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Fat is an aspect of the body we usually want to remove to obtain a slim contour. Fat can add more structure and volume where needed, especially when age and weight loss have caused skin issues. Think about how you probably enjoy having more fat on your buttocks, but you don’t want it on your tummy, waist, hips, or other similar areas. There’s a right place for fat; usually, it’s for areas that show your youth.

When injected in the right areas, fat transfers can be a natural version of fillers that preserve your beauty and keep the risks at a minimum. Their potential for long-lasting results makes them a preferred option for many who want to obtain long-lasting results. Dr. Ariel Ostad can help you address the areas prone to volume loss to rejuvenate your contour.

What Is Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer is a natural, non-allergenic injectable treatment available at our New York practice. The procedure, also known as autologous fat transplantation, involves relocating fat from one area of your body to another. This technique may be utilized in facial contouring, adding fullness to the cheek area. It provides natural-looking, long-lasting results without the use of synthetic fillers.

Also called autologous fat transplantation or fat grafting, the procedure is a natural way to restore facial volume. This procedure is best for patients who have lost a lot of volume and need a fair amount of filling. It is a safe, non-allergenic way to recontour the face and add definition for a long-lasting result. The fat is suctioned (using the tumescent liposuction technique) and harvested from the thighs or abdomen.

Results can last many years and are a cost-effective way to treat major volume loss. This procedure takes place in our on-site surgical suite and is performed under local anesthetic.

How Fat Transfer Works

Fat transfer works by using a gentle procedure such as liposuction to remove fat from one area and transfer it to a different area. The harvested fat is typically taken from places where you have too much to spare (e.g., abdomen or thighs), and it is then injected into areas where you experienced volume loss. 

Before being injected into the target site, the harvested fat will go through a purification process first. This ensures that only the healthy, viable fat cells are injected. The harvested tissue is passed through a centrifuge to isolate the fat from other unwanted fluids, after which it is filtered to remove impurities. 

Once injected in tiny droplets underneath the skin, the transferred fat will integrate with the surrounding tissue, offering more volume in the treatment area. The body will absorb some of the fat cells over time, but around 60-75% of them will establish their own blood supply and stick around permanently. For this reason, you may only need a touch-up once every few years.

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Common Treatment Areas

Fat transfers are a versatile treatment that may be used on different body parts, depending on where you want the results to show. Many patients use it as an alternative to implants, enhancing the size of the buttocks and breasts without surgery. That said, fat transfers may also be used to add volume to the gaps caused by wrinkles or create more structure for your sunken cheeks. Fat transfer may be used in many areas of the body, including:

  • Marionette lines
  • Laugh lines
  • Hand rejuvenation
  • Under eye treatment, such as dark circles
  • Cheek enhancement
  • Many other areas

You may get more than one injection, depending on the results you want to obtain. These may be offered during one or multiple treatment sessions, spanning every one to two weeks.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Customized Consultations

If you want to add more volume to your cheeks, breasts, or buttocks, fat transfers can be an effective volumizing solution. All treatments are customized based on your specific needs, which will be established during a consultation with Dr. Ariel Ostad. You can add natural volume in the target areas without requiring invasive surgery while reducing the chances of an allergy. 

Treatment Process

This technique uses excess body fat in areas such as the outer thighs. The procedure is performed in the following steps:

Consultation: Dr. Ostad and his team will review your medical history to look for potential health conditions and previous procedures. Your aesthetic goals will be discussed at this stage.

Fat Removal: A small needle or a procedure, such as liposuction, is used to remove the necessary amount of fat.

Fat Filtering: Next, the fat is filtered and purified in preparation for placement. A centrifuge is often used for this process.

Fat Injection: In the final step, the processed and prepared fat cells are injected at the treatment site.

Aftercare: Dr. Ostad may ice the area, if preferred, to keep the swelling down. You will be given instructions to keep the recovery as smooth as possible.

Liposuction often renders more fat than is needed for the current procedure. In this case, processed fat cells can be cryopreserved (frozen) for use in future treatments.

Benefits of Fat Transfer

Long-Lasting Results

Unlike traditional fillers, fat is not seen by the body as a foreign substance. Therefore, it will not try as hard to remove it. For this reason, the effects can last up to three years or more, with the potential to be permanent if you don’t lose significant weight. 

Economical Alternative

Traditional fillers tend to be quite expensive as you are injecting or adding synthetic materials, which can be costly. The fat you are transferring is your own, so you’ll have nothing else to pay for other than the filtering process. That makes it the most cost-effective option for face and body contouring, especially since you won’t have to perform them as frequently.

No Risk of Allergies

The fat used in fat transfer is drawn from your body, meaning there is no risk of rejection or an allergic reaction. If you tend to have allergic reactions to foreign substances, this treatment may be more suitable for your needs.

