Top 10 Hospitals for Full - Face Fat Filling in New York City are Announced!
Full - face fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, is a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. It involves harvesting healthy fat cells from one area of the body and re - injecting them into the facial tissues to restore lost volume, smooth lines and creases, and enhance facial features. In this article, we'll explore some of the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City for this procedure and provide in - depth information about facial fat filling.
What is Facial Fat Filling?
Facial fat filling is a method that addresses various aesthetic concerns related to facial aging. As we age, the face tends to lose subcutaneous fat, resulting in a hollowed - out look. Areas like the temples, under - eyes, cheeks, and lips may appear deflated or gaunt. Fat filling uses the patient's own fat to restore fullness and smooth out these areas. According to the information from Dr. Darrick Antell's website, this procedure involves three main steps: harvesting, processing, and transferring the fat.
- Harvesting: Healthy fat cells are extracted from an appropriate area of the body, such as the buttocks, thighs, abdomen, or hips. Specialized, gentle techniques are used to ensure that the healthy cells are not damaged during the extraction process.
- Processing: Once the fat is removed, it is purified and prepared for injection. A centrifuge is often used to separate the fat from fluids and oils, ensuring that only healthy, viable fat cells are used for the transfer.
- Transferring: The purified fat cells are then injected at a specific depth in the skin tissue of the face to add volume to the desired areas, such as sunken cheeks, under - eye hollows, or smile lines.
Benefits of Facial Fat Filling
Facial fat filling offers several advantages over other facial rejuvenation methods, like dermal fillers. Here are some of the key benefits:
Benefit | Explanation |
---|---|
Natural Results | Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, the results blend seamlessly with the natural facial features, providing a more natural and refreshed appearance. As mentioned on Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman's website, this creates a result that looks and feels like a part of your own face, rather than an artificial enhancement. |
Long - lasting | Unlike synthetic fillers, which may need to be repeated every few months to a year, the results of facial fat transfer can last for several years. A significant portion of the transferred fat cells can survive in the new location and continue to provide volume over time. However, individual results may vary. |
Reduced Risk of Rejection | Because the fat is from the patient's own body, there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction. This is a major advantage compared to some other injectable fillers or implants, where the body may reject foreign substances. |
Improved Skin Quality | The transferred fat contains growth factors that can help improve the skin's texture and tone. It can also stimulate the production of collagen, which contributes to a more youthful and radiant complexion. For example, the nano - fat purification process can increase the stem cell component, leading to regenerative changes to the skin independent of volume, as stated on Dr. Westreich's page. |
Dual Benefit | The fat is harvested from an area of the body with excess fat, such as the abdomen or thighs. So, in addition to enhancing the face, the procedure can also have a slimming effect on the donor site, providing a two - fold aesthetic benefit. |
Top Hospitals and Surgeons for Full - Face Fat Filling in New York City
1. Dr. Darrick Antell
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 indicates a high level of patient satisfaction.
His approach to plastic surgery is that “plastic surgery should whisper, not scream,” aiming for subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance facial features. Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, and most patients prefer to have the procedure in his private operating room near Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited and designed for patient comfort.
2. Dr. David Cangello
Dr. Cangello is an expert in fat grafting to the face techniques. 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 years of learning and performing fat transfer procedures, he mastered the skills necessary to deliver long - lasting and natural - looking results.
He uses fat transfer to fill in surface depressions, achieve more youthful facial contours, and restore what age or other factors have altered. His office has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited operating room. He also has operating privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in NYC. He can customize treatment plans based on the patient's goals and concerns.
3. Gotham Plastic Surgery
At Gotham Plastic Surgery, Dr. Miller and the team offer fat injection procedures, which are an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. The procedure typically takes under an hour and may be performed with local anesthesia.
There is minimal downtime or recovery associated with fat injection, and most patients can resume normal activities the same or next day. The hospital offers a wide range of plastic surgery services, using a combination of minimally - invasive techniques and advanced technology to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals.
