While some people see a round, full face as youthful and vibrant, others seek more defined cheeks and a more balanced facial structure. Individuals who fall into the second group may want to consider buccal fat removal for a more sophisticated look. Dr. Ran Rubinstein is a leading board-certified facial plastic surgeon who performs buccal fat removal in Newburgh, NY, at Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists PC.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat is a deeply embedded pad of fat located in the hollow area below the cheekbones and extending to the jawline. Buccal fat pad removal, also known as buccal lipectomy, is a cosmetic option for men and women who prefer a more contoured, balanced face rather than chubby cheeks. While facial liposuction involves removing fat in the jowls and neck, buccal fat pad removal requires a different technique to remove it properly.
The amount of buccal fat remains the same throughout life despite any major weight changes. Weight gain can emphasize the pad by pushing it outward, however. Age or weight loss can also cause the buccal fat pad to drop, which changes the shape or structure of the face.
Buccal fat pad removal should not be mistaken for jowl removal. Dr. Rubinstein offers smart-lipo-triplex for patients who struggle with jowls. Buccal fat removal is a plastic surgery that removes or reduces buccal fat to address excessive facial fat that rounds the cheeks.
Buccal fat removal or reduction is performed in the office to reduce fullness and improve facial contouring. The quick procedure requires only a small incision in each inner cheek, meaning that the discomfort is mild and the recovery is simple. Dr. Rubinstein customizes the buccal pad procedure to match his patients’ cosmetic goals, and he may combine the treatment with rhinoplasty, cheek augmentation, or chin reshaping to maximize the results.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
The fat pads, which extend from the cheek to the jawbone, are genetically fuller for some individuals, which creates a puffy appearance. Patients with prominent buccal fat pads in their mid-facial region can benefit from a buccal lipectomy procedure. This surgery can:
- Create a more sculpted and defined facial structure
- Improve the appearance of chubby cheeks
- Balance facial features
- Accentuate the jawline
- Produce a more mature look
- Boost self-esteem and confidence
Buccal fat removal leaves no scarring and requires minimal downtime so patients can quickly see the results and get back to their daily activities.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Procedure in Newburgh, NY
Dr. Rubinstein performs the buccal pad removal procedure in his modern office fully certified surgical suite in Newburgh, NY. A local anesthetic ensures the patient is comfortable during the quick cosmetic process, but the doctor will discuss the best sedation method during the consultation. He may recommend oral or IV sedation during a combination treatment like buccal pad removal with chin augmentation.
During the procedure, Dr. Rubinstein creates a small incision, approximately 2 cm long, on the inside of each cheek and removes the buccal fat pad. The fat pad has minimal connection to the adjacent structures, which allows for simple removal.
Absorbable sutures are used to close the incision. The buccal lipectomy procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes.
Buccal Pad Removal Recovery
Dr. Rubinstein provides each patient with detailed buccal lipectomy aftercare instructions. The majority of patients do not need pain medication. Some patients resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure, but most choose to relax after the operation and resume their activities the following day.
No visible wounds or scars occur during the healing process because the incisions are made inside the cheeks. The surgeon’s aftercare instructions may include:
- Tending to the incision site
- Avoiding high-impact sports
- Applying medication or using mouthwash to help with healing and prevent infection
- Returning for a follow-up visit
Some swelling should be expected, along with minor bruising that is often undetectable. Dietary adjustments such as a liquid or soft diet are needed for the first few days, but most patients resume a regular diet after ten days.
The full benefits of the surgery, including a more refined and chiseled look, the removal of chipmunk or chubby cheeks, and a more balanced appearance, are fully visible in 4 to 6 weeks.
Buccal Pad Removal Cost
Buccal fat pad removal may cost approximately $2000 to $5000, depending on the details of the procedure. Buccal pad removal is a minor cosmetic procedure sometimes combined with another treatment to provide enhanced results. Dr. Rubinstein explains the total cost of the buccal pad removal along with affordable payment options during the consultation.
Buccal Pad Consultation in Newburgh, NY
Men and women who are interested in achieving a slimmer, more angular facial shape can visit Dr. Rubinstein for a consultation in Newburgh, NY to learn more about the procedure and ask questions. Buccal fat removal surgery is a minor procedure that provides patients with beautiful results and attractive facial contours. Ideal candidates are healthy non-smokers who have realistic cosmetic surgery expectations.
During the buccal fat removal consultation, Dr. Rubinstein will examine your cheeks and skin. He will also review your health history and current medications to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery.
The doctor may recommend buccal fat removal if you have chubby cheeks or drooping buccal fat pads. He will ask you about your cosmetic concerns, and in some cases, he may suggest a combination of therapies like buccal fat removal along with cheek augmentation, or injectables such as Botox or chin fillers.
Common Buccal Fat Pad Removal Questions
Dr. Rubinstein permanently removes the buccal pads during the short procedure using a small incision hidden within each cheek. The slimming, contoured results are long-lasting. However, age will naturally alter the appearance of your face, and some patients may request filler in the future to lift the cheek area and add some more dimension.
Buccal pad removal is customized and may be combined with another treatment such as Botox or cheek augmentation. Dr. Rubinstein explains the cost of the procedure during the consultation along with payment options. Buccal pad removal typically costs between $2000-5000.
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by medical insurance. However, buccal fat removal is a fairly affordable treatment, and the office staff can go over various payment arrangements.
The best candidates for buccal fat removal are over the age of 18, are in good physical health, and are unhappy with the appearance of their overly large cheeks. Buccal fat extraction is not typically recommended for patients with thin or narrow faces. Dr. Rubinstein provides potential candidates with before-and-after photos from other patients to demonstrate the anticipated results.
Risks and side effects are significantly reduced when a qualified plastic surgeon performs buccal pad removal. Dr. Rubinstein will explain the possible dangers during the consultation. Potential risks and side effects include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, and changes in sensation or numbness.
The recovery period after buccal fat removal is minor. Some patients resume their regular activities and return to work the same day, but most rest and return to work the following day.
If you live in the state of New York, Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists offers buccal fat removal among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
Dr. Rubinstein will explain the aftercare instructions during the consultation along with any restrictions on your regular activities. The healing period is typically brief because the surgery is minor and the incisions made within the cheeks are only 2 cm long.
Schedule a Buccal Fat Consultation in Newburgh, NY
Dr. Ran Rubinstein is a highly-respected laser and cosmetic facial plastic surgery specialist in Newburgh, NY, who works alongside Dr. Samuel Beran, a specialist in tummy tucks, smart lipo, and mommy makeovers. Dr. Rubinstein is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and specializes in cosmetic facial surgery like buccal fat pad removal, cheek augmentation, facelift surgery, laser resurfacing, fat transfer, and brow lifts.
If you have difficulty losing weight in your face and struggle with chipmunk cheeks or a chubby face, buccal fat removal may be right for you. Call 845-863-1772 or visit yourfaceMD.com to schedule your buccal fat removal appointment with Dr. Rubinstein online.
