Introduction

Buccal fat pad removal has become a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City for those seeking a slimmer, more contoured face. With the increasing demand, it's crucial to choose a reliable hospital and an experienced surgeon. In this article, we'll introduce the top three hospitals for buccal fat pad removal in New York City in 2025, based on factors such as surgeon expertise, patient reviews, and treatment results.

What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Buccal fat, also known as buccal fat pad or Bichat’s fat pad, is a deep - seated fat pad situated in the area between the cheekbone and jawline. This fat contributes to the facial definition and silhouette. Excessive buccal fat can lead to the appearance of “chipmunk cheeks,” a full - round face, or simply cheek fullness. These conditions are often due to genetics or weight gain and typically don't respond to diet or exercise.

Buccal fat pad removal, also referred to as buccal lipectomy or bichectomy, is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery. It aims to reduce the fullness of the cheeks and create a sleek, contoured face with a chiseled look. A small incision is made inside the back of the mouth, across from the upper molars. Through this incision, a portion of the fat pad is removed. A suture is then used to close the incision, and since the cut is made inside the mouth, there are usually no visible scars on the face or cheeks.

The entire procedure can be relatively quick, sometimes taking as little as 30 minutes to complete. It can also be combined with other procedures such as liposuction of the neck or chin, rhinoplasty, or facial lifts to reshape the overall face.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Buccal fat reduction offers numerous benefits in facial cosmetic surgery:

• Volume Reduction: It effectively reduces the volume of the lower cheeks, eliminating the puffy appearance.
• Contour Enhancement: Enhances the contour of the upper cheeks and cheekbones. The hollows created in the lower cheeks make the cheekbones appear more prominent.
• Facial Shape Triangulation: Helps in creating a more triangular facial shape, which is often considered more aesthetically pleasing. This results in a more slender and narrower facial contour.
• Gender - Specific Benefits: For men, it can provide a more chiseled jawline and cheeks. For women, it offers a more sculpted lower facial contour.
• Balance Improvement: Improves the balance of facial proportions, especially the ratio between the upper and lower cheeks.

Top Three Hospitals for Buccal Fat Pad Removal in New York City

1. Manhattan Surgical Care

Surgeon: Dr. Pakeman is the key figure at Manhattan Surgical Care for buccal fat pad removal. His expertise in this minimally invasive cosmetic surgery is well - known. He has in - depth knowledge of the facial anatomy, which is crucial for performing the procedure safely and achieving the desired results.

Procedure Details: Dr. Pakeman performs the buccal lipectomy through a small incision inside the back of the mouth, across from the upper molars. He carefully removes a portion of the fat pad, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues. The entire procedure can take as little as 30 minutes, and he uses sutures to close the incision, which are often absorbable, eliminating the need for suture removal.

Benefits for Patients: One of the significant advantages of choosing Manhattan Surgical Care is the natural - looking results. The clinic focuses on maintaining a natural facial shape while achieving the desired slimming effect. Additionally, the recovery time is minimal. Patients may experience some swelling in the first one to two weeks, but it usually subsides, and they can start to see the thinning of their cheeks within a month. The full results may take up to three or more months to fully settle in.

Patient Reviews: Many patients have praised Dr. Pakeman's professionalism and the excellent results they've achieved. For example, some patients have reported that their friends and family noticed a significant improvement in their facial appearance, often commenting that they looked slimmer and more defined.

2. Joshua D. Rosenberg, MD

Surgeon: Dr. Joshua D. Rosenberg is one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in New York. He has decades of experience, 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.

Procedure Details: Dr. Rosenberg offers buccal fat pad removal at his office in New York. He often combines this procedure with other facial surgeries such as facelifts, chin liposuction, or chin implants to achieve a more comprehensive facial contouring. When performing the buccal fat pad removal, he takes into account the patient's overall facial features and goals to ensure a harmonious result.

Benefits for Patients: The clinic's focus on personalized treatment plans is a major plus for patients. Dr. Rosenberg spends time understanding each patient's needs and desires, and then tailors the procedure accordingly. This approach helps patients achieve a facial shape that complements their other features. Whether it's a young adult looking to lose their “baby cheeks” or an older adult aiming for a more youthful look, Dr. Rosenberg can create a customized solution.

Patient Reviews: Patients have commended Dr. Rosenberg for his attention to detail and excellent bedside manner. They've also shared that the results of the buccal fat pad removal have significantly boosted their self - confidence, and they are satisfied with the overall experience at the clinic.

3. Dr. Douglas Steinbrech

Surgeon: Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a highly respected plastic surgeon in New York. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and has undergone extensive surgical training at New York University in general surgery, plastic surgery, and reconstructive surgery. He has also been awarded grants from institutions like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation.

Procedure Details: At Dr. Steinbrech's practice, the buccal fat pad removal is a simple outpatient procedure. First, the mouth is cleaned and rinsed, and then local anesthesia is administered via injection to the cheek area. A small 1 - 2 - cm incision is made inside the mouth, behind the upper molars. Scissors and a surgical pick - up are used to pull out part or all of the fat pad, and the fat pad’s blood vessel is cauterized. Dissolvable sutures are used to close the incisions, and the procedure is repeated on the other side of the mouth. The total procedure time is about 30 minutes.

