Introduction
In the bustling metropolis of New York City, the pursuit of beauty and aesthetic enhancement is a thriving industry. Two popular procedures that have gained significant attention are buccal fat pad removal for face - slimming and photon rejuvenation. Buccal fat pad removal can transform the face by eliminating excess fat in the cheek area, resulting in a more contoured and defined look. Photon rejuvenation, on the other hand, uses light - based technology to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. As more people seek these procedures, finding the right doctor becomes crucial. In this article, we will explore the top doctors in New York City for buccal fat pad removal and discuss some aspects related to photon rejuvenation as well.
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Definition and Purpose
Buccal fat pad 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. Excessive fat in the cheek region can make the face appear heavy and undefined, and removing this fat can address “chipmunk cheeks” to slim the face and improve the overall shape (Source: https://www.drjoshuarosenberg.com/buccal - fat - pad - removal/).
Who is a Good Candidate?
- Individuals with prominent facial fat below the cheekbones that they would like to reduce are ideal candidates. They should have realistic expectations about the results and understand that it won't completely change their face structure (Source: https://www.drsteinbrech.com/plastic - surgery/buccal - fat - pad - removal).
- Good candidates are generally in good physical and mental health, have a stable weight, and are non - smokers. It's also important that they are doing the procedure for themselves and not to conform to someone else's beauty standards (Source: https://www.drjoshuazimm.com/surgical - buccal - fat - removal/).
What is Photon Rejuvenation?
How it Works
Photon rejuvenation, also known as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, uses broad - spectrum light to target various skin concerns. The light energy is absorbed by the pigments in the skin, such as melanin (for pigmented lesions) or hemoglobin (for blood vessels). This absorption causes the targeted structures to heat up and break down, which is then removed by the body's natural processes. It can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of sunspots, redness, and fine lines, and stimulate collagen production.
Benefits
- Non - invasive procedure, meaning there are no incisions or injections required.
- Can address multiple skin concerns simultaneously, such as uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and vascular lesions.
- Relatively short treatment time with minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their normal activities quickly.
Top Doctors for Buccal Fat Pad Removal in New York City
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 and has a background that includes fellowship training through Stanford University. He is dual - board certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Rosenberg offers buccal fat pad removal at his office in New York. He has extensive experience working with patients to achieve the desired facial contour, and often combines buccal fat pad removal with other procedures like facelifts, chin liposuction, or chin implants to obtain the best results. For those with chubby or fatty cheeks, he can contour the cheeks to complement other facial features. If you desire a slimmer face and more pronounced contours in your midface, you can contact Dr. Rosenberg to schedule a consultation (Source: https://www.drjoshuarosenberg.com/buccal - fat - pad - removal/).
Dr. Jennifer Levine
Dr. Jennifer Levine is a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon in NYC. She is globally recognized for delivering natural - looking results. With over 20 years of surgical experience specifically on the face, she is an expert in facial anatomy. When buccal fat removal became popular again on social media, Dr. Levine shared her thoughts on how to best use this surgical procedure to achieve a contoured appearance. She offers 3D consultations, which allow patients to ‘preview’ their results using 3D renderings of their photos. Her experience with buccal fat removal, along with her focus on the consultation process, makes her a top choice for patients. Additionally, she regularly trains colleagues nationwide on optimal surgical and non - surgical techniques. You can book a buccal fat removal consultation with her by calling 347.960.4909 (Source: https://www.drjenniferlevine.com/buccal - fat - removal - in - nyc - choosing - the - best - facial - plastic - surgeon/).
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech
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 was selected among America’s top plastic surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. His buccal fat pad removal in New York eliminates cheek fullness, providing a sculpted, angular appearance. The procedure offers benefits such as enhanced facial contours, a youthful appearance, and minimal downtime. During the procedure, a small incision is made inside the mouth, and excess buccal fat is removed. The recovery period is short, and most patients can return to work and normal activities within 2 - 3 days. Dr. Steinbrech takes great care to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction, and he calls patients after the surgery to check on their progress. He also answers common questions about the procedure, such as pain, risks, and recovery (Source: https://www.drsteinbrech.com/plastic - surgery/buccal - fat - pad - removal).
Dr. Philip Miller
Dr. Philip Miller is a preeminent surgeon double - board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He has over 20 years of dedicated experience in buccal fat removal. Using the exclusive Natra Look® process, he provides personalized consultations to align patients' buccal fat removal goals with his artistic approach. He is honored as a Castle Connolly top doctor for over a decade. The buccal fat removal procedure with Dr. Miller typically takes about one to two hours. After the surgery, the team arranges for the patient's safe return home. His office also offers 3D imaging technology during the consultation so patients can see the expected results. In New York, buccal fat removal with Dr. Miller typically costs between $2,500 and $6,500, and the final price depends on the area and extent of correction needed (Source: https://www.drphilipmiller.com/procedures/facial - plastic - surgery/buccal - fat - removal/).
Dr. Richard Swift
Dr. Richard Swift, MD, F.A.C.S. is a double - board certified plastic surgeon, being certified in both plastic surgery and general surgery. He completed his education and training at prestigious institutions such as Yale University, Brown University, and various medical centers. He is an attending surgeon at the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital. Dr. Swift is renowned as one of the city's premier facial surgeons. His practice offers a wide range of facial treatments, including buccal fat removal. He can also provide non - surgical options like dermal fillers and Botox for patients who may not be ready for full facial plastic surgery. If you are interested in his services, you can call 212 - 828 - 9906 to schedule a consultation (Source: https://buccalfatremovalnewyorkcity.com/).
