Introduction

For many people in New York City, the quest for a more sculpted and defined face has led to the increasing popularity of buccal fat pad removal. This facial contouring procedure offers a solution to those struggling with stubborn mid - face fullness or the so - called “chipmunk cheeks”. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals and surgeons in New York City for buccal fat pad removal, providing you with in - depth information to help you make an informed decision.

What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

The buccal fat pads are located beneath the cheekbones and above the jawline. Some people are genetically predisposed to store excess fat in these areas, which can make the face appear rounder and less defined. Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce the size of these fat pads, creating a more sculpted and defined facial appearance.

According to Davis and Serra (2022), removing excess fat in these areas can provide more definition to the cheekbones and contour the jawline. It is especially effective for patients who have tried diet and exercise but still struggle with facial fullness in the mid - face region.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal

• Enhanced Facial Contours: By reducing the buccal fat pads, the cheekbones become more prominent, and the jawline appears more defined. This gives the face a more angular and sculpted look.
• Long - lasting Results: Once the buccal fat cells are removed, they do not grow back. However, significant weight gain can cause surrounding fat cells to expand, potentially affecting the results.
• Improved Self - confidence: Many patients report a boost in self - esteem after the procedure, as they feel more satisfied with their facial appearance.
• Minimal Scarring: Since the incisions are made inside the mouth, there are no visible scars on the face.

Ranking of Buccal Fat Pad Removal Hospitals and Surgeons in New York City

1. Dr. Jennifer Levine

Dr. Jennifer Levine is a double - board certified facial plastic surgeon renowned for her expertise in facial balancing, including buccal fat removal procedures. She is featured in leading publications such as Forbes and on Good Morning America. Her state - of - the - art private operating suite provides exceptional care and outcomes.

Benefits of Choosing Dr. Levine:

• Combines advanced surgical and non - surgical techniques with a personalized approach to achieve natural - looking results.
• Has completed over 20,000 facial rejuvenation procedures and is rated in the top 1% of injectors in the country.
• Her patients can expect attentive, personalized care at one of the most esteemed plastic surgery practices in NYC.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Levine, you can call (212) 517 - 9400 or request a consultation on her website.

2. 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, with 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.

Benefits of Choosing Dr. Rosenberg:

• Extensive experience working with patients to achieve the desired facial contour through plastic surgery.
• Often removes the buccal fat pads in combination with other procedures, such as a facelift, chin liposuction, or chin implants, for comprehensive results.
• His dedication to creating phenomenal results for his patients is unmatched, making him a leader in his field.

If you desire a slimmer face and more pronounced contours in your mid - face, you can contact Dr. Rosenberg to schedule a consultation.

3. Dr. Basil Pakeman (Manhattan Surgical Care)

Dr. Basil Pakeman at Manhattan Surgical Care performs buccal fat pad removal as a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery. The practice is conveniently located to serve New York City and provides experienced cosmetic surgery to patients in the area and nationwide.

Benefits of Choosing Dr. Pakeman:

• The buccal fat removal procedure can take as little as 30 minutes to complete, and recovery time is minimal.
• He uses the intraoral approach, which is considered the safest approach for buccal fat removal and minimizes potential scarring.
• Buccal fat pad removal can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction of the neck or chin or rhinoplasty to reshape the overall face.

To schedule a consultation, you can call 212 - 308 - 1566.

4. Dr. Carey Nease (New York Surgical Arts)

Dr. Carey Nease at New York Surgical Arts is a triple - board certified surgeon. The clinic offers consultations at two convenient locations in Manhattan and Long Island. Dr. Nease is committed to helping patients achieve their ideal appearance through buccal fat removal.

Benefits of Choosing Dr. Nease:

• The buccal fat removal procedure makes an inconspicuous incision inside the mouth, so there is no visible scarring.
• He tailors the procedure to the patient's unique bone structure, allowing for a more personalized and natural - looking result.
• The treatment reduces unflattering bulging, rounded cheeks, accentuates the cheekbones and jawline, and produces long - term results with one outpatient treatment.

You can call (212) 535 - 1470 (New York City) or (516) 746 - 0155 (Garden City) to schedule a consultation.

5. Dr. David Shafer (Shafer Plastic Surgery)

Dr. David Shafer at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue is a board - certified plastic surgeon who focuses on providing patients with beautiful and natural - looking results. He offers buccal fat pad removal surgery for patients with chubby or oversized cheeks.

Benefits of Choosing Dr. Shafer:

• You can choose buccal fat removal surgery alone or combine it with other cosmetic facial procedures for more comprehensive facial enhancement, such as Botox injection, facelift, lip augmentation, chin implants, and rhinoplasty.
• The incisions for the procedure are made along the inside of the mouth, so no post - surgical marks should be visible once you have fully recovered.

To schedule a consultation for your buccal fat pad removal procedure with Dr. Shafer, you can contact Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue.

6. 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 is selected among America’s top plastic surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.

