Selected among America’s Top Plastic Surgeons
by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.
Experience the Benefits of Refined Facial Contours
Buccal fat pad removal, revered for enhancing facial elegance, offers a transformative solution to those yearning for a contoured, youthful look. By eliminating cheek fullness, this procedure paves the way for a sculpted, angular appearance, setting a new benchmark in beauty and youth.
Enhanced Facial Contours
Move past the fullness and welcome striking cheekbones and chiseled lines, revealing a naturally sculpted look.
Youthful Appearance
Shed those youthful chubby cheeks and step into an age-defying, matured grace that radiates confidence.
Minimal Downtime
Quick recovery time means you’re back to your daily rhythm without lengthy interruptions, looking and feeling your best.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Candidates
Candidates for buccal fat pad removal are generally healthy individuals with prominent facial fat below the cheekbones that they would like to reduce. The ideal candidate should have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure and understand that although it may help reduce fullness in certain areas, it will not completely change one’s face structure or alter other facial features.
Individuals who have already had some form of plastic surgery performed on their face should also consider talking to their plastic surgeon before undergoing buccal fat pad removal. This is because these procedures can often interact with each other, potentially leading to an undesired outcome.
The buccal fat pad removal procedure is relatively low risk and can provide patients with an improved contoured look while still maintaining natural-looking facial features. As such, it is an increasingly popular choice among those looking for a way to enhance their youthful appearance without having to go through major surgery or downtime.
An Initial Buccal Fat Pad Removal Consultation
An initial buccal fat removal consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the first step in achieving an improved facial contour and angular appearance. During this important meeting, the patient will have the opportunity to discuss their aesthetic goals, review their medical history, and view before and after photos of similar procedures. Additionally, the doctor may perform a physical examination of the patient’s face to assess how much fat resides in the cheek area and determine if they are a good candidate for buccal fat removal surgery.
During the consultation, the surgeon will explain how buccal fat removal works by removing excess fat from beneath the cheeks through an intraoral incision. The procedure can be performed on both sides of the face to create an improved symmetrical balance. Once fat cells have been removed, they cannot grow back or increase in volume; therefore, buccal fat removal is considered a permanent procedure that can provide long-lasting results.
When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, cheek reduction surgery can result in a more youthful facial appearance due to decreased volume in certain areas and less tension on surrounding muscles such as the buccinator muscle. In some cases, patients may also opt for additional procedures such as facial liposuction or fat grafting to help refine their profile even further and enhance overall symmetry in their facial features. Before proceeding with any surgical plan, patients need to understand all aspects of buccal fat removal surgery so they can make an informed decision about their treatment options.
Undergo Buccal Fat Removal with the expertise of Dr. Steinbrech.
Dr. Steinbrech is a talented surgeon trained and experienced in facial plastic surgery. A buccal fat pad removal surgery is a simple outpatient procedure that quickly and permanently resolves middle and lower cheek fullness.
First, the mouth is cleaned and rinsed. Next, local anesthesia is administered via injection to the cheek area. The tiny needle causes little to no discomfort. After the patient is relaxed and comfortable, the following steps are performed:
- A small 1-2-cm incision is made inside the mouth, behind the upper molars
- Scissors and a surgical pick up are used to pull a part or all of the fat pad out of the cheeks
- The fat pad’s blood vessel is cauterized
Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions. The procedure is repeated on the other side of the mouth for the removal of the other fat pad. The total procedure time is only about 30 minutes. The patient can return home shortly after the procedure. A family member or friend should be responsible for driving the patient home.
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- Joe Rivera
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Recovery
The recovery from this procedure is very short. Patients may notice a little swelling after the procedure. Mild discomfort may occur. Ice may be applied to the face and over-the-counter pain medications may be taken to reduce these side effects.
Patients can typically return to work and normal activities within 2-3 days after their procedure. There may be some activity restrictions following buccal fat removal in New York. The doctor will give you individual care instructions based on your procedure or a combination of procedures.
SPECIALIST CARE YOU CAN TRUST
Dr. Steinbrech is supported by a brilliant team of caring staff members. You can trust the entire staff to help make your visit as comfortable and safe as possible! Learn more about Dr. Steinbrech and our Staff.
Facial Plastic Surgery Results
During the consultation, the doctor will help the patient set realistic expectations for their results. However, most patients are thrilled with how they look after the removal. NYC facial plastic surgeon Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is known for helping his patients achieve incredible results, whether they are getting buccal fat removal, facial lifts (like a brow lift or eyelid lift), or body procedures.
