Buccal Fat Removal in NYC

Good Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is a safe, effective procedure for individuals with full cheeks. By removing your buccal pads, Dr. Miller can add definition to your midface, creating a slimmer and more contoured appearance. Before you consider buccal fat removal, it’s important that you:

• Are in good overall health
• Have realistic post-surgery expectations
• Do not smoke or use tobacco
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Feel uncomfortable with the size of your cheeks

While buccal fat removal is ideal for those with round or chubby cheeks, the procedure may not be right for you if you:

Have A Thin Face

The face naturally loses volume with age. If you already have naturally thin cheeks, removing your buccal pads can make them appear sunken or hollow as you get older.

Are Older

If you’re older and losing volume in your face, removing your buccal pads can exacerbate the appearance of this loss.

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Miller can perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate for buccal fat removal. Dr. Miller’s proprietary NatraLook® process is a collaborative evaluation that prioritizes your aesthetic goals in a supportive, positive environment.

Before and After Buccal Fat Removal Photos

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A consultation appointment with Dr. Miller in his New York City office will be set up prior to scheduling the buccal fat removal. During this visit, Dr. Miller will perform a brief physical examination, review medical history, listen to a patient’s hopes for the surgery, and further explain the procedure’s details. If a patient is considered the right fit for buccal fat removal, an individual surgical plan will be established.

Find Out If You Are A Good Candidate For Buccal Fat Removal 

Preparing for Buccal Fat Extraction in New York City

Patients should remember these key points to ensure satisfactory buccal fat removal results:

1. Review the post-surgical instructions given by Dr. Miller. If you have any questions, contact the office well before your scheduled procedure.
2. Fill prescriptions for pain medications and antibiotics before the day of your procedure.
3. Arrange for a ride home from Dr. Miller’s office, and assistance over the following few days, if needed.
4. Schedule your follow-up appointment with Dr. Miller; put this on your calendar and do not skip the visit.
5. Place important numbers in a convenient location; if an emergency occurs, phone numbers and insurance information will be close at hand.

Buccal Fat Pad Extraction Technique

Dr. Miller performs his buccal fat removal procedure at the nearby surgical suite, taking approximately one hour from start to finish. The outpatient surgery is performed either with a local anesthetic or using general anesthesia, depending on the individual patient and the extent of the surgery.

To begin, Dr. Miller will make a small 2-4cm long incision between the cheek and gums, near the second molar. Through this incision, he will meticulously excise an adequate amount of fat, sculpting the cheek to a slender, pleasing contour. Dissolvable sutures will then be used to close the incision. National Institute has published research on buccal fat removal that you can read here.

Recovery After a Buccal Fat Removal Procedure in Manhattan

There is very little downtime after a buccal fat removal procedure.

Only minor swelling and bruising may occur; the recovery is also relatively pain-free. Most patients will feel and look well enough to return to work the next day. Results from buccal fat removal will be immediately noticeable, but as the swelling fully dissipates, the complete results will be apparent. There is no visible scarring after a buccal fat removal, as Dr. Miller uses only intraoral (inside the cheek) incisions.