Buccal Fat Removal
in New Jersey & Philadelphia
Beauty is often subjective, but a slim and contoured face has long been considered desirable in facial aesthetics. For years, plastic surgeons have helped people achieve their desired look, with buccal fat pad removal surgery recently becoming one of the most popular procedures.
Dr. Alisa Yamasaki is a Harvard-trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and board-certified Otolaryngologist–Head and Neck Surgeon based in New Jersey & Philadelphia. She has undergone specialized training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery that allows her to provide patients with the best possible care. Her experience and qualifications make her one of the top facial plastic surgeons in the area, offering a comprehensive approach to helping her clients achieve their desired results from buccal fat removal.
Experience the Excellence of Dr. Yamasaki, Harvard-Trained Facial Plastic Surgeon.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal, also known as buccal lipectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce chubby cheeks, often referred to as “chipmunk cheeks.” This procedure aims to sculpt the face and create a more chiseled look by removing the buccal fat pads, which are located in the lower half of each cheek and can significantly affect facial appearance.
Everyone is born with buccal fat within their cheeks, and the size of these fat pads does not change with weight loss or muscle toning. Surgical removal is the only way to reduce their size. The procedure involves removing excess fat cells from the cheek area, helping to create a more streamlined appearance.
Dr. Yamasaki emphasizes that buccal fat removal is not intended as a weight loss procedure but rather as a targeted way to improve facial aesthetics. She often recommends combining buccal fat removal with other procedures, such as facelift, neck lift, neck liposuction, and/or chin implant to achieve the desired outcome. These options will be discussed during your consultation.
Buccal Fat Removal Benefits
Dr. Yamasaki provides extra attention to ensure that patients get the most out of their buccal fat pad removal procedure. She offers customized treatment plans to remove buccal fat pads that can be combined with other cosmetic procedures designed to enhance the final results. This may include facelift, neck lift, chin augmentation, fat grafting, liposuction, and other procedures.
Depending on the individual, buccal fat removal can provide aesthetic and functional benefits. It can help remove the appearance of facial roundness and create a more angular and defined facial shape. Some additional benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal Surgery:
Buccal Fat Removal Consultation
Dr. Yamasaki sees patients in her office for buccal fat removal consultations to address any questions or concerns they may have before the procedure. She explains the buccal fat removal process, what to expect during and after surgery, and any potential risks or complications associated with the procedure.
During these consultations, Dr. Yamasaki reviews each individual’s medical history and listens carefully to their goals to determine the best treatment for their unique case.
This minor surgical procedure entails the removal of unwanted buccal fat pads along the side of the face, redefining the face for a more youthful appearance. This procedure can easily be performed under local anesthesia in the office.
She may also recommend additional procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, liposuction, or facial implants to achieve maximum results. Patients at Yamasaki Facial Plastic Surgery can feel confident that their health, safety, and desired outcome are top priorities.
Dr. Yamasaki was wonderful!
“Dr. Yamasaki was wonderful! She answered all my questions and explained what was going on, what wasn’t going on, calmed my nerves and managed my expectations. