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Fat Transfer / Fat Grafting New York City with Dr. Cangello
From the face to the body, ideally shaped contours rely on an even distribution of subcutaneous fat. However, over time natural fat may atrophy or migrate, resulting in a loss of volume and shape in a given area. Similarly, there are those who feel that some regions of the body never had the right amount of fullness to begin with. Perhaps their backside is a bit flat or maybe the breasts are too small for their personal preference.
Whatever the concern may be, fat transfer can adequately address all of these issues, creating appealing contours on both the face and body.
Fat transfer (also called fat grafting) is a plastic surgery procedure that involves removing fat from one area of the body for placement in the face, buttocks, or breasts. In addition to augmenting features and providing facial rejuvenation, fat transfer can also be used for body contouring and to correct deformities on the body left by a previous liposuction procedure.
Our Fat Transfer Expert: Mentored by Leaders in the Field
Gaining experience and learning from the best in the field is what has given Dr. David Cangello an edge in performing fat transfer procedures. During his career, Dr. Cangello was fortunate to have been 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, Dr. Cangello learned the techniques and acquired the skills necessary to deliver long-lasting and natural-looking fat transfer results. Dr. Cangello’s specialized training and extensive experience allow him to produce superior results for those seeking a fat transfer procedure in NYC.
If you’d like to explore the benefits of fat grafting, contact plastic surgeon Dr. David Cangello today at (212) 644-4416 to schedule a consultation for fat transfer in NYC.
See Real Patient Results
Our Before and After Photo Gallery highlights the real results of the many procedures performed by Dr. David Cangello.
View GalleryDiscover Whether You’re a Good Candidate for Fat Transfer
In general, fat grafting is ideal for anyone who wants to improve body symmetry, rejuvenate their face for a youthful appearance, or add shape to areas of the body that lack volume. You may want to consider fat grafting in NYC if you exhibit any of the following:
- Volume loss in the face as a result of aging
- A desire to augment areas of the face such as the lips, cheeks, and chin
- Dissatisfaction with the size and shape of breasts or buttocks
- An unsatisfactory outcome from liposuction surgery, resulting in uneven contours
Ideal candidates should be in good health and at a relatively stable weight, but with enough fat in donor areas to produce desired results. They should also be willing to follow pre-operative and post-operative instructions. Patients should have realistic expectations about their outcome from a fat transfer and understand that the procedure may need to be repeated to achieve full (or close to full) volume correction.
Depending on your desired treatment area and cosmetic goals, fat transfer can be approached in several different ways. At your consultation for fat grafting, Dr. Cangello evaluates your candidacy and determines which fat transfer technique will best suit your particular case.
Fat Transfer: What to Expect
Completely Customized Results
Most people seeking fat grafting want natural results rather than looking altered or artificially enhanced. Patients who put their trust in the hands of Dr. Cangello can rest assured that their fat transfer results will be completely customized to their natural anatomy and cosmetic preferences.
With fat transfer, even the smallest adjustment can produce significant results, which is why Dr. Cangello works with you to identify what kind of look you’d like to achieve. Beautiful, natural enhancements are what Dr. Cangello is known for, and he is dedicated to carrying out your aesthetic vision.
State-of-the-Art Operating Facility
Dr. Cangello is committed to optimal comfort and safety for his patients, which is why he maintains a fully accredited surgical facility onsite in his NYC office. Cangello Plastic Surgery only works with board-certified anesthesiologists to maximize your safety during fat transfer surgery. For patients considering fat grafting are more than welcome to take a tour of our surgical facility during their consultation.
For patients who feel more comfortable having their fat grafting procedure performed in a hospital setting, Dr. Cangello also has operating privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital in NYC. Wherever your fat transfer surgery is performed, Dr. Cangello does everything to make sure you have a positive experience.
Patient Experiences
“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!”
—C.M.
How Fat Transfer Works
The goal of fat grafting is to add volume to areas of the face and body that appear flat or drooping. It is also used to correct irregularities (like surface depressions) that may have developed after a poor outcome from liposuction. It can be used on any part of the body where patients want additional curves.
Once the treatment plan is mapped out, and a donor site (or sites) is identified, the fat is carefully harvested and processed. It is then reinjected into areas of the body that the patient would like to be fuller or more substantial (such as the lips, breasts or buttocks). It can also be injected into areas that have lost volume due to weight fluctuations, the aging process, and a myriad of other factors that can affect the amount of subcutaneous fat in the body.