4. Zuckerman Plastic Surgery
Located in the prestigious upper east side of New York City, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman at Zuckerman Plastic Surgery offers expert facial fat grafting injections. He provides a thorough consultation to assess the patient's facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, often combined with sedation.
The recovery from facial fat grafting at this clinic is relatively quick, with most patients experiencing mild swelling and bruising that resolve within a week or two. The clinic emphasizes long - term care and maintenance to ensure the best results for the patients.
5. Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery offers facial fat transfer consultations at seven convenient locations in Manhattan, New York City, as well as in other areas like Princeton, New Jersey, and Boca Raton, Florida. He can design a treatment plan tailored to the patient's goals and natural facial features.
The fat transfer procedure here is known for its attention to detail, from the liposuction process to the injection of fat cells. The clinic provides detailed post - operative instructions for a smooth recovery and has a dedicated team to address any patient concerns during the process.
6. New Face NY
Dr. Westreich at New Face NY is a double - board surgeon certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology. His knowledge of facial muscles and structures is particularly beneficial for procedures like facial fat transfer. He uses advanced techniques to increase the chances of the transferred fat cells surviving, leading to long - lasting results.
The surgeon emphasizes precision and symmetry to achieve a natural look during the procedure. He provides comprehensive care before, during, and after the facial fat transfer, including clear instructions on post - procedure recovery and follow - up appointments.
7. Steven Wallach MD, FACS
Dr. Steven Wallach offers fat injection techniques that have improved significantly over the past ten years, providing more reliable, longer - lasting, and in many cases permanent results. He uses fat injection for various purposes, including facial rejuvenation, body contour deformities after surgery, and breast - related procedures.
Although repeat treatment may be necessary in some cases due to fat resorption, Dr. Wallach's expertise and experience in this field make him a popular choice among patients seeking full - face fat filling in New York City.
8. Millennial Plastic Surgery
At Millennial Plastic Surgery, Dr. David Shokrian offers facial fat transfer procedures. He has performed thousands of surgical procedures on the face and body, demonstrating his high level of skill and experience. The clinic emphasizes the safety and effectiveness of the procedure, as well as providing personalized care for each patient.
The procedure at Millennial Plastic Surgery combines the body - contouring effects of surgical liposuction with the facial volume restoration. They offer financing options for the facial fat transfer, and their team provides comprehensive consultations both virtually and in person.
Ideal Candidates for Full - Face Fat Filling
Ideal candidates for full - face fat filling typically have the following characteristics:
- They seek a natural method for facial enhancement without the use of synthetic materials.
- They have areas of facial volume loss that contribute to a tired or aged appearance, such as sunken cheeks, under - eye hollows, or nasolabial folds.
- They possess sufficient fat deposits in potential donor areas, like the hips, flanks, thighs, or abdomen, to be harvested for the treatment.
- They are in good overall health and do not have chronic illnesses or infections that could impair the healing process. Non - smokers are generally better candidates, as smoking can compromise blood flow and negatively affect the outcome of the procedure.
- They have realistic expectations about the effectiveness and outcomes of the procedure. It's important to understand that some fat may be reabsorbed in the initial healing phase, and multiple procedures may be needed to achieve the ideal volume.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Consultation
Before the full - face fat filling procedure, a consultation with the surgeon is crucial. During this consultation, the patient will discuss their goals, medical history, and any concerns they may have. The surgeon will examine the patient's face, identify areas that need volume enhancement, and determine the best donor sites for fat harvesting. They will also explain the procedure in detail, including the expected results, potential risks, and recovery process.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia used for facial fat transfer can vary. Common options include local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, especially if a large amount of fat needs to be harvested. A board - certified anesthesiologist will be present during the surgery to monitor the patient's vital signs and ensure safety.
Harvesting the Fat
The fat is usually harvested from areas with excess fat, such as the buttocks, thighs, abdomen, or hips. The surgeon makes a small incision in the donor site and uses a cannula to gently suction out the fat. Special care is taken to ensure that the fat cells are not damaged during this process.
