Which hospital is good for autologous fat filling of the

Introduction

Autologous fat filling of the face has become a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This technique involves using a patient's own fat to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial features, offering a natural alternative to synthetic fillers. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals and clinics in New York City known for their expertise in autologous fat filling of the face, along with their surgeons, procedures, and patient testimonials.

Which hospital is good for autologous fat filling of the face in New York City in 2025

What is Autologous Fat Filling of the Face?

Autologous fat filling of the face, also known as facial fat transfer, fat grafting, or autologous fat transplantation, is a surgical procedure that transfers a patient's own body fat to the face to plump or restore volume. This cosmetic procedure is commonly used in the under - eye areas, the lips, the folds that go from the nose to the mouth, or the cheeks. The process typically involves three main steps: harvesting, processing, and transferring the fat.

Harvesting

During the harvesting phase, fat cells are removed from a donor site on the patient's body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. This is usually done using a very small cannula and gentle liposuction techniques. For example, Dr. Cangello identifies the donor sites, injects an anesthetic, makes a small incision, and then gently suctions out the appropriate amount of fat through a specialized cannula (Cangello Plastic Surgery).

Processing

Once the fat is removed, it is processed to separate the fat from fluids and oils. A centrifuge is often used to ensure that only healthy, viable fat cells will be injected into the treatment areas. This step helps to promote fat viability and improve the chances of successful grafting. As stated on Clinique des Champs Elysees' website, the harvested fat cells are separated from any blood and other fluids with a centrifuge spin.

Transferring

The final step is to transfer the processed fat to the recipient area on the face. A tiny incision is made, and a cannula is used to inject the fat into the desired treatment site in small amounts until the desired fullness is achieved. Fat transfer can address various facial concerns, including volume loss, fine lines, and wrinkles, and scars (Gotham Plastic Surgery).

Benefits of Autologous Fat Filling of the Face

There are several advantages to choosing autologous fat filling of the face over other facial rejuvenation methods.

Natural Results: Since the fat is from the patient's own body, the results look and feel natural. The transferred fat integrates with the existing facial tissue, creating a more youthful and harmonious appearance. For instance, patients like those of Dr. Kolker often report that they look like a better - version of themselves, with a “softer” and more natural look (Dr. Kolker's website).
Long - Lasting Effects: Unlike some dermal fillers that may only last a few months to a year, autologous fat transfer can provide long - lasting results. The transferred fat cells that survive in the treatment area will generally stay there indefinitely, although they will age naturally with the body. Clinique des Champs Elysees notes that facial fat grafting provides results that last several years, unlike dermal fillers which may require more frequent touch - ups.
Low Risk of Rejection: As the fat is the patient's own tissue, there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. This is a significant advantage compared to synthetic fillers or implants, which can sometimes cause adverse reactions in some patients. Many websites, including those of Dr. Antell and Dr. Schwartz, emphasize this safety aspect of autologous fat transfer.
Simultaneous Body Contouring: The fat harvesting process also serves as a form of body contouring. By removing excess fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs, patients can achieve a slimmer figure in addition to facial rejuvenation. Gotham Plastic Surgery mentions that fat injection can be used for volume enhancement in areas other than the face and is sometimes combined with liposuction for overall body improvement.

Top Hospitals and Clinics in New York City for Autologous Fat Filling of the Face

Dr. Kolker's Practice

Dr. Adam Kolker is well - known for his expertise in facial fat transfer in New York City. He offers a comprehensive approach to the procedure, starting with an in - depth consultation. During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker thoroughly discusses the patient's desires and expectations, conducts a detailed examination of the skin and soft tissue relationships, and pays attention to various factors such as skin tone, texture, elasticity, depth of folds, and underlying bone or cartilage support. He then carefully helps the patient plan the autologous fat graft or fat transfer techniques, as well as combination procedures if necessary, to achieve the most natural and desired result.

Dr. Kolker also maintains a comprehensive gallery of before - and - after photographs (available in the office to preserve patient anonymity) that showcases the results of his facial fat transfer procedures. Many patients have left positive testimonials about their experiences with Dr. Kolker. For example, one patient stated, “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” (Dr. Kolker's website).

