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Buccal Fat Removal New Jersey

Thanks to the rise in popularity of facial sculpting, buccal fat removal has gone from one of the cosmetic surgery industry’s least-known procedures to one of its most requested.

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Buccal fat removal procedure has gained attention for its ability to reduce the unwanted volume in the cheeks, balance the lower face, and streamline the facial silhouette – timeless requests in the world of beauty.

Also known as cheek reduction surgery, buccal fat removal creates subtle contours in the mid to lower face by removing a small amount of fat from the inside of the cheek. Even though buccal fat removal is minimally invasive, it can produce beautifully defining results that achieve a slimmer, chiselled look that enhances the cheeks and jawline.

And with an approval rating of 92% on RealSelf, it’s safe to say that buccal fat removal’s newfound status is here to stay.

Led by Dr Gordon Kaplan, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, our practice can help anyone in the NJ or NY area achieve their aesthetic goals, and that includes slimming down their face.

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What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

The buccal fat pad is a deep pocket in the middle of the cheek that determines the shape of the mid to lower face. As the size of the buccal fat pad is genetic and is often hereditary, it’s not an area that is always dictated by a patient’s weight. Even the slimmest people can still be described as having a rounded or ‘baby face’ appearance, and this is usually thanks to their natural buccal fat pad.

Reducing the buccal fat is an effective way to slim and define the face, revealing shapely contours that enhance the cheekbones and jawline. Unlike other areas that benefit from fat reduction, the buccal fat pad cannot be addressed with liposuction. As the pocket naturally sits underneath the facial muscles and nerves, it is accessed through a different method to avoid complications and produce the most effective result.

Until recently, buccal fat removal was typically performed in combination with other procedures and has only become requested as a standalone procedure in the past few years. Buccal fat removal is most compatible with procedures that also aim to improve the structural appearance of the face. These include complimentary surgeries such as chin implants, jaw implants, neck liposuction, or facelifts.

What To Expect During Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Buccal fat removal is one of the least invasive facial cosmetic surgeries and normally only takes around 30 minutes or less. Dr. Kaplan performs it as an in-office procedure with local or sedation anesthesia, meaning there’s no need for an overnight stay in the hospital.

Once you’re anesthetized and completely comfortable, Dr. Kaplan gently accesses the buccal fat pad from the inside of the mouth. Through a small incision on the inner part of the cheek, Dr. Kaplan can identify and tease out the amount of fat required for the desired result. In most cases, the buccal fat isn’t removed fully. The incisions are then sutured closed.

As buccal fat removal is performed through the inside of the mouth, the procedure benefits from no visible scarring and most patients appreciate the discretion of the surgery.

Am I A Good Candidate For Buccal Fat Removal?

The ideal candidate for buccal fat removal has naturally excessive volume in the cheek area that isn’t attributed to their body weight. This can be younger patients who are looking for a more sculpted appearance or mature patients where buccal fat is naturally starting to fall through the effects of gravity, creating jowls and impacting aging overall.

Buccal fat removal isn’t for everyone. As we age, the face naturally becomes thinner. When buccal fat removal is performed on people who already have hollow cheeks, it can lead to a gaunt appearance in later life. Dr. Kaplan carefully analyzes the anatomy of the face and identifies the patients best suited to buccal fat removal, advising on alternative procedures for those looking to enhance their facial structure who may not be suitable.

In general, we class the ideal buccal fat removal patient as someone who:

  • Is within 20 pounds of their goal weight
  •  Has a naturally rounded, babyface or ‘chubby’ appearance to cheeks
  • Has realistic expectations for results
  • Is in overall good health
  • Is prepared to follow Dr. Kaplan’s recovery advice

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery: What To Expect

As buccal fat removal is minimally invasive, it requires less downtime than other facial plastic surgeries. Patients will return home on the day of their procedure and after a few days can resume work. The cheek area will be swollen and tender, so most patients take around a week away from social activities. Most of the swelling will subside after three to four weeks, with gradual improvements in the months after and the final result seen at the six-month mark.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Tips

We advise patients to eat a liquid or soft foods diet in the first week following the procedure. It’s important that you don’t eat any foods that are spicy or too hot during this time, as it can irritate the incisions. A medicated mouth rinse will also be prescribed to prevent infection. Alongside advice on how to ice the area to reduce swelling, Dr. Kaplan will provide a full self-care program for you to follow while you’re recovering, which we recommend patients follow diligently to ensure healing safely and maximize results.

Is Buccal Fat Removal Permanent?

Yes, buccal fat removal is permanent. Even if you gain weight, the buccal fat pad won’t grow back. However, it’s important to note that weight gain could naturally result in more volume in the surrounding area as other fat cells in your cheeks can continue to expand when you gain weight.

How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?

Each patient at The Kaplan Center receives an individualized treatment plan. Our philosophy is that no two patients are the same, and each requires individual assessment to provide a fully comprehensive surgery cost. That’s why we kindly invite patients into the clinic for a consultation to provide an estimated treatment plan based on your desired results.

Buccal Fat Removal Gallery

Check out the before and after images of previous buccal fat removal procedures below. These patients highlight the slimmer, more chiseled look that can be achieved to enhance the cheeks and jawline.

Schedule A Consultation

If you would like to know more about buccal fat removal in NJ or NY, or you’d like to speak to Dr Kaplan about the procedure, then please get in touch.

We’ll organize a consultation at a time and date that suits you. During the consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and answer any questions about the surgery. There is no obligation to proceed.

To get in touch, you can:

Why Choose Dr. Kaplan?

  • Dr. Kaplan is a board-certified plastic surgeon with 20+ years of experience who specializes in facial rejuvenation, making him the perfect choice for your buccal fat removal.
  • We’ve helped thousands of patients achieve their desired results.
  • We offer flexible financing plans to suit your budget, including 0% and low-interest options.
  • We have offices in New Jersey and New York, we can serve patients across both states.

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FAQs

Will buccal fat removal age me?

The aim of buccal fat removal is to provide better balance and harmony with other facial features. It shouldn’t “age” you if done correctly, with just enough fat removed to achieve your aesthetic goals.

We discuss this further in a separate blog post: Does Buccal Fat Removal Age You?

What should I consider before the procedure?

With buccal fat removal, there are a number of key considerations before you proceed with surgery.

This is true of any surgical procedure, but for face fat removal in particular you should consider whether you’re a suitable candidate, whether you have enough cheek fat, your age, your chosen surgeon, and the recovery process.

We explain all of this and more in a blog post: 7 Things To Consider Before A Buccal Fat Removal

Is buccal fat removal safe?

Patient safety is our primary concern. As with any surgery, there are risks attached to the procedure, but as a leading practice with a board-certified surgeon, we do everything in our power to minimize those risks.

In addition, the buccal fat removal procedure is minimally invasive and does not carry many risks. Side effects or complications are extremely rare.

Even so, we’ll discuss safety and risks with you further in your consultation.