Top 5 Preferred Hospitals for Full-Face Fat Filling in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

Full - face fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This technique 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. As more people seek this natural and long - lasting anti - aging solution, the demand for skilled surgeons and high - quality facilities has grown. In this article, we will explore the top 5 preferred hospitals for full - face fat filling in New York City in 2025, taking into account factors such as surgeon expertise, patient satisfaction, state - of - the - art facilities, and innovative techniques.

What is Full - Face Fat Filling?

Full - face fat filling is a procedure that aims to rejuvenate the face by using the patient's own fat cells. It offers several advantages over traditional fillers and implants, such as a more natural look and feel, and a lower risk of rejection since the body recognizes its own cells. Here is a breakdown of the key aspects of full - face fat filling:

How It Works

1. Harvesting: Fat cells are harvested from an appropriate donor site, such as the buttocks, thighs, or abdomen. Specialized, gentle liposuction techniques are used to ensure that the healthy cells are not damaged.
2. Purification: The harvested fat is then purified to separate the good fat cells from damaged cells, fluids, and oils. This is typically done using a centrifuge.
3. Injection: The purified fat cells are injected at a specific depth in the facial skin tissue to add volume to the desired areas, such as sunken cheeks, under - eye hollows, smile lines, and nasolabial folds.

Benefits

• Natural Results: Since it uses the patient's own fat, the results look and feel more natural compared to synthetic fillers.
• Long - Lasting: Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply in the new location, they can have a longer - lasting effect than dermal fillers.
• Low Risk of Rejection: As no synthetic material is involved, there is a minimal risk of the body rejecting the fat cells.
• Multiple Areas Can Be Treated: It can address various signs of aging in different facial areas simultaneously.

Top 5 Preferred Hospitals for Full - Face Fat Filling in New York City

1. Antell Plastic Surgery

Dr. Darrick Antell at Antell Plastic Surgery 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 renowned magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. Many new patients come to him through referrals, indicating high patient satisfaction.

Features

• Expertise: Dr. Antell's approach to plastic surgery is that “plastic surgery should whisper, not scream,” aiming for subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance facial features.
• Facility: He has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City. Most patients prefer the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. The state - of - the - art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited, designed for patient comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
• Anesthesia and Recovery: A facial fat transfer procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation. Patients recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite, and since it is an outpatient procedure, they can return home the same day. Most swelling and bruising subside within the first two weeks, and many patients experience minimal downtime.

2. Gotham Plastic Surgery

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

Features

• Procedure Details: 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. The harvested fat is then prepared and re - injected into areas of the face. The procedure is typically completed in under an hour and may be performed with local anesthesia.
• 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.
• Comprehensive Services: In addition to full - face fat filling, Gotham Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, including facial shaping, breast procedures, body contouring, and skin care treatments.

3. 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, Princeton New Jersey, Scarsdale, Woodbury Long Island, Southampton, Smithtown, and Boca Raton, Florida. He can design a treatment plan tailored to the patient's goals and natural facial features.

Features

• Technique: The fat transfer procedure starts with liposuction to harvest fat cells from the hips, abdomen, buttocks, or thighs. The collected fat is then purified in a special centrifuge. Dr. Greenberg uses a syringe to layer fat cells at decreasing depths until the desired volume and shape are restored to the facial areas. He places at least two access points for each area to ensure a uniform and smooth transfer.
• Comparison with Dermal Fillers: A fat transfer uses cells harvested from the patient's own body and can deliver up to 40 cubic centimeters of filler, which is safer and lasts longer compared to dermal fillers. Dermal fillers usually use a smaller amount of material, and the results are generally not permanent, often requiring repeat injections.
• Recovery Timeline: The surgery is typically an outpatient procedure. After surgery, patients may experience soreness, swelling, bruising, and numbness. Most swelling, tenderness, and bruising will disappear within a month, and patients can expect to return to work within two weeks. Numbness around the incisions may subside within several weeks to several months.

4. Cangello Plastic Surgery

Dr. David Cangello at Cangello Plastic Surgery is an expert in fat grafting to the face. He was mentored by and shared a practice with one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman, and has continued to perform fat transfer using the technique described by Dr. Coleman.

Features

• Ideal Candidates: Ideal candidates for a fat transfer to the face at his practice include men and women who have noticed a hollow or shallow appearance in their face or desire augmentation of features such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. They should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas.
• Procedure Steps: The fat transfer to the face procedure has three main steps: harvest, process, and transfer. Fat is harvested from an identified donor site, processed using a centrifuge to ensure only healthy cells are used, and then transferred to the recipient area through tiny incisions.
• Recovery and Results: Recovery usually isn't overly burdensome. Patients can expect to look puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks. 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, and patients may need to repeat the procedure to achieve ideal volume.

