Buccal fat removal is more than just a cosmetic trend. It’s a meaningful way to achieve a more defined, sculpted facial appearance for properly selected patients.
In New York City, where the demand for cutting-edge cosmetic procedures is always growing, this powerful treatment is becoming increasingly popular.
Expertly performed by Dr. Darren M. Smith, a board-certified plastic surgeon and one of the city’s leading authorities in aesthetic and craniofacial surgery, buccal fat excision is a quick yet transformative procedure that can be completed in under an hour.
With minimal recovery time required, New Yorkers can effortlessly achieve the chiseled visage they desire.
The Anatomy of Facial Fat
While we often discuss facial bone structure and skin tone, understanding the role of facial fat in contributing to a balanced, attractive face is equally important. Let’s focus on buccal fat, a specific type of facial fat that can make a significant difference in how full or slim our faces appear.
Facial Fat Pads – Their Locations and Functions
| Type of Fat Pad | Location on Face | Key Functions | Aesthetic Impact |
| Malar Fat | Cheekbones | Provides youthful fullness and shape to the face; contributes to high cheekbones. | Loss can cause a hollow or aged appearance. |
| Buccal Fat | Lower cheeks (near the mouth) | Adds roundness to the cheeks; most prominent in youth and can decrease over time. | Excess can create a ‘baby-faced’ or ‘puffy’ look. |
| Lower Face Fat | Jawline and chin | Contributes to facial symmetry and a youthful appearance by filling out the lower third of the face. | Can blunt the jawline; excess may cause jowls. |
| Submental Fat | Under the chin | Adds weight to the lower face and can create a double chin. | Excess can make the face look heavier and older. |
Ideal Candidates for the Buccal Fat Removal
The size of your buccal fat pads often isn’t significantly influenced by changes in weight. Some people naturally have more prominent buccal fat pads regardless of their body weight, leading to a fuller or rounder facial appearance.
Buccal fat removal is for individuals who desire a less rounded face and wish to accentuate their bone structure.
Dr. Darren M. Smith’s Approach to Buccal Fat Removal in NYC
When you’re considering buccal fat removal surgery, knowing what to expect can put you at ease. Under the care of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Darren M. Smith, you can look forward to a procedure that’s both precise and personalized. Let’s walk through the main steps.
Anesthesia Choices
First up is anesthesia. You have options: local anesthesia can numb the targeted area, but if you’d prefer to be asleep during the procedure or are considering other simultaneous surgeries, general anesthesia and IV sedation are available. Dr. Smith will help you make the most suitable choice for your needs.
The Incision
Once anesthesia is administered, Dr. Smith will make a small incision inside your mouth. This clever placement ensures no external scars. The incision allows access to the buccal fat pad, the area of focus for the surgery.
Extracting the Buccal Fat Pad
After making the incision, Dr. Smith gently exposes the buccal fat pad and expresses it from the incision by applying slight pressure on the outside of the cheek. The fat is then meticulously excised to achieve the desired facial contour in a controlled, safe manner.
Closure
Once the buccal fat pads are removed, it’s time to close the incisions. Dr. Smith uses dissolvable sutures, which means you won’t need to have your stitches removed.
Post-Procedure Care
Proper post-procedure care is crucial for optimal results and a smooth recovery. Dr. Smith will provide detailed instructions, potentially including a special mouth rinse and dietary guidelines to aid the healing process.
This is a straightforward procedure that is usually complete in about an hour. With Dr. Smith’s extensive training in both craniofacial and aesthetic surgery, you’re in capable hands. The focus is on achieving a more contoured look in the middle and lower thirds of your face—all with minimal downtime.
By taking a layered approach—weighing anesthesia options, making discreet incisions, and focusing on careful extraction and suture techniques—Dr. Smith prioritizes not just the outcome, but also the patient experience.
Buccal Fat Removal Post-Procedure Recovery
Dietary Adjustments
For the first 48 hours after surgery, a clear liquid diet is usually the go-to. This makes it easier for the incisions in your mouth to start the healing process. Foods with rough textures—think chips or rice—are a no-go for a few days. After that initial 48-hour period, you’ll gradually reintroduce regular foods.
