Top 5 selected 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, is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses a patient's own fat cells to restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. In New York City, a hub of medical excellence and cosmetic innovation, there are several top - notch hospitals offering this service. In this article, we will explore the top 5 selected hospitals for full - face fat filling in the city.

What is Full - Face Fat Filling?

Full - face fat filling involves harvesting fat cells from one area of the patient's body, typically the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, through liposuction. The harvested fat is then processed to separate the healthy fat cells from fluids and oils. These purified fat cells are subsequently injected into specific areas of the face, such as the cheeks, temples, under - eyes, and lips, to add volume and create a more youthful and natural appearance.

One of the main advantages of full - face fat filling is that it uses the patient's own tissue, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions and rejection compared to synthetic fillers. Additionally, the results can be long - lasting as the transferred fat cells can integrate with the existing facial tissue.

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

1. Dr. Kolker's Practice

Dr. Adam Kolker is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. His office - based surgical suite, accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), provides a high - quality environment for full - face fat filling procedures.

• Unique Approach: Dr. Kolker takes a personalized approach to each patient. During the initial consultation, he thoroughly discusses the patient's desires and expectations, conducts a detailed examination of the skin and soft tissue relationships, and pays close attention to factors like skin tone, texture, elasticity, and the underlying bone or cartilage support. He then carefully plans the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques, as well as the combination of cosmetic surgery and fat graft techniques, to achieve the most natural and desired result.
• Recovery: Patients can expect to go home on the same day after the procedure 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, although many patients can return the next day. When combined with other procedures for more substantial volume restorations, the return to work may range from seven to fourteen days. Swelling is common and usually resolves after two weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks for the final results to be evident.
• Patient Testimonials: Many patients praise Dr. Kolker for his precision, gentle touch, and ability to produce natural - looking results. They report receiving compliments on their appearance and finally looking the way they feel.

2. Gotham Plastic Surgery

At Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York City, they offer fat injection, also known as fat grafting or fat transplant, as an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials.

• Procedure and Expertise: Dr. Miller and the doctors at Gotham Plastic Surgery perform fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. The procedure is typically completed in under an hour and can be performed with local anesthesia. Fat is harvested from an area of excess on the body, such as the outside of the leg or the stomach, using a small cannula and gentle liposuction techniques. The harvested fat is then prepared and re - injected into areas of the face.
• Downtime: There is minimal downtime or recovery associated with fat injection at Gotham Plastic Surgery. 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 on the same or next day.
• Comprehensive Approach: Gotham Plastic Surgery creates custom treatment plans that combine minimally - invasive techniques and advanced technology. Their Natra Face™ approach addresses both restorative and transformative changes, and fat transfer can be part of a comprehensive treatment strategy for facial rejuvenation.

3. Dr. Cangello's Practice

Dr. David Cangello is an expert in fat grafting to the face in New York City. He was mentored by one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman, and has extensive experience in delivering long - lasting and natural - looking fat transfer results.

• Ideal Candidates: Ideal candidates for a fat transfer to the face procedure in Dr. Cangello's practice include men and women who have noticed a hollow or shallow appearance in one or multiple areas of the face, or those who desire augmentation of features such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. Candidates should be healthy and have enough fat on potential donor areas, like the hips, flanks, and thighs.
• Procedure Steps: The fat transfer to the face procedure generally has three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. During the harvest step, the donor site is injected with an anesthetic, a small incision is made, and the fat is gently suctioned out using a specialized cannula. The fat is then processed using a centrifuge to separate the healthy fat cells from fluids and oils. Finally, the purified fat is transferred to the recipient area 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 prescribes 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 it's common for the procedure to be repeated to achieve ideal volume.

4. Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world's most respected and sought - after plastic surgeons in New York City. He has been trained at Stanford and Cornell University and has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by multiple prestigious magazines.

