Ranking of Buccal Fat Pad Removal for Facial Slimming in New York City, Doctor Introduction and Liposuction Cases!

Introduction

In New York City, the pursuit of facial aesthetics has led many to explore various cosmetic procedures. Among them, buccal fat pad removal has gained significant popularity for those seeking facial slimming. This article will delve into the ranking of buccal fat pad removal in New York City, introduce some of the top doctors in the field, and showcase real - life liposuction cases. By understanding these aspects, individuals interested in this procedure can make more informed decisions.

What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Buccal fat excision is a surgical facial contouring procedure. The buccal fat pad is located between the cheek and jawbones, and having a large amount of it can result in what is commonly known as “chipmunk cheeks” or a “baby face.” By removing the unwanted fat deposits in the cheek area, the procedure provides more definition to the cheekbones and contours the jawline, giving the face a leaner and more defined appearance.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal

1. Enhanced Facial Contour: It provides definition to the jawline and contour to the cheekbones, making the face look more angular and refined.
2. Permanent Results: Once the fat cells are removed, they will not grow back, offering long - lasting effects. However, significant weight gain may cause the surrounding fat cells to collect fat deposits.
3. Minimal Recovery Time: The procedure is usually completed in under an hour and can be done under local anesthesia. Most patients can resume normal activities in a few days.

Top Doctors for Buccal Fat Pad Removal in New York City

Dr. Jennifer Levine

Dr. Jennifer Levine is a well - known plastic surgeon globally recognized for achieving natural - looking results. She has performed tens of thousands of facial cosmetic procedures, including over 10,000 nasal procedures, 15,000 + blepharoplasty procedures, 20,000 + facial rejuvenation procedures, and 10,000 + body sculpting procedures. She is also in the top 1% of injectors in the country. When the buccal fat removal procedure became popular on social media, she was interviewed by Allure. Dr. Levine often combines other treatments with buccal fat removal to achieve more complete results. The buccal fat excision procedure at her practice takes approximately 30 minutes and is performed in a private operating room under local anesthesia. The incision is made inside the mouth, less than an inch long, and closed with dissolvable sutures.

Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg

Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg is one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in New York. He has spent decades honing his craft. His background 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. Excessive fat in the cheek region can make the face appear heavy and undefined. Dr. Rosenberg offers buccal fat pad removal to address “chipmunk cheeks” and slim the face. He often combines this procedure with other surgeries such as facelifts, chin liposuction, or chin implants to achieve the desired facial shape for his patients.

Dr. Thomas P. Sterry

Dr. Thomas P. Sterry is a board - certified New York City plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He has held leadership positions in the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons and the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Sterry performs buccal fat removal at his NYC plastic surgery center for permanent facial contouring. He likes to do the procedure under local anesthesia and excises about 1.5 grams of fat from each patient to create age - appropriate cheek contour. He often combines buccal fat removal with other treatments like precision tx® laser - assisted liposuction, microcannula cheek liposuction, and chin liposuction to create a more angular look for his patients.

Dr. Steven Wallach

Dr. Steven Wallach offers buccal fat removal to reduce the fullness in the mid - to lower cheek area. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour. A small incision is made inside the mouth, and the fat is teased out and removed. The risks of the surgery are relatively low, with common side effects including swelling, mild tenderness, and bruising. The cost of buccal fat pad removal with Dr. Wallach is about $5000 - $7500.

Dr. Douglas Steinbrech

Dr. Douglas Steinbrech has been ranked in the top 10 plastic surgeons in NYC. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. The buccal fat pad removal procedure at his practice is a simple outpatient procedure that can quickly and permanently resolve middle and lower cheek fullness. First, the mouth is cleaned and rinsed, local anesthesia is administered, and then a small 1 - 2 - cm incision is made inside the mouth. The fat pad is pulled out, its blood vessel is cauterized, and the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. The total procedure time is about 30 minutes. The cost of the procedure in New York can vary, with an average between $7,000 and $8,000, which may include additional fees such as anesthesia and facility fees.

Dr. Basil Pakeman

Dr. Basil Pakeman performs buccal fat pad removal at Manhattan Surgical Care. The procedure is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery to reduce lower cheek fullness. It is usually done in his office - based operating room under local anesthesia without or with sedation. A small incision is made inside the mouth near the second molar tooth, and the buccal fat is gently excised. The recovery time is minimal, and most patients can resume normal activities soon. The results are permanent, with early results visible as soon as the third week after the procedure and definitive results noticeable in six weeks.

Dr. Darren M. Smith

Dr. Darren M. Smith is a board - certified plastic surgeon and a leading authority in aesthetic and craniofacial surgery in New York City. His approach to buccal fat removal is precise and personalized. He offers options for anesthesia, including local, general, and IV sedation. The procedure involves making a small incision inside the mouth, extracting the buccal fat pad, and closing the incisions with dissolvable sutures. After the procedure, he provides detailed post - procedure care instructions, including dietary adjustments and sleep positioning advice.

Comparison of Doctors

Liposuction Cases

Case 1: Buccal Fat Removal with Dr. Sterry

A 30 - year - old patient came to Dr. Sterry wanting facial sculpting to create a more refined contour to her profile. Dr. Sterry recommended a combination of chin liposuction (also known as neck liposuction) and buccal fat pad removal. The buccal fat pad was removed through an incision inside the mouth. After the procedure, as the swelling gradually subsided, the patient noticed a more defined jawline and cheekbones. The results were subtle yet made a significant difference in her overall appearance, boosting her self - confidence.

Case 2: Buccal Fat Removal with Dr. Steinbrech

A patient with prominent “chipmunk cheeks” sought Dr. Steinbrech's help. The procedure was performed as an outpatient under local anesthesia. The small incision inside the mouth was made, and the fat pad was carefully removed. In the days following the surgery, the patient experienced mild swelling, which was managed with ice packs and over - the - counter pain medications. Within a few weeks, the swelling went down, and the patient started to see the expected oval, triangular face with improved definition and enhanced cheekbones. People around her noticed that she looked younger and more sophisticated.

Case 3: Combined Procedures with Dr. Rosenberg

A patient with chubby cheeks also desired a more youthful appearance in general. Dr. Rosenberg recommended a combination of buccal fat pad removal, a facelift, and chin liposuction. The procedures were coordinated carefully. After the recovery period, which took a few weeks, the patient had a completely transformed look. The buccal fat removal slimmer the cheeks, the facelift tightened the skin, and the chin liposuction defined the jawline. The overall result was a harmonious and rejuvenated facial appearance.

Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for buccal fat pad removal. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:

1. Age: It is generally recommended for individuals in their 30s or older to ensure that the face has gone through the natural aging process where buccal fat naturally decreases to some extent.
2. Health: They should be in generally good physical and mental health and have a healthy BMI level. The fullness in the cheeks should not be due to obesity.
3. Facial Characteristics: Those with full cheeks categorized as “chipmunk cheeks” or a “baby face” who want to enhance the definition of their cheekbones and jawline.
4. Lifestyle: Non - smokers are preferred as smoking can increase the risk of surgical complications.
5. Expectations: They should have healthy and realistic expectations of the results. The procedure provides subtle changes that enhance natural features rather than dramatically altering the face.

Procedure Process

1. Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the doctor will evaluate the patient's facial structure, discuss the patient's aesthetic goals, and determine if buccal fat pad removal is the right procedure. They will also explain the process, potential risks, and recovery time.
2. Anesthesia: The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, with or without light sedation. Some patients may opt for general anesthesia if they prefer not to be awake during the surgery.
3. Incision: A small incision is made inside the mouth, usually near the upper molars. This ensures that there are no visible scars on the face.
4. Fat Removal: The surgeon will carefully expose the buccal fat pad and remove the appropriate amount of fat to achieve the desired contour. The amount of fat removed is tailored to each patient's facial structure and goals.
5. Closure: The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, which do not require removal.

Recovery Process

The recovery process after buccal fat pad removal is generally straightforward, but it requires some care and attention:

1. Swelling and Discomfort: It is normal to experience some swelling and mild discomfort after the procedure. Cold compresses or ice packs can be used to minimize swelling, and over - the - counter pain medications can be taken to manage pain as recommended by the doctor.
2. Dietary Restrictions: In the first few days, patients may be advised to follow a clear liquid diet or avoid rough - textured foods to prevent irritation to the incisions in the mouth. As the incisions heal, a normal diet can be gradually reintroduced.
3. Oral Hygiene: Special attention should be paid to oral hygiene. Patients may be given a special mouth rinse to use. Brushing teeth should be done gently to avoid disturbing the incisions.
4. Activity Restrictions: Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for a few weeks to allow the body to heal properly. Most patients can return to work within a few days, but it may take up to three months for the swelling to completely subside and the final results to be visible.

Potential Risks and Limitations

While buccal fat pad removal is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and limitations:

1. Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Patients need to follow post - operative care instructions carefully to minimize this risk.
2. Bleeding and Hematoma: Some patients may experience post - surgical bleeding or the formation of hematomas, which may require medical attention.
3. 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.
4. Asymmetry: Minor asymmetry can occur due to natural variations in facial structure or uneven fat removal. Experienced surgeons take precautions to achieve balanced results.
5. Excessive Hollowing: Removing too much fat can lead to a gaunt appearance, especially in individuals with a naturally thin face. Proper candidate selection is crucial to prevent this.
6. Aging Effects: As the face naturally loses volume with age, removing too much buccal fat may result in a prematurely aged appearance.

Conclusion

Buccal fat pad removal is a popular and effective facial slimming procedure in New York City. With the expertise of top - notch doctors like Dr. Jennifer Levine, Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg, Dr. Thomas P. Sterry, Dr. Steven Wallach, Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, Dr. Basil Pakeman, and Dr. Darren M. Smith, patients have a range of options to choose from. Real - life liposuction cases demonstrate the potential of this procedure to enhance facial contour and boost self - confidence. However, it is essential for potential candidates to carefully consider their suitability, understand the procedure, and be aware of the potential risks and limitations. If you