Top Grade - III Class - A Plastic Surgery Hospitals for Buccal Fat Pad Removal for Face - Slimming in New York City in 2025

Introduction

Many individuals in New York City dream of achieving a slimmer and more contoured face. One effective method to attain this goal is through buccal fat pad removal. However, finding a reliable Grade - III Class - A plastic surgery hospital for this procedure is crucial. In this article, we will explore some of the top plastic surgery hospitals in New York City known for their excellence in buccal fat pad removal, discuss the procedure itself, and offer important considerations for those interested in this facial slimming technique.

Understanding Buccal Fat Pad Removal

What is a Buccal Fat Pad?

A buccal fat pad is a mass of fat that accumulates in the middle of the cheeks below the cheekbones. It fills the hollow area of the cheeks and makes a face appear fuller. Everyone has buccal fat pads, but the size and shape vary from person to person. Some people accumulate extra fat in the area, resulting in a rounder and fuller face, which they may not find aesthetically pleasing. For example, those with larger buccal fat pads may have what is commonly referred to as “chipmunk cheeks.”

How Buccal Fat Pad Removal Works

Buccal fat removal surgery, also called cheek reduction surgery or buccal lipectomy, is a facial contouring procedure that reduces the size of the cheeks and brings balance to the proportions of the face. This surgical procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation or general anesthesia. The incisions are made along the inside of the mouth, ensuring that no post - surgical marks are visible once the patient has fully recovered. The surgeon then carefully removes the desired amount of buccal fat, and the incision is sutured closed.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal

People who undergo buccal fat pad removal surgery can experience a variety of benefits:

• Well - defined Cheeks: Removing the buccal fat pads can create more distinct and defined cheeks, enhancing the overall facial contour.
• Thinner and Angled Cheeks: The procedure helps in achieving a slimmer and more angular appearance, which is often associated with attractiveness.
• Enhanced Appearance: A more contoured face can improve the overall aesthetic of an individual, making them look more proportionate and refined.
• Greater Self - Confidence: When people are satisfied with their facial appearance, it can significantly boost their self - confidence and self - esteem.
• Youthful and Renewed Appearance: Buccal fat pad removal can help restore a more youthful look by reducing the fullness in the cheeks.

Top Plastic Surgery Hospitals in New York City for Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Plastic Surgery Group of NYC

The Plastic Surgery Group of NYC has top - notch board - certified plastic surgeons who regularly perform facial slimming surgery, including buccal fat removal. Their state - of - the - art fully accredited private practice is located in Manhattan. The surgeons here use a careful combination of science, art, and aesthetics to deliver natural - looking results. During the free facial slimming surgery consultation, patients can have one - on - one time with a top - rated board - certified plastic surgeon to discuss their concerns and goals. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis at their surgical suite in Manhattan, and patients can expect to return home the same day. Recovery is relatively quick, with patients able to return to daily activities within a few weeks and optimal results appearing within a few months.

Joshua D. Rosenberg, MD

Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg is one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in New York. He has decades of experience and extensive training, including 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. Dr. Rosenberg offers buccal fat pad removal to address “chipmunk cheeks” and create a more contoured face. He has extensive experience working with patients to achieve the desired effect through plastic surgery, and often the buccal fat pads are removed in combination with other procedures such as a facelift, chin liposuction, or chin implants. If you desire a slimmer face and more pronounced contours in your midface, contacting Dr. Rosenberg for a consultation can be a great option.

Albert Plastic Surgery

Dr. Mark G. Albert MD, FACS at Albert Plastic Surgery has extensive experience with facial plastic surgery. He understands that the buccal fat pad can contribute to a “chubby - cheeked” or baby - faced appearance and offers buccal fat pad removal to create a more chiseled look. During the initial consultation, Dr. Albert will learn about the patient's cosmetic goals and physical characteristics and guide them to a procedural plan that is right for them. The procedure takes about an hour and is performed in the comfort of their NYC office space. Incisions are made on the inside of the mouth, ensuring they are invisible after recovery. Patients can expect some minor swelling and discomfort, similar to what one might feel after a simple tooth extraction, but the swelling should subside within two to three weeks, revealing the final contoured facial appearance.

Richard W. Swift, Jr., MD, F.A.C.S.

Board - certified Manhattan plastic surgeon and general surgeon Richard W. Swift, Jr., MD, F.A.C.S. offers buccal fat pad removal surgery. The procedure, known as cheek reduction surgery, helps improve the excessive fullness of the cheeks and provides a slimmer and smoother face while restoring a youthful appearance. This outpatient procedure is usually performed in about 1 hour under sedation or general anesthetic. After the surgery, there is very little downtime, and patients can often rejoin work the next day. Since only intraoral incisions are made, there are no visible scarring. Dr. Swift provides personalized consultation based on the patient's requirements for the best results.

Manhattan Surgical Care (Dr. Pakeman)

Dr. Pakeman at Manhattan Surgical Care performs buccal fat pad removal as a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery to reduce the appearance of lower cheek fullness or “chipmunk cheeks.” The procedure involves removing a portion of the fat pad through a small incision inside the back of the mouth across from the upper molars. It can take as little as 30 minutes to complete, and recovery time is minimal. Buccal fat pad removal can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction of the neck or chin or rhinoplasty. The best candidates for buccal lipectomy are in their late 20s or early 30s, at or near their goal weight, and in good health. Dr. Pakeman will help patients decide if the procedure is right for them during the initial consultation.

