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Facial rejuvenation with buccal fat reduction

Are you considering buccal fat removal? This type of plastic surgery involves surgically removing the buccal fat pads in your cheeks in order to thin them out and better define facial angles. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about buccal fat removal, including what the procedure entails, who is a good candidate, and what the recovery process looks like.

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What is buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal is a type of plastic surgery that involves surgically removing the buccal fat pads in your cheeks in order to thin them out and better define facial angles. Buccal fat removal can be done alone or in conjunction with other forms of plastic surgery, such as a facelift, rhinoplasty, chin implants, lip augmentation, or Botox injections.

You might be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if you are physically healthy and at a healthy weight with realistic expectations who does not smoke and either has larger than average buccal fat pads or pseudoherniation (a small rounded mass of fat due to weak muscles).

What are the benefits of buccal fat reduction surgery?

By undergoing buccal fat reduction, you can achieve a more defined cheekbone and increased facial balance due to the removal of excess fat. Additional benefits of this type of plastic surgery include:

  • Enhanced prominence of cheekbones and cheek hollow;
  • Improved facial feature contouring to appear more angular;
  • Gentle procedure performed under local anesthesia;
  • Incisions are placed inside your mouth next to the upper molars, so you will not see a visible scar;
  • There is minimal downtime without a long or painful recovery period;
  • The removed fat can be transferred back to the cheeks, as a permanent filler, to enhance their definition.

How is buccal fat removal performed?

The procedure usually takes place in a hospital or doctor’s office and requires local anesthesia (although you will be awake during the procedure) unless multiple surgeries are being performed simultaneously, in which case general anesthesia may be used instead. After making an incision inside your cheek, your surgeon will remove the desired amount of fats before closing up the wound with dissolvable stitches.

Am I a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal?

For ideal buccal fat reduction results, it is important that patients have realistic expectations and observe chubby-cheeked features that are unlikely to reduce with age (we often consult family photos to make this assessment).

Do you think buccal fat reduction is a suitable option for you? Consider the following questions:

  • If you are concerned about your facial fat in your cheeks, a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon can help you get an answer.
  • What is your parents’ facial volume like? It is natural to experience fuller cheeks in one’s twenties, and this volume often disappears with age. Therefore, those whose parents have thin cheeks may wish to avoid this procedure in order to prevent the face looking gaunt as they age. Buccal fat reduction may not be suitable for them.
  • Have you attempted to reduce your body fat by exercising and altering your diet?
  • Have you looked into non-surgical cosmetic treatments like augmenting your cheekbones with hyaluronic acid injections?
Request a consultation with Dr. Mourad to learn more about buccal fat removal

What happens during a buccal fat removal consultation?

Benefit from a thorough consultation process with a board-certified plastic surgeon

Beginning a consultation consists of a full questionnaire and physical assessment. We explicitly look at skin flexibility and abundance of facial fat. Pictures are taken for review along with your surgeon. This is a critical communication mechanism as certain patients wish for alterations that can’t always be achieved surgically.

If you have photos available, we can also analyze them to get more insights about your parents.

Buccal fat removal New York – Choose a recognized plastic surgeon

Patients who visit Dr. Mourad are provided with a thorough initial consultation, where they can discuss the details of their surgery and recovery needs. During that time, Dr. Mourad will answer any queries they have regarding the buccal fat removal procedure.

If you’re considering a buccal fat removal in New York, it’s best to schedule multiple consultations to be fully informed. Cosmetic facial surgery is a significant decision, so make sure you have all the knowledge available before proceeding. Contact us to arrange your consultation today!

How do I prepare myself for a buccal fat pad reduction consultation?

Start by prioritizing which facial features you’d like to improve. Examples could include weak cheekbones, a weak chin, or jowls. Areas such as submental fat, neck platysmal bands, and others might also be considerations. Are your eyebrows, eyes, nose, and lips areas that you would like to enhance?

Please explain your facial features before undergoing a buccal fat removal procedure.

Gather some recent pictures of your parents and some from when they were your age. Lastly, if you’ve had cosmetic fillers injected into your face, find out what product and when. If you have previously undergone a plastic surgery procedure on your face, bring the operative report with you if possible.

