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 procedure 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. With numerous hospitals and clinics offering this service in the city, it can be quite challenging for patients to select the right one. In this article, we will announce the top 5 selected hospitals for full - face fat filling in New York City, along with detailed information about the procedure, its benefits, and what to expect from each hospital.

Understanding Full - Face Fat Filling

What is Full - Face Fat Filling?

Full - face fat filling is a surgical procedure that uses a patient's own fat cells to rejuvenate the face. It starts with the extraction of fat from a donor site, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, using liposuction techniques. The harvested fat is then purified and prepared for injection into specific areas of the face. According to a top Google search result from the website of a well - known plastic surgeon, “facial fat transfer, or fat grafting, is the harvesting of healthy fat cells from one area of the body (a donor site) for the purpose of re - injecting the cells into the facial tissues. This procedure can restore lost volume and smooth lines and creases, resulting in enhancement of your facial features without the use of manufactured fillers or implants.”

Benefits of Full - Face Fat Filling

• Natural Results: Since the procedure uses the patient's own fat, the results are more natural - looking compared to synthetic fillers. The body recognizes its own cells, which blend seamlessly with the existing facial tissues. As mentioned in some research, “the use of autologous fat ensures that the added volume to the face blends seamlessly with your natural contours, giving you a more youthful appearance.”
• Long - Lasting: While some of the transferred fat may be reabsorbed in the initial stages, a significant portion can remain in place permanently. This makes it a more durable solution compared to dermal fillers, which typically last for a few months to a year.
• Minimal Risk of Rejection: As the fat is from the patient's own body, there is a very low risk of allergic reactions or rejection, which is a concern with some synthetic implants or fillers.
• Improved Skin Quality: The fat used in the procedure contains stem cells, which can improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the face a more rejuvenated look.

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

1. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Surgeon's Reputation

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, indicating high patient satisfaction.

Procedure Details

The facial fat transfer procedure at his practice involves harvesting fat from an appropriate donor site, such as the buttocks or thighs, using gentle liposuction techniques. The fat is then purified and injected at a specific depth in the skin tissue to add volume to the desired facial areas. The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or another form of “twilight” sedation, with a board - certified anesthesiologist monitoring the patient during the surgery.

Facility

Most patients prefer to have the procedure 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.

Recovery

After the surgery, patients recover in the state - of - the - art recovery suite under the supervision of a nurse. The procedure is an outpatient one, and patients can return home the same day. There may be some swelling and bruising, most of which will subside within the first two weeks. Applying ice to the area can help reduce swelling, and many patients can return to their usual daily activities within a day.

2. New York Liposuction's Facility

Combined Procedures

This facility offers the option of combining facial fat transfer with facelift surgery. Facial fat transfer can accentuate facelift results by providing volume to wrinkles and creases around the upper, mid, and lower face. As we age, our skin loses its youthful structure, and facial volume diminishes. Combining these procedures can elevate sagging facial tissues while providing volume to gaunt areas.

Procedure Details

Facial fat transfer here uses a combination of liposuction techniques and fat injections. Common donor areas include the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The fat is carefully cultivated to ensure a high survival rate and then injected into the target areas of the face. Facelift surgery involves repositioning, tightening, or elevating facial tissues underneath the skin and removing or repositioning excess skin.

Anesthesia

Facial fat transfer and facelift surgery may require either local, general, or twilight anesthesia, depending on the specific facial rejuvenation procedure. The surgeon will discuss the most suitable form of anesthesia during the consultation.

Recovery

Mild bruising and swelling around the donor and treatment sites are common in the weeks following the procedures. These side effects should subside within a few weeks. Patients often return to work within one to two weeks, though additional recovery time may be necessary for physical activity.

3. Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery

Candidate Selection

Ideal candidates for facial fat transfer at this hospital are in good health, have realistic expectations, have areas of unwanted excess fat, and a loss of volume in the face. Some common signs that a patient may be a good candidate include definition loss around the cheeks or chin, a hollowed appearance around the eyes, and wrinkles around the nose and mouth.

