Buccal Fat Removal

People with “chipmunk cheeks” or a “baby face” often have a large buccal fat pad– a naturally–occurring pad of fat in the cheek hollow area. This trait is typically hereditary and not a result of being overweight. Dr. Sterry performs buccal fat removal at our NYC plastic surgery center for permanent facial contouring.

Most people are not familiar with this highly technical procedure because relatively few surgeons offer it. If you want to look and feel your best, a plastic surgeon like Dr. Sterry can help you achieve a slimmer lower face that enhances the definition of the chin and cheeks.

Learn more about Dr. Sterry and whether buccal fat removal is right for you by requesting a consultation using our online form or calling our office at  (212) 249-4020 to schedule an appointment.

Buccal Fat Removal
 Before & After Photos

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Before & After

V-Line Facial Contouring

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V-Line Facial Contouring is performed to improve the profile, jawline, and front view of patients with rounded facial features who want a more sleek appearance.  By combining a series of simple procedures such as in this case:
Neck Liposuction
Microcannula Liposuction of the Cheeks
Insertion of a Chin Implant, and
Buccal Fat... Read More

Before & After

Chubby Cheek Reduction and Chin Liposuction

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This young woman came in originally asking for chin liposuction.  After that procedure went well, she decided that she would like me to reduce the size of what she called her "Chipmunk Cheeks".  That procedure was performed a few months later.  Read More

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Chubby Cheek Reduction With Chin Liposuction

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This is a 30 year old patient who wanted facial sculpting to create a more refined contour to her profile.  I told her that we had several options and she settled in on Chin Liposuction (some of us call it "neck" liposuction) combined with buccal fat pad removal to improve her contour.
The Buccal Fat pad is removed through the mouth a... Read More

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Cheek Liposuction and Permanent Facial Contouring in NYC

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This patient requested chubby cheek reduction as well as a double chin removal.  When she learned about our options, she chose to undergo Permanent Facial Contouring including cheek liposuction, buccal fat removal and chin liposuction - all performed under local anesthesia in our New York City office.While many of my colleagues ar... Read More

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Neck/Chin Liposuction

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Before & After

Cheek Liposuction Case #253

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Before & After

Cheek Liposuction Case #254

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Before & After

Chubby Face Reduction with Facial Liposuction

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This is a 24 year old woman who wanted to have a more slender and elegant look.  She asked me for better definition of her jawline and a reduction of her "chubby cheeks".  I performed Smartlipo liposuction of her neck as well as precise cheek liposuction using a microcannula.  Additionally, I was also able to remove the portion... Read More

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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

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Good Buccal Fat Removal Candidates

Healthy, nonsmoking individuals with considerable fullness in the cheek hollow region who want to permanently slim the area are typically good candidates for this procedure. Men and women who are good candidates for buccal fat removal often complain of:

• Looking heavier than they are
• A round face that lacks definition
• A child-like appearance

It is important that patients understand that the results from this procedure tend to be subtle. During a consultation, Dr. Sterry will evaluate your cheeks and give you a recommendation for a treatment plan that can achieve your aesthetic goals.

What areas can be improved with buccal fat removal?

Some people have larger buccal fat pads than others, creating the appearance of chubby cheeks. Removal of buccal fat pads can slim the cheeks and permanently contour the face. This can help enhance the prominence of the cheekbones and chin and produce more defined facial contours.

Your Fat Removal Procedure

Dr. Sterry likes to do this procedure under local anesthesia, but some light sedation is also available. A small incision is made on the inside of your cheek so there is no visible scarring. Dr. Sterry then excises the fat directly using meticulous surgical techniques.

Typically, he removes only about 1.5 grams of fat from each patient to create age-appropriate cheek contour. Once removed, the fat is gone for good. After a short period of observation, you can return home to rest and recover.

Complementary Procedures

Dr. Sterry often performs permanent facial contouring by combining buccal fat removal with other treatments to create a more angular look for his patients. Common procedures include:

• PrecisionTx® laser-assisted liposuction to reduce fat and tighten tissues
• Microcannula cheek liposuction to remove fat from a broader area of the cheek
• Chin liposuction for double chin fat removal

Buccal Fat Removal vs. Facial Liposuction

While buccal fat removal and facial liposuction are both facial sculpting procedures, there are important differences. The buccal fat pad is in the lower face beneath the cheekbone, not the midface or along the cheekbone area. With too much fullness, the buccal fat pad makes the face look round and the cheeks look chubby. Dr. Sterry performs buccal fat removal by surgically removing all or part of the fat pad. Facial liposuction is performed by suctioning fat from a broader area of the lower face using a very fine cannula to avoid damaging the facial nerves. Dr. Sterry also removes fat under the chin with liposuction to sculpt and define the jawline and chin.

Recovery

You may experience slight swelling after the procedure, but this will soon subside. The swelling may make it difficult to see your results, but as it gradually dissipates, your new profile will be revealed. We recommend that patients keep their heads elevated while sleeping for a few days in order to reduce swelling.

Results

Cheek sculpting provides subtle changes to a patient’s looks–the procedure enhances natural features rather than dramatically altering the face. It can boost your self–confidence without sacrificing the unique character of your face. Many people find that friends and family wonder if they’ve lost weight or changed their makeup.

Get to Know

Dr. Thomas P. Sterry

Thomas Sterry, MD, is a board-certified New York City plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He has been president of both the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons and the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons. In addition, he sits on the executive council of the New York County Medical Society and has been a delegate to the Medical Society of the State of New York for years. At his inviting, boutique-style practice in Manhattan, he focuses on each patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals so that he can provide the most attractive and natural-looking outcomes possible.

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Dr. Sterry Answers Common Buccal Fat Removal Questions

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Thomas P. Sterry is a very reputable, respectful and amazing surgeon! I was fortunate to undergo his...

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I was so pleased with Dr Sterry and his entire staff! They are all extremely welcoming and made me feel...

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I got chin / neck lipo done in January of 2024 and I am so pleased with the results. Dr. Sterry and...

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Excellent surgeon and so kind. Moreover he was willing to repair a botched job (tummy tuck ) and scar...

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