Introduction
Facial fat filling, also known as facial fat grafting or facial fat transfer, has emerged as a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This technique involves taking fat from one part of the patient's body, processing it, and then injecting it into specific areas of the face to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. In a city like New York, with its high - end cosmetic clinics and a large number of skilled plastic surgeons, the competition to be among the top providers for facial fat filling is fierce. This article aims to explore the top 10 entities in the ranking for facial fat filling in New York City, delving into the details of their services, expertise, and patient experiences.
Understanding Facial Fat Filling
What is Facial Fat Filling?
Facial fat filling is a surgical procedure that offers a natural alternative to synthetic dermal fillers. As we age, our face loses volume due to a decrease in collagen production and the loss of facial fat. This can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and a sunken look. Facial fat filling addresses these issues by transferring fat from areas with excess, such as the abdomen, thighs, or waist, to the face.
Dr. Steven Wallach, in his article on facial fat injections, notes that this procedure is non - allergenic since it uses the patient's own fat. This reduces the risk of adverse reactions and provides a more natural - looking result.
Benefits of Facial Fat Filling
- Natural Results: Since the fat is from the patient's own body, the results tend to look and feel more natural compared to some other facial rejuvenation methods.
- Long - Term Volumizing: Unlike some dermal fillers that may need to be repeated frequently, facial fat filling can provide long - term volumizing effects. Some of the transferred fat cells will establish a blood supply and survive in the new location, resulting in lasting results.
- Rejuvenation: It can rejuvenate the face by filling in sunken areas, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and restoring a more youthful facial contour. This includes adding fullness to the lips, cheeks, under - eye area, and improving the jawline and chin.
- Stem Cell Benefits: Fat contains stem cells that can have additional benefits for the skin, such as improving its quality, making it smoother, softer, and more supple. As Dr. Richard Swift mentions, the use of the patient's own fat in facial rejuvenation can lead to a more youthful appearance and glow.
Procedure Overview
The facial fat filling procedure generally involves the following steps:
- Donor Site Selection: The surgeon will first determine the donor site, usually an area with excess fat. Common donor sites include the abdomen, thighs, and waist.
- Fat Harvesting: Fat is extracted from the donor site using liposuction techniques. This is typically done under local or general anesthesia, depending on the amount of fat to be harvested and the patient's preference.
- Fat Processing: The harvested fat is then processed to remove any excess fluids, blood, and impurities. This helps to isolate the viable fat cells for injection.
- Injection: The processed fat is injected into the targeted areas of the face using a fine needle or cannula. The surgeon will carefully distribute the fat to achieve a natural and balanced result.
Recovery from facial fat filling may involve some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in both the donor and injection sites. However, these symptoms usually subside within a few days to a couple of weeks. Patients may need to take some time off work and avoid strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.
Top 10 in the Ranking for Facial Fat Filling in New York City
1. Basil Pakeman, MD
Dr. Basil Pakeman is an oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology, with 28 years of experience. He is located at 240 E. 64th St., New York, New York. Patients who have undergone procedures with Dr. Pakeman have reported fantastic experiences. For example, one patient who had developed severe eye bags during the COVID - 19 pandemic was very satisfied with the results of their treatment.
His extensive experience in the field of ophthalmology likely gives him a unique perspective on facial fat filling, especially when it comes to treating the delicate eye area. The fact that he is board - certified adds an extra layer of credibility and trust for patients considering facial fat filling procedures.
2. Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS
Dr. Dilip D. Madnani is a facial plastic surgeon, board - certified in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. With 18 years of experience, he is a destination doctor, located at 800a Fifth Ave., New York, New York. Patients have praised his honesty during consultations and the overall remarkable experience with him and his staff.
His specialization in facial plastic surgery means that he has in - depth knowledge of the facial anatomy and is well - equipped to perform facial fat filling procedures. His status as a destination doctor also indicates that patients from far and wide trust him with their facial rejuvenation needs.
3. Andrew Miller, MD
Dr. Andrew Miller is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon with 25 years of experience. He is located at 1424 Richmond Ave., Staten Island, New York. A patient who had previously received “fillers” opted for facial fat filling with Dr. Miller and found it to be a more natural and cost - effective option.
