Your facial appearance is your calling card, and when you notice anomalies or aspects of your face you are unhappy with, it can cause dissatisfaction, leading to low self-esteem. For some people, that insecurity can stem from the “baby fat” on the cheeks remaining well into adulthood. This area is called Buccal fat, and it can give the face a more padded look. If you have tried remedies such as diet, exercise or even makeup contouring that did nothing to reduce the problem, there is an effective and safe surgical procedure to remedy this. A Buccal Fat Removal facial plastic surgery discreetly removes the extra fat padding from the inside of your cheeks, allowing for a more aesthetically pleasing, and slimmer look to your facial contour. If you are considering Buccal Fat Removal, come and see Dr. Jason Cohn at Cohn Plastic Surgery in Long Island, NY. Dr. Cohn is a renowned surgeon who understands the importance of safe, medical care. He and his team will take care of you. Find out how Dr. Cohn can help elevate your appearance with a Buccal Fat Removal procedure today.
Dr. Cohn routinely sees Buccal Fat Removal patients from all over Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, and even from Manhattan. His boutique office is located in Smithtown, New York, making it a convenient destination for any Buccal Fat Removal patients on the North Shore.
Buccal Fat Removal Before & After Photos
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat is the fat found between your cheekbones and jawbones. They are an integral part of the natural contours on your face. Everyone has buccal fat, but some people have more than others. Buccal fat removal helps to reduce an excess amount of this fat, resulting in a highlighted bone structure that is more defined. The procedure is typically completed in one surgical appointment, offering stunning results that will last for years.
Who are the best candidates for the Buccal Fat Removal procedure?
Before taking the leap toward a slimmer, well-defined facial structure, Dr. Cohn will assess each potential patient to determine if this Buccal Fat Removal is right for them.
Here’s what he looks for in his assessment:
- Non-smokers
- Someone with overall good health
- People with realistic expectations
- Adults with stabilized weight
- A positive outlook for this surgery.
If you’re considering having a buccal fat removal, spend some time reviewing surgery photos and learning about what to expect during recovery. Preparation ahead of time helps patients have reasonable expectations and a smoother recovery.
What are the benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal Fat Removal can offer a range of incredible benefits to our patients. This list highlights some of the standout results patients can expect:
- Improved facial symmetry
- A more slender appearance
- Enhances your cheekbones
- Improved cheek and jawline definition
- Reduction in “baby fat” look
- No visible scarring
- A more sophisticated and elegant look
- Improvement in self confidence
To learn more about the benefits of Buccal Fat Removal in Long Island, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohn.
What’s the first step?
Ready to book in your Buccal Fat Removal? The first step is to call our clinic in Long Island, NY, and book a consultation with Dr. Cohn. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to learn more about this procedure from Dr. Cohn, hear the techniques he uses, and become familiar with what is expected during recovery. This appointment is your time to talk about your insecurities, your concerns, what you wish to achieve, and share any other pertinent medical information. Once Dr Cohn has determined you are a good fit for this procedure, our patient coordinator will reach out to guide you through the process of scheduling your surgery, and follow-up appointments.
Before your surgery, Dr. Cohn and his team will give you a list of guidelines to help prep you for the procedure. The instructions can include fasting for a certain amount of time or avoiding certain medications that may hinder the surgical process. Dr. Cohn will likely take photos of your Buccal Fat areas so he can map out the exact contour and placement of his incisions.
What to expect on the day of Buccal Fat Removal surgery
When you arrive at our clinic for your Buccal Fat Removal, our staff will make you comfortable in our inviting and cozy environment, designed to help patients relax before any procedure.
Dr. Cohn will walk you through the techniques and steps he will be using so you are assured about the entire process.
The first step of this procedure is to administer anesthesia, which will aid in minimizing pain throughout surgery.
Next, Dr. Cohn will begin making the incisions on the inside of the mouth, and inner portion of your cheek. This allows for any scarring to be completely obscured. Once the incisions have been made, the buccal fat pads will be removed. The exact amount will be determined prior to your surgery.
Finally, sutures will be used to close the incisions inside your mouth. Because of the unique placement of the sutures, it can be tempting to play with them with your tongue after surgery. Dr. Cohn will give you some helpful tips to help you avoid this, as it can potentially force open the incision and require additional surgical appointments to fix.
Upon completion of your Buccal Fat Removal, you will have time to rest in our recovery area before returning home the same day.
Dr. Cohn will set you up with a list of post-op instructions and guidelines to help you through the recovery process and aid in your healing.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
The recovery period is an integral aspect of your surgery, and can determine the outcome of your results. As mentioned earlier, patients are advised to avoid interfering with the sutures inside their mouth and cheek with their tongue. A liquid diet may be required to prevent any impact on the sutures in the early days of recovery. A prescription mouthwash can also help keep the wound clean free of bacteria build up.
After surgery, it is typical to experience mild to moderate swelling, bruising, numbness where the incisions have been placed. Although these symptoms will improve over time, Dr. Cohn can give you guidance on pain medication and other remedies to help alleviate discomfort. Initial healing takes up to three weeks, which is the point you can likely expect your incisions to be mostly healed and eat food of your choice.
How much does Buccal Fat Removal cost in Long Island, NY?
The cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Long Island varies based on several factors:
- Amount of fat being removed
- The time estimated for the procedure
- The type of anesthesia being administered
During your consultation, Dr. Cohn will assess these factors and discuss in detail your expectations from the Buccal Fat Removal. With your goals and concerns in mind, your information will be given to our patient coordinator, who will let you know the expected price of your procedure.