5. William Samson, MD

Dr. William Samson offers facial fat grafting in New York City. His procedure aims to combat the signs of aging by bringing volume back to the face through fat transfer, which is a great option for those not ready for a more invasive facelift.

Features

• Benefits: The main benefits of his facial fat grafting include natural - looking results, the ability to contour other parts of the body (by removing fat from troubled spots), no significant downtime (patients can return to their daily routine on the same day), and long - lasting results once the healthy fat cells establish a blood supply (usually after about six months).
• Procedure Day: On the day of surgery, Dr. Samson will numb both target sites with local anesthesia. In some cases, general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with sedation may be used for patient comfort. After purifying the fat, he injects it into the face with a needle.
• Recovery: Slight bruising can occur at the donor and transfer sites. Swelling in the injected area will last seven to ten days, while swelling in the donor site can last ten to twenty days. Makeup can be used to camouflage any bruising. Most patients can resume regular activities after a few days, but intense exercise should be avoided until about three weeks.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Full - Face Fat Filling

When deciding on a hospital for full - face fat filling, it is important to consider the following factors:

Surgeon Expertise

• Look for surgeons who are board - certified and have extensive experience in performing facial fat transfer procedures. Check their training, certifications, and patient testimonials.
• Consider their approach to the procedure and whether they can achieve the natural and subtle results you desire.

Facility Quality

• Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is accredited and meets high safety and quality standards. A state - of - the - art facility with the latest technology can contribute to a more successful procedure and better patient outcomes.
• Pay attention to the comfort and privacy of the facility, as well as the level of personalized care provided by the staff.

Patient Satisfaction

• Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of other patients' experiences with the hospital and the surgeon. Positive reviews can indicate high levels of patient satisfaction and successful outcomes.
• Ask the hospital for before - and - after photos of patients who have undergone full - face fat filling to see the quality of their work.

Cost and Financing Options

• Understand the cost of the procedure, including any additional fees for anesthesia, facility use, and follow - up care. Different hospitals may have different pricing structures.
• Check if the hospital offers financing options to make the procedure more affordable. Some hospitals work with financing companies to help patients manage the cost.

Preparing for Full - Face Fat Filling

Before undergoing full - face fat filling, there are several steps you can take to ensure a successful procedure and a smooth recovery:

Consultation

• Schedule a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and expectations. The surgeon will examine your face, identify potential donor sites, and explain the procedure in detail.
• Use this opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery, risks, and results.

Medical Evaluation

• Undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure that you are in good health and a suitable candidate for the procedure. This may include blood tests, a physical examination, and a review of your medical history.
• Inform the surgeon about any medications, supplements, or allergies you have, as some may need to be stopped before the procedure.

Lifestyle Changes

• If you smoke, it is recommended to quit at least a few weeks before the procedure, as smoking can compromise blood flow and affect the healing process.
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to improve your overall health and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Recovery After Full - Face Fat Filling

The recovery process after full - face fat filling is an important part of achieving the best results. Here is what you can expect:

Immediate Post - Procedure

• You will recover in a monitored recovery area until you are well enough to be discharged. Most patients can return home the same day as the procedure.
• You may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the facial area and the donor site. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage any pain.

First Few Weeks

• Follow the post - operative instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include keeping your head elevated, applying ice to reduce swelling, and avoiding strenuous activities.
• Most of the swelling and bruising will subside within the first two weeks, but some residual swelling may last longer.
• You may be able to return to work and normal activities within a few days to a week, depending on your job and the extent of the procedure.

Long - Term Recovery

• The final results of the full - face fat filling may not be visible for up to a month or more due to residual swelling. The transferred fat cells will continue to settle and establish a blood supply over time.
• Maintain a stable weight to ensure the longevity of the results. Significant weight fluctuations can affect the volume and appearance of the transferred fat.
• Follow up with the surgeon for regular check - ups to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

Conclusion

Full - face fat filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure for rejuvenating the face and enhancing facial features. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals and surgeons offering this service. The top 5 preferred hospitals we've discussed - Antell Plastic Surgery, Gotham Plastic Surgery, Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery, Cangello Plastic Surgery, and William Samson, MD - all have their unique features, experienced surgeons, and high - quality facilities. When choosing a hospital, it is crucial to consider factors such as surgeon expertise, facility quality, patient satisfaction, and cost. By carefully preparing for the procedure and following the post - operative instructions, you can achieve natural, long - lasting results and a more youthful appearance.

If you are considering full - face fat filling, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended surgeons in these hospitals. Take the time to learn more about the procedure, ask questions, and make an informed decision. You can also share this article with friends or family who may be interested in this topic and explore related resources on cosmetic surgery to further educate yourself.