The popularity of the ranking list of hospitals for buccal fat pad removal and face slimming in New York City!

Introduction

In the vibrant and fashion - forward city of New York, the pursuit of a well - contoured face is a trend that continues to gain momentum. Buccal fat pad removal, a surgical procedure designed to reduce the fullness of the cheeks and achieve a slimmer facial appearance, has become a popular choice for many individuals. This article delves into the popularity of hospitals offering buccal fat pad removal and face - slimming procedures in New York City, exploring the procedures, the best hospitals, and related considerations.

What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Definition of Buccal Fat Pad

A buccal fat pad is a mass of fat located in the middle of the cheeks, below the cheekbones. It fills the hollow area of the cheeks and can make the face appear fuller. In some cases, people may accumulate extra fat in this area, resulting in a rounder, chubbier face. According to information from Shafer Plastic Surgery, some individuals may have aesthetic preferences that prompt them to consider buccal fat removal surgery.

Procedure Basics

Buccal fat removal surgery, also known as cheek reduction surgery or buccal lipectomy, is a facial contouring procedure. It is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Incisions are made along the inside of the mouth, ensuring that no post - surgical marks are visible once the patient has fully recovered. After the desired amount of fat is removed, the incision is carefully sutured closed. As mentioned by Shafer Plastic Surgery, this procedure can be done alone or combined with other cosmetic facial procedures like Botox injection, facelift, lip augmentation, chin implants, and rhinoplasty for a more comprehensive facial enhancement.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Enhanced Facial Contour

One of the primary benefits of buccal fat pad removal is the improvement in facial contour. By removing the excess fat in the cheeks, the cheekbones become more defined, and the jawline appears more sculpted. Dr. Jennifer Levine's clinic highlights that this procedure can provide a leaner, more defined appearance to the face, giving patients a more mature and refined look.

Permanent Results

The results of buccal fat pad removal are permanent because the removed fat cells do not grow back. However, it's important to note that significant weight gain can cause the surrounding fat cells to collect fat deposits. Many patients who opt for this procedure appreciate the long - term nature of the results, which allows them to enjoy a slimmer face for years to come.

Minimal Recovery Time

Compared to some other major cosmetic surgeries, buccal fat pad removal has a relatively short recovery time. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days to a week. Some swelling is normal after the procedure, but it usually dissipates within a few weeks. For example, at Dr. Pakeman's clinic, most patients can return to work or school as quickly as the next day, and the swelling diminishes with each passing day.

Candidates for Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Physical Criteria

• Excess Buccal Fat: Good candidates should have excess fat in the cheeks, often described as “chipmunk cheeks” or a “baby face.”
• Appropriate Age: Typically, patients in their 30s are considered ideal candidates as the face has gone through the natural aging process where the buccal fat may start to decrease. However, buccal fat removal can be performed on patients of various ages from their 20s to their 60s, as stated by Manhattan Surgical Care.
• Healthy BMI: Candidates should have a healthy BMI level and not have chubby cheeks due to obesity. Buccal fat is resistant to diet and exercise, and the procedure is mainly for those with genetically excessive buccal fat.

Lifestyle and Psychological Criteria

• Non - Smokers: Smoking can irritate the oral tissues and affect the results of the surgery, so non - smokers are preferred candidates.
• Realistic Expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. They should understand that the changes are often subtle but can enhance their natural features.
• Good Mental Health: Candidates should be in good mental health to undergo a cosmetic procedure. It's important that they are doing it for themselves and not due to external pressure.

Popular Hospitals for Buccal Fat Pad Removal in New York City

Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue

This clinic is well - known for its buccal fat pad removal services. Board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Shafer focuses on providing patients with beautiful and natural - looking results. The initial consultation is a crucial step where Dr. Shafer asks about the patient's current health, medical history, and reasons for the surgery. The procedure is an outpatient one, and patients are provided with detailed post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Dr. Jennifer Levine's Clinic

Dr. Levine has performed tens of thousands of facial cosmetic procedures globally and is recognized for achieving natural - looking results. Buccal fat excision at her clinic takes approximately 30 minutes and can be completed under local anesthesia. The benefits of the procedure at her clinic include a more defined jawline, contoured cheekbones, and a leaner face. She also offers consultations to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate and often combines buccal fat removal with other treatments for optimal results.

Dr. Joshua B. Hyman's Clinic

Dr. Hyman is a double - board - certified plastic surgeon and a clinical assistant professor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center. He performs custom buccal fat removal treatments at his state - of - the - art in - house surgical center. The procedure involves numbing the cheeks with a local anesthetic, making an incision within the mouth, and removing the fat pad. Dr. Hyman provides personalized attention to patients and conducts a free consultation to discuss their wishes and options.