Processing the Fat
Once the fat is harvested, it is processed to remove any fluids, oils, and damaged cells. A centrifuge is often used to separate the healthy fat cells from the other components. This ensures that only high - quality, viable fat cells are used for the injection.
Injecting the Fat
The purified fat cells are then injected into the targeted areas of the face using a fine needle or cannula. The surgeon carefully places the fat at the appropriate depth to achieve the desired volume and contour. They will take into account the patient's facial anatomy and symmetry to create a natural - looking result.
Recovery Process
The recovery process after full - face fat filling varies from patient to patient, but there are some general guidelines. Here's what you can expect during the recovery period:
Immediately After the Procedure
After the surgery, the patient will recover in a recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse. Most patients can return home the same day as it is an outpatient procedure. However, if “twilight” sedation or general anesthesia was used, they will need an escort to bring them home, and they should not drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
First Few Days
Patients are likely to experience swelling and bruising, which are normal side effects of the procedure. Applying ice to the treated areas can help reduce swelling. The patient may also feel some soreness or discomfort, and the surgeon may prescribe pain medication to manage this. It's important to follow the post - operative instructions, such as keeping the head elevated and avoiding strenuous activity.
First Week
Swelling and bruising usually start to subside during the first week. However, patients may still experience some mild swelling and tenderness. They should continue to take any prescribed medications as directed and follow the after - care instructions provided by the surgeon, such as keeping the incision sites clean.
Two Weeks to a Month
By two weeks, most of the swelling and bruising should have resolved, and patients can usually return to their normal daily activities, including work. However, the final results may not be fully visible for up to a month due to residual swelling. It's important to protect the skin from the sun and follow a healthy lifestyle during this time to support the healing process.
Long - term
To maintain the results of full - face fat filling, it's important to maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations can affect the volume of the transferred fat. The patient should also continue to follow up with the surgeon for regular check - ups to monitor the results and address any concerns.
Potential Risks and Complications
Like any surgical procedure, full - face fat filling carries some potential risks and complications. However, these are relatively rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. Some of the possible risks include:
- Asymmetry: There may be some unevenness in the distribution of the transferred fat, resulting in asymmetry in the face. This can usually be corrected with additional procedures or minor adjustments.
- Fat Absorption: Some of the transferred fat cells may be reabsorbed by the body over time. This means that the initial results may not be permanent, and multiple procedures may be required to achieve the desired volume.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the donor or injection sites. Patients should follow the post - operative instructions carefully to reduce this risk, such as keeping the incision sites clean and taking any prescribed antibiotics.
- Bruising and Swelling: As mentioned earlier, bruising and swelling are common side effects of the procedure. However, in some cases, they may be more severe or last longer than expected.
- Scarring: The incisions made for fat harvesting and injection are usually very small, and the resulting scars are typically minimal and well - camouflaged. However, there is still a small risk of visible scarring.
Cost of Full - Face Fat Filling
The cost of full - face fat filling in New York City can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon's experience, the location of the clinic, the amount of fat needed, and the complexity of the procedure. On average, the cost can range from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars. It's important to note that this is an elective cosmetic procedure, so it is usually not covered by insurance. Some clinics may offer financing options to help patients manage the cost.
Conclusion
Full - face fat filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City for enhancing facial features, restoring lost volume, and achieving a more youthful appearance. With the availability of top - notch hospitals and experienced surgeons, patients have access to high - quality care and excellent results. By understanding the procedure, its benefits, the recovery process, and the potential risks, patients can make an informed decision about whether full - face fat filling is right for them.
If you're considering full - face fat filling, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons or hospitals mentioned in this article. Take the time to discuss your goals, ask questions, and learn more about the procedure. By doing so, you'll be one step closer to achieving the beautiful, rejuvenated look you desire. Share this article with friends or family