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.
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
The buccal fat removal procedure is an aesthetic surgery used to reduce the appearance of chipmunk cheeks. A small incision is made inside the mouth, and surgical techniques are employed to remove excess buccal fat from the face. The procedure can help sculpt a more contoured, angular look by eliminating fullness in the cheeks.
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.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Cost
The cost of buccal fat pad removal in New York can vary greatly depending on the plastic surgeon performing the procedure and the complexity of the individual’s case. Generally, the average cost for buccal fat removal surgery in New York is between $7,000 and $8,000. This amount can be affected by additional costs such as anesthesia fees, facility fees, pre-op and post-op care instructions, etc. It is important to discuss all potential costs with a board-certified plastic surgeon prior to undergoing the procedure.
Potential Risks of Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Buccal fat pad removal is a surgical procedure that has potential risks associated with it. Common risks associated with this procedure include infection, bleeding, swelling, scarring, and nerve damage. As with any surgical procedure, there is also the risk of adverse reactions to anesthesia. Patients need to understand these risks before undergoing buccal fat removal surgery so they can make an informed decision about their treatment options.
To ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of complications, this procedure must be performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. It is also important for the patient to follow all pre-and post-operative instructions carefully in order to reduce the risk of potential risks and ensure natural-looking results.
The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
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.
-
- Joe Rivera
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Recovery
The recovery period 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.
Results of Buccal Fat Removal
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.
Comparison with Other Facial Contouring Procedures:
- Cheek Liposuction:
- Approach: Cheek liposuction uses a narrow cannula to vacuum out excess fat deposits through small incisions.
- Benefits: More suitable for localized fat removal, particularly in areas beyond the buccal fat pads.
- Candidates: Best for patients with fat accumulation in the cheeks but who do not require deep fat removal or repositioning.
- V-Contour Procedure:
- Approach: Combines buccal fat removal with liposuction in the chin, jawline, and neck.
- Benefits: Creates a harmonious V-shaped facial contour through a comprehensive fat reduction approach.
- Candidates: Ideal for patients seeking comprehensive facial slimming involving multiple regions.
- Facelift:
- Approach: A facelift tightens the facial skin and underlying tissues through incisions placed around the ears and hairline.
- Benefits: Addresses sagging skin and repositioning of facial tissues for a youthful appearance.
- Candidates: Suited for patients primarily concerned with signs of aging and sagging skin and those looking for overall rejuvenation.
Which Procedure is Right for You?
Each facial contouring procedure has its strengths and best candidates. Buccal fat removal is a great option for those specifically looking to reduce lower cheek fullness and enhance cheekbone definition. However, for individuals with more comprehensive facial contouring needs or sagging skin, other options like a facelift or V-contour may offer a more suitable approach.
A personalized consultation with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine the best plan for achieving your desired facial aesthetics. Reach out today to explore which procedure aligns with your goals.
Understanding the Risks and Limitations of Buccal Fat Removal
While buccal fat removal offers many benefits for achieving a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance, it’s essential to understand the associated risks and limitations. Here’s what potential candidates need to consider before undergoing the procedure:
Risks of Buccal Fat Removal:
- Infection:
- As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, particularly due to the intraoral incisions. Adhering to post-operative care guidelines and maintaining oral hygiene are crucial to minimize this risk.
- Bleeding and Hematoma:
- Some patients may experience post-surgical bleeding or the formation of hematomas. These are usually minor but may require medical attention if excessive.
- Nerve Damage:
- There’s a potential for temporary or permanent facial nerve injury, which could lead to altered sensation or muscle weakness in the cheek area.
- Asymmetry:
- Minor asymmetry can occur due to natural variations in facial structure or uneven fat removal. Experienced surgeons take care to achieve balanced and symmetric results.
- Excessive Hollowing:
- In some cases, excessive fat removal can lead to a gaunt appearance. Proper candidate selection is vital to prevent this.
Limitations of Buccal Fat Removal:
- Aging Effects:
- As the face naturally loses volume with age, removing too much buccal fat may result in a prematurely aged appearance. Patients with a naturally thin face should be cautious.
- Not for Significant Weight Loss:
- This procedure is not intended for comprehensive weight reduction. Patients who are overweight should consider achieving a stable weight before undergoing surgery.
- Complementary Procedures:
- Some patients may require complementary procedures, such as liposuction, chin augmentation, or a facelift, to achieve optimal results and maintain facial balance.
- Long-Term Changes:
- Buccal fat removal provides permanent results as the removed fat does not grow back. However, significant weight gain or loss can affect overall facial appearance.
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.
