Introduction

Autologous fat filling in the face has emerged as a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. It offers a natural way to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and rejuvenate the face by using the patient's own fat. In this article, we will explore the top 5 doctors in New York City who have a great reputation for performing autologous fat filling in the face.

Dr. Adam Kolker

Background and Expertise

Dr. Adam Kolker is well - known for his work in facial fat transfer in New York City. He has an in - depth understanding of facial anatomy and the aging process. Dr. Kolker's goal is to provide patients with natural - looking results that enhance their appearance without making it obvious that they've had cosmetic surgery.

Procedure Details

During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker thoroughly discusses the patient's desires and expectations. He examines the skin and soft tissue relationships, paying attention to skin tone, texture, elasticity, and the depth of folds and wrinkles. He then carefully plans the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques and may recommend a combination of cosmetic surgery and fat graft techniques to achieve the most natural result. For example, he might consider a combination of chin implant or facial implant techniques along with fat transfer.

Fat cells are gently removed from the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, prepared as fat grafts, and transferred to problem areas of the face. The procedure is usually performed in his office - based surgical suite, which is accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Depending on the needs, the fat graft procedure takes between 30 minutes (for very mild corrections) and 3 hours (for more substantial volume restorations). When performed as an isolated procedure, it can be done under local anesthesia, but more often, it is combined with another cosmetic surgery procedure and may require light sedation or general anesthesia.

Patient Testimonials

Patients have highly praised Dr. Kolker. One patient said, “My sole stipulation was that I look ‘natural’ and the fact that I had cosmetic surgery should not be obvious. Dr Kolker recommended fat transfer to give me a ‘softer’ and more natural appearance. I accepted his professional opinion and agreed to his recommendations without hesitation... now not only do I receive many compliments on my appearance, I finally look the way I feel.” Another patient mentioned, “I will only let one person touch my face for injectables and that is Dr. Kolker. He is precise with his execution and gentle with his touch, and produces natural results that make me look refreshed, never ‘frozen’. Dr. Kolker keeps me looking like ‘me’ only better!”

Recovery

Following facial fat transfer, patients go home on the same day with a friend or family member. If the fat grafts are performed as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, Dr. Kolker suggests taking two or three days before returning to work, although many are able to return the next day. When the fat graft procedure is used to correct moderate or substantial lines, folds, or areas of deficiency, or in conjunction with other facial or body contouring procedures, the return to work may range from seven to fourteen days. Swelling is common after the procedure and often 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 following fat grafts, and more strenuous activity can start at two to three weeks.

Dr. Neal Goldberg

Background and Expertise

Dr. Neal Goldberg is an extensively trained plastic surgeon who performs autologous fat injections to help patients achieve their cosmetic goals. He is known for his personalized approach and attention to detail in every treatment plan.

Procedure Details

Customization is a key aspect of Dr. Goldberg's treatment. During the initial consultation, he listens to the patient's cosmetic goals and examines the areas of concern. He determines whether fat injections alone or in combination with other procedures can optimize the outcome. For example, if a patient has significant skin laxity, he may recommend a facelift in addition to fat injections. To harvest the fatty tissue, he typically uses liposuction, with the flanks and abdomen being the most common regions to collect viable fat. Either local or general anesthetic is provided depending on the extent of liposuction required and the number of treatments performed. After acquiring and preparing the fatty tissue, he uses his micro - droplet technique to administer small quantities of fat underneath the skin to create a natural - looking infusion of volume. His artistic eye allows him to avoid an “overstuffed” appearance and focus on achieving an aesthetically appealing, natural, and feminine (as appropriate) look that flatters the whole face.

Patient Benefits

Facial fat injections with Dr. Goldberg can help replace lost volume under the eyes and on the face, minimize common signs of facial aging, and provide more comprehensive aesthetic enhancement when combined with other procedures. The fat transfer technique uses the patient's own natural tissue, offering natural - looking, long - lasting results, often with less downtime than other volume enhancement methods.

Recovery and FAQs

After the operation, patients may feel swollen and tender, particularly in the areas from which the fatty tissue was derived. Most patients experience little discomfort in the region where the fat was administered due to the small cannulas and ultrafine needles used. Side effects such as swelling and bruising usually last for about one to two weeks. Fat transfer is designed to provide long - lasting benefits and is generally considered a permanent technique, although there will be some degree of volume loss as the results settle, typically between 30 - 70 percent. Patients may discuss the desire for multiple injections for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Inflammation can continue for up to and beyond six months, after which the final outcome is visible. Dr. Goldberg has also provided answers to commonly asked questions, such as the pros and cons of facial fat transfer, scarring, donor site selection, recovery time, result duration, and alternative options.

Dr. Mark H. Schwartz

Background and Expertise

Dr. Mark H. Schwartz is a New York City board - certified plastic surgeon. He is experienced in performing fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer or liposculpture. His expertise lies in restoring lost volume using the patient's own fat, which offers several advantages over other volume - enhancing treatments.

Procedure Details

During the fat grafting procedure, Dr. Schwartz takes fat from the donor area (such as the abdomen or thighs) by inserting a small cannula and suctioning out the fat under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The harvested fat is then purified so that only the fat cells are grafted. Once the fat is ready, it is injected into the targeted area through a small instrument until the desired appearance is achieved. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in his New York City office. The treatment time can vary significantly depending on the number of areas being treated.

