Introduction
The appearance of tear troughs can make individuals look tired and older than their actual age. Autologous fat removal and transplantation for tear troughs is an effective way to address this cosmetic concern. In New York City, several hospitals and clinics offer high - quality services for this procedure. In this article, we will introduce the top three hospitals for autologous fat removal of tear troughs in New York City, including their facilities, doctors, and patient experiences.
Understanding Tear Troughs and Autologous Fat Removal
What are Tear Troughs?
The tear trough refers to the sunken area that forms beneath the lower eyelids, directly below the under - eye bags, and extends towards the cheeks. As we age, the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, subcutaneous fat volume is lost, and facial ligaments become lax. These factors cause the fat that normally covers the tear trough area to descend, creating a hollow or trough - like appearance. Some individuals may also have a congenital lack of facial fat volume in the tear trough area, resulting in an under - eye hollow. This is a common cosmetic concern and can significantly affect one's appearance.
Why Choose Autologous Fat Removal for Tear Troughs?
Autologous fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, is a popular choice for treating tear troughs. Since the fat is taken from the patient's own body, the risk of allergic reactions or rejections is extremely low. Moreover, the results of autologous fat transfer tend to look more natural and last longer compared to some other filler treatments. The transferred fat can integrate with the surrounding tissue, providing long - term volume restoration to the tear trough area.
The Top Three Hospitals for Autologous Fat Removal of Tear Troughs in New York City
1. Cangello Plastic Surgery
Doctor Introduction
Dr. David Cangello is a well - known plastic surgeon in New York City. He has extensive experience in tear trough filler treatments and autologous fat transfer procedures. Dr. Cangello was one of only two surgeons in the world mentored by the pioneer of fat grafting techniques, Dr. Sydney Coleman. After sharing a practice for two years with Dr. Coleman and performing multiple fat transfer procedures together, he has acquired the skills necessary to deliver long - lasting and natural - looking fat transfer results.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Cangello takes a personalized approach to each patient. During the consultation, he will carefully evaluate the patient's condition, including the depth of the tear troughs, skin elasticity, and the amount of fat available for transfer. He will then determine the best treatment approach, which may involve a combination of autologous fat transfer and other cosmetic procedures for optimal results. For autologous fat transfer to the tear troughs, he will harvest fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. The fat is then carefully processed and re - injected into the tear trough area using a small cannula.
Patient Experiences
Many patients have had positive experiences at Cangello Plastic Surgery. One patient, C.M., said, “I just recently had an autologous fat transfer procedure done by dr. cangello, & I am extremely pleased with my result. Dr. cangello is both an excellent artist & medical doctor, & he & his staff are so pleasant! Highly recommend going to him for any cosmetic procedures!”
2. Dr. Kolker's Practice
Doctor Introduction
Dr. Adam Kolker is a respected plastic surgeon in New York City. He has a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy and is proficient in various plastic surgery procedures, including facial fat transfer. During the initial consultation, Dr. Kolker will thoroughly discuss the patient's desires and expectations for the autologous fat transfer procedure to the tear troughs. He will conduct a detailed examination of the patient's skin and soft tissue relationships, paying attention to skin tone, texture, elasticity, and the underlying bone or cartilage support.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Kolker will carefully plan the autologous fat transfer technique for each patient. He harvests fat cells from the patient's abdomen, thighs, or buttocks using a very small cannula. The fat is then prepared as fat grafts and transferred to the tear trough area using a small needle. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or in combination with other cosmetic surgery procedures under light sedation or general anesthesia when necessary.
Patient Experiences
Patients have praised Dr. Kolker for his precision and gentle touch. 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’.”
3. Dr. Gerald Imber's Clinic
Doctor Introduction
Dr. Gerald Imber is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon who has performed over 25,000 surgical procedures. He has dedicated his career to helping patients look as good as they feel and always strives for the most natural results. Dr. Imber firmly believes that fat transfer is the best of all available fillers for facial volume restoration, including the treatment of tear troughs.
Treatment Approach
For autologous fat transfer to the tear troughs, Dr. Imber first harvests the required fat from areas like the abdomen, hips, inner thighs, or buttocks through liposuction or syringe aspiration. The fat cells are then processed in a centrifuge to separate them from other components. The purified fat is prepared for injection into the tear trough area. Dr. Imber pays close attention to the amount of fat injected to ensure a natural - looking result.