• Benefits of Fat Transfer: Dr. Antell advocates for facial fat transfer as it involves moving healthy fat cells to smooth specific facial areas. Compared to dermal fillers, the results may be longer - lasting as the cells establish a blood supply in the new location. Additionally, since no synthetic material is involved, there is no risk of rejection.
• Procedure Details: The procedure involves harvesting healthy fat cells from an appropriate area of the body, such as the buttocks or thighs, using specialized and gentle techniques. The fat is then purified and prepared for injection. It is injected at a specific depth in the skin tissue to add volume to the desired area. The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation, with a board - certified anesthesiologist monitoring the patient's safety.
• Recovery: After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite. Facial fat transfer is an outpatient procedure, and patients can return home the same day. They should have an escort as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Swelling and bruising are common but mostly subside within the first two weeks, and many patients can return to their usual daily activities within a day.

5. New York Surgical Arts (Dr. Gordon Andan)

Dr. Gordon Andan at New York Surgical Arts offers fat transfer to the face as a way to improve facial contours in a natural - looking manner.

• Candidate Selection: Men and women of all ages can be excellent candidates for facial sculpting with fat transfer. People seeking to correct symptoms of aging, such as loss of facial volume, laugh lines, or deep scars, can benefit from the procedure. Those who enjoy the results of injectable dermal fillers may also consider fat transfer for a longer - lasting option.
• Procedure Process: The fat transfer procedure is a two - step process. First, Dr. Andan harvests fat cells from another area of the body using liposuction, usually from the hips, abdomen, thighs, or arms. Then, the fat cells are injected directly into the treatment area(s) in very small droplets, strategically placed to create natural - looking results. The procedure is usually performed using local anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure.
• Recovery and Aftercare: Patients can expect a personal phone call from the office the night of the procedure to check on their well - being. The downtime for facial fat transfer is minimal, and most people return to their normal activities within 1 to 2 days. Initial swelling and bruising at the harvest site should subside within several days to a week.

Comparison of the Top 5 Hospitals

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

When selecting a hospital for full - face fat filling in New York City, there are several important factors to take into account:

1. Surgeon's Experience and Expertise: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in performing full - face fat filling procedures. Check their credentials, training, and patient testimonials to gauge their skill level.
2. Hospital Accreditation: Ensure that the hospital or surgical facility is accredited by recognized organizations. Accreditation indicates that the facility meets certain standards of safety and quality.
3. Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of their experiences, the quality of care, and the final results. This can provide valuable insights into the hospital's reputation.
4. Treatment Approach: Each surgeon may have a different approach to full - face fat filling. Some may focus on a more natural - looking result, while others may offer a more comprehensive treatment plan that combines fat transfer with other procedures. Choose a surgeon whose approach aligns with your goals.
5. Cost and Financing Options: Consider the cost of the procedure and whether the hospital offers financing options. Keep in mind that the cost may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the amount of fat transferred, and any additional treatments.
6. Aftercare and Support: Good aftercare is crucial for a successful recovery. Inquire about the hospital's aftercare services, including follow - up appointments, pain management, and support during the recovery period.

Potential Risks and Complications of Full - Face Fat Filling

While full - face fat filling is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications:

• Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after the procedure and usually subside within a few weeks. However, in some cases, they may last longer.
• Asymmetry: There is a risk of uneven results, which may require additional treatments to correct.
• Infection: Although rare, infection can occur at the harvest or injection site. Proper sterilization techniques and post - operative care can help reduce this risk.
• Fat Absorption: Some of the transferred fat cells may be absorbed by the body over time, which can affect the long - term results. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired volume.
• Nerve Damage: In rare cases, nerve damage can occur during the procedure, leading to numbness, tingling, or other sensory changes in the face.

Conclusion

Full - face fat filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure that can restore youthfulness and enhance facial contours. In New York City, the top 5 hospitals mentioned above offer high - quality services, experienced surgeons, and a variety of treatment options. When choosing a hospital, it's important to consider factors such as surgeon expertise, hospital accreditation, patient reviews, treatment approach, cost, and aftercare.

If you're considering full - face fat filling, we encourage you to schedule consultations with the surgeons at these hospitals to learn more about the procedure, ask questions, and determine which option is best for you. Take the first step towards achieving your desired facial appearance and feel confident in your decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in full - face fat filling in New York City and explore more about cosmetic procedures on our website.