Introduction
Buccal fat pad removal has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure for those looking to achieve a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance. In New York City, there are several hospitals and clinics where this procedure can be performed. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of buccal fat pad removal, and then highlight some of the best places in NYC to have the procedure done.
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal fat, also known as Bichat's fat pad, is a deep - seated fat pad located between the cheekbone and jawline. Everyone has buccal fat pads, but in some individuals, these pads are larger, giving the face a round, “baby - like” or “chipmunk cheek” appearance. Buccal fat pad removal is a surgical facial contouring procedure that aims to remove excess fat from the cheek area to provide a more sculpted and defined facial appearance.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal
- Enhanced Facial Contours: It helps to define the cheekbones and jawline, creating a more angular and chiseled look. For example, men may achieve a more chiseled jawline and cheeks, while women can get a more sculpted lower facial contour.
- Reduced Facial Fullness: Gets rid of the “chubby cheek” look, making the face appear slimmer and more mature.
- Improved Facial Proportions: Can balance the upper and lower cheek ratio, resulting in a more harmonious facial appearance.
- Permanent Results: Once the fat pads are removed, they do not grow back. However, significant weight gain can mask the results.
Candidates for Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Ideal candidates for buccal fat pad removal are typically:
- Individuals with full or chubby cheeks who are self - conscious about their appearance and wish to have a more contoured face.
- Those in good physical and mental health, with no underlying medical conditions that could complicate the surgery.
- People who have a stable weight. Significant weight loss or gain can affect the outcome of the procedure. For instance, substantial weight loss after the surgery may accentuate the narrow appearance and result in an overly gaunt look, while weight gain can make the results less noticeable.
- Non - smokers, as smoking can increase the risk of surgical complications and slow down the healing process.
The Procedure
Pre - procedure
Before the buccal fat pad removal, patients usually have an initial consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the surgeon will:
- Evaluate the cheeks and face to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure.
- Review the patient's medical history to ensure the surgery is safe. This includes checking for any allergies, previous surgeries, and current medications.
- Discuss the patient's goals and expectations and formulate a customized plan to achieve the best results. For example, they may discuss if the procedure should be combined with other facial treatments for a more comprehensive result.
During the Procedure
The buccal fat pad removal procedure typically takes the following steps:
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with or without sedation is commonly used. General anesthesia may also be an option depending on the patient's preference and the surgeon's recommendation.
- Incision: A small incision is made inside the mouth, usually near the upper molars. This approach ensures that there are no visible scars on the face.
- Removal of Fat Pad: The surgeon carefully identifies and removes a portion or the entire buccal fat pad through the incision. In some cases, it may be more beneficial to reposition the fat pad rather than completely removing it.
- Closure: The incision is closed using absorbable sutures.
Recovery Process
After the buccal fat pad removal, patients can expect the following during the recovery period:
- Swelling and Discomfort: Some swelling and minor discomfort are normal. Swelling is usually most prominent in the first few days after the surgery and gradually subsides over time. Patients may be advised to apply ice packs to the cheeks to reduce swelling.
- Dietary Restrictions: A soft diet is recommended for the first week to protect the incision while it heals. This means avoiding sharp, hard foods like pretzels or tortilla chips.
- Activity Restrictions: Light exercise and activities can resume as tolerated, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for about two weeks. Most patients can return to work the day after the procedure.
- Results: Initial results may start to be visible as early as two to three weeks after the procedure, but the full results will continue to improve over six to nine months as the swelling completely subsides.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, buccal fat pad removal comes with some risks:
- Bleeding and Infection: There is a risk of bleeding during or after the surgery, as well as the possibility of infection. Adhering to post - operative care guidelines, such as proper oral hygiene, can help minimize these risks.
- 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. However, experienced surgeons are well - aware of the facial anatomy and take precautions to avoid nerve damage.
- Asymmetry: Minor asymmetry can occur due to natural variations in facial structure or uneven fat removal. Surgeons strive to achieve balanced and symmetric results, but some degree of asymmetry may still be present.
- Excessive Hollowing: Removing too much fat can result in a gaunt appearance, especially as the face ages and loses natural volume. Therefore, proper candidate selection and a conservative approach to fat removal are crucial.
Top Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City for Buccal Fat Pad Removal
1. With Dr. Joshua Zimm
Dr. Zimm is a double - board - certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City, holding certifications in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology - head and neck surgery. His extensive training allows him to provide patients with exceptional care in a welcoming environment. He has been recognized as one of “America’s top physicians” by the Consumer Research Council of America in multiple years (2013, 2010, 2009, and 2007) and is a lifetime member of Strathmore’s Who’s Who. His practice, Joshua Zimm, M.D., P.C., is located in Manhattan’s upper east side.
Procedure Details: After administering anesthesia and confirming patient comfort, incisions are placed on the inside of the cheek. The buccal fat pad is then identified and safely removed, and the incisions are closed using absorbable sutures. The procedure takes about 30 - 45 minutes and can be performed in the office under local anesthesia.
Cost: The cost of cheek fat removal in New York City by Dr. Zimm can range from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on various factors such as the need for additional procedures, the surgeon’s experience, the extent of surgery, and associated support staff and surgical fees.
2. Manhattan Surgical Care with Dr. Pakeman
Dr. Pakeman performs buccal fat pad removal, a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery to reduce the appearance of lower cheek fullness or “chipmunk cheeks.” He has experience in performing the procedure safely and effectively to help patients achieve their desired facial shape.
Procedure Details: The procedure is usually performed in the office - based operating room under local anesthesia without or with sedation. A small incision is crafted inside the mouth near the second molar tooth. The buccal fat is gently teased out and excised, and the incision is closed with absorbable sutures. The entire procedure can take as little as 30 minutes to complete.
Cost: As an elective cosmetic procedure, insurance does not cover it. The cost will vary based on the patient's needs, and the office offers financing options. Patients can call 212 - 308 - 1566 to get an estimated quote.
3. With Dr. Joshua B. Hyman
Dr. Hyman is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon who performs custom buccal fat removal treatments. He serves as a clinical assistant professor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center and has decades of experience, having performed thousands of successful cosmetic procedures. The buccal fat removal is performed at his state - of - the - art, in - house surgical center.
Procedure Details: The procedure involves numbing the cheeks with a local anesthetic, making an incision within the mouth, carefully removing the fat pad, and then closing the incision with dissolvable sutures. In some cases, the fat pad may be repositioned to restore volume to thinning facial areas.
Cost: The cost can vary depending on the complexity of the case and other factors. It is recommended to have a consultation with Dr. Hyman to get a more accurate cost estimate.
4. With Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg
Dr. Rosenberg is one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in New York. He has spent decades honing his craft, 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. He offers buccal fat pad removal to address “chipmunk cheeks” and slim the face.
Procedure Details: He often performs the buccal fat pad removal in combination with other procedures, such as a facelift, chin liposuction, or chin implants, to achieve the best results for his patients.
Cost: The exact cost will be determined after a consultation, taking into account the individual patient's needs and the complexity of the procedure.
5. With Dr. Douglas Steinbrech
Dr. 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 been selected among America’s top plastic surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. He offers buccal fat pad removal to eliminate cheek fullness and create a sculpted, angular appearance.
Procedure Details: First, the mouth is cleaned and rinsed, and local anesthesia is administered. 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, and dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions. The total procedure time is about 30 minutes.
Cost: The average cost for buccal fat removal surgery in New York by Dr. Steinbrech is between $7,000 and $8,000, but this can be affected by additional costs such as anesthesia fees, facility fees, etc.
6. With Dr. Jennifer Levine
Dr. Levine has performed tens of thousands of facial cosmetic procedures and is globally - recognized for achieving natural - looking results. She often combines other treatments with buccal fat removal to create a more complete and natural appearance.
Procedure Details: The buccal fat removal is completed through an incision inside the mouth that is under an inch long and closed with dissolvable sutures. It can be performed under local anesthesia in the private operating room, and patients can elect to have full anesthesia if they prefer not to be awake during the procedure.
Cost: The cost will depend on various factors, and a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate will be provided during the consultation.
7. With Dr. Diktaban
Dr. Diktaban offers buccal fat removal, also called cheek reduction surgery, to redefine facial features and help patients feel more confident in their appearance. He carefully evaluates each patient's candidacy based on their medical history and facial structure.
Procedure Details: The patient may receive general anesthesia or local anesthesia depending on comfort level and other procedures. Small incisions are made on the insides of the cheeks, the buccal fat pads are gently removed, and the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.
Cost: The cost will be determined based on the individual case, and a consultation with Dr. Diktaban is necessary to get a precise cost.
8. With Dr. Antell
Dr. Antell is a board - certified plastic surgeon with both a dental and medical degree, which gives him a unique understanding of the anatomy of the mouth area. He performs buccal fat removal to slim down the cheeks and enhance the appearance of the face.
Procedure Details: An intraoral approach is used to remove about a teaspoon of buccal fat through a small incision hidden near the top 2nd molar tooth. The procedure is an outpatient one and takes no more than an hour to perform.
Cost: The cost of buccal fat removal by Dr. Antell depends on various factors such as operational costs, surgeon’s fees, anesthesia costs, etc. He will provide an exact cost after examining the patient and curating a treatment plan.
Comparing Surgeons and Costs
| Surgeon | Certifications | Procedure Time | Cost Range | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joshua Zimm | Double - board - certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology - head and neck surgery | 30 - 45 minutes | $4,000 - $8,000 | Recognized as “America’s top physicians”; Lifetime member of Strathmore’s Who’s Who; Located in Manhattan’s upper east side |
| Dr. Pakeman | N/A (experience in cosmetic surgery) | As little as 30 minutes | Varies based on needs | Minimally invasive approach; Office - based operating room; Offers financing options |
| Dr. Joshua B. Hyman | Double - board - certified plastic surgeon | N/A | Varies based on case | Clinical assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medical Center; Performs at in - house surgical center |
| Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg | Dual board - certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery | N/A | Determined after consultation | Fellowship training through Stanford University; Often combines with other procedures |
| Dr. Douglas Steinbrech | Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons | About 30 minutes | $7,000 - $8,000 | Ranked in top 10 plastic surgeons in NYC; Careful post - operative follow - up |
| Dr. Jennifer Levine | N/A (High volume of facial cosmetic procedures) | About 30 minutes | Determined after consultation | Globally - recognized for natural - looking results; Combines with other treatments |
| Dr. Diktaban
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