Buccal Fat Removal

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY

Buccal Fat Removal Dr. Jennifer Levine

Buccal fat removal is a facial contouring procedure during which fat pads in the cheeks are surgically reduced to create a more sculpted and defined appearance. A popular method for refining a “baby face,” this procedure enhances cheekbone definition and slims the face.

For anyone struggling with stubborn midface fullness that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, buccal fat removal provides an effective solution. By addressing excess fat in this targeted area, the procedure creates a more balanced and elegant facial profile.

When considering a buccal fat removal procedure, it is important that you choose a surgeon with the right expertise. Dr. Jennifer Levine, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, is renowned for her expertise in facial balancing, including buccal fat removal procedures in New York. Featured in leading publications such as Forbes and on Good Morning America, Dr. Levine combines advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques with a personalized approach to achieve natural-looking results. Her state-of-the-art private operating suite provides the perfect setting for exceptional care and outcomes.

Is buccal fat removal for you? Call (212) 517-9400 or request a consultation here with Dr. Levine today.

About Buccal Fat Removal

The buccal fat pads are located beneath the cheekbones and above the jawline, where some are genetically predisposed to store excess fat. These fat pads can cause “chipmunk cheeks” that make the face appear more round and less defined. Removing excess fat in these areas with buccal fat removal can provide more definition to the cheekbones, while also contouring the jawline. (1) Buccal fat removal procedures can help patients achieve a slimmer facial look that appears natural, especially when combined with other contouring procedures.

Benefits

Patients who are undergoing buccal fat removal with Dr. Levine can look forward to a variety of benefits including:

  • Increased jawline definition
  • Contoured cheekbones
  • Leaner-looking, more defined face
  • Long-lasting results
  • Efficient procedure
  • Minimized recovery

Buccal fat removal can provide benefits that go beyond the physical benefits mentioned above. Dr. Levine’s patients often report experiencing a confidence boost after undergoing facial rejuvenation with buccal fat removal.

Candidates

Patients who benefit most from the removal of excess fat in their cheeks have fuller cheeks that contribute to a “chipmunk cheeks” look, a “baby face,” or a less defined facial contour. You may qualify for the procedure if you:

  • Be close to your goal weight: Fuller cheeks can sometimes result from weight gain. For the best results, it’s important to be at or near a stable, healthy weight before undergoing buccal fat removal, as significant weight changes afterward may affect the outcome.
  • Have healthy and realistic expectations: Patients should be realistic about what can be achieved with a buccal fat removal procedure.

To determine whether or not you are a good candidate for buccal fat removal, schedule a consultation with Dr. Levine by filling out a contact form or calling our NYC office at (212) 517-9400. We look forward to hearing from you!

Personal Consultation

If you are looking to address a “baby face” appearance or improve facial harmony by reducing fullness in the cheeks with buccal fat removal, the first step is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Levine or a member of our staff. This consultation will help you and Dr. Levine determine whether or not you are a good candidate for buccal fat removal. During this consultation, you will discuss with Dr. Levine or a member of our staff about what you hope to achieve through the facial contouring procedure. Dr. Levine will take this information and create a personalized plan for you.

Your consultation is a great time to ask any questions you might have about buccal fat removal and any other cosmetic procedures you are interested in.

Fill out a contact form or call (212) 517-9400 to schedule your consultation today.

Preparation

Preparation for the buccal fat removal procedure is relatively simple. The preparation process will be discussed in detail during your consultation at our office.

Dr. Levine’s practice is located in New York City. However, patients travel from across the world for her expertise relating to cosmetic procedures. As such, we have resources available for out-of-town patients; Dr. Levine’s staff is happy to help arrange for hotel accommodations as well as any necessary nursing care in preparation for your procedure.

Procedure

The buccal fat removal procedure is efficient, often only lasting around 30 minutes. The procedure is usually performed under local or IV anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience. This procedure will be performed in a private operating room at Dr. Levine’s practice.

