A review of the top 5 hospitals for buccal fat pad removal for facial slimming in New York City!

Introduction

In recent years, buccal fat pad removal has gained significant popularity as a cosmetic procedure for facial slimming. New York City, being a hub of medical excellence and aesthetic innovation, offers a plethora of options for individuals seeking this treatment. This article aims to review the top 5 hospitals for buccal fat pad removal in New York City, taking into account factors such as the expertise of the surgeons, patient reviews, available facilities, and the overall quality of care provided.

What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Buccal fat removal, also known as cheek reduction surgery, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to thin the cheeks by removing excess fat from the buccal fat pad. This fat pad is located in the middle part of the cheek, and its removal can result in a more contoured and refined appearance.

According to Dr. Jennifer Levine's website, when the buccal fat pad removal procedure became popular again on social media, it was touted as a way to achieve a no - filter, contoured appearance. The buccal fat pad is often stubborn and resistant to diet and exercise, making surgical removal an effective option for those looking to slim their faces.

Top 5 Hospitals for Buccal Fat Pad Removal in New York City

1. Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue

At Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City, board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Shafer offers buccal fat pad removal surgery. Dr. Shafer is highly skilled and focuses on providing patients with beautiful and natural - looking results.

Candidates: Good candidates for the procedure at Shafer Clinic should have excess fat in the cheeks, be in good overall health, be unhappy with the chubby appearance of their cheeks, and have realistic expectations regarding the results of the surgery.

Procedure and Recovery: The buccal fat pad removal surgery at Shafer Clinic is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. The incisions are made along the inside of the mouth, so no post - surgical marks should be visible once the patient has fully recovered. After the surgery, patients are provided with a list of post - operative instructions to follow for a smooth recovery, which may take a few weeks for the swelling to dissipate.

2. Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg's Office

Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg is one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in New York. He has spent decades honing his craft and has a background that includes 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.

Benefits of the Procedure: Excessive fat in the cheek region can make the face appear heavy and undefined. Dr. Rosenberg's buccal fat pad removal can address “chipmunk cheeks” to slim the face and improve the overall shape. For men, it can create a more chiseled look, and for women, it can enhance the natural angles of the face.

Combination Procedures: Often, the buccal fat pads are removed in combination with other procedures, such as a facelift, chin liposuction, or chin implants, to achieve the desired facial contour.

3. Steven Wallach MD, FACS

Dr. Steven Wallach offers buccal fat removal conveniently located to serve the areas of New York. He provides detailed information about all aspects of the procedure.

Candidates: A good candidate for buccal fat removal at Dr. Wallach's practice is an individual who has fullness in the mid to lower cheek.

Cost and Risks: The cost of buccal fat pad removal is about $5000 - $7500. The risks of the surgery are very low, with most patients experiencing some swelling, mild tenderness, and possible bruising in the area.

Procedure and Recovery: The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour. It is done through an intraoral incision, and the fat is teased out and removed, with the incision in the mouth closed with absorbable sutures. The recovery is usually straightforward, with patients instructed to avoid certain foods and be careful with toothbrushing until the sutures dissolve.

4. Dr. Douglas Steinbrech's Practice

Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. He has been ranked in the top 10 plastic surgeons in NYC and has received various awards and recognition.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal: His buccal fat pad removal in New York eliminates cheek fullness, offering enhanced facial contours, a youthful appearance, and minimal downtime. Patients can expect to achieve a sculpted, angular appearance with the procedure.

Procedure and Results: The procedure is a simple outpatient procedure that quickly and permanently resolves middle and lower cheek fullness. It involves making a small 1 - 2 - cm incision inside the mouth, behind the upper molars, and using scissors and a surgical pick - up to remove part or all of the fat pad. Most patients are thrilled with the results, which can be seen quickly and improve as the post - operative swelling goes down.

Comparison with Other Procedures: Dr. Steinbrech also provides information on how buccal fat removal compares with other facial contouring procedures such as cheek liposuction, the v - contour procedure, and facelift, helping patients make an informed decision about which procedure is right for them.

5. Manhattan Surgical Care

At Manhattan Surgical Care, buccal fat pad removal is performed by Dr. Pakeman. The clinic is conveniently located to serve New York City.

Procedure Details: The buccal fat pad removal is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery that reduces the appearance of lower cheek fullness or “chipmunk cheeks.” It is done through a small incision inside the back of the mouth across from the upper molars, and the incision is closed with a suture. Since the cut is made from inside the mouth, there is no scarring on the face.

Benefits and Recovery: The procedure offers several benefits, including reduction of lower cheek volume, enhancement of upper cheek and cheekbone contour, and creation of a more slender facial contour. The recovery process varies per patient, with swelling subsiding within a month and full results taking up to three or more months to settle in.

Cost and Financing: The cost of buccal fat removal at Manhattan Surgical Care covers the surgical and the facility fee, and the clinic offers financing options. The exact cost will vary based on the patient's needs.

Comparison of the Top 5 Hospitals

Choosing the Right Hospital for Buccal Fat Pad Removal

When choosing a hospital for buccal fat pad removal in New York City, several factors should be considered:

• Surgeon's Expertise: Look for a board - certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in buccal fat pad removal. For example, Dr. Jennifer Levine has over 20 years of surgical experience specifically on the face, making her an expert in facial anatomy.
• Patient Reviews: Read reviews and testimonials from previous patients to get an idea of the quality of care and results provided by the hospital and the surgeon. Positive reviews can indicate a high level of patient satisfaction.
• Available Facilities: Ensure that the hospital has modern and well - equipped facilities for the procedure, as well as proper after - care services.
• Cost and Financing: Consider the cost of the procedure and whether the hospital offers financing options. However, don't make cost the sole deciding factor, as the expertise of the surgeon and the quality of care are crucial.
• Consultation Process: A good consultation process is essential. Surgeons like Dr. Levine offer 3D consultations, which allow patients to ‘preview’ their results using 3D renderings of their photos, helping them feel more comfortable with the procedure and the expected outcomes.

Non - Surgical Alternatives to Buccal Fat Pad Removal

While buccal fat pad removal is an effective surgical option for facial slimming, there are also some non - surgical alternatives, although they may not provide the exact same results:

• Dermal Fillers: These can create the illusion of more sculpted cheeks, downplaying the prominence of the buccal fat pads. However, the effects are temporary and may require repeated treatments.
• Evoke and Emface: These non - surgical treatments use radiofrequency and electromagnetic stimulation to lift and tighten facial tissue, offering a more defined look. Evoke can reduce fat in the lower cheeks and submental area, but it is often used in combination with buccal fat removal surgery rather than as a replacement.

It's important to note that Kybella, a fat - dissolving injectable, is not recommended as a non - surgical alternative to buccal fat removal in the cheek region because the cheeks are a nerve - rich area, and Kybella cannot distinguish between the fat to be removed and the fat that protects the nerves, which can negatively impact the nerves.

Potential Risks and Limitations of Buccal Fat Pad Removal

As with any surgical procedure, buccal fat pad removal has some potential risks and limitations:

• Infection: 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, which 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.
• 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.

Conclusion

Buccal fat pad removal is a popular cosmetic procedure for facial slimming, and New York City offers a wide range of top - notch hospitals and experienced surgeons for this treatment. The top 5 hospitals reviewed in this article, including Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue, Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg's Office, Steven Wallach MD, FACS, Dr. Douglas Steinbrech's Practice, and Manhattan Surgical Care, each have their own unique features and advantages. When considering buccal fat pad removal, it's important to carefully research and choose a hospital and surgeon based on factors such as expertise, patient reviews, facilities, cost, and the consultation process. Additionally, it's crucial to be aware of the potential risks and limitations of the procedure and to have realistic expectations about the results.

If you're interested in buccal fat pad removal for facial slimming, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon at one of these top hospitals. By doing so, you can discuss your goals, learn more about the procedure, and make an informed decision about whether it's the right option for you. Share this article with others who may be interested in this topic and explore related content to expand your knowledge of cosmetic procedures.