Contact plastic surgeon Dr. David Cangello at (212) 644-4416 to schedule a consultation for fat transfer in NYC.
Fat Grafting – Discover Which Area Is Right for You
Fat grafting can enhance the appearance of the face and body in a variety of ways. Explore your options below to discover which fat transfer procedure may be right for you.
Facial Rejuvenation
Fat transfer is frequently used to restore facial volume.1 Areas that commonly benefit from fat grafting include the periocular region (upper and lower eyelids and eyebrow, tear troughs and hollows around the eyes called orbital/malar hollows), the midface and cheek, the nasolabial folds, the jawline, the temples, and the lips. By restoring volume to these areas, Dr. Cangello helps patients enjoy a beautiful new appearance. Fat transfer is sometimes combined with other surgical procedures for optimal rejuvenation, including facelifts, neck lifts, and eyelid surgery.
Correction of Liposuction Deformities
Unsatisfactory results from liposuction can manifest as surface depressions, rippling, or contour deformities in areas such as the abdomen and thighs. These irregularities in contour can often be corrected entirely or vastly improved with fat grafting. Fat is injected to areas that have been over-suctioned to replenish some of the fat that shouldn’t have been removed. The result is a smooth, natural-looking contour that ideally complements the body.
David L. Cangello, MD, FACS Plastic Surgery New York
Dr. David Cangello is one of the top board-certified plastic surgeons in all of New York City. His approach to treating plastic surgery with an artistic eye has successfully shaped his practice. Dr. Cangello cares about the result of the surgery as much as the patient does. Read more to learn why you should choose Dr. Cangello for your next procedure.
Schedule a ConsultationBreast Augmentation Without Implants
Breast augmentation with implants is an excellent way to enhance the volume and size of breasts, but not all women want artificial breasts. For such patients, breast augmentation via fat grafting is an alternative that can produce exceptional results without the need for implants. Fat grafting to the breasts provides a modest size increase and uses the patient’s tissue to augment the breasts, as opposed to an artificial surgical device like breast implants.2
Brazilian Butt Lift
Whether due to genetics or age, many people feel that their buttocks lack volume and shape. For those who desire fuller contours, a Brazilian butt lift can provide a smooth, rounded appearance without the use of implants. Through fat grafting, Dr. Cangello strategically restores volume to your buttocks in a way that complements your natural body shape.
Ideal Contours Start Here: Your Consultation for Fat Grafting
Your journey toward considering fat grafting in NYC starts with a consultation with Dr. Cangello. This friendly, informative meeting will allow you to discuss your reasons for seeking fat grafting fully, and Dr. Cangello would be happy to address any of your questions or concerns regarding the procedure.
During the physical exam part of the consultation, Dr. Cangello will determine the best locations for fat harvesting. He will examine the abdomen, flanks, lower back, and thighs and decide which place has the most suitable fat for transfer. He will then assess the areas targeted for removal and determine the amount of fat needed to accomplish the desired results.
After examining you and considering your cosmetic goals, Dr. Cangello will decide which type of fat grafting technique would be best for you. His goal as your plastic surgeon is to provide you with wholly personalized and natural-looking results from your fat grafting procedure. Moreover, during every step of the process, you can expect to be treated with the highest standard of care, discretion, and professionalism.
Fat Grafting, NYC – FAQs
During your consultation, Dr. Cangello will create a pre-operative plan for you to follow. The method he establishes will be designed to cater to your specific needs for optimal results. It may include changing various aspects of your lifestyle, including dietary changes and other habits that can impact your health. Smoking must be stopped two-to-four weeks before surgery, and no nicotine in any form can be taken during this timeframe. The instructions may also include stopping certain medications and supplements.
In addition to following your pre-operative guidelines, you should also consider having a family member, friend, or caregiver stay with you for a few days after your fat transfer procedure. With the extra help at home, you’ll be allowed to relax and focus on recovering. Likewise, taking care of your body during your recovery period will help the transferred fat cells survive, which in turn helps with your overall results.
Following your fat transfer in NYC, you will need to wear a compression garment on the areas that fat was harvested from, and you will be asked to keep pressure off from any grafted areas. You may experience some degree of pain during the first few days after the procedure, but Dr. Cangello will prescribe appropriate pain medication to alleviate any discomfort.
There can be bruising and swelling in the areas where fat was grafted, and this may last for a week or more. By one month after surgery, the vast majority of inflammation should dissipate, although it takes about six months to one year for all swelling to completely resolve. Bruising is usually gone in about 10-14 days, but in most cases, it can be covered by makeup until it subsides. The donor sites may also display some bruising and be slightly swollen. Resolution occurs in a similar time frame as the grafted sites.