Minimally Invasive

A fat transfer only uses needles to perform the procedure. This makes it less invasive compared to implants, which require a surgical approach. The risk of complications and downtime is also reduced this way. 

Dual Benefits

Fat transfers don’t just add fat in areas where you lack volume; they remove fat from places where you have too much of it. By harvesting the fat from stubborn fat pockets, you get the added benefit of body contouring, as liposuction removes fat from areas like the thighs or abdomen.

Before & After

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This patient wanted to fill the hollow areas in her face, but in a more natural way. Read More

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This patient had a fat transfer extracted from his abdomen to face to add fullness in his cheek area and was satisfied with his results.

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This patient was concerned about the excess fat and skin laxity that appears on her thighs. Additionally, over the past few years, Read More

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Reviews

Fat Transfer for Medical Conditions

Beyond Cosmetic Uses

Fat transfers are mainly used for cosmetic purposes, enhancing features, and adding volume where it has been lost due to aging. That said, the procedure may also be employed for therapeutic purposes. For instance, fat transfers can be used for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, offering a more natural look and feel compared to implants. Fat transfer can also be used to treat scleroderma, a skin condition that causes skin hardening, by improving skin flexibility. 

Success Stories

“Dr Ariel Ostad and his staff are truly amazing. You have to experience this for yourself, I can not even put into words . The compassion and care that Dr Ostad and his staff display makes each visit a memorable experience. I don’t feel like a patient when I’m here, I truly feel like family. You can also tell from front desk staff, to the Physicians Assistant, to the nurses, each staff member is truly quality. The office and atmosphere is also impeccable.very professional. Thank you Dr Ostad.” – Vincent D.

“HIGHLY RECOMMEND. From the front desk to the doctor, patients are well taken care of. I had a great first experience getting under eye filler! Dr. Ostad is so talented, he completely eased my anxiety. He was honest and walked me through what to expect. I am so happy with my results, zero bruising or swelling and I instantly look less tired and more youthful. I will definitely return to repeat the process.” – Angelica S.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Areas of the Body Can Be Treated with Fat Transfers?

The technique may be used in facial contouring, adding fullness in areas like the cheeks, marionette lines, laugh lines, under eyes, and hand rejuvenation. When combining the treatment with liposuction, fat transfer can also contour the butt and breasts for a natural look.

How Long Do These Results Last? When Will I Start to See Improvement?

Results can last up to three years. Results take place immediately.

How Is the Procedure Done? Where Is It Performed?

First, Dr. Ostad inserts a needle or a microcannula to remove your unwanted fat. Next, we filter and purify the fat to prepare for placement. Finally, the prepared fat cells are injected into the treatment site. This procedure takes place in our on-site AAAASF surgical facility, performed under local anesthetic.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer?

The number of fat transfer treatments will depend on how much volume you intend to add to the target area. You will usually need just one session for areas like the lips or cheeks. That said, if you want to inject larger areas, then multiple treatment sessions may be required.

Do I Need to Make Any Special Preparations for this Procedure?

For the most part, there are no specific things that you will have to do, but there are still a couple of things that you are recommended to do. You should avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin before the procedure to prevent excess bleeding. Smoking also slows the healing, so you should quit at least temporarily.

What Side Effects Can I Expect After a Fat Transfer?

Side effects can happen in both the donor and target area, although the donor site is likely to be more sensitive. You may experience temporary side effects such as bruising, swelling, and tenderness. To help with the healing, you might want to wear a compression garment if Dr. Ostad suggests it.

When Can I Go Back to My Usual Routine?

Your recovery time and ability to return to work depend on the fat transfer location and the procedure’s extent. While the fat injections are not that bothersome, the fat harvesting treatment (liposuction) can cause discomfort. Most patients may want to take the week off from work, although extensive fat transfers might require a longer resting time.

About. Dr. Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad is a triple board-certified dermatologist and plastic surgeon in New York, with a practice on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. With over two years of experience in his field, Dr. Ostad has perfected his technique to offer the best results while keeping the recovery minimal. A recognized leader in his domain, Dr. Ostad can provide personal treatment plans featuring fat transfers to anyone wishing to obtain a rejuvenated aesthetic. His experience and preference for minimally invasive procedures make Dr. Ostad a trusted choice for many of his patients.

Fat transfer treatments are available at Dr. Ostad’s office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. There, he can offer personalized treatment plans and top-quality care.

Have more questions?

If you have any more questions not addressed in this FAQ, feel free to contact us at our office. We aim to offer you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Expert Answers

What are the benefits of fat transfer compared to fillers or implants?

Fat transfer uses your body’s own fat, making it a more natural option that reduces the risk of allergic reactions. Unlike fillers, fat grafts can last for many years if they successfully integrate. It also avoids the risks associated with implants, such as rupture or capsular contracture.

