Introduction
Autologous fat periorbital filling has gained significant popularity in New York City as a cosmetic procedure for rejuvenating the eye area. By using a patient's own fat, this method offers a natural and long - lasting solution to address issues such as under - eye hollows, dark circles, and loss of volume. In this article, we will explore the top 4 practitioners in New York City for autologous fat periorbital filling, along with in - depth information about the procedure itself.
What is Autologous Fat Periorbital Filling?
Autologous fat periorbital filling is a specialized cosmetic procedure where fat is harvested from one area of the patient's body, typically the abdomen, thighs, or love handles, using liposuction techniques. The harvested fat is then purified and processed to isolate the healthy fat cells. These purified fat cells are then injected into the periorbital area, which includes the under - eye region, to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and improve the overall appearance of the eyes. This procedure offers a more natural alternative to synthetic fillers, as it uses the patient's own tissue, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and providing long - term results.
Top 4 Practitioners in New York City
1. Dr. Douglas Steinbrech
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City, especially recognized for his expertise in male plastic surgery and body contouring. He is the developer of BodyBanking®, a unique approach to autologous fat transfer procedures.
Experience and Qualifications: He is selected among America’s top plastic surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. Dr. Steinbrech underwent eight years of surgical training at New York University in general surgery, plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery. He has also been awarded grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation.
Approach to Autologous Fat Periorbital Filling: Dr. Steinbrech's BodyBanking® process involves a meticulous approach. During the initial liposuction, he uses selective fat transfer to control the density of fatty tissue and prevent disproportionate fat growth. This precision can also be applied to periorbital filling, ensuring a natural - looking improvement. His technique promotes a fairly constant amount of fat cells in the treated area, which can lead to more predictable and long - lasting results. The cost of his autologous fat transfer procedures, including periorbital filling, typically falls between $5,500 and $10,000, depending on the number of areas being treated and the amount of fat being transferred.
2. Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board certified plastic surgeon with a focus on facial aesthetic treatments. He approaches all facial aesthetic treatments with the goal of achieving the most beautiful and effective results using the “lowest rungs” of the treatment ladder, which maximizes beauty and safety while minimizing downtime.
Experience and Qualifications: As a double - board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kolker has a deep understanding of facial anatomy at all levels, including and beneath the skin. He is known for his finesse, experience, and artistry in performing facial filler treatments.
Approach to Autologous Fat Periorbital Filling: Dr. Kolker will spend time understanding a patient's specific goals and desires and carefully assess their anatomic requirements. When it comes to autologous fat periorbital filling, he is likely to blend his artistic perspective with his knowledge of facial anatomy to create natural - looking results. He may also offer complementary treatments in conjunction with fat filling to enhance the overall rejuvenation of the eye area. Before the procedure, he recommends that patients avoid nonsteroidal anti - inflammatory medications for approximately ten days to minimize the potential for bruising. His treatments are performed in his Park Avenue practice, and he uses blunt - tipped needles to decrease post - treatment bruising and increase the precision of the injections.
3. Dr. Ariel Ostad
Dr. Ariel Ostad is a triple - board certified dermatologist and plastic surgeon in New York. He offers personalized treatment plans featuring fat transfers to patients wishing to obtain a rejuvenated aesthetic.
Experience and Qualifications: Dr. Ostad has specialties in cosmetic dermatology, Mohs micrographic surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery. He has received training at Harvard, UCLA, and NYU and has been recognized as a top doctor by Castle Connolly between 2012 and 2024 and a New York Super Doctor from 2014 - 2024.
Approach to Autologous Fat Periorbital Filling: His fat transfer process involves a gentle liposuction to remove fat from areas with excess, followed by a purification process to ensure only healthy fat cells are injected. For periorbital filling, he focuses on using small droplets of fat to ensure smooth integration with the surrounding tissue. The body will absorb some of the fat cells over time, but around 60 - 75% of them will establish their own blood supply and stay permanently. Dr. Ostad may also combine fat transfer with other aesthetic treatments, such as dermal fillers or laser resurfacing, to enhance the results and address multiple aging concerns simultaneously.
4. The Best in Class Plastic Surgery Team at Manhattan, New York
This team of top - rated NYC plastic surgeons offers fat grafting, including autologous fat periorbital filling, at their Manhattan practice. They are known for providing highly personalized and comprehensive care.
Experience and Qualifications: The team consists of board - certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in fat grafting procedures. They use the latest techniques to provide natural - looking results for their patients.
Approach to Autologous Fat Periorbital Filling: Fat can be taken from various parts of the body, and the procedure can be performed under local, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the treatment. They offer a wide range of applications for fat grafting, including restoring volume in the face, which can be highly beneficial for periorbital filling. Their surgeons are skilled at using fat to treat not only under - eye hollows but also facial creases and acne scars in the periorbital area.
Advantages of Autologous Fat Periorbital Filling
Autologous fat periorbital filling offers several advantages over other cosmetic procedures for the eye area:
- Natural Results: Since the fat is taken from the patient's own body, the results look and feel more natural compared to synthetic fillers. The transferred fat integrates with the surrounding tissue, creating a smooth and seamless appearance.