Procedure Details

The procedure is performed as an outpatient using either local or general anesthetic. A gentle liposuction process harvests the fat from areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, or back. The fat is purified, and then Dr. Cha uses fine needles to graft the fat into the face’s tissue layers to restore lost volume.

Recovery and Results

Patients need someone to drive them home after the procedure. They will experience bruising and swelling in the liposuction and fat transfer treatment areas. Most patients return to work within a week and can resume regular physical activities within three weeks. The results are long - lasting, and unlike dermal fillers, fat transfer can achieve beautiful results that last for years.

4. Gotham Plastic Surgery

Procedure Expertise

Fat injection, also known as fat grafting or fat transplant, is one of the specialties at Gotham Plastic Surgery. It provides an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials. The procedure can reduce wrinkles and creases and fill in areas of lost volume resulting from age, injury, surgery, or other causes.

Procedure Details

The 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.

5. Albert Plastic Surgery

Surgeon's Skill

Dr. Albert is a top - rated, board - certified plastic surgeon adept at performing facial fat transfer in NYC. His in - depth understanding of facial aesthetics enables him to create results that often exceed patients’ initial expectations.

Procedure Details

Unless undergoing another procedure under general anesthesia, the facial fat transfer can be performed using local anesthesia alone. A thin cannula is used to liposuction fat from the donor sites, such as the arms, back, abdomen, or thighs. The fat is then prepared for injection.

Recovery and Results

After the procedure, patients can drive home on their own as local anesthetic avoids the usual post - op symptoms associated with general anesthesia. The recovery takes a few days, with some swelling and bruising. The final results become visible about three months after the procedure, and it also offers the added benefit of skin and scar rejuvenation due to the stem cells in the fat.

Comparing the Hospitals

Preparing for Full - Face Fat Filling

Consultation

Before undergoing full - face fat filling, it is essential to have a consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will examine your physical characteristics, discuss your goals, and address any concerns you may have. They will also explain the procedure in detail, including the expected outcomes, risks, and recovery process. For example, at Albert Plastic Surgery, during the consultation, Dr. Albert examines the patient and works with them to establish a customized treatment plan.

Medical Evaluation

The surgeon may also conduct a medical evaluation to ensure that you are in good health for the procedure. This may include a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and possibly some laboratory tests. For instance, some hospitals may require blood tests to check for any underlying health conditions.

Lifestyle Changes

You may need to make some lifestyle changes before the procedure. If you are a smoker, it is usually recommended to quit smoking for a few weeks before and after the surgery, as smoking can affect blood flow and healing. Additionally, you may need to avoid taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a period of time before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Risks and Complications

Like any surgical procedure, full - face fat filling carries some risks and potential complications. While these are relatively rare, it is important to be aware of them. Some of the common risks include:

• Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after the procedure and usually subside within a few weeks. Applying ice to the area and following the post - operative instructions can help reduce these symptoms.
• Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the donor or injection site. Following proper hygiene and taking any prescribed antibiotics can help prevent infection.
• Uneven Fat Absorption: In some cases, the body may absorb the transferred fat unevenly, leading to an uneven appearance. This may require additional touch - up procedures.
• Scarring: While the incisions for liposuction are usually small, there may be some visible scarring at the donor site. However, these scars typically fade over time with proper aftercare.

Conclusion

Full - face fat filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure that can help patients achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. The top 5 selected hospitals in New York City offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and a range of options for patients. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice stands out for its highly respected surgeon and convenient facility. New York Liposuction's Facility provides the option of combining procedures for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Fifth Ave Plastic Surgery offers personalized treatment with a focus on natural results. Gotham Plastic Surgery has a quick and minimally invasive approach, and Albert Plastic Surgery boasts a top - rated surgeon and the benefit of stem - cell - induced skin rejuvenation.

If you are considering full - face fat filling, we encourage you to do further research, schedule consultations with the surgeons at these hospitals, and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences. Share this article with your friends and family who may be interested in learning more about full - face fat filling in New York City, and don't hesitate to explore related topics such as post - operative care and the latest advancements in the field.