own body, there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. This makes it a safe option for many patients, especially those with sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions to other fillers.
- Long - Lasting Results: Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply in the new location, they can have a long - lasting effect. While some of the fat may be absorbed over time, many patients experience results that last for several years.
- Versatility: The procedure can be used to address a variety of facial concerns, including volume loss, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. It can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts or eyelid surgeries, for enhanced results.
Considerations Before the Procedure
Candidate Selection
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for self - fat extraction to fill the face. Ideal candidates should be in good general health, have enough fat on potential donor areas (such as the hips, flanks, and thighs) to be harvested, and have realistic expectations about the outcome. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, may need to be carefully evaluated before undergoing the procedure. For example, according to Dr. Richard Swift, board - certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan, patients between the ages of 30 and 70 who have a loss of volume or sagging in the face, show signs of aging, or would like to improve their appearance through this procedure may be suitable candidates.
Preparation
Before the procedure, patients may need to make some preparations. If you are a smoker, you should avoid smoking for a few weeks leading up to and after the procedure, as smoking can affect the healing process. You may also need to avoid blood thinners for 1 - 2 weeks prior to the procedure to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding. The surgeon will provide explicit instructions based on your individual situation.
Cost
The cost of self - fat extraction to fill the face can vary depending on several factors, such as the extent of the procedure, the surgeon's experience, and the location of the practice. Most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures, so patients will need to pay out - of - pocket. It is important to get a detailed quote from the surgeon during the consultation and to discuss any available financing options.
Recovery Process
After the procedure, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and tenderness in both the donor and recipient areas. Applying ice to the treated areas can help reduce swelling. Most patients experience minimal downtime and are able to return to their usual daily activities within a few days, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for a few weeks. The final results may not be visible for up to a month due to residual swelling.
Dr. David Cangello, an expert in fat grafting to the face in New York City, notes that patients may look puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks. Mild discomfort may be present during the first week, but appropriate pain medication can be prescribed to help manage the pain. The majority of swelling should disappear within a month, and bruising will subside in about 10 - 14 days.
Comparing Self - Fat Extraction to Other Facial Fillers
| Aspect | Self - Fat Extraction | Traditional Synthetic Fillers |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Material | Patient's own body fat | Man - made materials such as hyaluronic acid |
| Allergic Reaction Risk | Very low, as it uses the patient's own tissue | Some risk of allergic reaction |
| Long - Term Results | Can be long - lasting if the fat cells survive | Results are temporary and require repeated treatments |
| Natural Appearance | Generally provides a more natural look and feel | May look and feel less natural in some cases |
| Procedure Complexity | More complex as it involves harvesting, processing, and injection | Relatively simple injection procedure |
Real - Life Success Stories
Many patients in New York City have had successful experiences with self - fat extraction to fill the face. For instance, a patient who had lost volume in their cheeks and under - eye area visited Dr. Madnani. After the procedure, they reported a more youthful and refreshed appearance, and were very satisfied with the natural - looking results. Another patient, who had suffered from facial scarring, underwent a fat transfer procedure with Dr. Swift and saw a significant improvement in the appearance of their scars.
Conclusion
Self - fat extraction to fill the face is a valuable cosmetic procedure that offers many benefits, including natural results, low risk of allergic reaction, and long - lasting effects. In New York City, there are many highly skilled surgeons who can perform this procedure with excellent results. Before deciding to undergo the procedure, it is important to do thorough research, consult with a qualified surgeon, and have realistic expectations.
If you are considering self - fat extraction to fill the face, we encourage you to reach out to one of the top surgeons mentioned in this article for a consultation. Take the first step towards achieving a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance today!
