Ranking + price list of plastic hospitals for buccal fat pad removal for face slimming in New York City! 2025

Introduction

Buccal fat removal has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. It offers a way for individuals to achieve a more defined and sculpted facial appearance. In this article, we will explore the ranking and price list of plastic hospitals for buccal fat pad removal in New York City, as well as provide detailed information about the procedure, its benefits, risks, and recovery process.

Understanding Buccal Fat and Its Role in Facial Appearance

Facial fat plays a crucial role in determining the shape and appearance of our faces. While we often focus on facial bone structure and skin tone, understanding the role of facial fat is equally important. One specific type of facial fat is the buccal fat, which is located in the lower cheeks near the mouth.

Facial Fat Pads - Their Locations and Functions

The size of buccal fat pads often isn't significantly influenced by changes in weight. Some people naturally have more prominent buccal fat pads regardless of their body weight, leading to a fuller or rounder facial appearance. Buccal fat removal is aimed at individuals who desire a less rounded face and wish to accentuate their bone structure.

Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal

Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal typically have certain characteristics. They are usually healthy individuals with considerable fullness in the cheek hollow region. Men and women who fall into this category often complain of looking heavier than they are, having a round face that lacks definition, or having a child - like appearance.

However, it's important for candidates to have realistic expectations. The results of buccal fat removal tend to be subtle, enhancing natural features rather than dramatically altering the face. Surgeons also need to evaluate each patient to ensure that removing the buccal fat pads won't result in a sunken or aged appearance. For example, those with slender faces may be best off avoiding buccal fat pad excision as it can prematurely age individuals with this facial structure.

Procedure of Buccal Fat Removal

Anesthesia Choices

When undergoing buccal fat removal, patients have options for anesthesia. Local anesthesia can numb the targeted area, which is the inside of the cheeks. However, if patients prefer to be asleep during the procedure or are considering other simultaneous surgeries, general anesthesia and IV sedation are available. For instance, board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. Darren M. Smith will help patients make the most suitable choice based on their needs.

The Incision

Once the anesthesia is administered, the surgeon will make a small incision inside the mouth. This strategic placement ensures that there are no external scars. The incision provides access to the buccal fat pad, which is the main focus of the surgery. Surgeons like Dr. Smith use their expertise to make precise incisions to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.

Extracting the Buccal Fat Pad

After making the incision, the surgeon gently exposes the buccal fat pad and expresses it from the incision by applying slight pressure on the outside of the cheek. The fat is then meticulously excised to achieve the desired facial contour in a controlled and safe manner. This process requires skill and precision to ensure that the right amount of fat is removed to create a natural - looking result.

Closure

Once the buccal fat pads are removed, the surgeon closes the incisions. Most surgeons use dissolvable sutures, which means patients won't need to have their stitches removed. This simplifies the post - procedure process and reduces the risk of infection or scarring.

Post - Procedure Care and Recovery

Dietary Adjustments

Proper post - procedure care is essential for optimal results and a smooth recovery. For the first 48 hours after surgery, a clear liquid diet is usually recommended. This helps the incisions in the mouth start the healing process. Foods with rough textures, such as chips or rice, should be avoided for a few days. After the initial 48 - hour period, patients can gradually reintroduce regular foods.

Sleep Positioning

Sleeping on the back with the head propped up on a couple of pillows can help speed up the healing process. This position reduces swelling and discomfort by promoting proper blood circulation.

Return to Work and Activity

Most people can return to work and resume most normal activities in just a few days. However, they may still experience some swelling. It's generally best to wait 2 - 3 days before being back in the public eye. Intense exercise should be held off until the surgeon gives the all - clear, which is usually after about two weeks.

Pain and Discomfort

After the buccal fat removal procedure, it's normal to have some soreness and mild swelling in the cheeks. Cold compresses or ice packs can be used for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling and provide relief. Pain is generally minimal, and mild pain medication is usually sufficient for managing any discomfort. Tenderness may last for about 2 - 5 days post - procedure.

Buccal Fat Removal vs. Cheek Liposuction

If you're exploring options for facial slimming, you might be considering both buccal fat removal and cheek liposuction. While both aim to redefine your face, they do so in different ways and are best - suited to different areas.

When making a decision between the two, several factors should be considered. The desired outcome is crucial. If you're after a reshaping of your mid - cheek area, buccal fat removal could be your best bet. This procedure goes deep, targeting the buccal fat pads for a noticeable contouring effect that highlights the cheek bones. Cheek liposuction, on the other hand, is more targeted towards the lower facial third and jawline. Anatomical considerations also play a role, as well as overall health. It's always advisable to consult a professional, such as a qualified, board - certified plastic surgeon, to get personalized advice based on your unique needs and aesthetic goals.

Procedures Often Paired with Buccal Fat Removal

To amplify the benefits of buccal fat removal, several cosmetic treatments can be effectively combined with it.

Facelift

A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens sagging skin, restores midface volume loss, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. When paired with buccal fat removal, a facelift can offer comprehensive rejuvenation, creating a more youthful facial contour.

Chin Implant

A chin implant enhances the definition of the chin area, adding balance to your facial features. Combining this with buccal fat removal can give your face a harmonious, well - proportioned appearance.

Rhinoplasty

Commonly known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty adjusts the size or shape of your nose. When done in tandem with buccal fat removal, it provides a balanced alteration to the overall facial structure.

Dermal Fillers

These are non - surgical injections used to add volume or smooth out wrinkles. They can complement buccal fat removal by refining other facial areas, like the lips or forehead, for a fresh, rejuvenated look.

Ranking and Price List of Plastic Hospitals for Buccal Fat Pad Removal in New York City

Here are some of the well - known plastic surgeons and their associated details for buccal fat removal in New York City:

Dr. Darren M. Smith

Dr. Darren M. Smith is a board - certified plastic surgeon and one of the city’s leading authorities in aesthetic and craniofacial surgery. His buccal fat excision procedure is quick, taking under an hour, and he focuses on achieving a more contoured look in the middle and lower thirds of the face with minimal downtime. While the exact cost may vary depending on individual circumstances, similar procedures in the market can range from $5,000 to $10,000. His clinic is situated in the historic Ritz Tower, offering a luxurious aesthetic care environment. You can either book your appointment online or call +1 (212) 633 - 0627.

Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg

Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg is one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in New York. He has extensive experience working with patients to achieve the desired effect through plastic surgery, especially for those with chubby or fatty cheeks. His buccal fat pad removal procedure can be combined with other procedures like facelift, chin liposuction, or chin implants. Contact his office to schedule a consultation and get more information about the cost.

Dr. Philip Miller

Dr. Philip Miller is a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in buccal fat removal. He offers personalized consultations utilizing the exclusive Natra Look® process. In New York, his buccal fat removal typically costs between $2,500 and $6,500, with the final price varying based on the area and extent of correction needed. The consultation fee is $400, which can be applied to the final cost of the procedure. You can request a consultation, and his team will respond within a day.

Dr. Jennifer Levine

Dr. Jennifer Levine is a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon in NYC, globally recognized for her delivery of natural - looking results. She has over 20 years of surgical experience specifically on the face. She offers 3D consultations, allowing patients to ‘preview’ their results. Her expertise and patient - centered approach make her a popular choice. To find out about the cost, you can call 347.960.4909 to book a buccal fat removal consultation.

Dr. Thomas P. Sterry

Dr. Thomas P. Sterry is a board - certified New York City plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He performs buccal fat removal at his NYC plastic surgery center for permanent facial contouring. He likes to do the procedure under local anesthesia and uses meticulous surgical techniques. The cost of his services can be obtained by requesting a consultation using the online form or calling his office at (212) 249 - 4020.

Dr. David Shafer

Dr. David Shafer at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue offers buccal fat pad removal surgery. He focuses on providing patients with beautiful and natural - looking results. You can contact the clinic to schedule a consultation and discuss the cost and your suitability for the procedure.

Dr. David Shokrian at Millennial Plastic Surgery

The average cost of a buccal fat removal procedure at Millennial Plastic Surgery usually starts at $3,000, but it can be more expensive depending on factors such as age, overall health, weight, amount of fat to be removed, location, and the surgeon's expertise. The clinic also has options to help patients finance the procedure, including payment plans or third - party financing. You can contact them at (212) 421 - 7123 to schedule a free consultation.

Factors Determining the Cost of Buccal Fat Removal

Outpatient vs. Inpatient Care

In most cases, buccal fat removal is done under outpatient care, meaning patients do not need to stay in the hospital. However, if the surgery is more advanced or the patient prefers inpatient care, where they spend at least one night in the hospital, the cost will be significantly higher than that of outpatient care. Usually, inpatient care is unnecessary for buccal fat removal.

Complexity

Buccal fat removal is generally a regular, quick, and straightforward procedure. However, in some instances, the area of concern may be harder to reach, making the surgery more difficult. Buccal fat pads come in different shapes and sizes, so some patients may have areas that are harder to target and remove than others, which can increase the cost.

Surgeon’s Experience

The surgeon’s experience is a major determining factor in the cost of buccal fat removal. A more experienced surgeon’s services will cost more because their services are in higher demand, and their wealth of experience promotes ideal results. It's not recommended to choose a less experienced surgeon just because of lower prices, as revision surgeries may end up costing more if the initial results are not satisfactory.

Geographic Location

New York City is a highly populated city with a booming cosmetic industry. Everything in New York is generally more expensive than in smaller cities. The location where the procedure is performed can significantly impact the cost. However, surgeons in larger cities like New York are usually more experienced due to the high demand for cosmetic procedures.

Anesthesia Type

The type of anesthesia used also plays a role in the overall cost. General anesthesia is more expensive than local anesthesia. For buccal fat removal, it is rare for someone to go under general anesthesia, and most surgeons, like Dr. Kaplan, perform the procedure under local anesthesia.

Is Buccal Fat Removal Covered by Insurance?

The size of buccal fat pads does not affect a person's health, so there is no medical reason to remove them. As buccal fat removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance. Patients should plan to pay out of pocket for the procedure, but they can view it as an investment in their appearance and self -