Fuller cheeks are thought to be more youthful than hollow cheeks, which is why so many people seek dermal fillers to increase volume in this facial area. However, others may be overly concerned with cheeks that appear too full and that take away from a refined facial contour. In fact, cheeks that are full and round even into adulthood tend to be a genetic family trait. Men and women who are concerned with the roundness of their lower face and cheeks, despite attempts to reduce the fullness through diet and exercise, may benefit from a surgical procedure known as Buccal Fat Removal.
If you wish to subtly reduce lower facial fullness and achieve thinner, more sculpted cheeks with more defined facial angles overall, Buccal Fat Removal at RENATA Facial Cosmetic Surgery may be a permanent and elegant solution. New York Buccal Fat Removal surgeon, Dr. Renata Khelemsky is here to guide you through your personal goals and aesthetic journey. Located at the foot of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, our boutique luxury clinic resides in the heart of DUMBO, a thriving waterfront neighborhood in Northern Brooklyn overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Schedule your personalized consultation today.
Cheek reduction surgery (Buccal Fat Removal) is a surgical procedure to remove a discrete portion of the cheek fat pads (also known as buccal fat) for a thinner and more defined lower facial silhouette. The surgery can be performed as a stand-alone treatment or simultaneously with other procedures, such as a facelift, rhinoplasty, or chin augmentation. The surgery is easily performed through a small incision inside the mouth, leaving no visible scar on the skin.
For those visiting Dr. Renata in New York Buccal fat removal is a transformative procedure ideal for younger individuals looking to achieve a more defined and sculpted lower facial silhouette. This procedure specifically targets excess fat in the lower cheeks, which can contribute to a round or "chubby" face. It's perfect for those who want to enhance their natural bone structure and highlight their cheekbones for a more contoured look. Buccal fat removal is a surgery that delivers subtle yet noticeable results, boosting self-esteem and enhancing your appearance.
Some common aesthetic concerns that buccal fat removal addresses include:
Having the fat pad inside your cheeks surgically reduced may offer you a solution for a more defined and sculpted appearance. By reducing the overall volume of the buccal fat pads, you can lessen the fullness of the lower face and improve the appearance of “chipmunk cheeks,” all while preserving a natural facial balance. When seeking Buccal Fat Removal New York patients look to achieve an overall slimmer appearance to the lower cheeks and find that after this procedure, their cheekbones appear relatively more accentuated.
However, it is essential to remember that buccal fat removal should be tailored to the right individual to avoid undesired cosmetic outcomes. For older patients, buccal fat may need to be removed or repositioned due to gravitational aging and descent; however, this is typically addressed alongside other anti-aging procedures, such as facelifts, rather than as a standalone treatment. Buccal fat removal is most beneficial for younger patients with naturally full and rounded cheeks; when performed on those without this characteristic, it can lead to over-hollowing and unsatisfactory results, which may even make the individual appear older than his or her true age.
Buccal fat removal enhances the overall facial shape and balance, particularly for those who feel their "chubby cheeks" create a childlike appearance that doesn’t reflect their evolving self-image. Many find that makeup or weight loss doesn't significantly reduce cheek roundness. This procedure subtly slims the lower face, accentuating the natural angles of the cheeks and jawline for a more refined and mature look.
The benefits New York buccal fat removal patients can experience include:
Buccal fat removal is a minor surgical procedure that can yield significant improvements in facial aesthetics, enhancing your confidence and allowing you to appreciate your natural beauty.
Your procedure may be performed both in the office while awake or in an operating room with sedation or general anesthesia. During your Buccal Fat Removal New York Facial Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Khelemsky, takes about one hour unless you are having additional surgeries. She will administer a local anesthetic to numb the cheeks. A small incision is made on the inside of your cheek. The buccal fat pad contains several compartments that extend throughout the face, and the specific amount of buccal fat removed depends on each patient’s unique anatomy and needs. Dr. Khelemsky will then place dissolvable sutures on the inside of your cheeks.
Reduce your risk of side effects by following post-operative instructions. After their Buccal Fat Removal patients can expect to see a degree of swelling along the cheeks, but this will gradually subside in several days. You will have specific post-procedure instructions to follow for optimal healing, including consuming soft foods for several days following surgery and using a prescribed mouthwash to prevent infection. Patients may resume a normal diet after two weeks.
Enjoy the new definition of your face. Once your swelling dissipates, you will begin to see your results with subtle and gradual slimming along the lower cheek area. However, it takes about two to four months for your cheeks to fully settle into their new shape. The surgery is permanent. However, if you gain significant weight, your face and cheeks may get fuller.
After buccal fat removal, following the relatively simple aftercare instructions is essential for optimal healing and infection prevention. Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical since the incisions are located inside the mouth. Use the prescribed antibacterial mouthwash, avoid strenuous activities, and follow a soft food diet for the first few days. Additionally, keeping your head elevated while resting will ease recovery. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a streamlined recovery process and achieve the best results from your procedure.
The cost of buccal fat removal varies depending on individual needs and any additional treatments selected. At RENATA Facial Cosmetic Surgery, we customize every treatment plan to align with your specific goals. Most patients undergo buccal fat removal in our office using local anesthesia, but it can also be combined with other procedures, such as neck liposculpting and chin implants, in which case sedation anesthesia may be preferred. Overall fees include the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia costs, and facility expenses.
We offer surgeon-based care focused on highlighting your unique beauty. Possessing a keen eye, gentle touch, and deft technical skill, Dr. Renata stays at the forefront of aesthetic medicine to bring you the highest level of care available, tailoring every service to your unique needs.