Sleep Positioning
Sleeping on your back with your head propped up on a couple of pillows can help speed up the healing process. This position is recommended to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Back to the Work
Most people can return to work and resume most normal activities in just a few days. You might feel ready to jump back into work the day after but bear in mind you’ll likely experience some swelling.
It’s generally best to wait 2-3 days before you’re back in the public eye. And as for intense exercise? Hold off until Dr. Smith gives you the all-clear. Full activity is generally permitted after two weeks.
Is the Recovery Painful?
After the buccal fat removal procedure, it’s normal to have some soreness and mild swelling in the cheeks. Cold compresses or ice packs are your friends for the first 48 hours. They can help minimize swelling and provide some relief.
Pain is generally minimal, and you’ll likely experience some tenderness for about 2-5 days post-procedure. Mild pain medication is usually sufficient for managing any discomfort you may experience.
Choosing Your Path: Buccal Fat Removal vs. Cheek Liposuction
If you’re exploring options for facial slimming, you might be considering both buccal fat removal and cheek liposuction. While both aim to redefine your face, they do so in different ways and are best-suited to different areas.
| Feature | Buccal Fat Removal | Cheek Liposuction |
| Procedure | Removal of the buccal fat pad | Removal of excess fat cells in the subcutaneous (superficial) fat compartments of the cheek |
| Depth of Fat Removal | Deeper fat pad in the cheeks | Shallower fat closer to the skin |
| Targeted Area | Mid-Cheeks | Lower cheeks and jawline |
| Benefits | Accentuates cheek bone structure, addresses rounder face shapes | Slims lower face and defines jawline |
| Risks | Bleeding, bruising, swelling, infection, nerve damage, parotid duct injury | Bleeding, bruising, swelling, infection, dimpling |
| Recovery Time | 1 week | 48 hours |
| Cost | $5,000 to $10,00 | $5,00 to $10,000 |
Considerations for Your Decision
- Desired Outcome: If you’re after a reshaping of your mid-cheek area, buccal fat removal could be your best bet. This procedure goes deep, targeting the buccal fat pads for a noticeable contouring effect that highlights the cheek bones. Cheek liposuction, on the other hand, is more targeted towards the lower facial third and jawline.
- Anatomical Considerations: Those with slender faces may be best off avoiding buccal fat pad excision as it can prematurely age individuals with this facial structure. Cheek liposuction is best suited to those with excess fat deposits in the lower cheeks and jawline..
- Overall Health: While both procedures are generally safe, they’re still surgical interventions that come with their own set of risks. Prior to undergoing the procedure, medical screenings may be conducted to assess your candidacy for the surgery.
- Consult a Professional: Personalized advice is key when it comes to surgical decisions. Your unique needs and aesthetic goals can best be addressed in a consultation with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Darren M. Smith comes highly recommended for his expertise and personalized approach to facial procedures.
Procedures Often Paired with Buccal Fat Removal
Curious about amplifying the benefits of buccal fat removal? Several cosmetic treatments can be effectively combined with buccal fat removal to achieve your aesthetic goals. Here’s a closer look.
Facelift
A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens sagging skin, restores midface volume loss, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, offering a more youthful facial contour. When paired with buccal fat removal, a facelift can offer comprehensive rejuvenation.
Chin Implant
A chin implant enhances the definition of the chin area, adding balance to your facial features. Combining this with buccal fat removal can give your face a harmonious, well-proportioned appearance.
Rhinoplasty
Commonly known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty adjusts the size or shape of your nose. When done in tandem with buccal fat removal, it provides a balanced alteration to the overall facial structure.
Dermal Fillers
These are non-surgical injections used to add volume or smooth out wrinkles. They can complement buccal fat removal by refining other facial areas, like the lips or forehead, for a fresh, rejuvenated look.
Buccal Fat Removal in Manhattan
Experience the epitome of luxurious aesthetic care at our clinic, artfully directed by the acclaimed Dr. Darren M. Smith. We invite you to transform your visage through a tailored buccal fat removal procedure, masterfully executed to enhance your natural allure.
Situated in the historic Ritz Tower, we offer an environment as exquisite as the results we achieve. Dive into a transformative journey marked by finesse, artistry, and unparalleled expertise.
Isn’t it time you aligned your exterior elegance with your inner sophistication?
We invite you to either book your appointment online or extend us the pleasure of your call at +1 (212) 633-0627.