Benefits of Choosing Dr. Steinbrech:

• The buccal fat pad removal procedure can create an oval, triangular face with improved definition, enhanced mid - face contour, and more prominent cheekbones.
• It offers a youthful appearance by eliminating cheek fullness and has minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily lives quickly.
• Dr. Steinbrech takes his time with patients, listens to their needs, and provides honest advice.

To learn more about buccal fat pad removal with Dr. Steinbrech, you can explore his services on his website.

7. 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. His practice is located in Manhattan’s upper east side.

Benefits of Choosing Dr. Zimm:

• He has been recognized as one of “America’s top physicians” by the Consumer Research Council of America and is a lifetime member of Strathmore’s Who’s Who.
• The buccal fat reduction surgery can be performed in the office using local anesthetic, typically takes about 30 - 45 minutes, and patients can drive home after the procedure.
• Results start to be appreciated as early as two to three weeks after the procedure and continue to improve for six to nine months.

You can call (646) 513 - 2142 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zimm.

8. Dr. Philip Miller

Dr. Philip Miller is New York City’s #1 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.

Benefits of Choosing Dr. Miller:

• During the consultation, patients can see a 3D representation of the expected results post - buccal fat removal using advanced imaging technology.
• He is honored as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for over a decade and performs the procedure in a state - of - the - art surgical facility accredited by the Joint Commission.
• Buccal fat removal with Dr. Miller can enhance facial contours, balance facial proportions, and provide subtle yet noticeable results.

To schedule a consultation, you can contact Dr. Miller’s office, and the $400 consult fee can be applied to the overall cost of your buccal fat removal.

Cost of Buccal Fat Pad Removal in New York City

The cost of buccal fat removal in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the extent of the surgery, and whether additional procedures are involved. Here is a general overview of the cost ranges for some of the surgeons mentioned:

It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the final cost will be determined during your consultation with the surgeon.

Procedure and Recovery

Procedure

The buccal fat removal procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Most surgeons use the intraoral approach, which involves making incisions inside the mouth to access the buccal fat pads. The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the complexity and whether it is combined with other procedures.

Anesthesia options include local anesthesia with or without sedation or general anesthesia. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon carefully removes the appropriate amount of buccal fat, ensuring a balanced and natural - looking result. After the fat is removed, the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.

Recovery

Recovery time can vary from patient to patient. In general, it is considered a minimally invasive procedure, and patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the first few days. Most patients are advised to follow a soft diet for the first week to protect the incisions while they heal.

Patients can usually return to work within a few days to a week, depending on the nature of their job. Strenuous activities should be avoided for a couple of weeks. The swelling typically subsides within a few weeks, and the final results become more apparent over the next few months.

Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Good candidates for buccal fat pad removal typically meet the following criteria:

• Have excess fat in the cheeks that contributes to a “chipmunk cheeks” look, a “baby face”, or a less defined facial contour.
• Are close to their goal weight. Significant weight changes after the procedure may affect the outcome.
• Have healthy and realistic expectations about the results of the procedure.
• Are in good overall health and do not have any underlying medical conditions that could interfere with surgery or recovery.

FAQs

Is buccal fat removal permanent?

Yes, the removed fat cells will not grow back. However, significant weight gain can cause surrounding fat cells to expand, potentially affecting the results.

Is the buccal fat excision procedure painful?

Buccal fat removal is typically performed under anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during the procedure. After the surgery, there may be some discomfort, swelling, or bruising, but these are usually manageable with prescribed pain medication and careful adherence to the surgeon's care instructions.

Is it possible to reduce buccal fat naturally?

Buccal fat is typically resistant to diet and exercise. While weight loss may reduce overall facial fullness in individuals with a higher BMI, buccal fat itself is typically unaffected by natural weight - loss efforts.

Are there non - surgical alternatives to buccal fat excision?

Depending on the protrusion of the buccal fat, some cheek and jaw contouring treatments such as fillers, Evoke, and Emface may help bring harmony and balance to the facial features. However, there is no non - surgical alternative to reducing buccal fat in individuals at their normal weight, as it is resistant to diet and exercise.

Does the buccal fat removal procedure leave visible scars?

No, since the incisions are made inside the mouth, there are no visible scars on the face.

Can I get buccal fat removal during a facelift?

Yes, during a deep - plane facelift, buccal fat pads can also be accessed and removed. Surgeons often combine these procedures for patients who desire facial contouring and rejuvenation.

What facial contouring treatments can be combined with buccal fat excision?

Commonly combined procedures include facelift, neck liposuction, chin implants, lip augmentation, and the addition of fillers. The specific combination will depend on the patient's aesthetic goals and will be determined during the consultation with the surgeon.

Conclusion

Buccal fat pad removal can be an effective way to achieve a more sculpted and defined facial appearance. In New York City, there are many experienced surgeons who can perform this procedure with excellent results. By carefully considering the qualifications and experience of the surgeons, as well as your own aesthetic goals and budget, you can make an informed decision about which surgeon is right for you.

If you're interested in buccal fat pad removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top surgeons in New York City. During the consultation, you can discuss your concerns, ask questions, and get a better understanding of the procedure, recovery, and expected results. Take the first step towards achieving the facial contour you've always wanted!