Benefits of Fat Grafting

One of the main benefits of fat grafting with Dr. Schwartz is that the transplanted fat, being from the patient's own body, does not carry a risk of allergic reaction or rejection. It also lasts longer than synthetic materials, resulting in fewer repeat treatments. Fat grafting is effective in treating sunken cheeks, facial lines, acne scars, and other areas of lost volume caused by aging, sun damage, or other conditions.

Results and Recovery

Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising after the fat grafting procedure, which can be minimized with oral pain medications. Fat grafts usually last longer than fillers and are considered safe for most patients as no foreign material is being injected into the body. However, like any procedure, there are some uncommon risks such as infection, bleeding, and under or overcorrection. These risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced doctor like Dr. Schwartz and following the post - operative instructions. Dr. Schwartz has performed scores of fat transplants over the years and has refined the skills needed to produce superb results.

Dr. David Cangello

Background and Expertise

Dr. David Cangello is a renowned expert in fat grafting to the face. He had the privilege of being mentored by and sharing a practice with one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman. After learning from Dr. Coleman and performing multiple fat transfer procedures together, Dr. Cangello mastered the techniques 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.

Procedure Details

The fat transfer to the face procedure with Dr. Cangello generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. During the harvest step, he identifies the donor site (such as the hips, thighs, or flanks), injects an anesthetic, and makes a small incision to gently suction out the appropriate amount of fat using a specialized cannula. The removed fat is then processed using a centrifuge to separate the fat from fluids and oils, ensuring that only healthy, viable fat cells will be injected. Finally, a tiny incision is made, and the purified fat is transferred to the recipient area using a cannula, gradually placing small amounts of fat until the desired fullness is achieved.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for a fat transfer to the face procedure in NYC with Dr. Cangello include men and women who have noticed a hollow or shallow appearance in individual or multiple areas of the face, or those who desire augmentation of features such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. Candidates should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas to be harvested for treatment. They should also have realistic expectations about the outcome and understand that the procedure may need to be repeated more than once to achieve ideal results.

Patient Considerations

Recovery from fat transfer usually involves looking puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks, with mild discomfort during the first week that can be managed with pain medication. The majority of swelling should disappear within a month, and bruising will subside in about 10 - 14 days. Approximately 50 - 60 percent of transferred fat cells will survive after the procedure, so it's common for the procedure to be repeated to achieve ideal volume. Dr. Cangello has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited operating room in his NYC office for the procedure, but for patients who prefer a hospital setting, he also has operating privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in NYC.

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg

Background and Expertise

Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg can design a treatment plan tailored to the patient's goals and natural facial features at his multiple offices in New York City and other locations. He has extensive experience in facial fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or fat injection.

Procedure Details

The first step of the fat grafting treatment with Dr. Greenberg is liposuction. Typically, fat cells are harvested from the hips, abdomen, buttocks, or thighs. He numbs the treatment area, makes tiny incisions to access the fat pockets, and uses a slender tube called a cannula to gently suction the fat from the donor site. After closing the incisions with sutures and placing a bandage, the collected fat is purified in a special centrifuge to separate good fat cells and remove damaged cells. Then, using a syringe, he layers fat cells at decreasing depths until volume and shape are restored to the desired areas. He uses at least two access points for each area to ensure a uniform and smooth transfer, and no sutures are required for the injection sites.

Fat Transfer vs. Dermal Filler

Dr. Greenberg explains the differences between fat transfer and dermal fillers. Dermal fillers, such as Restylane® or Juvéderm®, use a smaller amount of material, and the results are generally not permanent, often requiring repeat treatments in six to nine months. Over time, these touch - ups can become costly. In contrast, a fat transfer uses cells harvested from the patient's own body and can deliver up to 40 cubic centimeters of filler. It is safer, lasts longer, and is less likely to cause allergic reactions or complications. The results are more dramatic, restoring a more youthful quality and texture to the skin.

Recovery Timeline

The surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day. After surgery, patients may experience soreness, swelling, bruising, and numbness. To reduce swelling and avoid complications, patients should keep their head elevated and refrain from strenuous activity for the first week. They should take pain medication as prescribed and can apply cold compresses for the first few days. Most swelling, tenderness, and bruising will disappear within a month, and patients can expect to return to work within two weeks. In the following weeks to a year, numbness around the incisions should subside, and itching should disappear by the end of six months. Patients should also avoid prolonged exposure to heat, sun, saunas, and steam baths for the first few months and protect their scars with high - SPF sunscreen for at least six months.

Comparison of the Top 5 Doctors

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are considering autologous fat filling in the face in New York City, the top 5 doctors mentioned above - Dr. Adam Kolker, Dr. Neal Goldberg, Dr. Mark H. Schwartz, Dr. David Cangello, and Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg - are all highly qualified and experienced in the field. Each doctor has their own unique approach, areas of expertise, and patient - focused methods. Whether you are looking for a natural - looking result, personalized treatment, or long - lasting benefits, one of these doctors is likely to meet your needs.

If you're interested in learning more about autologous fat filling in the face or scheduling a consultation with one of these top doctors, we encourage you to take action. Contact the doctor's office directly to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and start your journey towards a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Don't forget to share this article with friends or family who might also be interested in this topic.