A New Ranking List of Hospitals for Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Introduction

Buccal fat pad removal has emerged as a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City for those seeking a slimmer and more contoured facial appearance. The recent release of a new ranking list of hospitals for this procedure has caught the attention of many individuals considering facial slimming. In this article, we will explore the details of buccal fat pad removal, including what it is, who are the ideal candidates, the procedures performed by various top surgeons in NYC, recovery processes, and much more.

A New Ranking List of Hospitals for Buccal Fat Pad Removal for Face - Slimming in New York City is Out!

Understanding Buccal Fat Pad Removal

What is Buccal Fat?

Buccal fat, also known as buccal fat pad or Bichat’s fat pad, is a deep - seated fat pad located in the area between the cheekbone and jawline. It plays a role in contributing to the facial definition and silhouette of the face. For some people, an excess of buccal fat can make the face appear heavy, round, or give the impression of “chipmunk cheeks.”

Causes of Excess Buccal Fat

Excess buccal fat can be a result of genetics or weight gain. While weight gain can increase overall body fat, the buccal fat pads may not respond in the same way as other fat deposits in the body to diet and exercise. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to having more prominent buccal fat pads, regardless of their body weight.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Reduction of Lower Cheek Volume: It can significantly reduce the fullness in the lower cheek area, creating a slimmer look.
Enhanced Cheekbone Contour: By removing the buccal fat, the cheekbones can become more prominent, adding definition to the face.
Improved Facial Proportions: Helps in achieving a more balanced and harmonious facial shape.
Youthful Appearance: Can give a more youthful and sophisticated look, whether for young adults losing their “baby cheeks” or older adults reducing heavy cheeks.

Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Pad Removal

The ideal candidates for buccal fat pad removal are diverse, but there are some common characteristics:

Age Range: Patients from their 20s to their 60s can benefit from buccal fat excision. However, most candidates are in their late 20s or early 30s. At this age, the natural fat distribution in the face is still relatively stable, and individuals may be more conscious of their facial appearance.
Health and Weight: Good physical and mental health is essential. Candidates should be at or near their goal weight as significant weight fluctuations can affect the results of the procedure. Non - smokers are also preferred as smoking can irritate the oral tissues and affect the healing process.
Facial Appearance: Individuals with excessive fullness in the lower cheek area, round face, chubby cheeks, or “chipmunk cheeks” who desire a more chiseled and defined face are ideal candidates. However, they should have realistic expectations about the results and understand that the procedure will enhance their features but not completely change their face structure.

Top Surgeons and Their Procedures in New York City

Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg

Dr. Rosenberg is one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in New York. He has decades of experience, with fellowship training through Stanford University and dual board certification by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

For buccal fat pad removal, his procedure is performed at his office. He offers a surgical option to contour the cheeks, often in combination with other procedures such as a facelift, chin liposuction, or chin implants. His dedication to creating excellent results for his patients is highly regarded in the field.

Dr. Basil Pakeman

Dr. Pakeman performs buccal fat pad removal at Manhattan Surgical Care. The procedure is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery aimed at reducing the appearance of lower cheek fullness. He makes a small incision inside the back of the mouth across from the upper molars to remove a portion of the fat pad. A suture is used to close the incision, and since the cut is inside the mouth, there is no scarring on the face.

The entire procedure can take as little as 30 minutes, and recovery time is minimal. He also offers to combine this procedure with other surgeries like liposuction of the neck or chin or rhinoplasty.

Dr. Darren M. Smith

Dr. Smith is a board - certified plastic surgeon and a leading authority in aesthetic and craniofacial surgery in NYC. His buccal fat excision procedure is quick, usually completed in under an hour with minimal recovery time.

The steps of his procedure include choosing the appropriate anesthesia (local, general, or IV sedation), making a small incision inside the mouth, gently exposing and extracting the buccal fat pad, and then closing the incisions with dissolvable sutures. He also provides detailed post - procedure care instructions, including dietary adjustments and sleep positioning.

Dr. Douglas Steinbrech

Dr. Steinbrech is well - known for his buccal fat pad removal procedure in New York. He is a talented surgeon trained and experienced in facial plastic surgery. The procedure is a simple outpatient one that quickly and permanently resolves middle and lower cheek fullness.

First, the mouth is cleaned, and local anesthesia is administered. Then, a small 1 - 2 - cm incision is made inside the mouth behind the upper molars. Scissors and a surgical pick - up are used to remove part or all of the fat pad, the blood vessel is cauterized, and dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.

Dr. Joshua Zimm

Dr. Zimm is a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City. He performs buccal fat removal to provide a more sculpted facial appearance. After administering an anesthetic, he makes incisions on the inside of the cheek, identifies and removes the buccal fat pad, and then closes the incisions with absorbable sutures, resulting in no visible scarring.

The procedure is typically done in the office using local anesthetic and takes about 30 - 45 minutes. He also formulates a customized plan for each patient during the initial consultation.

Dr. Robert Antell

Dr. Antell performs buccal fat removal in NYC to slim down the mid - portion of the cheeks, which can enhance the overall facial look. His procedure uses an intraoral approach, removing what is typically a teaspoon of buccal fat through a small incision hidden near the top 2nd molar tooth.

It is an outpatient procedure that takes no more than an hour. He also mentions that it can be combined with other cosmetic procedures like facial liposuction, a facelift, or chin augmentation.

