Do you ever look in the mirror and imagine what it’d be like to have a slimmer, more sculpted facial appearance? Maybe you’ve always been told you have chubby cheeks or a baby face and now desire a more chiseled look. Or, perhaps you have a skinnier body but plump, fuller cheeks that make people who only see your face assume you’re heavier than you actually are.
If you’re experiencing any of those scenarios, a facial contouring procedure like buccal fat removal surgery (also known as cheek fat reduction surgery) might seem appealing. It helps individuals highlight their cheekbones and better emphasize their jawlines, providing a more defined look. However, admittedly, it’s not for everyone. Therefore, we’ll share several factors, like cost, who it’s for, and more, to help you decide if buccal fat removal is right for you.
Who is the Ideal Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
According to NYC board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mesa, one of the first things you should figure out is whether you fit the profile for this face-slimming surgery.
This technique aims to enhance the appearance of the middle and lower parts of your face so that they appear more tapered. Trimming the buccal fat pads can accentuate the angularity of your skeletal structure, which is often not seen with chubbier cheeks.
Typically, the best outcomes come from patients who meet the following characteristics:
1. Men and Women with Fuller Faces (Chubby Cheeks)
Buccal fat removal surgery is best suited for individuals who has a full face (“moon face”), chubby cheeks, or a chubby smile. These facial findings often make people feel self-conscious, especially when smiling in picture.
For some, it may create a sense of facial heaviness even if they have a normal body weight, or their weight is low for their height.
During a consultation, a plastic surgeon will look for those features. They’ll carefully assess your cheek fullness, facial symmetry, jawline structure, and other facial characteristics to determine how this surgery might affect your facial shape.
2. Persistent Facial Fullness (Chubbiness)
People with facial fullness that remains disproportionately chubby, even after they’ve lost weight, are also candidates for buccal fat removal. We’ve discovered that the buccal fat pad typically carries nearly the same volume throughout life and isn’t likely to change significantly during growth spurts or when people lose weight. As a result, some people simply have larger buccal fat pads, possibly due to genetics.
Sometimes, though, the face isn’t fuller from having more pronounced buccal pads. Weight in the face or facial fullness can come from numerous factors, like medications, hormonal fluctuations, or water retention. Buccal fat pad removal might not be the best solution if such is the case. Instead, lifestyle modifications might be a better approach to achieving a slimmer face.
3. High Cheekbones
Dr. Mesa emphasizes that buccal fat removal surgery is best for people with strong malar bones (aka cheekbones), which are usually hidden by prominent buccal fat pads. Those with weak cheekbones often aren’t the best candidates for buccal fat pad surgery because the outcome usually isn’t aesthetically appealing. In most cases, the person looks older or has a gaunt appearance.
Yet, this doesn’t mean that there’s not a potential solution for these individuals. Dr. Mesa states that someone with weak cheekbones can become an excellent candidate for the procedure if they enhance their cheekbones with cheekbone fillers either before or right immediately before the surgical procedure. This approach guarantees the patient’s outcome will be aesthetically attractive.
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4. Good Skin Elasticity
If your skin can be stretched and quickly bounce back into place afterward, you’re likely a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal. Those with poor skin elasticity due to things like age, smoking, or excessive sun exposure might experience skin sagging in the midface with this procedure. Occasionally, a skin tightening procedure, such as FaceTite or Facelift, is combined with this procedure to get the best results.
5. Sound Physical Health
Although buccal fat pad surgery is considered relatively safe, like all procedures, it doesn’t come without risks. Therefore, you and your plastic surgeon must weigh the risks and benefits to ensure it’s right for you. Your current health status is a big indicator when assessing risk, as serious health problems could make undergoing anesthesia and surgery difficult and/or unsafe.
You might be required to complete a physical examination before your planned procedure, so we know of any issues. It’s also your duty to share if you have any known or troubling health problems. While achieving your dream aesthetic is a top priority, your safety is much more important. A skilled plastic surgeon will want to be prepared so they can customize your surgical care to your medical needs.
6. Realistic Goals and Expectations
All individuals considering this face-slimming surgery should have realistic expectations of the process and outcomes. Thinking solely of how buccal fat removal can improve your look and boost your self-esteem and not mulling over whether it’s safe, appropriate for your facial structure, or the possibility of having undesirable results can lead to disappointment.
Selecting an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. John Mesa, can significantly minimize the likelihood of potential complications, but even the most skilled practitioners can’t guarantee results.
