The buccal fat pads are located between the cheek and jawbones. Large buccal fat pads can make the face look round and puffy, compromising the contours of the face and negatively affecting facial aesthetics. A buccal fat pad removal slims the face by removing part or all of the pads to produce an angled and defined midface contour. Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, one of New York’s top board-certified plastic surgeons, specializes in this procedure.
For many people, chubby cheeks are a source of embarrassment. Cheek fat that causes fullness in the cheek area can be genetic, meaning that it’s just about impossible to achieve the look of slim, defined cheekbones without fat pad removal surgery. Chubby cheeks and overly-prominent fat pads can create a “baby face” look and obscure the cheekbones.
To display the cheekbones and resolve unwanted cheek fat, patients have a few advanced and effective plastic surgery options. For some patients, liposuction can solve the problem of chubby buccal fat in the lower cheeks, while others need the buccal fat removal procedure.
Facial beauty may be subjective since everyone’s ideal aesthetic is a little bit different, but people with large fat pads in the cheek area often complain of having a “baby face.” Buccal fat removal can solve this problem quickly, with very little downtime. The results are permanent and the surgery is minimally invasive. Most patients are back to work very quickly.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Candidates
Men and women who have puffy cheeks and/or a round face may be candidates for a this surgery. Healthy patients who exercise regularly and do not smoke receive the best results. Candidacy is determined during an initial buccal fat pad removal consultation with Dr. Steinbrech.
If the doctor feels that you are a better candidate for a different facial plastic surgery, he will provide a recommendation based on your aesthetic goals. For instance, if you are experiencing the symptoms of facial aging, Dr. Steinbrech might recommend fat grafting, a cheek lift or facelift, or another facial rejuvenation procedure instead of buccal fat removal.
An Initial Buccal Fat Pad Removal Consultation
As the first step in the plastic surgery process, the patient meets with the doctor during a one-on-one consultation to discuss their aesthetic goals, individual health, and the procedures that might be the most appropriate. These procedures may include fat removal with liposuction, a fat grafting makeover, a simple buccal fat extraction, cosmetic injections, a cheek lift, or a combination of different aesthetic plastic procedures. Throughout the consultation, the doctor answers any questions the patient may have.
One of Dr. Steinbrech’s staff members will welcome you to the office and escort you to your private room. Dr. Steinbrech will introduce himself and invite you to share your concerns, aesthetic desires, and goals. He will obtain a complete medical history review that includes previous cosmetic surgeries. He will perform a thorough physical examination of your face and the fullness of your cheeks. Pictures will be taken for comparative purposes.
A question and answer session will also be held, allowing you to ask questions and state concerns. Dr. Steinbrech will appropriately answer/address all of them. He will then create a customized plan to help you reach your aesthetic goals. Your procedure will be scheduled for a convenient date and time should you choose to move forward.
It’s important to be honest about your concerns and surgery goals during the consultation. To achieve beautiful individual results and aesthetics in your cheeks, the doctor needs to have as much information as possible.
A Buccal Fat Pad Removal With 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.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Recovery
The recovery for 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 combination of procedures.
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 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, despite the fact that 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 are able to 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.
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- Joe Rivera, ,
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Frequently Asked Questions
Your desired look determines how much of your fat pad Dr. Steinbrech will remove. Patients who want moderate changes have more of their fat pad removed than patients who only want minor contouring. Dr. Steinbrech designs an individual fat pad reduction treatment plan for each patient who is concerned about cheek fat.
Local anesthesia is used to prevent pain. The overwhelming majority of patients find the procedure is not at all painful.
There are risks associated with all surgical procedures. The risks associated with a 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 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.
The incisions to remove your fat pads will be located in the back of your mouth. There will be no noticeable scarring after your procedure.
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.