Are the results permanent?

The fat that survives the transfer process is permanent. However, not all transferred fat survives; some is reabsorbed by the body within the first few months. We often overfill slightly to account for this loss. Results are long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight.

How many sessions are needed?

In many cases, one session is sufficient. However, some patients may require touch-ups to achieve their desired results, especially if there is significant fat absorption.

Combining Fat Transfer with Other Treatments

Complementary Treatments

Combining fat transfers with other aesthetic treatments can easily enhance the results and obtain a superior, rejuvenated look. Proper pairing allows you to treat multiple areas simultaneously, targeting numerous aging concerns and obtaining a balanced look in one session.

Patients who want precise contouring in the lips or a reduction of nasolabial folds can combine fat transfers with dermal fillers. Laser resurfacing treatments like Fraxel® CO2 may also be used for a greater anti-aging effect, improving skin quality. Patients may opt for combining fat transfer with PRFM, which adds an extra healing and rejuvenating effect.

Comprehensive Rejuvenation

At our practice, we believe that a holistic rejuvenation plan is essential to obtain a well-balanced aesthetic. For this reason, we will evaluate your facial features to determine which treatments can be combined for the best results. We use various therapies such as microneedling, laser, and fillers to address wrinkles, volume loss, and skin laxity. This helps offer the best results.

Latest Trends and Innovations

Advanced Techniques

Over time, the fat grafting procedure has evolved rapidly, with the newer techniques making it more versatile and precise than ever. For instance, nano and micro-fat grafting processes the fat until it reaches a finer consistency. This makes it effective for treating aging signs around the eyes or tear troughs, adding a touch of delicate youthfulness. 

The harvesting technique has also undergone numerous procedures, with liposuction procedures becoming much gentler. Laser and water-assisted liposuction techniques make fat removal easier while preserving more healthy cells. By enhancing the fat grafts with stem cells or PRP, Dr. Ostad may also prolong the longevity and efficiency of the fat transfer, supporting tissue regeneration.

Innovative Uses

Fat transfers were originally used to add volume in areas such as facial wrinkles and enhance the breasts and buttocks. Lately, however, fat transfers have been used to smooth out the skin in the chest and neck, which are among the first to age but can be a challenge to treat. Fat grafting can also be used to address subtle asymmetries of the face or body while helping fill out depressed scars.

Safety and Expertise

Why Choose Dr. Ariel Ostad

Dr. Ostad is one of the few practitioners in New York with a triple board certification. With his specialties in cosmetic dermatology, Mohs micrographic surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery, he has extensive knowledge of the human anatomy and the procedures that work best for every client. Dr. Ostad makes use of the latest equipment when it comes to fat transfers, and he is committed to using cutting-edge technology to bring fast results with less discomfort. 

Dr. Ariel Ostad also created his practice in NYC with the patient’s comfort in mind. All treatments are personalized based on your aesthetic concerns, with him and his team offering comprehensive rejuvenating plans for every patient type. With Dr. Ostad’s proven track record with fat grafting, Dr. Ostad became a mentor to many residents at the NYU Department of Dermatology, where he teaches how to perform flawless surgeries. 

List of Credentials: 

  • Top Fat Transfer Expert
  • Top-Rated Mohs Micrographic Surgery Provider
  • Received training at Harvard, UCLA, and NYU
  • Triple-Board-Certified Specialist in Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Facial Cosmetic Surgery
  • NYU Dermatologic Surgical Attending of the Year (Awarded 3 Times)
  • Top Doctor, as listed by Castle Connoly between 2012 and 2024
  • New York Super Doctor (2014-2024)
  • NYU Department of Dermatology Clinical Associate Professor

Commitment to Safety

Dr. Ariel Ostad prioritizes patient safety and care, ensuring that his practice meets all the standards for sanitation, cleanliness, and overall safety. Each procedure is performed with care and precision, from pre-procedure screening to post-procedure aftercare, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. Dr. Ostad places great importance on education and transparency, building trust while helping his patients make informed decisions.

Over time, Dr. Ostad has invested in various therapeutic devices, which he frequently updates as technology advances. There is also an on-site lab on the premises, which is mainly used for Mohs micrographic surgery, but Dr. Ostad also performs various processing and diagnostics tasks there. The practice has been fully licensed to work as a surgical facility, and the certification is provided by the AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities).

Awards and Certifications

Educational Resources

Latest Blog Posts

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Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service, including BOTOX in NYC, from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.

BOTOX in NYC Doctor - Dr. Ariel Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.

Medical-grade skincare products that will help maintain and enhance your results

These skincare products combined with your treatment plan customized by Dr. Ostad will help enhance your results and improve your overall skin texture. Click on a product below to learn more.

Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.

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