The facial fat transfer procedure at Dr. Kolker's practice is performed in an office - based surgical suite accredited by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Depending on the patient's needs, the fat graft procedure can take between 30 minutes (for very mild corrections) and 3 hours (for more substantial volume restorations). When performed as an isolated procedure, it can be done under local anesthesia. If combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures, it may be performed under light sedation or general anesthesia as needed.

Recovery after the procedure also varies. If the fat grafts are performed as an isolated procedure under local anesthesia, Dr. Kolker suggests taking two or three days before returning to work, although many patients are able to return the following day. When the fat graft procedure is used to correct moderate or substantial lines, folds, or areas of deficiency, or in conjunction with other facial or body contouring procedures, the return to work may range from seven to fourteen days. Swelling is common after the procedure and often resolves after 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 following fat grafts, and more strenuous activity can be started at two to three weeks.

Dr. Darrick Antell's Practice

Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the world's most respected and sought - after plastic surgeons. He has been trained at Stanford and Cornell University and has been named a “top plastic surgeon” by several prominent magazines, including Harper's Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. His approach to plastic surgery is that “plastic surgery should whisper, not scream,” aiming to achieve subtle, beautiful results that naturally enhance the facial features.

Facial fat transfer at Dr. Antell's practice involves harvesting healthy fat cells from an appropriate donor site on the patient's body, such as the buttocks or thighs. Specialized, gentle techniques are used to ensure that the healthy cells are not damaged during the harvesting process. Once the fat cells are extracted, they are purified and prepared for injection. The cells are then injected at a specific depth in the skin tissue to add volume to the desired area, such as sunken cheeks, under - eye hollows, smile or frown lines, nasolabial folds, and chin wrinkles or creases.

Most patients prefer to have the procedure performed in Dr. Antell's discreet, private operating room located just across the street from the 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. The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, or with another form of “twilight” sedation, and a board - certified anesthesiologist monitors the patient during the surgery to ensure safety.

After the surgery, patients recover in Dr. Antell's state - of - the - art recovery suite while being monitored by a nurse until they are well enough to be discharged. Since it is an outpatient procedure, patients can return home the same day. However, when “twilight” sedation is used, patients need to have an escort to bring them home as they cannot drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Patients can expect some swelling and bruising, most of which will subside within the first two weeks. Applying ice to the area can help reduce swelling. Many patients experience minimal downtime and can return to their usual daily activities within a day, although the final result may not be visible for up to a month due to residual swelling.

Dr. David Cangello's Practice

Dr. David 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 shared practice and performing multiple fat transfer procedures together, Dr. Cangello learned and mastered the necessary techniques 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 for fat transfer to the face at Dr. Cangello's practice include men and women who have started to notice a hollow or shallow appearance in individual or multiple areas of the face, or those who desire augmentation of features such as the lips, cheekbones, chin, or jaw. During the consultation, Dr. Cangello examines the patient's areas of concern and identifies potential donor sites, such as the hips, thighs, or flanks. He also addresses any questions or concerns the patient may have about the procedure and guides them through options for additional procedures that may complement the fat transfer.

The fat transfer to the face procedure at Dr. Cangello's has three main steps: harvest, process, and transfer. During the harvest phase, 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 removed fat is then processed using a centrifuge to separate the fat from fluids and oils, ensuring that only healthy, viable fat cells are used for injection. Finally, the processed fat is transferred to the recipient area through a tiny incision using a cannula, with small amounts of fat gradually placed until the desired fullness is achieved.

Dr. Cangello has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited operating room in his NYC office where the procedure can be performed. For patients who prefer a hospital setting, he also has operating privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. Recovery from the 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, and 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 after the procedure, so it's common for the procedure to be repeated in order to achieve ideal volume, usually waiting around three - to - six months after the first treatment to decide if an additional treatment is necessary.