As a triple fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with over ten years of experience, Dr. Mesa knows what’s required to perform a safe procedure with optimal results and a seamless recovery. He communicates this process with his patients and answers any questions they might have about the process and potential outcomes.
RELATED: Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal Fat Removal Trends
Around 2022, cheek reduction surgery surged on TikTok and other social platforms, with celebrities revealing their more chiseled face shapes. Before long, Hollywood’s fascination sparked the general public’s interest, and this cosmetic trend has since soared. Thousands have shared their before-and-after photos in the last few years, showing off their subtle yet noticeable transformation.
However, it’s vital to underscore that this procedure for sharper cheekbones and a defined jawline shouldn’t just be done because it’s popular. Instead, we strongly recommend that you research the procedure and fully grasp what it’s intended for. Otherwise, you might regret it later.
Trendy Reasons For Buccal Fat Removal
One issue with this trend, and many others, is the unrealistic expectations it can create. We’ve mentioned before that cheek reduction surgery isn’t for everyone.
Here are trendy reasons people consider buccal fat removal, along with why it’s not ideal:
- “I want to correct sagging skin”: This procedure alone isn’t designed to address or avoid sagging. While it’s possible for buccal fat pads to greatly weigh down the lower face, excising them might not completely fix the problem. You may need another procedure to help tighten the facial skin.
- “I want to slow aging”: Buccal fat removal doesn’t reverse the natural aging process. In fact, if too much is removed, patients may look older than they are.
- “I want an overnight transformation”: Don’t view this as a quick-fix solution, as it can take a few months for the cheeks to heal and settle into place fully.
- “It’ll be a dramatic change”: The change is often subtle, especially if someone has smaller buccal fat pads.
- “My weight fluctuates a lot, but my buccal fat pads will adjust”: The results from surgery are permanent, as your buccal fat pads don’t regrow. It’s best to get this procedure when your weight is stable.
- “My face is skinny, but I want it even thinner”: This procedure isn’t meant for those with thin faces. A sunken, less aesthetically desirable look can result, especially as you age.
Ultimately, this technique shouldn’t be pursued just to follow trends, as trends change. There is a subset of patients who truly benefit from buccal fat excision, but it’s not everyone.
The Cost of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery in NYC
The actual cost of buccal fat removal surgery depends on the following factors:
- Surgeon’s skill set/experience: More experience often comes at a heftier price because the surgeon’s expansive knowledge base is more likely to create desirable results with fewer errors.
- Facility type: Buccal fat removal surgery is less expensive when completed under outpatient care, where you can go home the same day. Inpatient care at a hospital means you’ll stay at least one night, and more fees are associated with that.
- Geographic location: Cosmetic procedures in big cities are more expensive than those in smaller towns. This is partially due to higher demand but it’s also because of the overall cost of living. Since New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world – along with Singapore, buccal fat removal here tends to be significantly more costly compared with other areas in the United States.
- Anesthesia type: Local anesthesia, where only your face is just numbed, is much more cost-effective than general anesthesia or IV sedation.
- Procedure complexity: If someone’s buccal fat pads are more complicated to reach (for example, on a revision surgery) or there’s another obstacle, the cost can increase.
- Other fees: Operating room fees, medication, medical tests, etc.
According to ChatGPT, the cost of buccal fat removal surgery in New York City typically ranges from $4000 to $8000, depending on the above-mentioned factors.
In addition, RealSelf.com, a leading platform for plastic surgery information, the cost of buccal fat removal in Manhattan could range from $4,100 and $6,500.
RELATED: Is Buccal Fat Removal Really Worth It?
Schedule a Buccal Fat Removal Consultation in NYC
At this point, you should have an idea of if buccal fat removal is the right choice for you. However, the only way to know that for sure is to book an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Mesa. He’s performed this same minimally invasive procedure on hundreds of patients, helping them achieve the chiseled cheeks they’ve always wanted.
So, are you ready to get started? Dr. Mesa practices out of three locations: New York, New Jersey, and Miami. Simply schedule an appointment to begin your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Only for Women in NYC?
No, buccal fat removal is also for men with round, chubby cheeks desiring a more sleek, sculpted appearance.
Does Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Leave Visible Scarring?
The incisions are made on the inside of the cheeks, so patients shouldn’t have any visible scarring from buccal fat removal.
Is Buccal Fat Removal Covered by Health Insurance?
This face-slimming procedure is considered a personal choice and, therefore, not medically necessary. Health insurance historically doesn’t cover elective procedures, so patients should be prepared to discuss financial payment options with their plastic surgeon’s office.