Buccal Fat Removal in NYC
Round, full cheeks may take away from an aesthetically pleasing facial silhouette. Often referred to as "chipmunk cheeks", "chubby cheeks", or a "baby face", the hereditary condition of plump lower cheeks – comprised of excess buccal fat – cannot be remedied through diet or exercise. Buccal fat removal in NYC is a surgical procedure designed to reduce this fullness in the lower cheek by removing the fat pads, themselves. The procedure can provide a slimmer, smoother cheek; restoring a youthful appearance. Buccal fat removal can also be paired with other procedures for optimum results.
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




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
There are many good online resources for patients today. Take the time to research the buccal fat removal procedure, and look through Before/After photographs. If the procedure still feels right to you, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller. Once the procedure has been scheduled, he will give a complete set of post-op instructions; these are imperative for proper healing.
Patients should remember these key points to ensure satisfactory buccal fat removal results:
- Review the post-surgical instructions given by Dr. Miller. If you have any questions, contact the office well before your scheduled procedure.
- Fill prescriptions for pain medications and antibiotics before the day of your procedure.
- Arrange for a ride home from Dr. Miller’s office, and assistance over the following few days, if needed.
- Schedule your follow-up appointment with Dr. Miller; put this on your calendar and do not skip the visit.
- 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.
Potential Risks from a Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is considered extremely safe and effective. There is only a rare chance for complications, although when these occur, they can include: poor healing, bleeding, scarring, and asymmetry. By utilizing only an experienced, board-certified buccal fat extraction specialist, like Dr. Miller, patients will further reduce the risk of any complications.
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.
Buccal Fat Removal FAQ
Q: How much does a buccal fat removal cost?
A: In New York, buccal fat removal may cost from $2,500 to $6,500. The actual price depends on the area and extent of correction. An exact amount will be decided during your consultation appointment.*
*Prices reflect an average cost of the procedure in the area. For an actual quote, please contact Dr. Miller directly.
Q: When can I return to work after a buccal fat removal?
A: Patients are normally feeling well enough to return to work or school 1 day after their Buccal Fat Removal procedure.
Q: How long is the actual cheek reduction procedure?
A: The cheek reduction surgery will take approximately 1 hour to complete.
Q: Do you take financing for the buccal fat removal?
A: Yes, financing is available. Dr. Miller accepts a variety of payment forms: cash, all major credit cards, and medical financing through Care Credit.
Contact Our Plastic Surgery Clinic in Manhattan
Dr. Phillip Miller is New York City's finest facial plastic surgeon. Our plastic surgery clinic is located in Manhattan, we are located in the same region as the Museum of Modern Art and the Rockefeller Center. For more information on the buccal fat removal process. You can call our plastic surgery clinic or contact us.
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Facial Plastic Surgery
Dr. Philip Miller and his team of New York's top rated facial plastic surgery experts provide custom cosmetic treatment plans that include a combination of minimally-invasive techniques and advanced procedures, to help each patient achieve the Aesthetic Confidence® they desire. Our unique NatraFace™ approach to facial rejuvenation includes the following effective procedures:
Eyelid Plastic Surgery
Dr. Miller provides patients with Manhattan's #1 customized care and treatment for smooth, supple skin that brightens the eyes and revitalizes the face. With our NatraFace™ approach, we utilize a combination of effective aesthetic techniques tailored to suit each patient’s needs. We offer:
Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs)
Dr. Miller and his staff of NYC's best aesthetic specialists offer the NatraNose® process, which is a comprehensive range of minimally-invasive and advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking rhinoplasty results, improve nasal function, and meet the patient’s aesthetic goals. Dr. Miller specializes in nose jobs, nose reductions, non-surgical nose jobs, and more: Adjust the links in these sections as follows:
Skin Care Treatments
Widely acclaimed for our broad range of flawless skincare solutions, Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS and his team of aesthetic specialists offer customized skincare treatment plans to achieve healthy, natural-looking results. As part of our NatraLook™ process, the following procedures may be performed individually or in combination with more advanced surgical treatments for optimal rejuvenation.
Male Plastic Surgery
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience working with male and female patients. He specializes in facial plastic surgery and is recognized as an expert in facial rejuvenation procedures. Utilizing the most advanced surgical techniques, Dr. Miller can maintain or enhance masculine features while producing the most natural-looking results.
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The Plastic Surgery Podcast with Dr. Philip Miller
Tune into The Plastic Surgery Podcast, hosted by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller. Dr. Miller is here to answer your questions, de-mystify plastic surgery, and help you feel more knowledgeable and empowered about any procedure performed at our center.
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Episode 44: My First Time
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Episode 43: Top 10 Reasons Not To Get A Rhinoplasty ( Plastic Surgery)
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Episode 42 : Osteomas & Lipomas
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Episode 41: All Ears Considered!
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Episode 40: Infrared Light Therapy
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Episode 39: Beauty, the Plateau
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Episode 38: Botox and Dermal Fillers
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Episode 37: Cost of Rhinoplasty
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Episode 36: Different Types of Nasal Surgeries
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Episode 35: Do You Have to Break the Nose for Rhinoplasty?
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Episode 34: Do You Have to Stay Overnight After Having a Rhinoplasty?
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Episode 33: Don't Have a Rhinoplasty!
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Episode 32: Endonasal or External
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Episode 31: Are You a Candidate?
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Episode 30: In The Office
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Episode 29: Can My Nose be Made Smaller?
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Episode 28: Can't Breath Through Nose
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Episode 27: Chin Implants - Mentoplasty
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Episode 26: Columellar Struts
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Episode 25: Common Terms
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Episode 24: Connection Between Facial Resurfacing and Tattooing
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Episode 23: The Sooner, The Better?
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If you’re thinking about getting a lift, nip, or tuck, this app is for you. It’s the most comprehensive pocket encyclopedia of plastic surgery terms, before and after photos, and visualization tools to help you really know what to expect from a procedure, including seeing potential results on your own photo. This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.
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