Benefits for Patients: Dr. Steinbrech is known for his ability to achieve enhanced facial contours and a youthful appearance. The procedure offers minimal downtime, and patients can typically return to work and normal activities within 2 - 3 days. He also provides comprehensive post - operative care instructions to help patients manage any swelling or discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery.

Patient Reviews: Many patients have left positive reviews about Dr. Steinbrech's skill and professionalism. They've noted that he takes the time to listen to their concerns and expectations, and the results have exceeded their hopes. Patients often feel more confident and attractive after the procedure.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Surgeon's Experience

The experience of the surgeon is of utmost importance. A well - experienced surgeon will have a better understanding of the facial anatomy, which reduces the risk of complications. Surgeons who have performed a large number of buccal fat pad removal procedures are more likely to achieve natural - looking results. For example, a surgeon like Dr. Pakeman, Dr. Rosenberg, or Dr. Steinbrech, with years of experience in facial cosmetic surgery, can better handle the nuances of the procedure and make informed decisions during the operation.

Hospital Reputation

The reputation of the hospital reflects its overall quality of care. A hospital with a good reputation is more likely to have a team of skilled medical staff, state - of - the - art facilities, and a high standard of patient care. You can check online reviews, patient testimonials, and the hospital's track record in performing buccal fat pad removal surgeries. For instance, Manhattan Surgical Care, Joshua D. Rosenberg's clinic, and Dr. Steinbrech's practice have all received positive feedback from patients, indicating their reliability.

Cost

The cost of buccal fat pad removal can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's fees, facility fees, anesthesia costs, and any additional tests or post - operative care. In New York City, the average cost for buccal fat removal surgery can range from $7,000 to $8,000, but it may be affected by the complexity of the case. It's important to get a detailed quote from the hospital and understand what is included in the cost. However, cost should not be the only deciding factor; it should be balanced with the quality of care and the surgeon's expertise.

Location

Consider the location of the hospital in relation to your home or workplace. Since buccal fat pad removal is an outpatient procedure, you'll need to travel to and from the hospital on the day of the surgery and potentially for follow - up appointments. A conveniently located hospital can save you time and make the recovery process more comfortable.

Recovery Process after Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Swelling and Bruising

It's normal to experience swelling after buccal fat pad removal. The swelling usually peaks in the first few days after the procedure and gradually subsides over the next one to two weeks. Some patients may also experience bruising, although it is relatively rare, especially since the incisions are made inside the mouth. Applying ice to the face and following the surgeon's post - operative instructions can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Dietary Restrictions

There are often some dietary precautions after the surgery. For the first 6 hours after surgery, it's recommended to avoid hot food and liquids to prevent accidental burns, as the mouth is numbed. A soft - foods diet is usually recommended in the initial days of recovery to avoid putting too much pressure on the incisions. As the incisions heal, you can gradually return to your normal diet.

Activity Restrictions

Patients are typically advised to avoid vigorous exercise or strenuous activities for one to two weeks after the procedure. This helps prevent any potential damage to the incisions and reduces the risk of excessive swelling. You may be able to return to work or school as quickly as the next day, but it depends on your individual recovery and the nature of your job or studies.

Final Results

Early results of buccal fat pad removal may be visible as soon as the third week after the procedure. However, the definitive results usually become noticeable in six weeks, and the full results may take up to three or more months to fully settle in as the swelling completely subsides.

Potential Risks of Buccal Fat Pad Removal

While buccal fat pad removal is generally considered a safe procedure, there are some potential risks:

• Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, especially due to the intraoral incisions. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following the post - operative care guidelines are crucial 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's a potential for temporary or permanent facial nerve injury, which could lead to altered sensation or muscle weakness in the cheek area. An experienced surgeon can minimize this risk.
• Asymmetry: Minor asymmetry can occur due to natural variations in facial structure or uneven fat removal. Surgeons take care to achieve balanced and symmetric results, but in some cases, minor adjustments may be needed.
• Excessive Hollowing: Removing too much buccal fat can lead to a gaunt appearance. Proper candidate selection and careful surgical planning are essential to prevent this.

Comparison with Other Facial Contouring Procedures

Conclusion

Buccal fat pad removal can be an effective way to achieve a slimmer, more contoured face. The top three hospitals in New York City - Manhattan Surgical Care, Joshua D. Rosenberg, MD, and Dr. Douglas Steinbrech - offer high - quality services with experienced surgeons and successful track records. When considering this procedure, it's important to take into account factors such as surgeon experience, hospital reputation, cost, and location. Understanding the recovery process and potential risks is also crucial. By making an informed decision, you can increase the likelihood of achieving the desired results and a satisfying experience.

If you're interested in buccal fat pad removal, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the recommended hospitals. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals, ask questions, and get a better understanding of what the procedure entails. Share this article with your friends and family who might also be interested in facial contouring, and explore more resources on our website for further information on cosmetic surgeries.