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Buccal Fat Removal New York City, NY

Sculpt and Define the Cheeks

Introduction to Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is one of Dr. Antell’s favorite operations. He performs buccal fat removal in New York City to slim down the cheeks in the midportion, which can give the entire face a more attractive look.

If you are looking for a way to achieve a slimmer, more sculpted facial contour, buccal fat removal may be an excellent choice. Continue reading to learn more about the procedure and how to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Antell.

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  • Real patient results in New York, NY Performed by Darrick E. Antell MD, FACS
  • Real patient results in New York, NY Performed by Darrick E. Antell MD, FACS
  • Real patient results in New York, NY Performed by Darrick E. Antell MD, FACS
  • Real patient results in New York, NY Performed by Darrick E. Antell MD, FACS
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Woman with voluminous curly blonde hair wearing black ribbed sweater posing against white background - buccal fat removal in New York, NY

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that removes buccal fat, which is fat between the cheekbones and jaw bones in the face. Often, reducing the mid-cheek makes the cheekbones appear more prominent, further accentuating a chubby or undefined face. Removing the buccal fat highlights the facial bone structure, especially the cheekbones and hollowed areas between the cheeks and jawline, for a more sculpted appearance.

Cheek fat removal is performed using local anesthesia alone. However, when appropriate, we may recommend sedation (also known as twilight anesthesia) to enhance your comfort. We will discuss whether sedation is indicated for your procedure with Dr. Antell during your consultation. Incisions are made inside the mouth, so they are not visible.

Buccal fat removal can also be performed along with other procedures such as facial liposuction, a facelift, chin augmentation, or other cosmetic procedures Dr. Antell can discuss with you during your buccal fat consultation.

Combining My Buccal Fat Removal with Other Procedures

It is common to pursue multiple procedures in a single session to achieve comprehensive results, reduce anesthesia costs, and avoid multiple recovery periods. During your consultation, you will explore viable options you can combine with buccal fat removal.

A facelift is one of the most common surgeries, effectively rejuvenating the face by tightening loose skin, smoothing deep folds, and removing excess fat on the face and neck. It reduces visible signs of aging and restores a firmer, more youthful appearance.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal?

Dr. Antell has performed thousands of buccal fat removal surgeries for patients across New York City. To ensure these patients were viable candidates, Dr. Antell checks that they:

  • Have excess cheek fat
  • Have good overall health
  • Do not smoke
  • Have good skin elasticity
  • Could not contour the face through diet and exercise alone
  • Have reasonable expectations
  • Are at a stable weight
  • Want permanent results

What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?

When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Antell, facial plastic surgery can deliver a wide range of benefits to enhance your confidence. Some of the key advantages of buccal fat removal include:

  • Enhanced facial structure
  • Reduced fullness in the mid-to-lower face
  • Accentuates the natural angles of the cheekbones and jawline
  • Refined facial silhouette to eliminate a chubby appearance
  • Permanent results
  • No visible scarring
  • Quick recovery
Dr Antell consulting with patient walking together in modern medical office hallway - in New York, NY

How to Begin Your Buccal Fat Removal Journey

Your buccal fat removal journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Antell in New York City. This required appointment helps Dr. Antell assess your facial anatomy and determine whether you are healthy enough to receive the surgery.

The consultation will cover the following:

  1. Your goals, concerns, and desired outcomes
  2. An in-depth physical examination of your face, focusing on your cheeks and bone structure
  3. A detailed walkthrough of the surgery to establish reasonable expectations, including the risks, recovery, and when to expect results
  4. Your medical history and any previous procedures you have undergone
  5. Additional procedures to combine and enhance your results

If you and Dr. Antell agree that buccal fat removal is the best approach to achieve your goals, you will build a surgical plan together and begin preparing for the surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Buccal fat removal is a quick procedure that can be completed in a single hour at our surgical facility in New York City. You and Dr. Antell will review the surgical plan and cover any remaining questions before proceeding with the surgery.

The surgery begins with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. When appropriate, sedation (also known as twilight anesthesia) may also be recommended to enhance your comfort.

Dr. Antell will make incisions inside the cheeks through the mouth and remove a strategic amount of buccal fat pad on both sides of the face to produce symmetrical results when healed. He will complete the surgery by closing the incisions with sutures.

Afterward, you will be monitored in a recovery area until you are ready to return home. You must be driven home by a pre-arranged contact if sedation is used.

Dr Antell in navy suit and tie having serious discussion in office setting - in New York, NY

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Buccal Fat Removal Care

Buccal fat removal doesn’t involve extended downtime or a long recovery period. Most people recover quickly with mild swelling and pain. The procedure involves anesthesia, so you need to have someone drive you back home after the surgery. Most people have a painless recovery journey after buccal fat removal. Take the day to relax, sleep, and recover from the treatment and anesthesia, but you can resume most daily activities and work the next day.

Even though you can resume work the day after the procedure, avoid strenuous physical activity for a while longer. You can resume most of your physically demanding tasks after 5 to 7 days, depending on the surgeon’s recommendations. Most of the healing will be complete within a week, though the process can extend to 4 months, depending on your body’s natural healing rate. You can accelerate your recovery after treatment with regular exercise, such as jogging or brisk walking.

How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost in New York City, NY?

The cost of buccal fat removal in New York City depends on various factors, including the facility’s operating costs, the plastic surgeon’s fees, anesthesia costs, X-rays and other diagnostic tests required before the procedure, and prescription drugs after treatment. Dr. Antell will carefully examine your buccal fat pads, discuss your goals for the procedure, and run the necessary tests to create a treatment plan before providing the exact cost.

Please note that you should be wary of cheaper surgeons. Buccal fat removal is a delicate procedure that should be performed by a skilled, board-certified surgeon with years or decades of experience. Opting for cheaper surgeries may lead to poor or unwanted cosmetic results that you have to reverse with another surgery. As such, paying more for buccal fat removal from an exceptional surgeon is far better than gambling on a cheaper procedure.

Why Choose Dr. Antell?

In selected patients, facial fat reduction is one of the best ways to lessen the babyface look that detracts from one’s appearance. Dr. Antell’s comfort with buccal fat removal comes from his dental and medical degrees and his board certification as a plastic surgeon. This gives him familiarity with the anatomy of the mouth, including the buccal fat pad, which many other doctors lack.

Dr. Antell is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and has memberships in many regional and national medical societies, including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Antell is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He will also be recognized among Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026.

NYC Plastic Surgeon

Darrick E. Antell

MD, FACS

Buccal Fat Removal FAQ’S

  • “I recommend him with complete confidence”

    It is rare to find a physician who combines exceptional surgical talent with genuine kindness and integrity, but Dr. Antel does exactly that. I recommend him with complete confidence to anyone

    Giovanni S.

  • “I am extremely grateful”

    I am extremely grateful for the care I have received over the years and would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Antell and his wonderful team—Rosa, Nancy, and Tiffany—to anyone.

    Anonymous

  • “I’m so pleased and grateful”

    I recently underwent a breast augmentation procedure with Dr. Antell at his New York City office. I’m so pleased and grateful for a seamless experience and successful result.

    Theresa D.

  • “Had a fantastic experience”

    Had a fantastic experience with Dr. Antell and his entire team in NYC, Manhattan. From start to finish, they made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth, comfortable, and well-managed.

    Ben R.

  • “Highly recommend”

    Him and his team has always made me feel comfortable through any process/procedure(shoutout to Nancy and Rosa!). Highly recommend.

    Eric L.

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