Patient Experiences
Patients appreciate Dr. Imber's expertise and his commitment to providing personalized care. Many have reported achieving satisfactory results in the treatment of their tear troughs at his clinic.
Comparison of the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Doctor's Reputation | Treatment Approach | Patient Experience Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cangello Plastic Surgery | Trained by the pioneer of fat grafting techniques, highly experienced in fat transfer procedures | Personalized treatment plan, uses advanced cannula techniques for fat injection | Patients praise the doctor's artistic skills and pleasant staff |
| Dr. Kolker's Practice | Well - respected for his knowledge of facial anatomy and precision in plastic surgery | Thorough consultation and planning, uses small - needle fat transfer | Patients highlight the doctor's precision and gentle touch |
| Dr. Gerald Imber's Clinic | Internationally renowned with extensive surgical experience | Processes fat cells carefully, pays attention to fat injection amount for natural results | Patients value the doctor's expertise and personalized care |
Preparing for Autologous Fat Removal of Tear Troughs
Medical Consultation
Before the procedure, it is essential to have a thorough medical consultation with the doctor. The doctor will review your medical history, including any underlying medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking. They will also assess your suitability for the autologous fat transfer procedure and discuss your expectations and goals.
Lifestyle Adjustments
In the days leading up to the procedure, you should make some lifestyle adjustments. Avoid taking blood - thinning medications or supplements such as NSAIDs (non - steroidal anti - inflammatory medications, anything containing ibuprofen, aspirin, or fish oil) as this can increase the risk of bruising. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can also increase the risk of bruising. If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking at least two - to - four weeks before surgery to ensure better healing and the survival of the transferred fat cells.
The Procedure of Autologous Fat Removal of Tear Troughs
Fat Harvesting
The first step of the autologous fat transfer procedure is to harvest fat from the donor area. This is usually done using a small cannula through a minor liposuction procedure. Common donor areas include the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. The fat is carefully removed to minimize damage to the fat cells.
Fat Processing
After the fat is harvested, it is processed in a centrifuge to separate the fat cells from other components such as blood and tissue debris. This helps to purify the fat and ensure that only healthy fat cells are used for injection.
Fat Injection
The processed fat is then injected into the tear trough area using a small cannula or needle. The doctor will carefully place the fat to achieve a smooth and natural - looking result. The amount of fat injected depends on the severity of the tear troughs and the patient's desired outcome.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediate Post - Procedure
After the autologous fat transfer to the tear troughs, it is normal to experience some mild swelling, bruising, and redness around the injection site. These symptoms usually subside within a few days to a week. You may be prescribed pain medication to alleviate any discomfort. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions, such as wearing a compression garment on the donor area and keeping pressure off the grafted area.
Long - Term Recovery
Most of the swelling should dissipate within a month after surgery, but it may take about six months to one year for all swelling to completely resolve. The transferred fat needs time to integrate with the surrounding tissue. During this period, you should maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to support the survival of the fat cells. It is also important to avoid any strenuous activities or pressure on the treated area for a certain period.
Potential Risks and Complications
Although autologous fat transfer for tear troughs is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications. These may include:
- Swelling and Bruising: As mentioned above, swelling and bruising are common immediate post - procedure symptoms. However, in some cases, they may be more severe or last longer than expected.
- Fat Absorption: Some of the transferred fat may be absorbed by the body over time. This can result in a less - than - expected volume restoration. In some cases, additional fat transfer procedures may be required to achieve the desired result.
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the injection site or the donor area. If you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, increased pain, or redness, you should contact your doctor immediately.
- Irregularities: In rare cases, the transferred fat may result in irregularities or lumps in the tear trough area. This can usually be corrected through additional treatment.
Conclusion
In 2025, the top three hospitals for autologous fat removal of tear troughs in New York City - Cangello Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kolker's Practice, and Dr. Gerald Imber's Clinic - offer high - quality services provided by experienced and reputable plastic surgeons. Each hospital has its own unique treatment approach and patient - friendly features. If you are considering autologous fat transfer for tear troughs, it is important to choose a qualified doctor and hospital, and to have a thorough understanding of the procedure, recovery, and potential risks. By making an informed decision, you can achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
If you want to learn more about autologous fat removal of tear troughs or schedule a consultation with one of these top hospitals, don't hesitate to take action. You can contact the hospitals directly through their official channels to get more information and start your journey towards a better appearance.