Clinique des Champs Elysees

Clinique des Champs Elysees offers autologous fat transfer for facial rejuvenation. Their autologous fat transfer procedure, also known as facial fat graft and lipo - modelling, involves transferring a patient's own body fat to the face to plump or restore volume in areas such as the under - eye areas, the lips, the folds that go from the nose to the mouth, or the cheeks.

The fat grafting can be done under local anesthesia or in the operating room, depending on the area and the extent of fat grafting required. Fat cells are removed by gentle liposuction with a cannula from other parts of the body, usually the thighs, stomach, and buttocks. After harvesting, the fat cells are separated from any blood and other fluids with a centrifuge spin. Then, with a very small needle, the fat is re - injected into the desired area to reshape, add volume, and fullness.

One of the main benefits of choosing Clinique des Champs Elysees for autologous fat filling of the face is the long - lasting results. Unlike dermal fillers, facial fat grafting at this clinic provides results that last several years. Other benefits include no need for implants, a natural appearance, skin rejuvenation, little to no downtime, and a natural - looking enhancement. To find out if one is a good candidate for facial fat transfer, a consultation can be booked at the clinic's New York location by calling 212 812 1107.

Albert Plastic Surgery

Dr. Mark G. Albert at Albert Plastic Surgery is a top - rated, board - certified plastic surgeon adept at performing facial fat transfer in NYC. During the consultation, Dr. Albert examines the patient's physical characteristics, addresses their concerns, and works with them to establish a customized treatment plan that will yield the ideal results. This also gives the patient an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and the recovery process.

Facial fat transfer at Albert Plastic Surgery can help with various facial concerns, including under - eye hollows, tear troughs, orbital area volume loss, nasolabial folds, lip enhancement, laugh lines, temple volume restoration, and more. It can also be used for body areas such as the hands, breasts, buttocks, and to address cellulite dimples.

Unless the patient is undergoing another procedure under general anesthesia, the facial fat transfer procedure can be performed using local anesthesia alone. A thin cannula is used to liposuction fat from the donor sites, which can include the arms, back, abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs, and knees. After the fat is prepared for injection, the patient can usually 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, bruising, and possible soreness at the donor site. The final results become visible about three months after the procedure, and the presence of stem cells in the fat also offers the added benefit of skin and scar rejuvenation.

Gotham Plastic Surgery

At Gotham Plastic Surgery, fat injection, also referred to as fat grafting or fat transplant, is offered as an alternative to artificial dermal filler materials. Their doctors, including Dr. Miller, perform fat injection procedures on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility.

Candidates for fat injection at Gotham Plastic Surgery are generally healthy, non - smokers, and have realistic expectations for improvement. The procedure is typically completed in under an hour and may be performed with local anesthesia. 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 to reduce wrinkles and creases and fill in areas of lost volume resulting from age, injury, surgery, or other causes.

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 often resume work and other normal activities the same or next day. However, there is some controversy regarding the duration of results with fat injection, with some claiming that the fat can remain for years while others say it only lasts for a few months.

Dagan MD

Dagan MD offers fat transfer surgery in New York. Fat injection, or autologous fat transplantation at this clinic, is an excellent solution for face re - contouring, frown lines, crow's feet, nasolabial folds, and adding definition to the chin and cheeks. It can also be used as a filler for scars that are depressed or any area that seems hollow or devoid of volume.

Fat is harvested from a donor site such as the belly button, buttock, or thigh after a local anesthetic and a tumescent solution is injected to facilitate fat collection. The fat is then withdrawn through a small needle, processed to remove extra fluids, and re - injected into the new site in thin strands. Overfilling is necessary because some of the fat is reabsorbed weeks after the treatment. This procedure can also use fat harvested during liposuction.

The length of the procedure is about 1 hour depending on the sites, and the number of treatments is variable, usually requiring repeat treatments. The longevity of the results is about 2 years (although results may vary). Recovery time is between 1 - 4 days. It is an excellent option for patients with allergies and sensitivity to other products as it uses the patient's own fat, so there is no risk of rejection, and there are no visible scars produced from the procedure. The fat transfer is performed under local anesthesia in the office and has minimal downtime.