His long - standing experience in facial plastic surgery gives him a wealth of knowledge and skills in performing facial fat filling. His ability to offer a more natural and cost - effective alternative to traditional fillers is likely to attract many patients in New York City.
4. Mansher Singh, MD, FACS
Dr. Mansher Singh is a board - eligible plastic surgeon and a destination doctor. With 4 years of experience, he is located at 905 5th Av, New York, New York. He has received a 10/10 rating from a patient who was bothered by under - eye bags. The patient highly recommended Dr. Singh.
Although relatively new in the field compared to some others, his board - eligibility and status as a destination doctor suggest that he has the potential and the skills to provide high - quality facial fat filling services. His focus on patient satisfaction, as evidenced by the positive review, is also a promising sign.
5. James C. Marotta, MD
Dr. James C. Marotta is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon with 19 years of experience. He is located at 895 W. Jericho Tpke., Smithtown, New York. A long - term patient of Dr. Marotta since 2009 has always had amazing results and commended his responsiveness.
His many years of experience and the loyalty of his patients indicate that he is skilled in performing facial fat filling procedures. His ability to maintain a good relationship with his patients and provide consistent results is a valuable asset in the competitive field of facial cosmetic surgery in New York City.
6. Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS
Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg is a board - certified plastic surgeon and a destination doctor with 30 years of experience. He is located at 160 Crossways Park Dr., Woodbury, New York. A patient who had an abdominoplasty and liposuction with Dr. Greenberg in 2023 was satisfied with the overall experience.
His extensive experience in plastic surgery, including body contouring procedures like abdominoplasty and liposuction, may give him an edge in facial fat filling. Since the fat for facial fat filling is often harvested using liposuction techniques, his proficiency in this area could lead to more efficient and successful fat harvesting and transfer.
7. Trevor M. Born, MD
Dr. Trevor M. Born is a certified plastic surgeon with 28 years of experience. He is located at 910 Fifth Ave., New York, New York. A patient who had a facial fat transfer and an upper and lower blepharoplasty from Dr. Born considered it the best thing they had ever done.
His long - term experience and the patient's positive feedback regarding the combined facial fat transfer and blepharoplasty procedure suggest that he is skilled in performing complex facial rejuvenation procedures. His ability to integrate different procedures effectively can provide patients with comprehensive facial improvement.
8. Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD
Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki is a board - eligible plastic surgeon with 3 years of experience. He is located at 737 Park Ave., New York, New York. A patient who needed a fat transfer to their eyes had another amazing experience with Dr. Lisiecki.
Even though he is relatively new in the field, his ability to provide a great experience for a patient requiring a specific facial fat transfer procedure shows that he has the potential to grow and become a top - rated provider. His focus on the eye area may also set him apart in the market.
9. Brett S. Kotlus, MD, MS, FACS
Dr. Brett S. Kotlus is an oculoplastic surgeon, board - certified in ophthalmology, with 19 years of experience. He is located at 20 E. 66th St., New York, New York. A patient was very happy with their face after a facial fat transfer performed by Dr. Kotlus.
Similar to Dr. Basil Pakeman, his expertise in ophthalmology gives him a special understanding of the facial structures around the eyes. This knowledge can be crucial when performing facial fat filling in the periorbital area, ensuring natural - looking and safe results.
10. Elliot M. Heller, MD
Dr. Elliot M. Heller is a board - certified facial plastic surgeon with 32 years of experience. He is located at 150 E. 61st St., New York, New York. A patient who was 9 weeks post - op was very pleased with the result and felt like the surgeon took ten years off their appearance.
His long tenure in facial plastic surgery makes him a highly experienced and reliable option for facial fat filling. His ability to achieve such significant rejuvenation results, as reported by the patient, shows his proficiency in the field.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Facial Fat Filling Provider in New York City
Board Certification
Board certification is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a facial fat filling provider. Surgeons who are board - certified in relevant specialties such as facial plastic surgery, plastic surgery, or ophthalmology (for oculoplastic surgeons) have met specific standards of education, training, and experience. For example, all the top 10 surgeons mentioned above are either board - certified or board - eligible, which provides patients with a certain level of assurance regarding their skills and expertise.
