Introduction
In the bustling metropolis of New York City, the pursuit of beauty and aesthetic enhancement is a thriving industry. Among the various cosmetic procedures available, those related to fat - filled cheeks have gained significant popularity. Whether it's through cheek augmentation, facial fat transfer, or other related techniques, individuals are seeking ways to achieve fuller, more youthful - looking cheeks. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City that offer these fat - filled cheek procedures, their services, and what you can expect from each.
Cheek Augmentation
Dr. Gerald Imber
Dr. Gerald Imber is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon based in New York City. He has performed over 25,000 surgical procedures and is highly respected in the field of cosmetic surgery. His approach to cheek augmentation involves two main options: fat transfer and implants.
- Fat Transfer: Dr. Imber prefers fat transfer as it produces a more natural result. During this procedure, a small amount of fat is removed from one area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and injected into the cheeks. This not only fills in the cheeks but also gives them a more angular and youthful look. It can also help reduce jowls and sagging skin on the face. The recovery period may involve some swelling for a day or two, but patients can usually resume normal activities after being cleared by the doctor.
- Implants: In cases where fat transfer may not be suitable, implants can be an alternative. Implants can provide a more prominent lift and long - lasting results. However, they are a more invasive option compared to fat transfer.
During the consultation, Dr. Imber will discuss the patient's appearance goals, medical history, and analyze the area to determine the most suitable procedure. He also creates a highly personalized treatment plan to highlight the patient's best features.
Facial Fat Transfer
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world's most respected plastic surgeons. He was trained at Stanford and Cornell University and has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by several well - known magazines. His approach to facial fat transfer focuses on achieving subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance the facial features.
- Procedure: Facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, involves harvesting healthy fat cells from a donor site, such as the buttocks or thighs. The fat is then purified and injected into specific areas of the face, such as sunken cheeks, under - eye hollows, smile or frown lines, nasolabial folds, and chin wrinkles. This procedure can restore lost volume and smooth out lines and creases without the use of manufactured fillers or implants.
- Benefits: One of the main advantages of facial fat transfer with Dr. Antell is that it has a longer - lasting effect compared to dermal fillers. As the fat cells establish a blood supply in the new location, they can remain viable for a long time. Additionally, since it uses the patient's own fat, there is no risk of rejection.
- Recovery: After the procedure, patients will recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite. Most patients can return home the same day as it is an outpatient procedure. There may be some swelling and bruising, which will subside within the first two weeks. Applying ice to the area can help reduce swelling. Many patients are able to return to their usual daily activities within a day, but the final result may not be visible for up to a month due to residual swelling.
Dr. Westreich
Dr. Westreich at New Face NY is recognized for using advanced techniques in facial fat transfer. His expertise in the procedure can lead to long - lasting results and natural - looking outcomes.
- Procedure Steps: The facial fat transfer process with Dr. Westreich involves three main steps. First, fat is gently removed from areas with excess fat, such as the thighs, gluteal region, or abdomen (harvesting). Then, the removed fat is processed and purified for injection (purification). Finally, the purified fat is strategically injected into specific areas of the face (injection). Fat can be processed into different - sized pieces (regular, micro, and nano fat), allowing for a tailored approach and a smoother result. The nano - fat purification process also increases the stem cell component, which can lead to regenerative changes to the skin independent of volume.
- Benefits: Using the patient's own body fat reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. The procedure not only restores lost volume but also improves the skin's overall texture and tone. It can address a range of issues, including sunken cheeks, thin lips, and facial creases, and even improve facial asymmetry. The volume replacement is generally permanent, assuming no significant weight loss, although some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed during the initial healing.
- Candidate Selection: Ideal candidates for facial fat transfer with Dr. Westreich are in good overall health, non - smokers, have adequate excess fat in other body regions for harvesting, are experiencing facial volume loss due to aging or weight loss, and have sufficient skin elasticity.
- Recovery: After the procedure, patients will need to follow post - procedure instructions, such as limiting physical activities, taking prescribed pain relievers or antibiotics, and attending follow - up appointments. The results will evolve over several weeks as swelling decreases and the transferred fat settles. Final results are typically apparent several months post - procedure.
Dr. Adam Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker offers facial fat transfer in New York City. His approach focuses on helping patients achieve a natural and desired result.
- Procedure and Planning: During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker will thoroughly discuss the patient's desires and expectations for the facial fat transfer procedure. He will conduct a detailed examination of the skin and soft tissue relationships to determine the best plan. Fat cells are harvested from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, prepared as fat grafts, and transferred to problem areas of the face. The fat grafts can be used to rejuvenate the face by filling folds and wrinkles, restoring volume to the lips, highlighting cheek areas, and filling areas anywhere on the body.
- Advantages: Fat grafts are a natural filler choice as they are made from the patient's own fat cells. They have a long - lasting effect, and once accepted by the tissue, they become indistinguishable from the native soft tissue in the area. Fat transfer is often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures, such as facelift, blepharoplasty, and liposuction, to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
- Recovery: Patients can go home on the same day after the procedure. If the fat grafts are performed as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, Dr. Kolker suggests taking two or three days off work, although many can return the following day. When combined with other procedures, the return to work may range from seven to fourteen days. Swelling is common and usually resolves after two weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks for the final results to be evident. Light aerobic activity can be resumed as early as four to five days after the fat grafts, and more strenuous activity can begin at two to three weeks.
