Introduction
In recent years, the desire for fuller, more youthful - looking cheeks, often referred to as “apple - cheeks,” has grown significantly. Fat filling is a popular procedure for achieving this look as it uses the patient's own fat, minimizing the risk of rejection. In New York City, a hub of cosmetic and plastic surgery, there are several top - notch hospitals and clinics that specialize in apple - cheek fat filling. This article will explore some of these facilities, the procedures they offer, and what you can expect from each.
What is Apple - Cheek Fat Filling?
Apple - cheek fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, is a cosmetic procedure that involves harvesting healthy fat cells from one area of the body (such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks) and re - injecting them into the cheeks. This not only adds volume to the cheeks but also helps smooth out lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful and natural appearance.
Benefits of Apple - Cheek Fat Filling
- Natural Results: Since the fat is your own, the results look and feel more natural compared to using synthetic fillers.
- Long - lasting: Unlike some fillers that may need to be repeated every few months, fat transfer can provide long - lasting results, as the transferred fat cells can establish a blood supply and become a permanent part of the area.
- Minimal Risk of Allergic Reaction: As the fat is autologous (from your own body), there is a very low risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
Top Hospitals and Clinics for Apple - Cheek Fat Filling in New York City
Rothaus MD New York
Rothaus MD offers fat injections, specifically nanofat and microfat treatments. The procedures have evolved significantly in the last decade. Microfat is your own fat mechanically reduced to small particles, suitable for volume enhancement. It can be used to fill unwanted lines, replace lost volume in the cheeks, along the jaw and chin, or in the temporal region. Nanofat, on the other hand, is produced when microfat is further divided into smaller pieces to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which contains adipose - derived stem cells. Nanofat is used to enhance skin quality by reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating the skin.
Procedure Details
- Anesthesia: The harvesting of both microfat and nanofat is done under local anesthesia.
- Donor Sites: The most commonly used donor sites are the abdomen, inner thighs, and love handles.
- Procedure Time: It can take between one to several hours, depending on the number of sites to be injected and the volume of fat to be processed.
Recovery
Since the procedure is under local anesthesia, there is almost no recovery time. There is minimal to no discomfort and bruising at the donor site. Depending on the volume injected, there may be some short - term swelling and bruising.
Cost
Each microfat and nanofat treatment is customized for the individual patient, and the usual cost starts in the $3,500 to $7,500 range. After the consultation, an individualized estimate can be provided.
UES Cheek Augmentation with Filler (Dr. Zuckerman)
Dr. Zuckerman performs cheek filler injections using the hyaluronic acid Voluma to achieve beautiful but subtle cheek augmentation. As we age, the midface and especially the cheeks descend due to gravity and the atrophy of youthful fat. This treatment helps reverse some of the natural flattening in the cheeks and midface.
Procedure Details
- Recommended Regimen: Most patients require one treatment of cheek filler per year to maintain a continual effect.
- Longevity: Treatment is visible immediately and finalizes within one week. It lasts up to one year, with results varying depending on the amount of product injected and how quickly the patient metabolizes hyaluronic acid.
- Procedure Time: 10 - 20 minutes per treatment.
Pretreatment Guidelines
- Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin for one to two days before and after treatment.
- Avoid drinking excessive alcohol one day before treatment.
- Avoid intensive physical exercise the day of treatment.
Recovery
Some patients with sensitive skin may experience redness, mild bruising, or minimal bleeding at the injection sites, which will resolve within minutes to hours. Bruising may present for one to two days post - treatment. Makeup can be applied after treatment if desired.
Cost
The cost is not specifically detailed in the source, but the amount of product used and other factors will influence the overall price.
Gotham Plastic Surgery
Gotham Plastic Surgery offers fat injection, also known as fat grafting or fat transplant, as an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials. When used for volume enhancement of the face, it can reduce wrinkles and creases and fill in areas of lost volume.
Procedure Details
- Candidates: Generally healthy individuals who do not smoke and have realistic expectations for improvement are good candidates. It is often best seen as a complement to other aging - face treatments.
- Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility.
- Harvesting: Fat is first harvested from an area of excess on the body, such as the outside of the leg or the stomach, using a very small cannula and gentle liposuction techniques.
- Re - injection: The harvested fat is then prepared and re - injected into areas of the face.
Recovery
There is minimal downtime or recovery associated with fat injection. Some minor swelling or bruising may occur, which typically resolves within 48 hours. Most patients experience little discomfort and can resume work and other normal activities the same or next day.
Cost
There is no specific cost mentioned, but as with other procedures, it will depend on various factors such as the amount of fat transferred and the complexity of the case.
Steven Wallach MD
Cheek augmentation at Steven Wallach MD can be achieved through filler products, cheek lift to reposition the soft tissue, or placing implants. Fat injection is one of the options available for enhancing the cheeks.
Procedure Details
- Candidates: A good candidate is someone who is healthy and has either cheek deflation, cheek soft tissue descent, or just desires fuller cheeks.
- Anesthesia: For filler product injection, a topical anesthetic is often applied. For cheek implants, fat grafting, or a midface or facelift procedure, patients will either undergo sedation or have general anesthesia.
- Procedure Time: Filler injection usually takes between 10 - 15 minutes. Other procedures can take one hour to several hours.
Recovery
If fillers or fat injection are performed, there may be a bandage over the area, and some bruising and swelling are possible. For cheek implants or a midface or facelift procedure, patients will likely have dressings around their head and sutures that need to be removed within a week or so. They can go back to light duty within seven to ten days.