Shafer Plastic Surgery

At Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City, board - certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Shafer offers buccal fat pad removal surgery. Good candidates for this procedure should have excess fat in the cheeks, be in good overall health, be unhappy with the chubby appearance of their cheeks, and have realistic expectations regarding the results. The procedure is an outpatient one, performed under general anesthesia with incisions made along the inside of the mouth. After the surgery, patients will be provided with post - operative instructions to help them through the recovery period, which usually takes a few weeks for the swelling to dissipate.

Dr. Antell

Dr. Antell performs buccal fat removal in NYC to slim down the cheeks in the midportion, which can give the entire face a more attractive look. His procedure is an outpatient one that takes no more than an hour to perform, using an intraoral approach to remove a teaspoon of buccal fat through a small incision near the top 2nd molar tooth. The complication rate with his cheek fat reduction is very low. After the surgery, most people recover quickly with mild swelling and pain. Results are immediately evident, but the final results will appear once the redness, swelling, and other side effects dissipate in a week.

Steven Wallach MD, FACS

Dr. Steven Wallach offers buccal fat removal to reduce the fullness in the mid - to lower cheek area. A good candidate for this procedure is an individual who has fullness in this area. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour. It is performed through an intraoral incision, and the incision in the mouth is closed with absorbable sutures. The recovery is usually straightforward, and patients can expect a softer look to their lower cheek once the swelling subsides.

Considerations Before Choosing a Plastic Surgery Hospital

Surgeon's Qualifications and Experience

It is essential to choose a plastic surgeon who is board - certified and has extensive experience in performing buccal fat pad removal. Look for surgeons who have received proper training from reputable institutions and have a track record of successful procedures. For example, surgeons with fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, like Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg, are likely to have in - depth knowledge and expertise in this area.

Hospital Accreditation

Opt for a Grade - III Class - A plastic surgery hospital that is fully accredited. Accreditation ensures that the hospital meets certain standards of safety, quality, and patient care. The Plastic Surgery Group of NYC, for instance, is a state - of - the - art fully accredited private practice, which gives patients more confidence in the quality of the procedures performed there.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the experiences of others who have undergone buccal fat pad removal at a particular hospital. Look for reviews that mention the surgeon's skill, the quality of the post - operative care, and the overall satisfaction with the results. This can help you gauge the reputation of the hospital and the likelihood of achieving your desired outcome.

Cost

The cost of buccal fat pad removal can vary depending on various factors, such as the surgeon's fees, the facility fees, anesthesia costs, and any additional diagnostic tests or medications. It is important to have a clear understanding of the total cost upfront and to consider your budget. However, it is also crucial not to compromise on the quality of the surgeon and the hospital for the sake of a lower cost. Some hospitals, like Manhattan Surgical Care, offer financing options to help patients manage the cost of the procedure.

Pre - and Post - Operative Care

Good pre - and post - operative care is vital for a successful buccal fat pad removal procedure. A reputable hospital should provide comprehensive pre - operative consultations to discuss the patient's goals, assess their suitability for the procedure, and explain the entire process. After the surgery, they should offer detailed post - operative instructions and support to ensure proper recovery. For example, Dr. Swift at Manhattan ensures that patients are well - informed about the procedure and its aftercare to achieve the best results.

Comparing Key Aspects of Different Plastic Surgery Hospitals

Potential Risks and Complications

While buccal fat pad removal is generally considered a safe procedure, like any surgery, it comes with some potential risks and complications:

• Swelling and Bruising: It is common to experience swelling and bruising after the procedure, but this usually subsides within a few weeks. For example, at Manhattan Surgical Care, patients are informed that swelling is normal and will gradually go away, and bruising is rare.
• Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the incision site. To minimize this risk, patients are usually given antibiotics and instructions on proper wound care. For instance, Dr. Antell advises patients to rinse their mouth after every meal following buccal fat removal for up to a week or more to prevent food from trapping on or near the incision.
• Scarring: Since the incisions are made inside the mouth, visible scarring is rare. However, there is a small possibility of internal scarring that could affect the mouth's function or appearance. But overall, surgeons take great care to minimize the risk of any significant scarring.
• Asymmetry: In some cases, the removal of buccal fat may result in an uneven appearance of the cheeks. Experienced surgeons will try to ensure symmetry during the procedure, but there is still a slight risk. For example, if too much fat is removed from one side compared to the other, it can lead to an asymmetrical look.
• Hollow or Gaunt Appearance: Removing too much buccal fat can lead to a hollow or gaunt appearance in the cheeks, causing premature aging and an unnatural facial contour. Surgeons need to be cautious and remove only the appropriate amount of fat based on the patient's facial structure and goals.

Recovery Process

The recovery process after buccal fat pad removal varies from patient to patient but generally follows a similar pattern:

1. Immediate Post - Surgery: After the surgery, patients may experience some swelling, mild pain, and soreness in the mouth. They are usually given pain medication to manage the discomfort. Most patients are advised to rest and have someone drive them home. For example, after a procedure with Dr. Antell, patients need someone to drive them back home as the procedure involves anesthesia.
2. First Few Days: During the first few days, swelling