Top 10 Hospitals for Full - Face Fat Filling in New York City

Full - face fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, is a popular cosmetic procedure that can rejuvenate the face, restore lost volume, and smooth out lines and creases. In New York City, there are numerous hospitals and clinics offering this procedure. Here, we present a comprehensive guide to the top 10 hospitals for full - face fat filling in 2025.

1. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Overview

Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world’s most respected and sought - after plastic surgeons. He was trained at Stanford and Cornell University and has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by Harper’s Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. Many new patients come to him through referrals, which shows high patient satisfaction.

Full - Face Fat Filling Procedure

• Harvesting: Healthy fat cells are gently harvested from appropriate areas of the body, such as the buttocks or thighs, using specialized techniques to ensure cell integrity.
• Purification: The harvested fat is purified to prepare it for injection.
• Injection: The purified fat cells are injected at a specific depth in the facial skin tissue to add volume to the desired areas, like sunken cheeks, under - eye hollows, and smile lines.

Benefits

• Results in a natural - looking enhancement of facial features without the use of manufactured fillers or implants.
• The use of the patient's own fat reduces the risk of rejection.
• The procedure may have a longer - lasting effect compared to dermal fillers.

Recovery

After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell’s state - of - the - art recovery suite. Facial fat transfer is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. Swelling and bruising are common but mostly subside within the first two weeks. Many patients can 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.

2. Gotham Plastic Surgery

Overview

Gotham Plastic Surgery offers fat injection (fat grafting or fat transplant) as an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials. Their doctors perform this procedure on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility.

Full - Face Fat Filling Procedure

• 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.
• Preparation: The harvested fat is prepared for re - injection.
• Injection: The fat is re - injected into areas of the face to reduce wrinkles and creases and fill in areas of lost volume.

Benefits

• Since it uses the patient's own fat, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
• There is minimal downtime, and most patients can resume normal activities the same or next day.

Recovery

Some minor swelling or bruising may occur, which typically resolves within 48 hours. Most patients experience little discomfort during the recovery process.

3. Dr. David Cangello's Practice

Overview

Dr. David Cangello is an expert in fat grafting to the face. He was mentored by one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman, and has extensive experience in performing long - lasting and natural - looking fat transfer results.

Full - Face Fat Filling Procedure

• Harvest: Dr. Cangello identifies the donor site(s) on the patient's body, such as the hips, thighs, or flanks. An anesthetic is injected, and a small incision is made to gently suction out the appropriate amount of fat using a specialized cannula.
• Process: The removed fat is processed using a centrifuge to separate the fat from fluids and oils, ensuring only healthy, viable fat cells are used.
• Transfer: A tiny incision is made in the recipient area, and the purified fat is injected using a cannula until the desired fullness is achieved.

Benefits

• It can address various cosmetic concerns, including facial rejuvenation, lip enhancement, facial sculpting, and improvement of surface depressions.
• Since no synthetic materials are involved, there is no risk of rejection by the body.

Recovery

Patients can expect to look puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks. Mild discomfort may be experienced during the first week, but appropriate pain medication will be prescribed. The majority of swelling should disappear within a month, and bruising will subside in about 10 - 14 days.

4. Dr. William Samson's Practice

Overview

Dr. William Samson offers facial fat grafting as a popular aesthetic procedure to combat the signs of aging. He and his team strive to meet patient expectations and provide personalized care.

Full - Face Fat Filling Procedure

• Harvesting: Living fat cells are collected from areas of the body with plenty of fat, commonly the abdominal region or the inner thigh, using a professional liposuction technique to preserve cell integrity.
• Processing: The harvested fat is processed and then strategically injected into areas marked for facial fat transfer.

Benefits

• It provides natural - looking results, making it an excellent alternative for first - time patients.
• It allows for contouring of other parts of the body by removing fat from troubled spots.
• There is no significant downtime, and patients can return to their daily routine on the same day as the treatment.
• The results are long - lasting once the healthy fat cells establish a blood supply.

Recovery

Slight bruising can occur at the donor and transfer sites. Swelling in the injected area lasts seven to ten days, while swelling in the donor site can last ten to twenty days. Makeup can be used to camouflage bruising, and most patients can resume regular activities after a few days, with intense exercise being avoided for about three weeks.

5. NYC Lipo (Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine)

Overview

NYC Lipo offers facial fat transfer, which can accentuate facelift results. They combine facial fat transfer with other procedures to achieve optimal facial rejuvenation.

Full - Face Fat Filling Procedure

• Harvesting: Small incisions are made at the donor areas (such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs), and tiny cannulas are used to gently extract the desired amount of fat.
• Cultivation: Fat cells are carefully cultivated to ensure a high survival rate.
• Injection: The natural fat is injected into the target areas around the face to provide natural - looking volume.

Benefits

• It can volumize facial wrinkles and hollows for long - lasting results.
• It simultaneously slims down the donor site while adding definition to the facial profile.
• It can be used in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation or liposuction procedures to achieve optimal results.

Recovery

Mild bruising and swelling around the donor and treatment sites are common in the weeks following the procedure. These side effects should subside within a few weeks. Patients often return to work within one to two weeks, but additional recovery time may be needed for physical activity.