Our state-of-the-art facial aesthetic clinic is located in DUMBO, Brooklyn, in New York City. We cater to the local areas, including Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Williamsburg, Long Island City, and Cobble Hill, as well as Manhattan and New York City at large. Patients can expect a premium experience in our luxury office setting, where attention to privacy and one-on-one care create a professionally tranquil and high-quality visit.
A double-board-certified facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Renata Khelemsky specializes in enhancing natural beauty. A Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and diplomate of the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, her personalized approach begins with a comprehensive analysis of your facial features, ensuring each transformation celebrates your unique individuality.
Learn More About Dr. Renata
Call (646) 558-3757 or complete our online form to schedule your consultation for buccal fat removal. Our tailored approach to buccal fat removal and expert-level care set us apart from other providers, ensuring a top-notch experience that unveils your natural beauty. Schedule your personalized consultation with New York Facial Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Renata Khelemsky, today.
During your procedure, you will not sense pain or discomfort because a local anesthetic is used. After surgery, minor discomfort is most commonly managed with over-the-counter medications.
Buccal fat removal is a safe and comfortable procedure for patients. Minor risks include bleeding, infection, discomfort, and mild facial asymmetry. Dr. Khelemsky will discuss all of the risks with you during your consultation.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal is cosmetic surgery and is not covered under medical insurance. However, financing and payment options may be available through CareCredit.
Yes, buccal fat removal yields permanent results since the fat is surgically excised. However, significant weight fluctuations, especially weight gain, can cause a return of facial fullness. Patients are advised on lifestyle factors that may impact their results over time.
This is a common concern, and it’s important to understand that not all patients are suitable candidates for this procedure. If buccal fat removal is performed on individuals without excessively full cheeks, it can potentially lead to an emaciated or hollowed appearance, making them look older. This effect is often observed with rapid weight loss, illness, or overzealous surgical interventions. However, when performed by an experienced surgeon, careful case selection is crucial. For the right candidate, buccal fat removal enhances facial definition without creating an aged appearance.
Absolutely! In younger patients, typically those 40 years old or younger, buccal fat removal is often combined with procedures like chin augmentation and neck liposculpting to achieve a more defined jawline and a slimmer lower face. For older patients, buccal fat removal is frequently performed alongside a facelift, as excess buccal fat can contribute to a fuller appearance in the cheeks, which can look aged and unnatural. The buccal fat can be addressed either through the facelift incision or via a separate incision inside the mouth, depending on the surgeon's preference.
As with any surgical procedure, buccal fat removal has potential risks, including infection, bleeding, asymmetry, and prolonged swelling. In very rare cases, the salivary duct that is located within the cheek can be affected. There’s also the possibility of unsatisfactory results due to unrealistic expectations, insufficient surgical change, or inadequate consultation. Choosing an experienced facial cosmetic surgeon significantly reduces these risks and helps achieve the desired outcome.
Yes, there are non-surgical alternatives to buccal fat removal. Injectable treatments provide a less invasive option by enhancing and contouring the face through the addition of volume rather than fat removal. Dermal fillers are strategically injected into the lateral and frontal cheeks, creating a more sculpted midface and improving overall facial contours. By adding volume in specific areas, fillers can create the illusion of a slimmer appearance without the need for surgery. These results would be considered temporary and require maintenance for a sustained result.
Additionally, the area under the chin and neck can be slimmed using deoxycholic acid (Kybella) injections, which break down fat cells, or through direct liposculpting, which tends to be more efficient. These methods allow for targeted shaping while maintaining a balanced and harmonious facial profile. These treatments produce permanent effects, however may not be as dramatic as when combined with buccal fat removal.
Choosing the right surgeon for buccal fat removal is essential to achieving your desired results. Start by ensuring that the surgeon is board-certified and has extensive experience in performing aesthetic facial and neck procedures. Reviewing their before-and-after gallery can help you gauge their aesthetic style and determine if it aligns with your personal goals. Equally important is the relationship you establish during your consultation, as feeling at ease with the surgeon and their office team—who will provide considerable follow-up care and support—can significantly enhance your experience and satisfaction with the outcome.
No, buccal fat removal involves incisions made inside the mouth, ensuring that there are no visible scars on the face. These incisions heal over several weeks and may only be noticeable to your dentist!
At RENATA Facial Cosmetic Surgery, we prioritize privacy. While many Before & After photos are featured on our social media channels, we understand not everyone wishes to share them publicly. To respect our patients’ unique preferences, we invite you to explore a more comprehensive Before & After gallery during your consultation in our office.
Life can be demanding, and we understand. For patients who may be traveling, preparing for a last-minute occasion, or simply looking for a more exclusive experience without any inconvenience or delays, we are pleased to offer preferred patient scheduling. Patients may undergo a personal consultation as well as tailored cosmetic treatments during evening hours or weekends. Appointments are required and premium rates apply. Please call our office to inquire about preferred patient scheduling and allow us to create an exceptional experience just for you.
Request a ConsultationAt RENATA Facial Cosmetic Surgery, patients receive excellent customer service, communication, personal attention, and scheduling flexibility. Located in the historical and breathtaking waterfront neighborhood of DUMBO, Brooklyn in New York City, our office serves local neighborhoods including Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Williamsburg, and Cobble Hill, as well as Manhattan and New York City at large.
Our office location is:
58 Prospect Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Monday - Friday: 8:30AM to 4:30PM Saturday (by appointment only): 9:30 to 2:30PM