Buccal Fat Removal
Dr. Diktaban
Buccal fat removal, also known as cheek reduction surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure that removes the fat pads in the cheeks. Dr. Diktaban offers this procedure in Manhattan, New York City.
- Candidate Selection: Healthy men and women who feel they have too much fullness in their cheeks are good candidates for buccal fat removal. However, patients with thin or narrow faces should avoid this procedure as it may create a gaunt appearance. Dr. Diktaban will also review the patient's medical history to determine if there are any underlying health issues that could impact the candidacy.
- Procedure: During the buccal fat removal surgery, patients may receive general or local anesthesia depending on their comfort level and whether other procedures are being performed simultaneously. Dr. Diktaban makes small incisions on the insides of the cheeks and gently removes the buccal fat pads through these incisions. The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, which are virtually invisible since they are inside the mouth.
- Recovery: After the procedure, swelling, bruising, and numbness around the incision sites are common. The swelling and discomfort will gradually improve within a few weeks, with most of the swelling going down in the first week. Patients should stick to a liquid diet for the first two days while the incisions close. The total recovery time can take a few months before the final results are visible.
Dr. Lesley Rabach
Dr. Lesley Rabach and her team at LM Medical NYC in Manhattan offer cheek reduction surgery. They understand that the right balance of fat in the cheek region is important for facial balance and appearance.
- Procedure Options: Cheek reduction surgery can include facial liposuction to reduce fat in the cheeks or the actual removal of the buccal fat pads. Incisions are placed inside the mouth to hide any scars. Once the extra fat is removed, the face can appear slimmer, and there can be improved definition in the midface and cheekbone area.
- Patient Considerations: This procedure can be particularly beneficial for men who want a more masculine, chiseled appearance and for women who want to transform their midface from a girlish look into sexier, svelte contours. Patients who are unhappy with the fullness of their cheeks can schedule a consultation to discuss their options with Dr. Lesley.
Cheek Fillers
629 Park Avenue Cheek Fillers Treatment Center
This premier cheek fillers treatment center in New York City, under the leadership of a renowned cosmetic surgeon, specializes in cheek filler treatments.
- Non - surgical Option: Cheek augmentation with fillers is a non - surgical and minimally invasive option for those who want more volume in the cheekbone area. It uses injectable dermal fillers such as Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Hylaform, and Captique. The results are more natural, require little downtime, and have a low incidence of side - effects. Since no general anesthesia is required, patients can control the outcome by providing feedback during the procedure while looking at a handheld mirror.
- Filler Selection: The surgeon at the center usually prefers to use either Radiesse or Juvederm dermal fillers. Both are long - lasting, FDA - approved, and hypoallergenic. Juvederm has the added benefit of being a reversible filler. During the free initial consultation, the surgeon will determine which filler is ideal for the patient based on their desired results.
Cheek Implants
Dr. Sherrell J. Aston
Dr. Sherrell J. Aston, a Manhattan plastic surgeon, performs cheek augmentation surgery using cheek implants. Cheek implants are useful for individuals who lack adequate prominence of the cheekbones related to their facial architecture development.
- Implant Types:
- Silicone Implants: These are a permanent solution to add volume to the cheeks. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match the patient's preference. The surgeon will consider the silicone shape, size, and the definition the implant will provide. Silicone cheek implants are placed through a small incision inside the mouth and positioned directly on the malar bone.
- Porous Polyethylene: Another implant option, porous polyethylene is inserted in the same way as silicone implants. It shapes naturally according to the cheek's internal contours and allows tissue to grow into it. However, it can be quite difficult to remove if the patient wants it taken out.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A natural occurring substance in the body, hyaluronic acid is processed as an injectable filler. It is the least invasive option but provides temporary results, usually lasting approximately 6 – 12 months.
- Fat Grafting: The patient's own fat tissues, harvested from donor sites using liposuction and re - injected into the cheeks, can also be used for cheek augmentation. However, like hyaluronic acid fillers, the results are not permanent as the fat can be absorbed by the body over time.
- Procedure and Recovery: Cheek augmentation with implants is an outpatient procedure performed under general or local anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. It usually takes up to 1 hour to complete. Bruising, swelling, and numbness are common during the immediate recovery and usually subside within the second week. Although the result is instantly noticeable, over a few months as the implant settles, the results will become softer and more natural.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wide range of options for those looking to enhance their cheeks with fat - related procedures. From fat transfer and implants to cheek fillers and buccal fat removal, there are various techniques available to suit different needs and preferences. Surgeons like Dr. Gerald Imber, Dr. Darrick Antell, Dr. Westreich, Dr. Adam Kolker, Dr. Diktaban, Dr. Lesley Rabach, and Dr. Sherrell J. Aston are among the top professionals in the city, each with their own expertise and approach. Whether you're looking for a more natural - looking enhancement or a more dramatic change, it's important to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who can guide you through the process and help you achieve your desired results.
If you're considering any of these fat - filled cheek procedures, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended surgeons. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and understand the procedure and recovery process. By making an informed decision, you can embark on a journey towards a more confident and beautiful you.