Cost
Cheek augmentation with filler injections can cost as little as $650 and go up in the thousands. Cheek implants or fat injection can cost about $5,000 or more, and a mid - face lift or facelift procedure can cost $15,000 or more.
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick Antell is a world - respected plastic surgeon who offers facial fat transfer. His approach aims to achieve subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance facial features.
Procedure Details
- Harvesting: Healthy fat cells are harvested from an appropriate area of the body, such as the buttocks or thighs, using specialized, gentle techniques to ensure the cells are not damaged.
- Preparation: The extracted fat cells are purified and prepared for injection.
- Injection: The cells are injected at a specific depth in the skin tissue to add volume to the desired area.
- Anesthesia: A facial fat transfer procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation. A board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient during the surgery.
Recovery
After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite. It is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. There will likely be some swelling and bruising, most of which will subside within the first two weeks. Applying ice can help reduce swelling. Many patients experience minimal downtime and can return to their usual daily activities within a day. The final result may not be visible for up to a month due to residual swelling.
Cost
Cost details are not provided, but it will be based on individual patient needs and the complexity of the procedure.
Dr. Neal Goldberg
Dr. Neal Goldberg performs autologous fat injections for facial volume loss. Facial fat transfer can 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.
Procedure Details
- Customization: Dr. Goldberg listens to the patient's cosmetic goals during the initial consultation and examines the areas of concern to determine if fat injections alone or in combination with other procedures can optimize the outcome.
- Harvesting: Liposuction is used to harvest fatty tissue from areas such as the flanks and abdomen. Either local or general anesthetic is provided, depending on the extent of liposuction required and the number of treatments.
- Injection: Dr. Goldberg uses his micro - droplet technique to administer small quantities of fat underneath the skin to create a natural - looking infusion of volume.
Recovery
Patients may feel swollen and tender, particularly in the areas from which the fatty tissue was derived. There may be some bruising for approximately one to two weeks. Fat transfer is designed to provide long - lasting benefits, but there will be some volume loss as the results settle, typically between 30 - 70 percent. Inflammation can continue for up to and beyond six months, after which the final outcome is visible.
Cost
Fat grafting to the face usually costs $5,500, depending on the exact details of the surgical plan.
Comparing the Facilities
| Facility | Specialty | Procedure Time | Recovery Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rothaus MD New York | Nanofat and microfat injections | 1 - several hours | Minimal, short - term swelling and bruising | $3,500 - $7,500 |
| UES Cheek Augmentation with Filler (Dr. Zuckerman) | Cheek filler injections with Voluma | 10 - 20 minutes | Minutes to hours for minor issues, 1 - 2 days of bruising | Not specifically detailed |
| Gotham Plastic Surgery | Fat injection for face | Under 1 hour | Minor swelling or bruising, resolves in 48 hours | Not specifically detailed |
| Steven Wallach MD | Cheek augmentation (fillers, implants, fat injection) | 10 - 15 minutes (fillers), 1 hour - several hours (other procedures) | Some bruising and swelling, 7 - 10 days for light duty (implants or lifts) | Filler: $650 - thousands; Implants/fat injection: $5,000+; Mid - face lift/facelift: $15,000+ |
| Dr. Darrick Antell | Facial fat transfer | Not specifically detailed | Swelling and bruising subside in 2 weeks, final result in 1 month | Not specifically detailed |
| Dr. Neal Goldberg | Autologous fat injections for face | Not specifically detailed | Swelling and bruising for 1 - 2 weeks, final result in 6+ months | $5,500 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital or Clinic
Surgeon's Experience and Expertise
The experience and skill of the surgeon are crucial. Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in facial fat filling procedures. Check their before - and - after photos, patient testimonials, and any awards or recognition they have received.
Hospital Reputation
Research the hospital or clinic's reputation. Read online reviews, ask for referrals from friends or family, and check if the facility has any accreditations or positive ratings from relevant medical organizations.
Cost
Cost is an important factor, but it should not be the only consideration. Compare the prices of different facilities, but also consider what is included in the cost, such as the procedure itself, anesthesia, follow - up care, etc.
Location and Convenience
Choose a location that is convenient for you, especially considering the recovery period. You may need to visit the clinic for follow - up appointments, so a nearby location can be beneficial.
Communication and Comfort
During the consultation, pay attention to how well the surgeon communicates with you. They should listen to your concerns, answer your questions thoroughly, and make you feel comfortable throughout the process.
Conclusion
New York City offers a wide range of top - quality hospitals and clinics for apple - cheek fat filling. Each facility has its own specialties, procedures, and recovery times. Rothaus MD New York is known for its nanofat and microfat injections, Dr. Zuckerman for his cheek filler injections with Voluma, and Gotham Plastic Surgery for its fat injection procedures. Other facilities like Steven Wallach MD, Dr. Darrick Antell, and Dr. Neal Goldberg also provide excellent options for those seeking cheek augmentation through fat filling.
If you are considering apple - cheek fat filling, take the time to research these facilities, meet with the surgeons, and make an informed decision based on your needs, preferences, and budget. Remember, a successful procedure can lead to a more youthful and confident you.
We encourage you to share this article with friends and family who may be interested in apple - cheek fat filling. Also, explore more of our content on cosmetic procedures and facial aesthetics to learn more about achieving your desired look.
