Introduction
Buccal fat pad removal has become a popular cosmetic procedure for those looking to achieve a more contoured and slender facial appearance. In New York City, a hub of cosmetic surgery, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer this service. This article aims to introduce the top three hospitals for buccal fat pad removal for face - thinning in New York City, while also providing comprehensive information about the procedure itself.
Understanding Buccal Fat Pad Removal
What is Buccal Fat?
Buccal fat, also known as buccal fat pad or Bichat’s fat pad, is a deep fat pad located in the area between the cheekbone and jawline. It contributes to the facial definition and silhouette of the face. Everyone is born with some degree of buccal fat, which gives a chubby - cheeked or “baby - face” appearance. While this fat may naturally decrease with age for some people, others may retain it, resulting in overly full cheeks (often referred to as “chipmunk cheeks”) throughout adulthood.
Procedure of Buccal Fat Pad Removal
The buccal fat pad is encased in fat within each of the cheeks. Since it is encapsulated underneath the muscle, liposuction and skin - tightening techniques are not effective. Instead, buccal lipectomy (buccal fat pad removal) is performed through a small incision inside the back of the mouth, across from the upper molars. A suture is used to close the incision, and since the cut is made inside the mouth, there is no visible scarring on the face. The entire procedure can take as little as 30 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on the surgeon and the complexity of the case. It can sometimes be combined with other procedures such as liposuction of the neck or chin, rhinoplasty, or filler injections to reshape the overall face.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Reduction
- Reduction of lower cheek volume: It helps in getting rid of the excessive fullness in the lower cheeks, making the face look slimmer.
- Enhancement of upper cheek and cheekbone contour: By creating hollows in the lower cheeks, the upper cheeks and cheekbones become more prominent.
- Triangulation of facial shape: Gives the face a more desirable V - shaped or triangular contour, which is often associated with beauty and youth.
- Improvement in facial proportions: Balances the upper and lower cheek ratio, creating a more harmonious and attractive facial appearance.
- For men, it can result in a more chiseled jawline and cheeks, while for women, a more sculpted lower facial contour.
Recovery Process
After the procedure, it is normal to experience some swelling for one to two weeks. Initially, the cheeks may appear more round than before, but this swelling will gradually subside. Most patients should start to see thinning in their cheeks within a month of the buccal lipectomy. The full results could take up to three or more months to fully settle in. During the recovery period, patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous exercise for one to two weeks, follow a soft - foods diet, and rinse their mouth regularly to prevent infection. Most patients can return to work or school within a few days, depending on the nature of their job and the extent of swelling.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for buccal fat pad removal are in their late 20s or early 30s, at or near their goal weight, and in good health. They should have excessive fullness in the lower cheek area, a round face, chubby cheeks, or “chipmunk cheeks” and desire a more chiseled or contoured face. It is important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. Additionally, they should be non - smokers, as smoking can irritate the oral tissues and affect the healing process.
The Top Three Hospitals for Buccal Fat Pad Removal in New York City
1. Manhattan Surgical Care
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. Pakeman at Manhattan Surgical Care is highly experienced in performing buccal fat pad removal. He understands the intricacies of facial anatomy and aims to achieve natural - looking results while maintaining the patient's unique facial features. With his skill, he can carefully remove the appropriate amount of buccal fat to create a well - contoured face.
Procedure Approach
Manhattan Surgical Care offers buccal fat pad removal as a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with or without sedation. The surgeon makes a small incision inside the mouth, near the upper molars, and gently removes the buccal fat pad. The entire procedure is relatively quick, taking about 30 minutes, and is done on an outpatient basis, so patients can return home the same day.
Patient Experience
The clinic is known for its personalized approach to patient care. They take the time to understand each patient's goals and concerns during the initial consultation. Patients appreciate the friendly and professional staff who guide them through the entire process, from pre - surgery preparation to post - surgery recovery. The clinic also provides detailed post - operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
2. Gotham Plastic Surgery
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. Philip Miller at Gotham Plastic Surgery is a well - respected plastic surgeon in New York City. He has a keen eye for aesthetics and specializes in creating facial contouring that enhances the patient's natural beauty. His extensive experience in buccal fat excision allows him to provide customized results for each patient.
