Introduction

Autologous fat full - face filling is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses a patient's own fat to restore volume and enhance the appearance of the face. In New York City, there are many skilled doctors offering this service. This article will introduce the top 5 selected doctors for autologous fat full - face filling in New York City, including their expertise, techniques, patient testimonials, and more.

What is Autologous Fat Full - Face Filling?

Autologous fat full - face filling, also known as autologous fat transfer or fat grafting, is a surgical procedure that involves removing fat from one part of the body (such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks) using liposuction. The harvested fat is then processed and purified before being injected into specific areas of the face to correct volume loss, smooth wrinkles, and improve facial contours. Since the fat comes from the patient's own body, there is a lower risk of allergic reactions or rejection compared to synthetic fillers.

Benefits of Autologous Fat Full - Face Filling

• Natural Results: The use of the patient's own fat ensures a more natural look and feel compared to artificial fillers.
• Long - Lasting: Once the transferred fat cells have established a blood supply, the results can be long - lasting.
• Versatility: It can be used to treat various facial concerns, such as hollow cheeks, under - eye hollows, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.
• Simultaneous Body Contouring: The liposuction process allows for the removal of unwanted fat from other parts of the body, providing a dual benefit of facial rejuvenation and body contouring.

Top 5 Doctors for Autologous Fat Full - Face Filling in New York City

1. Dr. Adam Kolker

Expertise and Experience

Dr. Kolker is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive experience in facial fat transfer and other cosmetic procedures. He was involved in many patients' facial rejuvenation journeys, including Kristen Foodim, who had a comprehensive plan that included facial fat grafting along with facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, and lip lift. Dr. Kolker believes in creating a personalized treatment plan based on each patient's anatomy and desires.

Treatment Process

During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker will have a thorough discussion with the patient about their expectations. He will conduct a detailed examination of the skin and soft tissues, paying attention to factors like skin tone, texture, elasticity, and the depth of folds or wrinkles. He will then carefully plan the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques. The fat is removed using a small cannula and prepared as fat grafts before being transferred to the target areas using a small needle. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia for isolated cases or combined with other procedures under light sedation or general anesthesia.

Recovery

Patients who undergo facial fat transfer with Dr. Kolker can go home on the same day with a friend or family member. If the fat grafts are an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, most patients can return to work in two or three days. However, when combined with other procedures, the return - to - work time may range from seven to fourteen days. Swelling is common and usually resolves within two weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks for the final results to be evident. Light aerobic activity can be resumed as early as four to five days, and more strenuous activity can start at two to three weeks.

Patient Testimonials

Patients praise Dr. Kolker for his precision, gentle touch, and ability to produce natural results. One patient said, “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’. Dr. Kolker keeps me looking like ‘me’ only better!”

2. Dr. David Cangello

Expertise and Experience

Dr. Cangello is an expert 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 working together and performing multiple fat transfer procedures, Dr. Cangello mastered the techniques and skills necessary to deliver long - lasting and natural - looking results. He also co - authored the chapter on fat grafting of liposuction deformities in the latest edition of Dr. Coleman's textbook.

Treatment Process

The fat transfer to the face procedure with Dr. Cangello has three main steps: harvest, process, and transfer. First, he will identify the donor sites, usually the hips, thighs, or flanks. An anesthetic is injected, and a small incision is made to access and suction out the fat using a specialized cannula. Then, the fat is processed using a centrifuge to separate it from fluids and oils, ensuring only healthy and viable fat cells are used. Finally, the purified fat is transferred to the recipient areas through a tiny incision using a cannula until the desired fullness is achieved.

Recovery

Recovery from fat transfer with Dr. Cangello usually involves looking puffy and 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.

Patient Considerations

Dr. Cangello considers the patient's comfort and safety as top priorities. His office has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited operating room. He is also affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital for patients who prefer a hospital setting. He creates a customized treatment plan based on the patient's goals and aesthetic preferences.

3. Dr. Mark H. Schwartz

Expertise and Experience

Dr. Mark H. Schwartz is a board - certified plastic surgeon in New York City who specializes in fat grafting, also known as autologous fat transfer or liposculpture. He has performed scores of fat transplants over the years and has refined the skills needed to produce superb results. His procedure is effective in treating sunken cheeks, facial lines, acne scars, and other areas of lost volume due to aging, sun damage, and other conditions.