The incisions made during your fat transfer in NYC will be reasonably small, and Dr. Cangello will take great care to either minimize the size of incisions or hide them in existing creases, when possible. Most fat transfer patients find that their scars are hardly detectable once fully healed. If you are prone to poor scarring, Dr. Cangello also offers laser treatments to reduce the appearance of scars.
Fat transfer can be performed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on the targeted areas, the amount of own fat being transferred, and whether the procedure is combined with other treatments.
- Local Anesthesia: Used for smaller fat injection procedures, such as facial fat grafting, where only a small amount of fat is harvested and reinjected. This allows for a quicker recovery and less downtime. However, in some facial fat grafting cases—especially when transferring larger volumes or treating multiple areas—Dr. Cangello may recommend general anesthesia to improve patient comfort and avoid the need for excessive local anesthesia, which can temporarily distort the tissue and affect precision. Small-volume areas like the temples may still be treated under local anesthesia. Certain minor body areas, such as small dimples or liposuction irregularities, may also be addressed with local anesthesia.
- General Anesthesia: Typically required for larger volume transfers, such as breast or buttock fat grafting, or when fat transfer is performed alongside procedures like a facelift, tummy tuck, or mommy makeover to achieve broader aesthetic goals. Your surgeon will recommend the best anesthesia option based on your treatment plan and comfort level.
Facial fat transfer and dermal fillers are both used to restore lost volume and enhance facial contours, but they differ in material, longevity, and application.
- Facial Fat Transfer
Also known as fat injection or fat grafting, this procedure involves harvesting fat from your own body, typically from areas like the abdomen or thighs. The fat is then purified and strategically injected into targeted areas of the face to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and achieve long-lasting rejuvenation. Since the material comes from your own body, the results can be natural-looking and may last for years, making it an excellent option for those seeking a more permanent solution aligned with their aesthetic goals.
- Dermal Fillers
Unlike fat transfer, dermal fillers use biocompatible substances—such as hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite—that are injected directly into targeted areas to restore volume, smooth lines, and enhance facial contours. Fillers provide immediate results and are ideal for individuals looking for a non-surgical option with minimal downtime. However, they are temporary, typically lasting between 6 months to 2 years, depending on the formulation and placement. When choosing between these options, factors such as longevity, recovery time, and individual aesthetic goals play a key role. Fat transfer may be preferable for those who want a natural, long-term solution using their own fat, while fillers offer a quick and adjustable alternative.
Yes, fat grafting can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance overall facial and body rejuvenation. Since fat grafting restores lost volume using your own fat, it pairs well with treatments that address skin laxity, wrinkles, and body contouring for more comprehensive results.
Common Procedures Combined with Fat Grafting:
- Facelift & Necklift: Tighten sagging tissues while replenishing lost volume for a smoother, more youthful appearance.3
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): Refresh the eye area by removing excess skin and fat while restoring volume to hollowed areas.
- Botox®: Smooth dynamic wrinkles such as crow’s feet and forehead lines to complement the effects of fat injection.
- Mommy Makeover: Combine fat grafting with a tummy tuck and other body contouring procedures to restore a pre-pregnancy figure.
- Rhinoplasty: Reshape the nose while using fat transfer to refine facial contours for a balanced, harmonious look.
By customizing your procedure plan, you can achieve more dramatic and natural-looking enhancements tailored to your aesthetic goals.
If you’re seeking a fat grafting procedure, it’s important to choose a skilled plastic surgeon with experience in advanced fat transfer techniques. Dr. Cangello is proud to provide fat grafting procedures to patients in New York City (NYC) and surrounding areas, offering natural-looking volume restoration using your own fat. To learn more about how fat injection can enhance your appearance and align with your aesthetic goals, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cangello today.
If you’d like to explore the benefits of fat grafting, contact plastic surgeon Dr. David Cangello today at (212) 644-4416 to schedule a consultation for fat transfer in NYC.
1 Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Facial Rejuvenation With Fat Grafting and Fillers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34002771/. Accessed March 7, 2025.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/fat-transfer-breast-augmentation. Accessed March 7, 2025.
3 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. Abstract: Fat Grafting to Improve Results of Facelift: A Systematic Review of Safety and Efficacy of Current Treatment Paradigms. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6212255/. Accessed March 7, 2025.