Introduction
Autologous fat filling of the chin is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses a patient's own fat to enhance the shape and volume of the chin. This technique offers a natural - looking and long - lasting solution compared to other fillers. In New York City, there are several highly skilled doctors who specialize in this procedure. In this article, we will introduce the top 5 selected doctors for autologous fat filling of the chin in New York City in 2025.
Dr. Adam Kolker
Expertise and Approach
Dr. Adam Kolker is well - known for his work in facial fat transfer and fat grafting in New York City. He has a unique approach to each patient, carefully considering their desires and expectations. During the initial consultation, he conducts a thorough examination of the patient's skin and soft - tissue relationships, paying attention to skin tone, texture, elasticity, depth of folds, wrinkles, or depressions, and the underlying bone or cartilage support. This detailed assessment allows him to plan the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques, along with any combination of cosmetic surgery and fat graft techniques, to achieve the most natural and desired result.
Patient Testimonials
Patients have reported great satisfaction with Dr. Kolker's work. For example, one patient said, “My sole stipulation was that I look ‘natural’ and the fact that I had cosmetic surgery should not be obvious. Dr Kolker recommended fat transfer to give me a ‘softer’ and more natural appearance. I accepted his professional opinion and agreed to his recommendations without hesitation. Now not only do I receive many compliments on my appearance, I finally look the way I feel.” Another patient praised his precision and gentle touch, stating that “I will only let one person touch my face for injectables and that is Dr. Kolker. He is precise with his execution and gentle with his touch, and produces natural results that make me look refreshed, never ‘frozen’.”
Procedure and Recovery
The fat grafting procedure with Dr. Kolker is performed in his office - based surgical suite, which is accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The fat cells are removed using a very small cannula and prepared as fat grafts, then transferred to the target area using a small needle. Since the fat cells are the patient's own, they are not likely to be rejected. After the procedure, NYC patients usually go home on the same day with a friend or family member. If the fat grafts are performed as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, Dr. Kolker suggests taking two or three days off before returning to work, but many are able to return the next day. Swelling is common and usually resolves after two weeks, while the final results may take up to 12 weeks to be evident.
Dr. David Cangello
Specialized Training
Dr. David Cangello has extensive experience in fat grafting to the face. 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 two years of collaboration and performing multiple fat transfer procedures together, Dr. Cangello mastered the techniques necessary to deliver long - lasting and natural - looking fat transfer results. He also co - authored the chapter on fat grafting of liposuction deformities in the latest edition of Dr. Coleman's textbook entitled Fat Injection from Filling to Regeneration.
Ideal Candidates and Consultation
Ideal candidates for a fat transfer to the face procedure in NYC, including chin filling, are men and women who have noticed a hollow or shallow appearance in areas of the face, or those who desire augmentation of features such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. During the consultation, Dr. Cangello will assess the patient's areas of concern, identify potential donor sites (such as the hips, thighs, or flanks), and address any questions or concerns. He can also guide patients through additional procedures that may complement the fat transfer.
Procedure Steps
The fat transfer to the face procedure with Dr. Cangello generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. First, the donor site is injected with an anesthetic, and a small incision is made to harvest the fat using a specialized cannula. Then, the fat is processed using a centrifuge to separate it from fluids and oils. Finally, the purified fat is transferred to the recipient area, like the chin, through a tiny incision using a cannula.
Recovery and Results
Recovery from fat transfer usually involves looking puffy and a bit bruised for about one to two weeks. Mild discomfort may be experienced during the first week, but Dr. Cangello will prescribe appropriate pain medication. 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 the results can last for many years. However, significant weight fluctuations may affect the results, so it's best to maintain a stable weight.
Dr. Hooman Khorasani
Extensive Experience
Dr. Hooman Khorasani is a quadruple board - certified cosmetic surgeon with over a decade of experience in helping patients achieve their ideal face and body through minimally - invasive relocation of stubborn fat pockets. His extensive experience in liposuction and autologous fat grafting benefits each patient, as he carefully customizes the treatment plan to provide optimal cosmetic results.
What Fat Transfer Entails
For autologous fat filling of the chin, the process starts with identifying the optimal donor sites, usually areas with unwanted fat such as under the chin, belly, or thighs. Localized liposuction is then used to extract the fat cells, which are extensively refined to remove impurities. Once purified, the fat is carefully injected into the chin area to provide volumization, shape, and lift. Dr. Khorasani advocates the use of a very thin cannula under very low suction pressure to maximize the survival of the fat graft.
Benefits of Fat Transfer
One of the major benefits of fat transfer with Dr. Khorasani is that it allows patients to eliminate stubborn fat from one area while enhancing another. The cosmetic outcome looks and feels natural since it uses the patient's own fat, and there is no need for a large surgical incision, which helps prevent scarring. Additionally, it avoids the use of facial or body implants, which may have complications such as contracture, infections, and rare reported malignancies associated with some textured implants.
Recovery Considerations
The recovery time depends on the size and number of areas treated. Swelling and bruising are expected, especially at the donor site, and typically resolve within two weeks, with bruising diminishing significantly within five to seven days. Lymphatic massage starting on postoperative day three can help reduce healing time. Large - volume liposuction may require about two weeks of recovery, while patients who contour only a few areas may resume normal activities sooner.
