Introduction
In the pursuit of a more sculpted and defined facial appearance, buccal fat pad removal has emerged as a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This surgical intervention offers a solution for individuals looking to address "chipmunk cheeks" and achieve a slimmer face. In 2025, several hospitals and surgeons in NYC stand out for their expertise and successful outcomes in buccal fat pad removal and face - slimming. This article will explore the top 5 institutions that can deliver excellent results.
Understanding Buccal Fat Pad Removal
What is Buccal Fat?
Buccal fat is the fat located in the mid - to - lower cheek area. Everyone is born with chubby cheeks due to these fat pads, but in some individuals, they may persist into adulthood, causing the face to appear rounder and less defined. Buccal fat pads are encapsulated deposits of fat deep in the cheek, and they can contribute to the "baby face" or "chipmunk cheeks" look. These fat pads are resistant to diet and exercise, making buccal fat pad removal a viable option for those seeking a more contoured face.
The Procedure
Buccal fat pad removal is a surgical procedure typically performed under local or general anesthesia. A small incision is made inside the mouth, usually near the upper molars. Through this incision, the surgeon accesses the buccal fat pads and carefully removes a portion of the fat. The amount of fat removed depends on the patient's facial structure and aesthetic goals. After the fat is removed, the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. Since the incision is inside the mouth, there are no visible external scars.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal
- Enhanced Facial Contours: Removing the buccal fat pads can make the cheekbones more prominent and give the face a more angular and defined look.
- Youthful Appearance: It can reduce the "baby face" appearance and provide a more mature and sophisticated look.
- Boost in Self - Confidence: A more contoured face can improve self - esteem and how an individual perceives their appearance.
- Minimal Downtime: Compared to some other facial plastic surgery procedures, buccal fat pad removal has a relatively short recovery time.
Top 5 Hospitals/Surgeons in New York City for Buccal Fat Pad Removal
1. Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg
Expertise and Credentials
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 fellowship training through Stanford University. He holds dual board certification by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. His extensive experience and qualifications make him a trusted choice for buccal fat pad removal.
Patient Experience and Results
Dr. Rosenberg is dedicated to creating phenomenal results for his patients. He understands that choosing to undergo a cosmetic facial procedure is a very personal decision. For patients with chubby or fatty cheeks, he offers a surgical option to contour the cheeks. Often, the buccal fat pads are removed in combination with other procedures, such as a facelift, chin liposuction, or chin implants, to achieve the desired facial shape. Patients can expect a personalized approach and excellent results that complement their other features.
2. Dr. Douglas Steinbrech
Expertise and Credentials
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons under the American Board of Medical Specialties. He underwent eight years of surgical training at New York University in general surgery, plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery. He has been ranked in the top 10 plastic surgeons in NYC and has been selected among America’s top plastic surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.
Patient Experience and Results
Dr. Steinbrech's buccal fat pad removal in New York, NY, eliminates cheek fullness, providing patients with a sculpted, angular appearance. The procedure offers enhanced facial contours, a youthful look, and minimal downtime. During the initial consultation, he takes the time to understand the patient's aesthetic goals, reviews their medical history, and assesses their suitability for the procedure. The recovery period is short, with patients typically being able to return to work and normal activities within 2 - 3 days. Most patients are thrilled with the results, which include an oval, triangular face with improved definition, enhanced cheekbones, and an overall more attractive and youthful appearance.
3. Dr. Jennifer Levine
Expertise and Credentials
Dr. Jennifer Levine is a double - board - certified facial plastic surgeon. She is renowned for her expertise in facial balancing, including buccal fat removal procedures in New York. Featured in leading publications such as Forbes and on Good Morning America, she combines advanced surgical and non - surgical techniques with a personalized approach to achieve natural - looking results. Her state - of - the - art private operating suite provides a high - quality setting for patient care.
Patient Experience and Results
Patients who choose Dr. Levine for buccal fat removal can expect a variety of benefits, including increased jawline definition, contoured cheekbones, a leaner and more defined face, long - lasting results, an efficient procedure, and minimized recovery. She takes the time to have a personal consultation with patients to determine their suitability for the procedure and creates a personalized plan. The buccal fat removal procedure is usually performed under local or IV anesthesia in a private operating room, and the results are permanent as the removed fat cells will not grow back. However, patients are advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid significant weight fluctuations that could affect the results.
4. Dr. Joshua Zimm
Expertise and Credentials
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 in multiple years and is a lifetime member of Strathmore’s Who’s Who.
Patient Experience and Results
Dr. Zimm provides exceptional care in a welcoming, compassionate environment. The buccal fat removal surgery in his practice is performed under local anesthetic in the office and typically takes about 30 - 45 minutes. He makes an incision on the inside of the cheek, leaving no visible scar. After the procedure, patients are recommended to follow a soft diet for the first week to aid in the healing process. Results start to become noticeable as early as two to three weeks after the procedure and continue to improve over six to nine months. The procedure helps enhance the appearance of the cheekbones and treats an overly round facial structure, boosting patients' self - confidence.
5. Dr. Philip Miller
Expertise and Credentials
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 is double - board - certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He has been honored as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for over a decade.