Why choose Cohn Plastic Surgery?
When you choose Cohn Plastic Surgery, you are placing your aesthetic needs and goals in the expert hand of Dr. Jason Cohn. If it’s life-changing confidence with the looks to match, you have come to the right place. Dr. Cohn is a Long Island native and AAFPRS fellowship-trained facial plastic reconstructive surgeon based in Smithtown, NY. Dr. Cohn enjoys connecting with his patients in a meaningful, approachable demeanor. He aims to assist you in achieving your aesthetic goals with natural, high-quality results. Call us today to learn how Dr. Cohn can restore your confidence in your body, as you put your best foot forward in the world.
Schedule a consultation
Contact us today to get started on your road to transformation! Our friendly, highly-trained staff will take care of your scheduling needs and set up a consultation that could change your life. We offer in-person and virtual appointments to best accommodate your needs. Dr. Cohn is ready to help you achieve your best look and give you the confidence you need. Call us today at +1 631-759-9173
Buccal Fat Removal FAQ’S
We ensure every patient receives anesthesia before surgery in order to numb the area and prevent you from feeling pain throughout the procedure. Once the anesthesia wears off, you can expect some mild to moderate discomfort as your sutures and wounds begin the healing process. Dr. Cohn will go over a list of ways to manage your pain after returning home, which will likely include over the counter medication or a numbing gel you can apply to the inside of your gums. Healing can take up to 3 weeks approximately, or as long as it takes for the swelling to subside.
Dr. Cohn will go over an exact timeline of appointments you can expect when you book in a Buccal Fat Removal. The surgery will be completed in one appointment, where you will be able to return home the same day. During recovery, you will return to our clinic for a series of follow-up sessions where Dr. Cohn will play an active role in your recovery. These appointments are crucial to the success of your results. They allow for Dr. Cohn to remove any non-dissolvable sutures, advise on what kind of food or liquid to avoid for a period of time, and how to keep your mouth clean and disinfected to avoid bacteria build up.
Depending on the symptoms you experience after your surgery, you can expect to see early results of your Buccal Fat Removal once the swelling has gone down. It can likely take several months to see the final results giving time for your cheek and the remainder of your buccal fat pad to gradually contour to their new appearance. By taking care to follow all the post-op instructions laid out by Dr. Cohn, you will ensure a smooth process that yields ideal results for your aesthetic goals.
Many of Dr. Cohn’s patients come to see him for the astounding results he delivers on multiple areas of the face and body. If your goal is to improve your overall appearance, you might want to consider combining Buccal Fat Removal surgery with another procedure offered at our clinic.
A couple of popular options that can offer great results in tandem include a Facelift or a Neck lift.
In your consultation with Dr. Cohn, you can discuss other procedures you are interested in, and he will assess whether they can be safely combined and if they will be effective for you.
It is important to weigh up the potential risks associated with any surgical procedure, including Buccal Fat Removal. By choosing Dr. Cohn as your dedicated surgeon, you will reduce the potential for risk when you place your trust in the hands of someone as highly skilled and experienced as him.
The potential risks of Buccal Fat Removal include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to a salivary duct
- Damage to branches of the facial nerve, resulting in temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness
- Changes in sensation on the inside of your mouth
- Persistent pain
- Poor healing of incisions
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Prolonged swelling
- Dissatisfaction with the final results
During your consultation session Dr Cohn will take the time to talk about all the potential risks so you can weigh them up and make a final, informed decision.
Yes, buccal fat removal is considered permanent. The fat pads removed from the cheeks do not grow back. However, natural aging and weight fluctuations can still affect your overall facial appearance over time.
Most providers recommend waiting until facial development is complete, typically in the mid-20s or later. This ensures your natural facial structure has fully matured before making permanent changes.
While it is possible, younger patients are often advised to wait. Facial fullness can naturally decrease with age, so early removal may lead to an overly hollow appearance later in life.
It’s possible if too much fat is removed or if the procedure is done on someone who already has a naturally lean face. An experienced provider will take a conservative approach to maintain balance and avoid premature hollowing.
Prominent buccal fat pads can create a fuller, “rounder” appearance in the lower cheeks, even if you are otherwise slim. A consultation with a qualified provider is the best way to determine if buccal fat is contributing to your facial shape.
No, there are no visible external scars. The incisions are made inside the mouth, so any scarring is hidden from view.
Preparation may include stopping smoking, avoiding certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding, arranging transportation, and following your provider’s pre-operative instructions. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also important.
Results are generally subtle and natural-looking. The goal is to enhance facial contour and definition rather than dramatically change your appearance.
No, weight loss affects overall body fat but does not specifically target buccal fat pads. Some people may still have fuller cheeks even at a low body weight, which is where buccal fat removal can make a difference.
Buccal fat removal minimizes the volume in the lower cheeks, creating a slimmer look. Cheek fillers and implants, on the other hand, add volume, typically to the cheekbones, to enhance structure and contour. They serve opposite purposes but can sometimes be combined for balanced results.
Yes, you can brush your teeth after buccal fat removal, but you’ll need to be gentle, especially near the incision sites inside your cheeks. Your provider may recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding the surgical areas for the first few days. You may also be given a special mouth rinse to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. Always follow your surgeon’s specific aftercare instructions.