Dr. Michele Green
Non - Surgical Alternatives and Fat - Related Expertise
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned expert in cosmetic dermatology. While she is well - known for non - surgical fat reduction methods like Kybella and CoolSculpting for chin fat removal, her knowledge of fat in the chin area is also relevant to autologous fat filling. She was one of the first board - certified dermatologists in NYC to integrate CoolSculpting and Kybella injections into body contouring treatment plans. Understanding the underlying fat and skin conditions in the chin can be valuable when considering autologous fat filling.
Patient - Centered Approach
Dr. Green takes a patient - centered approach, working with each individual to develop a customized treatment plan. She assesses the patient's concerns, facial structure, and the amount of fat under the chin to determine the most suitable approach. Whether it's non - surgical fat reduction before or in combination with autologous fat filling, she aims to help patients achieve the best possible results and feel confident in their appearance.
Complementary Treatments
She also offers a range of complementary treatments that can work in harmony with autologous fat filling of the chin. For example, dermal fillers can be used in conjunction with fat transfer to enhance the overall results and provide additional contouring. Botox injections can be used to relax the muscles around the chin, creating a more harmonious and youthful appearance.
Dr. Thomas P. Sterry
Chin Liposuction and Fat - Related Insights
Dr. Thomas P. Sterry is a board - certified New York City plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He is known for his work in chin liposuction, which gives him in - depth knowledge of the fat and tissue in the chin area. While chin liposuction is about removing fat, his understanding of the chin's anatomy and the way fat behaves can be applied to autologous fat filling as well. He uses Smartlipo laser liposuction for chin, jawline, and neck liposuction, which is suitable for smaller areas and also helps tighten the skin by stimulating collagen production.
Combining Procedures
Dr. Sterry recommends combining double chin fat removal (from procedures like liposuction) with other plastic surgery procedures to produce a more youthful, balanced facial appearance. When it comes to autologous fat filling of the chin, he may suggest combining it with other facial procedures such as a facelift, neck lift, or buccal fat removal to achieve a more comprehensive and natural - looking result.
Patient Results and Recovery
Patients who undergo chin - related procedures with Dr. Sterry often experience good results. Smartlipo typically causes less bruising and swelling than other forms of liposuction, allowing patients to see the results sooner. Many patients notice a difference within a few days, and as the residual swelling goes away over the next 4 to 6 weeks, the results become even clearer. For autologous fat filling combined with other procedures, the recovery process would be carefully monitored by Dr. Sterry to ensure the best outcome.
Comparison of the Five Doctors
| Doctor | Area of Specialization | Unique Features | Recovery Expectations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Adam Kolker | Facial fat transfer and fat grafting | Thorough consultation, personalized plan, office - based accredited surgical suite | Same - day discharge, 2 - 3 days off work (isolated procedure), swelling resolves in 2 weeks, final results in 12 weeks |
| Dr. David Cangello | Fat grafting to the face | Trained by a pioneer in fat grafting, co - authored a textbook chapter | Puffy and bruised for 1 - 2 weeks, swelling gone in 1 month, bruising in 10 - 14 days |
| Dr. Hooman Khorasani | Minimally - invasive relocation of stubborn fat pockets | Quadruple board - certified, customized treatment plans, use of thin cannula for fat harvest | Swelling and bruising resolve in 2 weeks (mostly), lymphatic massage recommended, recovery time depends on treatment size |
| Dr. Michele Green | Cosmetic dermatology, non - surgical fat reduction | International expert, early adopter of non - surgical fat reduction techniques, patient - centered approach | Minimal downtime for non - surgical procedures, complementary treatments available |
| Dr. Thomas P. Sterry | Chin liposuction, facial plastic surgery | Over 20 years of experience, uses Smartlipo, recommends combining procedures | Less bruising and swelling with Smartlipo, results visible in a few days, final in 4 - 6 weeks |
Considerations When Choosing a Doctor
When selecting a doctor for autologous fat filling of the chin in New York City, there are several important factors to consider:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for doctors with extensive experience in autologous fat filling or related procedures. Check their educational background, board certifications, and the number of successful cases they have handled.
- Patient Testimonials and Reviews: Read what other patients have to say about their experiences with the doctor. Positive testimonials can give you an idea of the doctor's skills, bedside manner, and the quality of results.
- Consultation Process: A good doctor will take the time to listen to your concerns, assess your facial structure and goals, and explain the procedure and potential outcomes in detail. They should also answer all your questions and address any fears or doubts you may have.
- Cost and Insurance: Autologous fat filling of the chin is usually a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by insurance. Discuss the cost with the doctor, including any additional fees for anesthesia, facility use, and follow - up appointments. Compare prices among different doctors, but don't make cost the only determining factor.
- After - Care Services: Find out what kind of after - care services the doctor provides. This includes follow - up appointments to monitor your recovery, guidance on post - operative care, and support in case of any complications.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City offers a wealth of options for those seeking autologous fat filling of the chin. Dr. Adam Kolker, Dr. David Cangello, Dr. Hooman Khorasani, Dr. Michele Green, and Dr. Thomas P. Sterry are all top - notch doctors with their own unique skills and expertise. Each doctor approaches autologous fat filling with a combination of technical proficiency, patient - centered care, and a commitment to achieving natural - looking results. Whether you're looking for a doctor with a long - standing reputation in fat grafting, one with a background in non - surgical alternatives, or an expert in chin - related plastic surgery, there is a suitable choice for you. Before making a decision, it's essential to thoroughly research each doctor, have consultations, and consider the various factors discussed in this article.
If you're considering autologous fat filling of the chin, take the next step and schedule consultations with these top doctors. Explore your options, ask questions, and make an informed decision that will help you achieve the beautiful and confident appearance you desire.
