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Welcome to Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery for buccal fat removal in NYC on Park Avenue.
Cheek fat removal is a procedure where the unwanted fat deposits from the buccal region are taken out. Known as buccal fat (pronounced “buckle”), these fat deposits sit between your cheek and jawbones. Removing unwanted fat tissues from the cheeks gives your face sharper contours and more prominent cheekbones.
This procedure has been popularized on social media despite being such a small part of the body because it contributes to a classic “fashion model” look. Because of his expertise, Dr. Pearlman was interviewed by USA Today when the cosmetic procedure gained popularity on TikTok.
What is buccal fat removal?
People with large buccal fat pads are often said to have a “baby face.” That area where your grandmother an aunts pinch your cheeks Buccal fat removal is usually an ideal treatment option for them.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes when performed on its own and is usually with local anesthesia We can also combine it with other cosmetic procedures. Removing buccal fat can result in a slimmer, more contoured facial structure. Because buccal fat naturally decreases with age, it’s often best for patients to wait until their 30s for a removal.
Dr. Pearlman can also remove buccal fat as part of a facelift procedure to help with the overall lifting and tightening of the face and enhance reduction of large jowls.Facial and lip fillers can also complement this procedure and provide overall facial rejuvenation.
The procedure is performed through an incision inside your cheek that is less than an inch long. The excess fat is gently teased out and removed. The incision is closed with a few dissolvable sutures.
The Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
Provides a sharper jawline
Reduces nasolabial folds
Enhances the prominence of your cheekbones
Contours your facial features to appear more angular
Simple in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia
The incisions are placed inside your mouth, so they’re not visible
Minimal recovery period
Can be performed at the same time as a facelift
Treatment Details
Treatment Duration:
30 minutes
Downtime:
2 days
Why choose Dr. Pearlman?:
Dr. Pearlman is an incredibly talented and reputable Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. He provides conservative treatments that cater specifically to your unique cosmetic concerns, ensuring optimal and natural-looking results.
A Consultation With Dr. Pearlman
How it Works
Consultation
The Procedure: What to Expect
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
You will meet with Dr. Pearlman for a buccal fat removal consultation at our office on Park Avenue. Dr. Pearlman will listen to your concerns and desired results from this procedure. He will then examine the treatment area, explain potential options for the results that will best suit you, and answer any questions you may have.
Whether you’re correcting a “baby face” or just going for a more contoured, defined look, a buccal fat removal in NYC from Dr. Pearlman will give you beautiful results to empower your confidence.
The buccal fat removal procedure is performed under local anesthesia administered to the cheeks to block sensation and ensure comfort. To alleviate any anxiety and worry, you can also receive intravenous sedation.
Dr. Pearlman will make a small incision on the insides of each cheek from within your mouth. He will then enter the buccinator muscle (the anterior part of the cheek) to make space for the operation. Applying pressure on the cheeks from the outside allows him to maneuver the unwanted buccal fat tissue through the incision.
Once Dr. Pearlman removes the amount of buccal fat sufficient to meet your goals, he will stitch the incision closed. When performed with a facelift, the buccal fat can be accessed from the deep plane facelift approach.
After your procedure, you’ll be given detailed instructions for your aftercare to help with your recovery. Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive procedure, but it’s still a surgery.
You may experience mild to moderate post-operative swelling, usually less than what you might see after wisdom teeth removal. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and manageable with prescription medications. Because the incisions are on the inside of your mouth, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene as well and be careful brushing your teeth.
You can resume most normal activities and work from home the next day, though you should avoid vigorous activities for a few days and no gym for two weeks You can recover completely from buccal fat removal within 1 to 2 weeks. The results will continue to improve for a few months as the swelling subsides.
If you combine your buccal fat removal with another cosmetic procedure, like a facelift, you can expect a longer recovery time.
Following your aftercare instructions will ensure a speedy and complication-free recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buccal Fat Removal
Am I too young for buccal fat removal?
We typically recommend patients wait until their late 20’s to early 30s before undergoing buccal fat removal, if they’re a candidate. . In your 20’s you are still losing baby fat. As a matter of fact, adding filler to the mid-face is a very common procedure in patients from their mid to late 30’s and on. So if you reduce the buccal fat pads at too young an age, you might end up needing filler at an even younger age.
Are there alternatives to buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat is usually resistant to diet and exercise, but generally decreases with age. We can use fillers to add definition to your cheeks above and jawbones below to provide a more contoured look, drawing attention away from your buccal fat.
Can I get buccal fat removal at the same time as other procedures?
Yes! Buccal fat removal can be performed with other surgical procedures like a neck lift or facelift. It can be complimented well with lip fillers or facial fillers, too.
Does buccal fat removal age you?
When done at the appropriate age and on an ideal candidate, buccal fat removal won’t age you. It will provide more defined cheekbones and a more contoured facial structure. If buccal fat is removed too early, it can result in more skin laxity or gauntness as you age.
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes, buccal fat removal is a permanent procedure. Once removed, those particular fat tissues can’t return; however, surrounding fat cells in your cheeks may expand into the treatment area in the future with significant weight gain.
What if I don’t like the results of my buccal surgery?
Dr. Pearlman works closely with his patients to ensure they’ll be happy with their results. However, if you had your surgery done elsewhere or just changed your mind a few years later, we can use strategic filler such as Sculptra injections to replace the lost volume.
What is the recovery time for buccal fat removal?
Recovery time for buccal fat removal allows you to resume most of your normal activities within a few days. The complete recovery process may take up to 1 weeks and results continue to improve for a few months.
When will I see final results from buccal fat removal?
You will see immediate results from buccal fat removal, but you’ll continue seeing improvements for several days or weeks as the swelling and bruising dissipate. Some patients continue seeing improved results for several months as the cheeks may take time to completely settle.
Who makes the best buccal fat removal candidate?
Buccal fat removal is meant for patients who want to remove the excess fat tissues in their cheeks leading to a “baby face.” You can only qualify for the procedure if you:
- Have excess buccal fat in your cheeks
- Are in generally good physical and mental health
- Don’t have chubby cheeks because of obesity
- Have a healthy BMI level
- Don’t smoke or consume tobacco in any form
- Are willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure
- Have realistic expectations about the results
Will I have visible scars after buccal fat removal?
No, you will not have visible scars after buccal fat removal because the incisions are placed inside the mouth on the inner part of the cheeks.
Patient Experiences
Persistent in the Pursuit of Perfection
For decades, Dr. Pearlman has been persistent in his search for perfection as a top facial surgeon in New York. He brings evolution, experience, expertise, and uniqueness to his patients in our Park Avenue office. The goal of Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery is to help patients to actualize their ideal self-image for the highest level of personal authenticity and attractiveness possible. Dr. Pearlman couples an attentive bedside manner and genuine concern for his patients’ welfare to deliver the best buccal fat removal results.
An instant consultation for buccal fat removal.
Designed by our aesthetic and surgical specialists, our procedure match tool will help you learn more about the possibilities for your buccal fat removal in NYC with Dr. Pearlman.
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Address
110 E 60th ST #908 NEW YORK, NY 10022
Hours
Monday
9 am – 5 pm
Tuesday
9 am – 5 pm
Wednesday
10 am – 6 pm
Thursday
9 am – 5 pm
Friday
9 am – 5 pm
Sat - Sun
closed
Further Your Results
With a lifted, youthful appearance, some patients choose to augment other facial features to create more balance along with buccal fat removal. This includes a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatments: