Introduction
In the bustling city of New York, the pursuit of beauty is ever - present. As 2025 unfolds, the city has witnessed the emergence of newly released large - scale plastic hospitals that focus on face - slimming treatments, especially those involving wax - dissolving needles. These facilities offer a variety of options to help individuals achieve a more sculpted and refined facial contour. In this article, we will explore the different face - slimming procedures available in New York City's plastic hospitals, the key players in the industry, and important considerations for those seeking these treatments.
Botox for Face Slimming
Overview of Botox Treatment for Face Slimming
Zuckerman Plastic Surgery in New York City is a well - known establishment that offers specialized Botox treatments for face slimming and masseter reduction. The masseter muscle, one of the main muscles used for chewing, is located at the angle of the jaw. When overly developed, it can give the face a square or overly full appearance. Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman, a board - certified plastic surgeon, utilizes Botox as a musculo - paralytic to carefully weaken and reduce the size of these muscles without paralyzing them. This helps in achieving a more delicate and aesthetically pleasing facial shape, emphasizing the cheekbones and creating a subtle, sculpted look.
Key Aspects of Masseter Reduction with Botox
- Procedure Overview: The treatment involves precise injections of Botox into the masseter muscle. Dr. Zuckerman uses exact facial measurements to ensure accurate placement, drawing guidelines on the face to demarcate the target area, which is located behind a vertical line drawn straight down from the lateral corner of the eye and below a horizontal line extending from the tragus of the ear to the corner of the mouth.
- Treatment Duration: Each session typically lasts between 10 to 20 minutes.
- Number of Treatments: Most patients require three to four treatments per year to maintain the desired effect.
- Onset and Longevity: The slimming effect begins to appear about one week after treatment and can last three to four months.
Pre - treatment Guidelines
To minimize the risk of bruising and ensure the best possible outcome, Dr. Zuckerman recommends:
- Avoiding NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen a couple of days before and after treatment.
- Not consuming alcohol excessively the day before and on the day of the treatment.
- Refraining from lying flat or engaging in vigorous exercise for at least 2 hours post - injection.
Recovery and Downtime
This Botox treatment for masseter reduction involves minimal to no downtime. Most patients can return to their daily activities immediately after the procedure. Some patients may experience slight bleeding or redness at the injection sites, but these minor side effects typically resolve within a few hours.
Associated Risks of Botox for Face / Jaw Slimming
When performed by a skilled, board - certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Zuckerman, the risks associated with this treatment are minimal. However, due to the depth and location of the masseter muscle, it is crucial that injections are precisely administered to avoid complications such as numbness or temporary paralysis of nearby facial structures.
Buccal Fat Removal
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is a procedure that aims to remove excess fat from the cheek area to provide a more sculpted facial appearance. Dr. Antell in New York City performs this operation to slim down the cheeks in the mid - portion, which can give the entire face a more attractive look. Often by reducing the mid - cheek, the cheekbones will appear more prominent, further enhancing a chubby or undefined face.
How Does Buccal Fat Removal Work?
An intraoral (occurring within the mouth) approach allows the removal of what is typically a teaspoon of buccal fat through a small incision hidden adjacent to the area near the top 2nd molar tooth. This may not seem like much excess buccal fat, but in the face, it is sufficient enough to contour the mid - cheeks. Dr. Antell's buccal fat removal procedure in NYC is an outpatient procedure that takes no more than an hour to perform.
Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
An ideal candidate often has full or chubby cheeks which they are self - conscious about and wish to undergo this procedure. Good candidates for the procedure should be in good physical and mental health, have realistic goals for the procedure, be stable in their weight, and be non - smokers. For example, Dr. Zimm, a double - board - certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City, can help determine if a patient is an appropriate candidate during a consultation.
Procedure and Recovery
After the administration of an anesthetic and confirming patient comfort, incisions are placed on the inside of the cheek. The buccal fat pad is then identified and safely removed. The incisions are closed using absorbable sutures, resulting in no visible scarring after healing. A buccal fat reduction in New York City is a quick procedure that reduces the fullness of the lower face and improves the “chubby cheek” appearance.
During the first week following the procedure, a soft diet is recommended to help protect the incision while it heals. Minor discomfort and swelling should be expected but due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, this is often short - lived. Light exercise and activities can resume as tolerated after the procedure, but any strenuous exercise should be avoided for two weeks. Patients typically return to work the day after the procedure. Results will start to be appreciated as early as two to three weeks after the procedure and will continue to improve after the procedure for six to nine months.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of cheek fat removal in New York City can range from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the need for additional procedures and many other factors. Insurance companies generally classify buccal fat pad removals as cosmetic procedures, and as a result, these procedures are generally not covered by insurance plans.
Kybella Injections for Face Slimming
Introduction to Kybella
Kybella is the first and only FDA - approved injectable drug for dissolving submental fat and reducing the appearance of moderate to severe fat under the chin. Dr. Michele Green in New York City is one of the first dermatologists to utilize Kybella as a treatment for submental fat. The active ingredient in Kybella is a synthetic version of deoxycholic acid, which is a substance that occurs naturally in the body and aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat.