6. Dr. Adam Kolker's Practice

Overview

Dr. Adam Kolker is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon. He offers facelift and facial fat grafting procedures, often combining them to achieve the best facial rejuvenation results.

Full - Face Fat Filling Procedure

Facial fat grafting is usually done in conjunction with other procedures. Fat is harvested from the patient's body and injected into the face to restore lost volume and enhance facial contours.

Benefits

• It helps to re - establish facial harmony and a refreshed appearance.
• When combined with a facelift, it can provide both volume and a lifting effect to the face.

Recovery

Recovery from a combined facelift and facial fat grafting procedure may take a bit longer. Bruising and swelling can be expected for 7 - 10 days. Most patients can return to work and social activities by 2 weeks, but full recovery may take several weeks, especially for more strenuous activities.

7. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery (Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman)

Overview

Located in the prestigious upper east side of New York City, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers expert facial fat grafting injections that provide natural - looking rejuvenation and long - lasting results.

Full - Face Fat Filling Procedure

• Consultation: Dr. Zuckerman conducts a thorough assessment of the patient's facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals, and evaluates potential donor sites.
• Procedure: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, often combined with sedation. Fat is harvested using a gentle liposuction technique, purified, and then injected into the target areas of the face.

Benefits

• It provides natural results that blend seamlessly with the patient's facial features.
• The transferred fat can improve the skin’s texture and tone.
• The results can last for several years.
• It reduces unwanted fat in donor areas while enhancing facial contours.

Recovery

Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising at both the donor and injection sites, which typically resolve within a week or two. Patients can usually return to normal activities shortly after the procedure, with some minor restrictions.

8. New Face NY (Dr. Michael Westreich)

Overview

Dr. Michael Westreich at New Face NY is recognized for using advanced techniques in facial fat transfer. He is a double - board surgeon certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology.

Full - Face Fat Filling Procedure

• Harvesting: Fat is gently removed from areas with excess fat, such as the thighs, gluteal region, or abdomen.
• Purification: The removed fat is processed and purified, and can be processed into different - sized pieces (regular, micro, and nano fat) for a tailored approach.
• Injection: The purified fat is strategically injected into specific areas of the face to restore volume.

Benefits

• It uses the patient's own tissues, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
• The procedure can improve the skin's overall texture and tone due to the presence of stem cells in the transferred fat.
• It can address a range of facial issues, including sunken cheeks, thin lips, and facial creases.

Recovery

Patients need to follow post - procedure instructions, such as limitations on physical activities, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow - up appointments. Results will evolve over several weeks as swelling decreases, and final results are typically apparent several months post - procedure.

9. Considerations for Choosing a Hospital

Surgeon's Expertise

Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in performing full - face fat filling procedures. Check their training, certifications, and patient testimonials to gauge their expertise and the quality of their work.

Facility Accreditation

Ensure that the hospital or clinic is accredited by relevant organizations. Accreditation indicates that the facility meets certain standards of safety, quality, and patient care.

Cost

The cost of full - face fat filling can vary depending on the hospital, the surgeon's fees, and the extent of the procedure. It's important to get a clear understanding of all the costs involved, including any additional fees for consultations, medications, and follow - up visits. Some hospitals may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost.

Patient Comfort and Support

Choose a hospital that provides a comfortable and supportive environment for patients. This includes factors such as the quality of the recovery facilities, the attentiveness of the staff, and the availability of after - care services. A hospital that takes the time to answer patients' questions and address their concerns can make the entire experience more positive.

10. Potential Risks and Complications

While full - face fat filling is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications that patients should be aware of:

Infection

There is a small risk of infection at the donor or injection sites. To minimize this risk, patients should follow their surgeon's post - operative instructions regarding wound care and hygiene.

Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising are common after the procedure, but they usually subside within a few weeks. In some cases, excessive swelling or bruising may occur, which should be reported to the surgeon.

Asymmetry

There is a possibility of asymmetry in the facial appearance after the procedure. This can be due to uneven fat distribution or differences in fat survival rates. In some cases, a touch - up procedure may be required to correct the asymmetry.

Fat Reabsorption

Some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed by the body over time. The amount of fat reabsorption can vary from patient to patient, and in some cases, multiple procedures may be needed to achieve the desired results.

Conclusion

Full - face fat filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure for rejuvenating the face and restoring lost volume. In New York City, there are many top - notch hospitals and clinics that offer this procedure, each with its own advantages and expertise. When choosing a hospital, it's important to consider factors such as the surgeon's experience, facility accreditation, cost, and patient comfort. It's also crucial to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. By doing thorough research and consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon, patients can make an informed decision and achieve the best possible results.

If you're considering full - face fat filling in New York City, we encourage you to schedule consultations with several of the hospitals mentioned in this article. This will allow you to meet the surgeons, discuss your goals, and get a better understanding of the procedure and what to expect. Share this article with your friends and family who may also be interested in learning more about full - face fat filling. And don't forget to explore our other articles on cosmetic procedures for more in - depth information.