Dr. Philip Miller

At Gotham Plastic Surgery, Dr. Miller offers buccal fat excision to patients seeking a more chiseled or slender appearance in the bottom third of the face. He performs the procedure on an outpatient basis at the JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. Local or general anesthesia may be used, and a small incision is made inside the mouth to remove the fat pad.

The Procedure Itself

Pre - Procedure

Before the buccal fat pad removal procedure, patients typically have an initial consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's facial structure, the amount of buccal fat, and the patient's overall health. The patient will also have the opportunity to discuss their aesthetic goals and ask any questions they may have. The surgeon will explain the procedure in detail, including the potential risks and expected results.

Patients are usually asked to provide a list of medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins they are currently taking, as well as their medical history. They may also be required to undergo some pre - operative tests, such as blood tests, to ensure they are fit for the surgery.

Intra - Procedure

The buccal fat pad removal procedure usually begins with the administration of anesthesia. Depending on the patient's preference and the surgeon's recommendation, this can be local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or IV sedation. Once the patient is comfortable, a small incision is made inside the mouth, usually near the upper molars.

The surgeon then gently exposes the buccal fat pad and carefully removes a portion of it. The amount of fat removed is determined based on the patient's facial structure and aesthetic goals. After the fat is removed, the incision is closed with absorbable sutures, which dissolve over time, eliminating the need for suture removal.

Post - Procedure

After the procedure, patients can expect some swelling and mild discomfort. Cold compresses or ice packs can be used to minimize swelling in the first 48 hours. Most patients are advised to follow a clear liquid diet for the first 48 hours to allow the incisions in the mouth to start healing. Foods with rough textures should be avoided for a few days.

Patients should sleep on their back with their head propped up on a couple of pillows to reduce swelling and discomfort. They can usually return to work and resume most normal activities in a few days, but intense exercise should be avoided until the surgeon gives the all - clear, which is typically after about two weeks. The full results of the procedure become noticeable after a few months as the swelling completely subsides.

Recovery and Results

Recovery Process

The recovery process from buccal fat pad removal varies from patient to patient. Generally, the initial few days are marked by swelling and mild soreness in the cheeks. Swelling is most prominent in the first week and gradually decreases over time.

Some patients may experience bruising, although it is relatively rare. Oral hygiene is crucial during the recovery period to prevent infection. Patients are usually instructed to rinse their mouth with a special mouthwash as recommended by the surgeon.

Activity restrictions are also common during the recovery. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and excessive facial movements should be avoided for a certain period to allow for proper healing. As the swelling subsides, patients can gradually resume their normal activities.

Expected Results

The results of buccal fat pad removal are usually noticeable within a few weeks, but the final outcome may take up to three or more months to fully develop. Once the swelling has completely gone, patients can expect a slimmer and more contoured facial appearance.

The cheekbones become more prominent, and the face takes on a more defined and chiseled look. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary based on factors such as the patient's facial structure, the amount of fat removed, and how well they follow the post - procedure instructions.

Comparison with Other Facial Contouring Procedures

Buccal Fat Removal vs. Cheek Liposuction

Feature	Buccal Fat Removal	Cheek Liposuction
Procedure	Removal of the buccal fat pad	Removal of excess fat cells in the subcutaneous (superficial) fat compartments of the cheek
Depth of Fat Removal	Deeper fat pad in the cheeks	Shallower fat closer to the skin
Targeted Area	Mid - cheeks	Lower cheeks and jawline
Benefits	Accentuates cheek bone structure, addresses rounder face shapes	Slims lower face and defines jawline
Risks	Bleeding, bruising, swelling, infection, nerve damage, parotid duct injury	Bleeding, bruising, swelling, infection, dimpling
Recovery Time	1 week	48 hours
Cost	$5,000 to $10,000	$5,000 to $10,000

If a patient is looking to reshape their mid - cheek area and enhance the cheekbone structure, buccal fat removal may be the better option. On the other hand, if the goal is to target the lower facial third and the jawline, cheek liposuction could be more suitable. However, the choice also depends on the patient's facial anatomy and overall health.

Other Procedures

V - Contour Procedure: Combines buccal fat removal with liposuction in the chin, jawline, and neck to create a harmonious V - shaped facial contour. Ideal for patients seeking comprehensive facial slimming involving multiple regions.
Facelift: Tightens the facial skin and underlying tissues through incisions placed around the ears and hairline. It addresses sagging skin and re - positions facial tissues for a youthful appearance. Suited for patients primarily concerned with signs of aging and sagging skin and those looking for overall rejuvenation.

Risks and Limitations

Risks

Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, especially due to the intraoral incisions. Proper post - operative care, including maintaining good oral hygiene, is 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 is 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

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.

Cost Considerations

The cost of buccal fat pad removal in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors. These include the surgeon's experience, the complexity of the individual's case, the extent of the surgery, additional procedures, and associated support staff and surgical fees.

On average, the cost can range from $4,000 to $10,000. For example, Dr. Steven Wallach states that buccal fat pad removal can cost about $5000 - $7500, while the average cost mentioned by Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is between $7,000 and $8,000. It is important for patients to discuss all potential costs with a board - certified plastic surgeon prior to undergoing the procedure and to understand that insurance usually does not cover this cosmetic procedure.