How can Dr. Mourad help you?

When you contact our office, our friendly staff will ask for your basic information and set up an appointment time that is convenient for you. If there is an insurance component to your visit we will check your benefits and let you know what they are. We have a no surprise billing policy and will let you know your responsibility. Dr. Mourad has extensive eyelid and facial surgery experience to address your aesthetic needs. If you feel that you would like an evaluation of your eyes or other facial features please feel free to contact our office.

Meet Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS

Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS is board-certified in head and neck surgery and highly-trained in cosmetic plastic surgery and facial reconstruction. Dr. Mourad is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He treats many conditions, both cosmetic and complex, that affect the head, neck... Learn More »

The Results


Learn more about buccal fat removal in New York

What is buccal fat removal surgery?

Buccal Fat Removal is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes fat from the cheeks to give a slimmer, more contoured appearance to the face. It's also known as a buccal fat pad reduction or cheek reduction surgery.

Who is eligible for buccal fat removal?

Patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their chubby cheeks or who want to achieve a youthful, slender appearance are eligible for the procedure. Patients should also have a stable weight and be in good health.

How is the buccal fat removal procedure performed?

The procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon or a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. During the procedure, the buccal fat pad is excised (removed) through small incisions inside the cheek. Dissolvable sutures may be used to close the incisions.

What is the recovery like after buccal fat reduction?

You should expect some swelling and bruising after the surgery which will eventually go away as you heal over the course of 3 weeks time. Results can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to show their full effect.

What is the cost of buccal fat removal?

The cost of buccal fat removal varies depending on the surgeon and the geographic location. In NYC, buccal fat removal typically costs between $6-10k. Buccal fat removal is considered a relatively safe procedure with minimal risks and complications. However, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon before deciding if buccal fat removal is right for you. If you are considering buccal fat removal, take the time to research different surgeons and find one that is experienced and qualified in performing this procedure. Be sure to ask any questions or address any concerns.

What are the risks of buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal is a relatively safe procedure, but there are some risks involved. These risks include bleeding, infection, and pain. Bleeding is the most common complication, and usually occurs during or immediately after the procedure. Infection is another possible complication, and can occur if the incisions are not properly cared for. Pain is also a potential side effect, and can range from mild to severe. The vast majority of patients who undergo buccal fat removal experience no complications, and are very happy with the results. If you are considering buccal fat removal, now you know all there is to know about this type of plastic surgery. Be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if this procedure is right for you.

Is buccal fat reductionpainful?

Patients may experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure, but this can be managed with pain medication. The plastic surgeon will also provide instructions on how to manage postoperative pain.

What is the recovery process like after buccal fat removal?

The recovery process can take several days to a week, during which patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity and follow a liquid diet. Normal activities can usually be resumed after about a week. The plastic surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for the surgical site and when to schedule follow-up appointments.

Will buccal fat removal affect my facial muscles?

Buccal Fat Removal does not affect the facial muscles, such as the buccinator muscle or masseter muscle. The procedure only removes the buccal fat pad, not the surrounding tissues or vital structures.

How will buccal fat removal affect my overall health?

Buccal Fat Removal is a safe procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. However, it's important to maintain a healthy weight and diet, as weight gain can undo the effects of the procedure and potentially cause other health issues.

Will buccal fat removal leave visible scars?

The incisions made during the Buccal Fat Removal procedure are small and made inside the cheek, so visible scars are rare. However, it's important to follow the plastic surgeon's postoperative instructions to minimize the risk of visible scars.

Is buccal fat removal a permanent procedure?

Buccal Fat Removal is a permanent procedure as the fat cells removed during the procedure cannot grow back. However, it's important to maintain a stable weight to preserve the effects of the procedure.

What should I expect during the initial consultation for buccal fat removal?

During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will perform a comprehensive facial analysis and review the patient's health history. They will also discuss the patient's goals and expectations for the procedure, and provide information on the risks, recovery process, and costs associated with Buccal Fat Removal.