Dr. Joshua Zimm
Dr. Joshua Zimm is a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City, holding certification in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology - head and neck surgery. He has been recognized as one of “America’s top physicians” by the Consumer Research Council of America on multiple occasions and is a lifetime member of Strathmore’s Who’s Who. His office is located in Manhattan’s upper east side. The cost of buccal fat removal with Dr. Zimm can range from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on various factors. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthetic in the office and takes about 30 - 45 minutes. After the procedure, patients are recommended a soft diet for the first week, and light exercise can resume as tolerated. Results start to show as early as two to three weeks and continue to improve for six to nine months (Source: https://www.drjoshuazimm.com/surgical - buccal - fat - removal/).
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 various plastic surgery societies. 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 often combines it with other treatments like precision TX® laser - assisted liposuction, microcannula cheek liposuction, and chin liposuction for a more angular look. Good candidates for his buccal fat removal are healthy, non - smoking individuals with considerable fullness in the cheek hollow region. The recovery from the procedure involves some swelling that subsides over time, and patients can see their final results after about 3 months. Buccal fat removal with Dr. Sterry has a high satisfaction rate, and it enhances patients' natural features without dramatically altering the face (Source: https://www.drsterry.com/face/buccal - fat - removal/).
Comparing the Doctors
Doctor | Certifications | Years of Experience | Special Features | Cost Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 | Decades | Combines buccal fat removal with other procedures; Stanford fellowship training | Not specified |
Dr. Jennifer Levine | Double - board certified facial plastic surgeon | Over 20 years | 3D consultations; global recognition for natural - looking results | Not specified |
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech | Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons | Not specified | Ranked in the top 10 plastic surgeons in NYC; takes care of patients post - surgery | $7,000 - $8,000 |
Dr. Philip Miller | Double - board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery | Over 20 years | Exclusive Natra Look® process; 3D imaging during consultation | $2,500 - $6,500 |
Dr. Richard Swift | Double - board certified in plastic surgery and general surgery | Not specified | Attending surgeon at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital; offers non - surgical options | Not specified |
Dr. Joshua Zimm | Double - board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology - head and neck surgery | Not specified | Recognized as “America’s top physicians”; office in Manhattan’s upper east side | $4,000 - $8,000 |
Dr. Thomas P. Sterry | Board - certified plastic surgeon | Over 20 years | Leadership positions in plastic surgery societies; combines with other treatments | Not specified |
How to Choose the Right Doctor
Credentials and Certification
Always check if the doctor is board - certified. A board - certified doctor has met the rigorous standards set by the relevant medical boards, which ensures they have the necessary training and skills. For example, doctors like Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg, Dr. Jennifer Levine, Dr. Philip Miller, and others are board - certified in relevant fields, which gives patients confidence in their abilities (Source: https://www.drjoshuarosenberg.com/buccal - fat - pad - removal/, https://www.drjenniferlevine.com/buccal - fat - removal - in - nyc - choosing - the - best - facial - plastic - surgeon/, etc.).
Experience
Look for doctors with significant experience in buccal fat pad removal. Surgeons like Dr. Jennifer Levine and Dr. Philip Miller have over 20 years of experience in facial plastic surgery, which means they have likely encountered a wide range of cases and can handle potential complications better (Source: https://www.drjenniferlevine.com/buccal - fat - removal - in - nyc - choosing - the - best - facial - plastic - surgeon/, https://www.drphilipmiller.com/procedures/facial - plastic - surgery/buccal - fat - removal/).
Reputation and Reviews
Check online reviews and patient testimonials. Doctors with positive reviews across multiple platforms and satisfied patients are generally a good choice. For instance, Dr. Philip Miller has many real - patient testimonials highlighting his skills and caring approach (Source: https://www.drphilipmiller.com/procedures/facial - plastic - surgery/buccal - fat - removal/).
Consultation Process
A good doctor will offer a comprehensive consultation. This includes discussing your aesthetic goals, showing you before - and - after photos of past patients, and answering all your questions. Some doctors, like Dr. Jennifer Levine, offer 3D consultations, which can give you a better idea of the expected results (Source: https://www.drjenniferlevine.com/buccal - fat - removal - in - nyc - choosing - the - best - facial - plastic - surgeon/).
The Buccal Fat Pad Removal Procedure
Pre - Procedure
Before the procedure, the doctor will have an in - depth consultation with you. They will assess your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and review your medical history. Some doctors may perform a physical examination of your face to determine the amount of fat in the cheek area and if you are a suitable candidate. You may also need to stop taking certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, for a period of time before the surgery. It's also important to follow any pre - operative instructions regarding diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption (Source: https://www.drsteinbrech.com/plastic - surgery/buccal - fat - pad - removal, https://www.drphilipmiller.com/procedures/facial - plastic - surgery/buccal - fat - removal/).
During the Procedure
The buccal fat pad removal procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia or with some light sedation. A small incision is made inside the mouth, typically behind the upper molars. Through this incision, the doctor uses surgical tools to pull out part or all of the fat pad. The blood vessel of the fat pad is cauterized to prevent bleeding, and then the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. The whole procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity (Source: https://www.drsteinbrech.com/plastic - surgery/buccal - fat - pad - removal).
Post - Procedure
After the procedure, you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort. Ice can be applied to the face, and over - the - counter pain medications may be taken as recommended by the doctor. You will likely be advised to follow a soft diet for the first few days to avoid putting stress on the inc