Experience
Experience matters in facial fat filling procedures. Surgeons with many years of experience are more likely to have encountered a wide range of cases and have developed the skills to handle different facial anatomies and patient needs. As seen in the top 10 list, some surgeons have over 20 or even 30 years of experience, which can contribute to more successful outcomes.
Patient Reviews
Patient reviews offer valuable insights into the quality of service and the results achieved by a provider. Positive reviews, like those of the top 10 surgeons, indicate high patient satisfaction. Reading reviews can give potential patients an idea of what to expect in terms of the surgeon's bedside manner, the overall experience at the clinic, and the final results.
Location and Convenience
Location can be an important factor, especially for follow - up appointments and the initial recovery period. New York City is a large and busy place, and having a provider located in a convenient area can make the process more manageable for patients. For example, patients may prefer a surgeon located closer to their home or workplace.
Range of Services
Some providers may offer additional services in conjunction with facial fat filling. For instance, a surgeon who also performs facelifts, blepharoplasties, or other facial rejuvenation procedures may be able to provide a more comprehensive treatment plan. This can be beneficial for patients who are looking for multiple facial enhancements.
Combining Facial Fat Filling with Other Procedures
Facial Fat Filling and Facelift
Facial fat filling can be combined with a facelift to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. A facelift addresses sagging skin and loose jowls by repositioning the soft tissues, while facial fat filling restores lost volume. Dr. Adam Kolker mentions in his article on facelifts in New York City that many patients opt for autologous fat transfer (facial fat filling) along with a facelift to restore both the position of the soft tissues and the lost volume. This combination can lead to a more natural and youthful appearance.
Facial Fat Filling and Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can be paired with facial fat filling, especially in the under - eye area. As we age, the under - eye area often shows signs of volume loss, resulting in hollows and a tired appearance. Facial fat filling can add volume to the under - eye area, while blepharoplasty can address issues such as excess skin and fat in the eyelids. Dr. Richard Swift's combination procedure of lower eyelid lift and facial fat grafting focuses on improving the appearance of the lower eyelid and under - eye hollows, providing a more youthful look.
Facial Fat Filling and Cheek Filler Injections
Cheek filler injections, often using hyaluronic acid - based fillers, can be used in combination with facial fat filling. While facial fat filling provides a more long - term solution for adding volume to the cheeks, cheek filler injections can offer a quicker and more immediate enhancement. Dr. Schwarzburg at Skinly Aesthetics offers cheek filler injections, and in some cases, a combination of these injections with facial fat filling may be recommended to achieve the desired cheek contour and volume.
Cost of Facial Fat Filling in New York City
The cost of facial fat filling in New York City can vary depending on several factors. These include the experience and reputation of the surgeon, the amount of fat to be transferred, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the clinic. Generally, facial fat filling may be more expensive compared to some non - surgical options like dermal fillers in the short term. However, considering the long - term results, it may be a more cost - effective solution in the long run.
For example, if a patient requires a large amount of fat transfer to multiple areas of the face, the cost will be higher. Additionally, top - rated surgeons with extensive experience and a high demand may charge more for their services. It is important for patients to have a detailed consultation with the surgeon to understand the specific costs associated with their facial fat filling procedure.
Conclusion
Facial fat filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City for those looking to rejuvenate their faces and achieve a more youthful appearance. The top 10 providers in the ranking, such as Basil Pakeman, MD, Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS, and others, offer a combination of expertise, experience, and positive patient reviews. When choosing a provider, patients should consider factors like board certification, experience, patient reviews, location, and the range of services offered. Additionally, combining facial fat filling with other procedures can provide more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The cost of the procedure can vary, but patients should focus on the quality of the service and the expected results.
If you are considering facial fat filling in New York City, take the time to research and consult with different providers. Read patient reviews, ask about their experience and qualifications, and discuss your goals and expectations. By making an informed decision, you can increase the likelihood of achieving the desired results and having a positive experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to these top - rated providers and schedule a consultation to start your journey towards a more youthful and rejuvenated face.
