Introduction
Full - face fat filling, also known as facial fat transfer or fat grafting, has become a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. It 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. This article will provide you with a comprehensive list of hospitals and doctors in New York City who specialize in full - face fat filling, along with some insights into the procedure itself.
Understanding Full - Face Fat Filling
What is Full - Face Fat Filling?
Full - face fat filling is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes a patient's own fat to rejuvenate the face. As we age, the face loses subcutaneous fat, resulting in a hollowed - out appearance. This procedure can address various issues such as sunken cheeks, under - eye hollows, smile or frown lines, nasolabial folds, and chin wrinkles. The process typically involves three main steps: harvesting fat from a donor site (such as the buttocks, thighs, or abdomen), processing the fat to purify it, and then injecting the processed fat into the targeted areas of the face.
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 fat integrates with the existing facial tissues, providing a seamless and harmonious appearance.
- Long - Lasting: Unlike some fillers that may only last a few months to a year, the results of full - face fat filling can be long - lasting. Once the transferred fat cells establish a blood supply in the new location, they can remain in place for an extended period.
- Minimal Risk of Rejection: As the fat is from the patient's own body, there is a very low risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
- Dual Benefit: It not only enhances the facial appearance but also allows for body contouring in the donor area by removing excess fat.
Hospitals and Doctors in New York City for Full - Face Fat Filling
Dr. Darrick Antell
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.
- Address: His private operating room is located just across the street from world - renowned Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. However, he has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout the city.
- Contact: Call the office at (212) 988 - 4040 to schedule a consultation.
- Procedure Details: The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or “twilight” sedation. Patients can recover in his state - of - the - art recovery suite and usually return home the same day as it is an outpatient procedure. There may be some swelling and bruising, which mostly subside within the first two weeks, and the final result may take up to a month to be visible due to residual swelling.
Dr. Neal Goldberg
Dr. Neal Goldberg is an extensively trained plastic surgeon who performs autologous fat injections to help patients achieve their cosmetic goals. His approach emphasizes customization to address individual needs.
- Address: Westchester, White Plains area in New York.
- Contact: Details can be found on his official website. Contact him to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific concerns and goals.
- Procedure Details: He listens to the patient's cosmetic goals during the initial consultation and examines the areas of concern. Fat is harvested via liposuction, often from the flanks and abdomen. Local or general anesthetic may be used depending on the extent of the procedure. He uses a micro - droplet technique to administer the fat for a natural - looking infusion of volume. After the operation, patients may experience swelling and tenderness, especially in the donor areas, and there may be bruising for about one to two weeks. The cost of fat grafting to the face is approximately $5,500, which is all - inclusive of plastic surgery fees.
Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman
At Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, located on the prestigious Upper East Side of New York City, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman offers expert facial fat grafting injections.
- Address: Upper East Side, New York City.
- Contact: Schedule a consultation at their Upper East Side location to learn more about how facial fat grafting can rejuvenate your appearance.
- Procedure Details: During the consultation, Dr. Zuckerman conducts a thorough assessment of the facial structure, skin quality, and discusses aesthetic goals. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, often combined with sedation. Fat is harvested using gentle liposuction, purified, and then injected into the target areas of the face. Recovery is relatively quick, with mild swelling and bruising at both the donor and injection sites, which usually resolve within a week or two. Patients can usually return to normal activities shortly after the procedure, with some minor restrictions.
Dr. David Cangello
Dr. David Cangello is an expert in fat grafting to the face. He was mentored by one of the pioneers of the fat grafting method, Dr. Sydney Coleman, and has extensive experience in the field.
- Address: He has a state - of - the - art, fully accredited operating room in his NYC office. He also has operating privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in NYC.
- Contact: Contact him at (212) 644 - 4416 to schedule a fat grafting to face consultation in NYC.
- Procedure Details: The fat transfer to face procedure generally involves three steps: harvest, process, and transfer. Fat is harvested from a donor site (such as the hips, thighs, or flanks) using a specialized cannula after injecting an anesthetic. The fat is then processed using a centrifuge to separate it from fluids and oils. Finally, the purified fat is transferred to the recipient area through a tiny incision. Recovery may involve some puffiness and bruising for about one to two weeks, and the majority of swelling should disappear within a month. Approximately 50 - 60 percent of transferred fat cells will survive, and it may be common to repeat the procedure to achieve ideal volume.
Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine
These doctors offer facial fat transfer in combination with facelift surgery at their NYC practice. Their approach aims to provide long - lasting, natural - looking results for patients seeking facial rejuvenation.
- Address: New York City office.
- Contact: Call 800.683.5476 or request an appointment online for a personal consultation.
- Procedure Details: Facial fat transfer uses liposuction to collect fat from common donor areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs, and then injects it into the face to provide volume. Facelift surgery repositions and tightens facial tissues and removes excess skin. The combined procedure can take 3 - 5 hours, and local, general, or twilight anesthesia may be used depending on the extent of the procedure. Patients may experience mild bruising and swelling around the donor and treatment sites, which should subside within a few weeks. They can usually return to work within one to two weeks, but additional recovery time may be needed for physical activity.
Choosing the Right Hospital and Doctor
Research and Reviews
Before choosing a hospital and doctor for full - face fat filling, it is crucial to conduct thorough research. Look for online reviews and patient testimonials. Websites like RealSelf can provide valuable insights into other patients' experiences with a particular doctor or hospital. Pay attention to factors such as the doctor's reputation, the quality of the results, and patient satisfaction.
Credentials and Experience
Check the doctor's credentials, including their medical education, training, and board certification. A board - certified plastic surgeon has met the rigorous standards set by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Experience is also a key factor. Doctors who have performed a large number of full - face fat filling procedures are more likely to have the skills and expertise to deliver optimal results.
Consultation
Schedule a consultation with the doctor. This is an opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and get a feel for the doctor's personality and approach. A good doctor will listen to your concerns, explain the procedure in detail, and provide realistic expectations about the results. They will also assess your suitability for the procedure based on your medical history and overall health.
Preparing for Full - Face Fat Filling
Medical Evaluation
Before the procedure, your doctor will conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation. This may include a physical examination, blood tests, and a review of your medical history. It is important to be honest with your doctor about any pre - existing medical conditions, medications you are taking, and any allergies you may have.
Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor may recommend certain lifestyle changes before the procedure. For example, you may be advised to stop smoking, as smoking can interfere with the healing process and reduce the survival rate of the transferred fat cells. You may also need to avoid taking certain medications, such as blood - thinners, aspirin, and some herbal supplements, which can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Emotional Preparation
Undergoing a cosmetic procedure can be emotionally challenging. It is important to have realistic expectations about the results. Understand that there may be some downtime and that the final result may take some time to fully develop. Prepare yourself mentally for the recovery process and have a support system in place, such as family and friends, who can assist you during this time.
Recovery Process
Immediate Post - Procedure
After the full - face fat filling procedure, you will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. You will be monitored in a recovery area until you are stable enough to be discharged. You may need to have an escort to take you home, especially if you had “twilight” sedation, as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia.
Short - Term Recovery
In the first few days to weeks, follow your doctor's post - operative instructions carefully. This may include applying ice to the treated areas to reduce swelling, taking prescribed pain medications, and avoiding strenuous activities. Most of the swelling and bruising should subside within the first two weeks, but some residual swelling may take up to a month to completely disappear.
Long - Term Recovery
Over the next few months, the transferred fat cells will continue to integrate with the facial tissues. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support the healing process and ensure the longevity of the results. Avoid significant weight fluctuations, as this can affect the volume of the transferred fat. In some cases, a touch - up procedure may be recommended to achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
Full - face fat filling is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance. With the help of experienced doctors and state - of - the - art facilities, patients can achieve natural - looking, long - lasting results. By carefully researching hospitals and doctors, preparing for the procedure, and following the recovery instructions, patients can have a successful full - face fat filling experience. If you are considering this procedure, take the time to consult with a qualified doctor to discuss your options and determine if it is right for you.
Call the doctors mentioned in this article to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Share this article with your friends and family who may also be interested in full - face fat filling in New York City.