The results can be seen quickly—sometimes immediately after surgery. Results improve as post-operative swelling goes down. Final results are seen after the swelling completely subsides. Final results may include the following, though individual results will vary slightly:
- An oval, triangular face with improved definition
- Improved midface contour
- Enhanced cheekbones
Patients typically look and feel younger and more attractive after the removal, even though fat pads can create a round “baby face” aesthetic. Men and women often look and feel more sophisticated after fat removal. New York is a sophisticated, cosmopolitan place, and most of Dr. Steinbrech’s patients are proud to show off the results they can achieve with plastic surgery.
The results are more than skin-deep and patients often feel like their facial rejuvenation with facial plastic surgery has changed their lives. Self-esteem and self-confidence can reach new heights after buccal fat removal.
WHY CHOOSE DR. STEINBRECH
- Dr. Douglas Steinbrech has been ranked in the top 10 plastic surgeons in NYC.
- Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons under the American Board of Medical Specialties.
- Dr. Steinbrech underwent eight years of surgical training at New York University in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive surgery.
- He has been awarded grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Frequently Asked Questions
The procedure is not painful. After the surgery, there may be some discomfort associated with the incisions made and any swelling. However, due to the delicate facial muscles in this area, the procedure is usually done under general anesthesia or heavy sedation so as to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for the patient. The incisions are very small and typically do not cause any issue during or after the buccal fat surgery.
There are risks associated with all surgical procedures. The risks associated with buccal fat pad removal are some of the lowest in cosmetic surgery. This is because only tiny incisions are made and no implants are needed. Dr. Steinbrech will tell you all of the risks associated with your procedure and explain the measures he takes to reduce them. The overwhelming majority of patients find potential results far outweigh minimal risks.
Recovery time is short because no muscles, tendons, or ligaments are cut and the tiny incisions in the mouth heal quickly. If swelling or pain is present, they can be easily controlled using ice and over-the-counter pain medications.
Dr. Steinbrech can combine your pad removal with other cosmetic procedures. The most common of these are Botox and dermal filler injections. Dr. Steinbrech will explain all of your options during your initial consultation and make recommendations based on your goals.
You can maximize your results by using sunscreen and a good facial moisturizer, regularly exercising, and eating healthfully. You should also follow all of Dr. Steinbrech’s post-procedure instructions.
Thanks to the small incisions made, any scarring is typically minimal and hardly noticeable after complete healing. Dr. Douglas Steinbrech makes sure all of his patients are at a healthy weight before beginning the surgery to ensure a successful and complication-free healing process, which further reduces the chances of any visible scarring. Any scarring that may occur is usually imperceptible due to its size and location. It is important to remember that individual results may vary depending on the patient’s skin type and overall health.
Your results will look natural. People will notice you look much better, but they will not be able to tell why.
Dr. Steinbrech will give you specific instructions and helpful tips for eating and drinking after your procedure. The risk of infection increases if you drink alcohol before your incisions heal.
Smoking increases the risk of surgical infection. The chances of smoking causing an infection after a buccal fat pad removal increase because incisions are made in the mouth. To ensure you get the best results and stay healthy, you should stop smoking before and after your procedure.
Your initial consultation will be focused on creating a customized treatment plan to help you reach your aesthetic goals. Dr. Steinbrech will recommend a buccal fat pad removal if it is the right procedure for you. If different procedures can provide you with better results, Dr. Steinbrech will explain all of your options.
A buccal fat pad removal is the perfect procedure for chubby cheeks. Chubby cheeks can be a cause of insecurity and low self-esteem. The issue often makes patients feel as though they have a “baby face”. Some patients have even been bullied because of chubby cheeks. After a quick procedure and easy recovery, patients look and feel better than ever.
You can exercise after the post-procedure swelling goes down. You should modify or stop exercise if it causes swelling.
You may be able to return to work the day after your procedure. Dr. Steinbrech will let you know during your initial consultation exactly what your activity restrictions will be.
Dr. Steinbrech is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. He has been ranked as one of the top ten plastic surgeons in New York and has been selected as one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons by the Consumer’s Research Council of America.
You should bring a list of medications and herbal supplements you are currently taking to your initial consultation. If you would like to bring pictures for Dr. Steinbrech to review, you may do so.
If you live in the states of New York or California, Douglas S. Steinbrech, MD offers buccal fat removal among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
How Do I Schedule My Initial Consultation?
When you are ready for your initial buccal fat pad removal consultation, you may contact Dr. Steinbrech’s office in New York, NY at (646) 949-0580.