Procedure Approach
At Gotham Plastic Surgery, buccal fat excision is performed on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. They offer the option of local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's preference and the complexity of the procedure. A small incision is made on the inside of the mouth, and the fat pad is removed. The incisions are then closed, and patients can expect minimal swelling and no bruising in most cases.
Patient Experience
The clinic showcases before - and - after photos of their buccal fat removal patients, which gives potential patients a clear idea of the results they can expect. Patients at Gotham Plastic Surgery appreciate the high - quality care, from the initial consultation to the follow - up appointments. The clinic also provides support and resources to help patients make informed decisions about the procedure.
3. Dr. Sterry's NYC Plastic Surgery Center
Surgeon Expertise
Dr. Thomas P. Sterry is a board - certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He has held leadership positions in various plastic surgery societies and is highly regarded for his skills in facial sculpting. His expertise in buccal fat removal ensures that patients receive the best possible results.
Procedure Approach
Dr. Sterry likes to perform buccal fat removal under local anesthesia, with the option of light sedation. A small incision is made on the inside of the cheek, and he uses meticulous surgical techniques to excise the fat directly. He typically removes about 1.5 grams of fat from each patient to create age - appropriate cheek contour. The procedure is followed by a short period of observation, after which patients can return home to rest and recover.
Patient Experience
Patients at Dr. Sterry's clinic value his personalized approach and attention to detail. He takes the time to evaluate each patient's cheeks and provides a customized treatment plan. The clinic has a reputation for high patient satisfaction, with many patients reporting a boost in self - confidence after the procedure.
Comparing the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Surgeon | Anesthesia Options | Procedure Time | Patient Experience Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan Surgical Care | Dr. Pakeman | Local anesthesia with or without sedation | About 30 minutes | Personalized care, detailed post - operative instructions |
| Gotham Plastic Surgery | Dr. Philip Miller | Local or general anesthesia | Not specified (outpatient) | Showcases before - and - after photos, high - quality care |
| Dr. Sterry's NYC Plastic Surgery Center | Dr. Thomas P. Sterry | Local anesthesia with light sedation option | Not specified (followed by short observation) | Personalized treatment plans, high patient satisfaction |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is buccal fat pad removal painful?
During the procedure, patients are under anesthesia, so they do not feel pain. After the procedure, there may be mild soreness in the mouth, but this can usually be managed with over - the - counter pain medications. Cold compresses can also be used to manage swelling.
Can buccal fat come back after removal?
Once the buccal fat is removed, it does not grow back. However, significant weight gain after the procedure may mask the results to some extent.
Are there any long - term side effects?
Buccal fat pad removal is generally a safe procedure. However, some rare complications can include bleeding, poor healing, scarring, prolonged swelling, and asymmetry. Choosing an experienced and board - certified surgeon can significantly reduce the risk of these complications.
How much does buccal fat pad removal cost?
The cost of buccal fat pad removal varies depending on several factors, such as the surgeon's experience, the complexity of the procedure, the location of the hospital, and any additional procedures combined with it. It can range from $4,000 to $8,000 in New York City. Most insurance companies do not cover this cosmetic procedure.
Conclusion
Buccal fat pad removal can be an effective way to achieve a more contoured and slender facial appearance. In New York City, Manhattan Surgical Care, Gotham Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Sterry's NYC Plastic Surgery Center are among the top hospitals offering this procedure. Each hospital has highly skilled surgeons, different anesthesia options, and unique patient experiences. Before deciding on a hospital, it is important to do thorough research, schedule consultations, and discuss your goals and concerns with the surgeons. By choosing the right hospital and surgeon, you can increase the chances of achieving the desired results and having a positive experience.
If you are interested in buccal fat pad removal, we encourage you to reach out to these top hospitals for a consultation. Explore the options available to you and take the first step towards a more confident and beautiful you. Share this article with your friends and family who may also be interested in this topic.