To perform buccal fat removal, Dr. Levine uses what is referred to as the intraoral approach. This is considered the safest approach for buccal fat removal; it also minimizes potential scarring. (2) The intraoral approach involves making incisions inside the mouth to suction out the targeted fat. This procedure can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to ensure the most natural-looking results. If your procedure involves additional treatments, Dr. Levine may be able to address those in a single appointment.

Recovery

Recovery time may vary. Because this is considered a minimally invasive procedure, the recovery time for buccal fat removal may be shorter than more extensive treatments. Because incisions are made inside the mouth, patients will need to be mindful of how they chew food and brush their teeth during recovery. Once the mouth is fully healed, patients may return to more of their normal habits.

Results

Buccal Fat Removal Dr. Jennifer Levine

Dr. Levine is rated in the top 1% of injectors in the country and has completed over 20,000 facial rejuvenation procedures. It is safe to say that Dr. Levine has a proven track record of providing patients with the results they are hoping for. By choosing Dr. Levine as your buccal fat removal surgeon, you can expect to be provided with attentive, personalized care at one of the most esteemed plastic surgery practices in NYC.

With buccal fat removal, you can achieve a more defined, sharper look that emphasizes the cheekbones and provides a slimmer appearance. The results of this procedure are permanent, as the removed fat cells will never grow back. However, patients should continue to practice a healthy lifestyle; significant weight fluctuations can cause fat cells surrounding the treated areas to swell.

Corresponding and Combination Procedures

Buccal fat is often combined with other surgical or non-surgical procedures to achieve comprehensive results. Dr. Levine may recommend a facelift, neck liposuction, or the addition of fillers. For those looking for non-surgical approaches to facial rejuvenation, Dr. Levine also offers less invasive treatments like EMFACE and Evoke that can effectively tighten and tone the face.

Cost of Buccal Fat Removal in NYC

The cost of buccal fat removal will vary depending on a variety of factors, including whether or not you opt for additional procedures. The price of your procedure can be discussed during your consultation.

FAQ

  • Face Lift
  • Neck Liposuction
  • Cheek Filler
  • Emface
  • Evoke
  • Jaw Contouring Filler

Is Buccal Fat Removal Permanent?

Yes, the removed fat cells will not grow back. However, significant weight gain can cause surrounding fat cells to expand, potentially affecting the results.

Is The Buccal Fat Excision Procedure Painful?

Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local or IV anesthesia, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Is It Possible To Reduce Buccal Fat Naturally?

Buccal fat is typically resistant to diet and exercise. While weight loss may reduce overall facial fullness in individuals with a higher BMI, buccal fat itself is typically unaffected by natural weight loss efforts.

Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives To Buccal Fat Excision?

Depending on the protrusion of the buccal fat, we may be able to bring harmony and balance to your facial features with cheek and jaw contouring treatments such as fillers, Evoke, and Emface. However, there is no non-surgical alternative to reducing buccal fat in individuals at their normal weight, as it is resistant to diet and exercise.

Does the Buccal Fat Removal Procedure Leave Visible Scars?

No, as the incisions are made inside the mouth, you will not have visible scars.

Can I Get Buccal Fat Removal During A Facelift?

Yes, during a deep plane facelift, buccal fat pads can also be accessed and removed. We regularly combine these procedures for patients who desire facial contouring and rejuvenation.

What Facial Contouring Treatments Can Be Combined With Buccal Fat Excision?

It depends! During your consultation with Dr. Levine, you will collaborate on the best plan for your specific aesthetic goals. Some procedures and treatments that are regularly combined with buccal fat removal include:

References

  1. Davis B, Serra M. Buccal Fat Pad Reduction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576413/
  2. Moura LB, Spin JR, Spin-Neto R, Pereira-Filho VA. Buccal fat pad removal to improve facial aesthetics: an established technique? Medicina Oral, Patología Oral y Cirugía Bucal. 2018;23(4):e478-e484. doi:https://doi.org/10.4317/medoral.22449