Buccal Fat Removal in NYC

Buccal fat removal, or cheek reduction surgery, removes excess fat pads between your cheekbones and jawbones, which can create a fuller, rounder face. The procedure enhances the definition of your cheekbones and jawline, giving you a more sculpted, refined facial appearance.

At Dr. Darren Smith’s NYC practice, buccal fat removal is performed with attention to your individual facial structure, aiming for a natural-looking result.

A Brief Overview Of The Procedure

Buccal fat removal begins with a personalized consultation to map the precise surgical techniques for sculpting your facial contours. Dr. Smith will monitor your recovery closely for optimal results.

1. Consultation and Planning

During your consultation, Dr. Smith will assess your facial structure and goals to determine if buccal fat removal is right for you and create a personalized treatment plan.

2. Surgical Procedure

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or sedation is used to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Incision: A small incision is made inside your cheek, so the scar sits inside the mouth rather than on the skin.

Fat Removal: Dr. Smith carefully removes excess fat pads, shaping them to enhance your facial contours.

Closure: The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.

3. Recovery

1-2 Days: Mild swelling and discomfort; you can resume normal activities with care.

3-5 Days: Swelling decreases, and you will begin to see early results.

5-7 Days: Most swelling has subsided, and you may return to work or light activities.

Side Effects: Mild bruising and swelling are normal.

4. Follow-up Appointments

Dr. Smith will monitor your progress during follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.

This procedure is ideal for people who want a more sculpted, defined look. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:

• Age: Over 18-20 years old, with a fully developed facial structure.
• Health: In good overall health and a non-smoker.
• Weight: Maintains a stable, healthy weight.
• Facial Features: Has naturally full, "chubby" cheeks that persist even with weight loss. High cheekbones enhance results.
• Expectations: Desires a more defined, contoured face with realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcome.

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for this procedure. Below are factors that could affect eligibility for buccal fat removal:

• Slim or Hollow Faces: Those with a naturally slim face may risk an overly gaunt appearance.
• Older Adults: Individuals with significant skin laxity may experience more pronounced sagging.
• Future Weight Loss Plans: If you plan significant weight loss, the results may not be as lasting.

For those looking to refine their facial features and create a more defined, sculpted look, buccal fat removal is an excellent choice. It offers a range of benefits, including:

• Slimming of the lower face and reduction of "chipmunk cheeks"
• Enhanced definition of facial contours, cheekbones, and jawline
• Creation of a sculpted, V-shaped look for a youthful and refined appearance
• Incisions are made inside the mouth, so the scar is not visible on the skin
• Recovery is usually short, with most swelling settling within one to two weeks
• The removed fat pads do not grow back, though the face continues to change with age and weight

In addition to these physical changes, many patients experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence as they enjoy a more balanced and defined facial profile.

If you’re considering enhancing your facial appearance further, you may also want to learn more about fat grafting, which can complement buccal fat removal for more customized facial contouring.

While generally safe, buccal fat removal, like any surgery, carries some potential risks. These may include:

• Infection
• Hemorrhage (bleeding)
• Nerve damage
• Poor results, asymmetry, or overcorrection
• Scarring
• Rebound fat accumulation
• Transient facial paresis (temporary facial weakness)
• Other potential complications, such as damage to the salivary glands, allergic reactions to anesthesia, and prolonged swelling

These risks are discussed in detail before surgery, along with the steps taken to reduce them.

For those concerned about skin laxity after buccal fat removal, FaceTite & AccuTite can offer minimally invasive skin tightening through small skin entry points.

How Dr. Smith Minimizes these Risks

With his expertise in facial anatomy and advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Smith minimizes risks, such as nerve damage.

Following the pre- and post-operative instructions, avoiding straws, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle all support healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Credentials

Dr. Darren Smith is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has completed fellowship training in both aesthetic surgery and craniofacial surgery. He has extensive experience in buccal fat removal, with particular attention to facial anatomy.

Dr. Smith’s expertise goes beyond buccal fat removal. Explore Dr. Smith’s facial procedures for additional options to enhance and refine your appearance.

High End Experience

At his QUAD A accredited in-office outpatient surgical suite in the Ritz Tower, 111 East 57th Street, Dr. Smith offers a boutique experience designed for your comfort, privacy, and care at every stage of your treatment. From personalized concierge services to discreet recovery options, every detail is tailored to your needs.

• What is Buccal Fat?
• How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?
• Is Buccal Fat Removal Permanent?
• Is Buccal Fat Removal Painful?
• Does Buccal Fat Removal Age You?
• Can Buccal Fat Removal Be Reversed?
• How Long Does Buccal Fat Removal Take to Heal?
• Why Do Celebs Get Buccal Fat Removal?

What is Buccal Fat?

Buccal fat refers to the fat pads located in the lower part of your cheeks, between your cheekbones and jawbones. Removing these fat pads can help sculpt the lower face for a more defined, angular appearance.

How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?

Fees for buccal fat removal are quoted individually after your consultation, and the quote itemizes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility charges. Financing is available through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.

Is Buccal Fat Removal Permanent?

The buccal fat pads that are removed do not grow back. The face still changes with age and with weight, so the look at ten years is not the look at one year. Maintaining a stable weight helps hold the result.

Is Buccal Fat Removal Painful?

The procedure is done under anesthesia, so you do not feel it at the time. Afterward, expect soreness, swelling inside the cheek, and some difficulty chewing for several days. This is managed with medication.

Does Buccal Fat Removal Age You?

It can. Removing buccal fat reduces mid-face volume, and because the face loses volume with age, some patients look more hollow years later than they otherwise would. This is why candidacy matters, and why patients with naturally slim or hollow faces are not good candidates.

Can Buccal Fat Removal Be Reversed?

No, once the fat is removed, it cannot be replaced. This is why it’s important to have realistic expectations about the results.

How Long Does Buccal Fat Removal Take to Heal?

Most patients can return to light activities within a week. Full healing can take several weeks, but most swelling subsides within 1-2 weeks.

Why Do Celebs Get Buccal Fat Removal?

Many celebrities choose buccal fat removal to enhance their facial definition and create a more chiseled, photogenic look.

To find out whether buccal fat removal suits your face, schedule a consultation with Dr. Darren Smith. The consultation includes an examination and a discussion of what the procedure can and cannot change in your case.

Dr. Smith’s practice is located at the Ritz Tower, 111 East 57th Street, Ground Floor, New York, NY 10022, in Midtown Manhattan. The office welcomes patients from across the five boroughs, the tri-state area, and well beyond.

New Yorkers come to Dr. Smith because his work is refined, exacting, and never one-size-fits-all. Whether you are a lifelong New Yorker or traveling in for a consultation, you will find a practice that treats every patient with precision and discretion.