Treatment Process

During the fat grafting procedure, fat is taken from the donor area, such as the abdomen or thighs, using a small cannula under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The harvested fat is then purified to ensure only fat cells are grafted. Once ready, the fat is injected into the targeted area through a small instrument until the desired appearance is achieved. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in his New York City office.

Recovery

Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising after the procedure, which can be minimized with oral pain medications. Fat grafts usually last longer than fillers and are considered safe for most patients since no foreign material is being injected. However, like any procedure, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, and under or overcorrection. These risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced doctor like Dr. Schwartz and following post - surgery instructions.

4. Dr. Gerald Imber

Expertise and Experience

Dr. Gerald Imber is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon who has performed over 25,000 surgical procedures. He is a strong advocate for fat transfer, believing it to be the best of all available fillers. He has dedicated his career to helping patients look as good as they feel and always strives for the most natural results.

Treatment Process

The required fat for the autologous fat transfer is harvested from areas like the abdomen, hips, inner thighs, and buttocks through liposuction or syringe aspiration. After harvesting, the fat cells are processed in a centrifuge to separate them from other components. The purified fat is then prepared for injection into areas such as creases in the middle forehead, temples, tear trough, periorbital area, cheeks, nose, mouth, jawline, and chin.

Recovery

A facial fat transfer with Dr. Imber requires minimal downtime. Most patients are fine in 24 hours and can resume their daily routine with some restrictions. Slight bruising and swelling may occur. The results can be 50 - 75% permanent depending on the location.

Patient - Centered Care

Dr. Imber offers concierge services to make the patient's experience more comfortable, including accommodation coordination, medical photography, medical clearance, private duty nurses and escorts post - surgery, and transportation post - surgery.

5. Dr. Hooman Khorasani

Expertise and Experience

Dr. Hooman Khorasani is a quadruple board - certified cosmetic surgeon with over a decade of experience. He has spent a significant amount of time helping patients achieve their ideal face and body through minimally - invasive relocation of stubborn fat pockets. His treatment plans are carefully customized to provide optimal cosmetic results.

Treatment Process

First, the donor sites are identified based on which regions can provide the maximum amount of body contouring and enough fat for transplantation. Localized liposuction is used to extract the fat cells, which are then extensively refined using a specialized system to remove impurities. The purified fat is carefully injected into the target areas on the face or body, such as the temples, cheeks, deep wrinkles, breasts, or buttocks, to provide volumization, shape, and lift.

Recovery

The recovery time depends on the size and number of areas treated. Comprehensive body sculpting or large - volume liposuction may require two weeks of recovery, while contouring a few areas may need less downtime. Swelling and bruising are expected, mainly in the donor site, and usually resolve within two weeks. Lymphatic massage starting on postoperative day three is recommended to reduce healing time.

Comparing the Top 5 Doctors

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor

• Experience: Look for a doctor with extensive experience in autologous fat full - face filling. A doctor who has performed many successful procedures is more likely to achieve the desired results.
• Credentials: Ensure the doctor is board - certified and has the necessary training and qualifications in plastic surgery.
• Patient Testimonials: Read patient reviews and testimonials to get an idea of the doctor's reputation and the quality of care they provide.
• Communication: A good doctor should be able to communicate effectively, listen to your concerns, and explain the procedure and recovery process clearly.
• Cost: Consider the cost of the procedure, but don't make it the only determining factor. Remember that quality and safety are crucial.

Conclusion

Autologous fat full - face filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure that can help restore volume and enhance the appearance of the face. In New York City, the top 5 doctors mentioned in this article - Dr. Adam Kolker, Dr. David Cangello, Dr. Mark H. Schwartz, Dr. Gerald Imber, and Dr. Hooman Khorasani - have demonstrated their expertise, experience, and commitment to providing high - quality care. When considering this procedure, it is important to carefully evaluate each doctor based on the factors discussed and choose the one that best meets your needs and expectations.

If you are interested in autologous fat full - face filling, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top doctors. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the procedure and what to expect. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about this cosmetic procedure and help them make an informed decision.