Patient Experience and Results
Dr. Miller offers personalized consultations using the exclusive Natra Look® process. During the consultation, he assesses the patient's facial structure and aesthetic goals, and uses advanced imaging technology to show the patient a 3D representation of the expected results. The buccal fat removal procedure typically takes about one to two hours. Patients can expect enhanced facial contours, balanced facial proportions, a reduction of chubby cheeks, minimal scarring, quick recovery, and long - lasting results. His team provides diligent post - procedure care to ensure a smooth recovery.
Comparing the Options
| Surgeon | Expertise and Credentials | Procedure Details | Recovery Time | Expected Results | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg | Decades of experience, Stanford fellowship, dual board - certified | May combine with other procedures like facelift, chin liposuction | Not specified in general, varies with additional procedures | Custom - contoured face to complement other features | Not specified |
| Dr. Douglas Steinbrech | Certified by American Board of Plastic Surgeons, top 10 in NYC | Outpatient, 30 - minute procedure under local anesthesia | 2 - 3 days to return to normal activities | Oval, triangular face with enhanced cheekbones | $7,000 - $8,000 |
| Dr. Jennifer Levine | Double - board - certified, featured in leading publications | 30 - minute procedure under local or IV anesthesia | Minimally invasive, varies but shorter than extensive treatments | Defined, sharp look with permanent results | Varies, discussed during consultation |
| Dr. Joshua Zimm | Double - board - certified, recognized as top physician | 30 - 45 minutes under local anesthetic in the office | Soft diet for first week, return to work next day, results improve over 6 - 9 months | Enhanced cheekbones, less round face | $4,000 - $8,000 |
| Dr. Philip Miller | Double - board - certified, over 20 years of experience | One to two hours under anesthesia | Not specified, team provides post - procedure care | Enhanced facial contours, balanced proportions | $2,500 - $6,500 |
Considerations Before Choosing a Surgeon
Qualifications and Experience
It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is board - certified in the relevant specialty, such as facial plastic and reconstructive surgery or plastic surgery. Look for surgeons with extensive experience in buccal fat pad removal specifically. Surgeons with fellowship training or additional certifications in facial aesthetics are often a good choice as they have received specialized education in this area.
Patient Testimonials and Before - After Photos
Read patient testimonials to get an idea of the surgeon's bedside manner, the quality of care, and patient satisfaction. Request to see before - after photos of previous buccal fat pad removal patients to assess the surgeon's skill in achieving the desired results. Real - life examples can give you a better understanding of what to expect from the procedure.
Cost and Insurance
Buccal fat pad removal is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. The cost can vary widely depending on the surgeon, the complexity of the procedure, and any additional treatments. Make sure to discuss all potential costs with the surgeon during the consultation, including anesthesia fees, facility fees, and pre - and post - operative care costs. Be wary of choosing a surgeon based solely on cost, as quality and safety should be your top priorities.
Location and Facility
Consider the location of the surgeon's office or the hospital where the procedure will be performed. You want to ensure that it is convenient for you to attend pre - and post - operative appointments. Also, check the accreditation and safety standards of the facility. A state - of - the - art and well - equipped facility can contribute to a more successful and comfortable surgical experience.
Potential Risks and Limitations of Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Risks
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, especially due to the intraoral incisions. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following post - operative care instructions are essential to minimize this risk.
- Bleeding and Hematoma: Some patients may experience post - surgical bleeding or the formation of hematomas. These are usually minor but may require medical attention if excessive.
- Nerve Damage: There is a potential for temporary or permanent facial nerve injury, which could lead to altered sensation or muscle weakness in the cheek area.
- Asymmetry: Minor asymmetry can occur due to natural variations in facial structure or uneven fat removal. Experienced surgeons take care to achieve balanced and symmetric results.
- Excessive Hollowing: In some cases, excessive fat removal can lead to a gaunt appearance. Proper candidate selection is vital to prevent this.
Limitations
- Aging Effects: As the face naturally loses volume with age, removing too much buccal fat may result in a prematurely aged appearance. Patients with a naturally thin face should be cautious.
- Not for Significant Weight Loss: This procedure is not intended for comprehensive weight reduction. Patients who are overweight should consider achieving a stable weight before undergoing surgery.
- Complementary Procedures: Some patients may require complementary procedures, such as liposuction, chin augmentation, or a facelift, to achieve optimal results and maintain facial balance.
- Long - Term Changes: While the results of buccal fat pad removal are permanent, significant weight gain or loss can affect the overall facial appearance.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City offers a wealth of options for those seeking buccal fat pad removal and face - slimming. The top 5 surgeons - Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg, Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, Dr. Jennifer Levine, Dr. Joshua Zimm, and Dr. Philip Miller - each bring their own unique expertise, experience, and approach to the procedure. They are committed to providing excellent results while ensuring patient safety and satisfaction. Before making a decision, it is important to carefully consider the qualifications of the surgeon, patient testimonials, costs, and the potential risks and limitations of the procedure. By doing so, you can make an informed choice and take a step towards achieving your desired facial aesthetics.
If you are considering buccal fat pad removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of these top surgeons. Discuss your goals, ask questions, and gather all the information you need to make the best decision for yourself. Take the first step towards a more confident and beautiful you!