- Low Risk of Allergic Reactions: There is a minimal risk of allergic reactions or rejection because the body recognizes the transferred fat as its own. This makes it a safer option for many patients.
- Long - Lasting Effects: Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply, the results can be long - lasting. Some of the fat cells may be absorbed by the body in the first few months, but the remaining cells can provide a permanent solution to volume loss.
- Simultaneous Body Contouring: The liposuction process used to harvest the fat also provides the benefit of body contouring. Patients can remove unwanted fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs while enhancing the appearance of their periorbital area.
The Procedure Step - by - Step
Pre - operative Planning
During the pre - operative consultation, the surgeon will review the patient's medical history, medications, and allergies. Patients may be instructed to stop taking medications that interfere with platelet function, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, two weeks before the procedure. Appropriate laboratory tests will be obtained approximately one week before the surgery. The patient will also be informed about the expected recovery process and post - operative care.
Donor Site Selection
Studies have shown that there is no clear “best” donor site for fat grafts. However, areas such as the lower abdomen and inner thighs may be preferred as they have a higher concentration of adipose - derived stem cells. The surgeon will mark the donor site while the patient is in a standing position to account for any changes in body shape when upright.
Fat Harvesting
Under general or local anesthesia, the surgeon will inject a tumescent fluid into the donor site to numb the area and make the fat cells easier to remove. A cannula (a thin tube) is then inserted through a small incision, and the fat is gently suctioned out. The most common method is an atraumatic technique, which aims to minimize damage to the fat cells. For example, using a 2 mm diameter cannula with a blunt tip and several side holes connected to a 10cc syringe has been shown to yield better - quality fat cells.
Fat Processing
The harvested fat needs to be processed to remove any blood, oil, or other impurities. The three primary methods of processing are sedimentation by gravity, filtering, and centrifugation. Centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 3 minutes is often preferred as it can clear the fat from most blood remnants and potentially maintain a high concentration of stem cells within the processed fat.
Fat Injection
The purified fat is then injected into the periorbital area using a small cannula or syringe. The injection is done in multiple passes and at different levels to ensure an even distribution of fat and a natural - looking result. The surgeon may slightly overfill the area to account for some fat absorption over time.
Potential Complications and Risks
While autologous fat periorbital filling is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential complications and risks:
- Fat Absorption: Some of the transferred fat cells may be absorbed by the body in the first few months after the procedure. This can lead to a loss of volume, and in some cases, a second procedure may be required to achieve the desired results.
- Overcorrection or Undercorrection: There is a risk of overfilling or underfilling the periorbital area. Overcorrection can result in a puffy or unnatural appearance, while undercorrection may not provide the desired improvement.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after the procedure and usually subside within a few days to a week. However, in some cases, they may persist longer.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the donor or recipient site. Patients are typically prescribed antibiotics after the procedure to reduce this risk.
- Vascular Complications: The most serious complication is the potential for vascular occlusion or the development of emboli. This can occur if the injected fat enters a blood vessel, leading to tissue damage or, in rare cases, blindness. Surgeons take precautions, such as using a blunt - tipped cannula and slow injection techniques, to minimize this risk.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the autologous fat periorbital filling procedure, patients can expect the following during the recovery process:
- Initial Recovery: There may be some swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the periorbital area and at the donor site. Patients are usually advised to rest for a few days and avoid strenuous activities. Cold compresses can be applied to the treated area to reduce swelling.
- Medication: Patients will be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to manage any discomfort. They should follow the dosage instructions carefully.
- Follow - up Appointments: The surgeon will schedule follow - up appointments to monitor the patient's recovery and assess the results. These appointments are crucial to ensure that the healing process is progressing as expected and to address any concerns.
- Long - term Care: To maintain the results, patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. They should also protect their skin from excessive sun exposure to prevent premature aging.
Comparing the Top 4 Practitioners
Practitioner | Area of Specialization | Unique Approach | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech | Male plastic surgery, body contouring | BodyBanking® with selective fat transfer | $5,500 - $10,000 |
Dr. Adam Kolker | Facial aesthetic treatments | Using “lowest rungs” approach for safety and minimal downtime | Not specified (varies based on treatment plan) |
Dr. Ariel Ostad | Triple - board certified in dermatology and plastic surgery | Personalized treatment plans, potential combination with other treatments | Not specified (varies based on treatment plan) |
The Best in Class Plastic Surgery Team | Fat grafting, various plastic surgery procedures | Highly personalized and comprehensive care | Not specified (varies based on treatment plan) |
Conclusion
Autologous fat periorbital filling is an effective and popular cosmetic procedure in New York City for rejuvenating the eye area. The top 4 practitioners mentioned in this article - Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, Dr. Adam Kolker, Dr. Ariel Ostad, and the Best in Class Plastic Surgery Team - each bring their own unique expertise and approach to the procedure. When considering autologous fat periorbital filling, it is crucial to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who can understand your goals and provide personalized care.
If you are interested in learning more about autologous fat periorbital filling or scheduling a consultation with one of these top practitioners, we encourage you to reach out to their offices. Take the first step towards achieving a more youthful and refreshed appearance for your eyes.