Achieve a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance with buccal fat removal in Manhattan by Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki. This minimally invasive procedure reduces excess cheek fullness, addressing chubby cheeks, facial imbalance, and lack of definition. With no visible scars, you can enjoy enhanced facial angles and a more sculpted look.
Have you been told you have a “babyface”?
If you’ve often been described as having a “babyface,” it could be due to enlarged buccal fat pads—natural fat deposits located deep within your cheeks. While everyone has buccal fat, some individuals have larger-than-average fat pads, creating a rounder, fuller facial appearance. This excess volume can obscure your cheekbones and jawline, making your face appear soft or puffy. Buccal fat removal targets these fat pads to sculpt sharper facial angles. If you are considering buccal fat removal in Manhattan, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lisiecki offers personalized treatment plans to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Buccal fat removal can correct the following:
- Excess cheek fullness
- Lack of facial definition
- “Babyface” appearance
- Chipmunk-like cheeks
- Facial imbalance
What is buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that aims to slim and sculpt the face by removing excess fat from the cheeks. While the size of the buccal fat varies from person to person, enlarged buccal fat pads can create a rounder, fuller face. Through a small incision inside the mouth, Dr. Lisiecki carefully removes a portion of the fat pad, enhancing facial contours and creating a more chiseled, defined appearance with no visible scars.
The benefits of buccal fat removal:
- Enhances facial contours, creating a slimmer, more sculpted appearance
- Removes excess cheek fullness, reducing a round or “babyface” look
- Minimally invasive procedure, performed through small incisions inside the mouth
- No visible scars, as all incisions are hidden inside the cheeks
- Permanent results, since buccal fat does not regenerate after removal
- Quick recovery, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week
What is the procedure for your Manhattan buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that sculpts the midface by reducing excess volume in the buccal fat pads. Dr. Lisiecki performs the procedure under local anesthesia with oral or intravenous sedation. To begin, a small, 1-1.5 cm incision is made on the inner mucosal lining of each cheek, near the second upper molar. This intraoral approach eliminates the risk of visible scarring. The buccal fat pad is then carefully exposed.
Once the fat pad is mobilized, gentle external pressure is applied to prolapse the excess portion of the buccal fat pad. The necessary fat volume is excised while preserving vascular and nerve structures. After ensuring symmetrical fat removal, minor blood vessels are cauterized to control bleeding and closes the incision with absorbable sutures. The entire procedure typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes, and you can return home the same day.
Candidates for a buccal fat removal:
- Have naturally full, round, or puffy cheeks due to enlarged buccal fat pads
- Desire a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance with enhanced cheek definition
- Are in good physical health and have no underlying medical conditions that impair healing
- Maintain realistic expectations about the results of the procedure
- Are non-smokers or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery to promote healing
- Do not have progressive hemifacial atrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome), which causes facial volume loss over time
Recovery after a buccal fat removal surgery
After your buccal fat removal surgery, you can expect mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort in your cheeks for the first few days to a week. Since the incisions are inside your mouth, you must follow a strict oral hygiene routine to prevent infection. Dr. Lisiecki will prescribe an antiseptic mouthwash that you must use regularly, along with antibiotics if needed. For the first 24 to 48 hours, you should stick to a liquid or soft diet to avoid irritating the incisions.
Swelling typically peaks around day three and gradually subsides over the next two to three weeks. During this period, you may notice some facial asymmetry, which is normal and will resolve gradually as the swelling decreases. Most patients return to work and normal activities within a week, but final results become visible after three months once all residual swelling has dissipated. Following Dr. Lisiecki’s post-operative care instructions will help ensure smooth healing and optimal contouring of your face.
Buccal Fat Removal FAQs
How long does buccal fat removal take?
The procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Since it is minimally invasive, you can return home the same day after a short monitoring period.
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes, buccal fat removal provides permanent results because the fat pads do not regenerate. However, significant weight gain can still affect the remaining fat cells in your face, potentially altering the contours. However, your face will always look slimmer than it would otherwise.
Will my face look hollow as I age?
Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki customizes the amount of fat removed to prevent excessive hollowness in the future. Patients with naturally thin faces or those predisposed to facial volume loss may not be ideal candidates for the procedure.
When can I see the final results?
The initial results become visible once the swelling subsides, usually within three to four weeks. However, once all residual swelling has dissipated and the tissues settle, the final, fully refined contours emerge after three to six months.
Can I combine buccal fat removal with other procedures?
Yes, buccal fat removal is often combined with chin liposuction, rhinoplasty, facelift, or dermal fillers to enhance facial proportions. Dr. Lisiecki can help determine the best combination.
What can I eat after surgery?
For the first few days, you should stick to a liquid or soft diet to avoid irritating the incisions. Gradually, you can reintroduce solid foods as healing progresses.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisiecki
Dr. Jeffrey Lisiecki is a board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon who specializes in advanced facial contouring and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, including facelifts and buccal fat removal, in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. With extensive training from the University of Michigan and the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, he tailors each plan to achieve natural, balanced results while preserving facial harmony. If you’re considering buccal fat removal in Manhattan to enhance your facial definition, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lisiecki to explore your personalized options.