Dr. Philip Miller's Gotham Plastic Surgery

Dr. Miller offers buccal fat excision at Gotham Plastic Surgery in New York City. He has extensive experience in facial cosmetic procedures. The buccal fat excision procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at the JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. Local or general anesthesia may be used. Dr. Miller also provides detailed information about the procedure through before - and - after photos of his patients and answers frequently asked questions to help patients make informed decisions.

Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg's Office

Dr. Rosenberg is one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in New York. He has decades of experience and a strong background, including fellowship training through Stanford University and dual board certification. His office offers buccal fat pad removal to address “chipmunk cheeks” and slim the face. He often combines this procedure with other surgeries like facelift, chin liposuction, or chin implants to achieve the desired facial shape for his patients.

Dr. Thomas P. Sterry's Practice

Dr. Sterry is a board - certified New York City plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He focuses on each patient's unique needs and aesthetic goals. Buccal fat removal at his practice is done under local anesthesia, and he removes about 1.5 grams of fat from each patient to create age - appropriate cheek contour. He also offers complementary procedures like precision tx® laser - assisted liposuction, microcannula cheek liposuction, and chin liposuction to enhance the results of buccal fat removal.

Manhattan Surgical Care

Dr. Pakeman at Manhattan Surgical Care performs buccal fat pad removal as a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery. The procedure is quick, taking approximately less than six minutes to complete under local anesthesia. He provides detailed information about the recovery process, potential risks, and answers a wide range of frequently asked questions. His clinic also offers financing options for patients interested in the procedure.

Comparison of Hospitals

Pre - operative and Post - operative Considerations

Pre - operative Considerations

• Consultation: This is the most important step. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient's facial structure, medical history, and expectations. They will also discuss the procedure in detail, including the risks, benefits, and possible outcomes.
• Medical Evaluation: The patient may need to undergo a medical evaluation to ensure they are in good health to undergo the surgery. This may include blood tests, physical examinations, and a review of their current medications.
• Preparation: Patients may be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, a few weeks before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. They should also arrange for someone to drive them home after the procedure.

Post - operative Considerations

• Swelling and Bruising: Some swelling and, in rare cases, bruising are normal after the procedure. Patients should follow the surgeon's instructions on how to manage these symptoms, such as applying cold compresses and keeping the head elevated.
• Dietary Restrictions: Depending on the hospital and the surgeon, patients may need to follow a special diet after the surgery. For example, a soft - foods diet may be recommended to avoid irritating the incisions in the mouth.
• Activity Restrictions: Patients should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks after the surgery to allow the body to heal properly. This includes avoiding exercise, heavy lifting, and contact sports.
• Follow - up Appointments: Regular follow - up appointments with the surgeon are crucial to monitor the healing process and ensure that the results are as expected. The surgeon may also remove the sutures if they are non - dissolvable during these appointments.

Potential Risks and Complications

While buccal fat pad removal is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications. These include:

• Swelling and Bruising: As mentioned earlier, swelling is a common side effect that usually subsides within a few weeks. Bruising is less common but can occur, especially if the patient has been taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding.
• Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the incision site. Patients should follow the post - operative instructions carefully to reduce this risk, such as keeping the mouth clean and taking prescribed antibiotics if necessary.
• Asymmetry: In some cases, the results of the surgery may not be perfectly symmetrical. This can be due to factors such as uneven removal of fat or the body's natural healing process. The surgeon will try to minimize this risk during the procedure, but it is still a possibility.
• Nerve Damage: Although rare, there is a risk of nerve damage during the surgery. This can result in numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the cheeks or mouth. The surgeon will take precautions to avoid this complication, but it is important for patients to be aware of the possibility.
• Poor Healing: Some patients may experience poor healing at the incision site, which can lead to scarring or other cosmetic issues. This can be influenced by factors such as the patient's overall health, smoking habits, and genetic factors.

Alternatives to Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Non - surgical Alternatives

Depending on the patient's needs and the protrusion of the buccal fat, there are some non - surgical alternatives to buccal fat excision. These include:

• Fillers: Cheek and jaw contouring fillers can be used to bring harmony and balance to the facial features. For example, injecting fillers such as Juvederm directly into the jawline can enhance the mandible and give a healthier, firmer, and younger - looking appearance.
• Evoke and Emface: These are non - invasive treatments that can help contour the face and reduce the appearance of chubby cheeks. They work by stimulating the muscles and collagen production in the face.

Other Surgical Alternatives

Some patients may consider other surgical procedures in combination with or instead of buccal fat pad removal to achieve a slimmer face. These include:

• Botox for Jaw Reduction: Botox can be injected into the masseter muscle to relax it and reduce its size. This can help achieve a sharper jawline and a more oval - shaped face.
• Facial Liposuction: This procedure involves suctioning fat from a broader area of the lower face using a very fine cannula. It can be used to address both buccal fat and other areas of excess fat in the face.
• Chin Implants: By correcting a small or weak chin, chin implants can enhance the facial features and provide more aesthetic balance to the face.

Conclusion

The popularity of buccal