How Kybella Works
When Kybella is injected into the submental area or double chin, these fat cells are quickly destroyed through a process called lipolysis. Kybella injections prevent these fat cells from accumulating fat in those cells which are destroyed. Over the coming weeks, typically 4 to 6 weeks after Kybella injections, these fat cells are cleared from the body through natural metabolic processes.
Treatment Process
During the consultation, Dr. Green will review all of the patient's medical conditions as well as past cosmetic procedures. The anatomy of the neck and jawline will be examined, and medical photos are obtained for personal treatment records. The patient's weight is also documented as significant weight gain can interfere with the treatment results of Kybella. A treatment plan is then reviewed, and the number of treatments needed to dissolve the submental fat is discussed. The Kybella treatment typically takes fifteen minutes to perform and can be done during a lunch break. The patient is prescribed a topical numbing cream to apply at home one hour before the appointment. After arrival at the office, the numbing cream is removed, and the submental area is marked with a grid. Dr. Green then follows the grid pattern and injects Kybella into all of the pre - marked injection sites. Ice packs are immediately applied to the treatment area, and the patient is advised to sleep with their head elevated on a pillow to decrease the amount of post - procedure swelling at the injection site.
Side Effects and Post - op Instructions
Common side effects of Kybella injections are localized numbness, pain, redness and swelling, and areas of hardness (nodules or lumps) at the site of injection. More serious side effects, although rare, include nerve injury in the jaw, which can cause an uneven smile, facial muscle weakness, or trouble swallowing. To minimize swelling, patients are advised to ice the treated area, remain upright the day of the procedure, and sleep with their head elevated. They should refrain from strenuous exercise, saunas, steam rooms, or heat for two days after the treatment. Arnica can be taken to minimize any bruising from the injections.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Importance of Board Certification
When considering face - slimming procedures in New York City's plastic hospitals, it is crucial to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon. For example, Dr. Joshua D. Zuckerman, Dr. Antell, Dr. Zimm, and Dr. Andrew Jacono are all board - certified, which ensures that they have met the high standards of training and expertise required in the field. Board certification by organizations such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a sign of a surgeon's competence and professionalism.
Experience and Reputation
Experience plays a vital role in the success of a face - slimming procedure. Surgeons like Dr. Andrew Jacono, who has been widely recognized as one of the best facial plastic surgeons in America, have years of experience performing various facial plastic surgeries. Their reputation can be gauged through patient testimonials, media features, and awards. For instance, Dr. Jacono has been featured in numerous news outlets such as Good Morning America, Newsweek, and Cosmopolitan UK, which speaks to his high - quality work and patient satisfaction.
Personalized Approach
A good plastic surgeon will take a personalized approach to each patient. Dr. Jacono, for example, uses a customized, bespoke approach to each patient, employing the most minimally invasive, innovative, and cutting - edge technology. He understands that every patient has unique facial features and aesthetic goals, and he tailors the treatment plan accordingly. At Mount Sinai, the team of surgeons also crafts an individualized treatment plan that takes the patient's unique aesthetics, medical history, and lifestyle into consideration.
Other Non - Surgical and Surgical Facial Procedures in NYC Plastic Hospitals
Non - Surgical Procedures
BeautyWorksNYC Medical Spa offers a variety of non - surgical treatments. These include CoolSculpting, which uses cooling technology to freeze away stubborn fat in areas such as love handles, muffin tops, and bra rolls. Dermal fillers can add natural - looking volume and definition to one's facial profile, softening laugh lines, improving jawline definition, and plumping lips. Botox® cosmetic, Dysport®, Xeomin®, and Jeuveau® are non - surgical injections that help to reduce movement of the muscles that make wrinkles. RF (radio - frequency) skin tightening can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, improving skin texture and tone. Microneedling therapy uses the body's natural healing mechanisms to improve skin texture by creating microscopic punctures in the skin.
Surgical Procedures
Mount Sinai's division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery offers a range of surgical procedures. Nose surgery (rhinoplasty) can enhance, reshape, and balance the appearance of the nose. Face and neck lifts can refresh the face from the effects of aging by lifting sagging skin in the face, neck, and chin. Forehead and brow lifts can address wrinkles and sagging in the forehead area. Eye lifts (blepharoplasty) can give the eyes a more youthful and vibrant appearance. Cheek, chin, and jaw implants can add volume and definition to the face, while ear surgery (otoplasty) can reshape the ears.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City's large - scale plastic hospitals offer a plethora of options for face - slimming treatments, including Botox for masseter reduction, buccal fat removal, and Kybella injections. These procedures, along with other non - surgical and surgical facial treatments, provide individuals with the opportunity to achieve their desired facial aesthetics. When considering these treatments, it is essential to choose a board - certified plastic surgeon with experience and a personalized approach. By doing so, patients can increase the likelihood of a successful and satisfying outcome.
If you are interested in exploring face - slimming or other facial plastic surgery options in New York City, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a reputable plastic surgeon. Take the time to research different providers, ask questions, and make an informed decision. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about the latest plastic surgery trends in New York City.
