Buccal Fat Removal

Some of the major benefits our NYC Buccal Fat Removal patients have seen from their treatment include:

• Achieve a more balanced overall facial shape
• Create a more slender, v-shaped lower facial contour
• Enhance the appearance of high cheekbones
• Improve definition of the cheeks and jawline
• No visible scarring
• Reduce excessive cheek fullness (“chipmunk cheeks”)

At the practice of Dr. Benjamin Paul – Facial Plastic Surgery, we believe that a great candidate for Buccal Fat Removal in New York City should have the following characteristics:

• At a healthy and stable weight
• Dislikes the fullness of your cheeks
• Has a round, fuller face
• In overall good physical health
• Maintains realistic expectations for procedure results

On the day of your Buccal Fat Removal Surgery in New York City, it will be performed either under local or general anesthesia, depending on your personal preferences and whether you are combining it with other procedures. You may also be provided with some pain and anxiety medication pills to help you relax.

Once the two of you are ready, Dr. Paul will inject a small numbing solution on the inside of each cheek. Although it is a very quick interaction, there may be a burning sensation, but from that point on, your entire cheek will be numb.

Next, your mouth will be propped open at a comfortable level, with your cheek being gently pulled back. Dr. Paul will make a very small incision inside the cheek to identify the buccal fat pad. The fat is then gently teased out of its pocket and removed. A few dissolvable stitches are placed to close the incision and the procedure is done.

The entire surgery should take under one hour and results become evident after one to four months as the swelling subsides and the buccal space contracts.

Once you are released from our care to return home, your recovery should be relatively easy, requiring only about one to two days. Some patients experience mild pain/soreness, but this will subside after a few days.

Your cheeks will appear slightly fuller during the first week but tend to return to their normal appearance after about seven days. Unfortunately, the results are not immediately evident as the swelling takes the place of the fat that was removed, and will continue to subside for about many weeks post-surgery, only to improve over the next several months.

During recovery, it’s important to be careful not to bite down on the cheek area, so the incision can properly heal and sutures can dissolve. Pain medication can be prescribed and ice packs will help with swelling and discomfort.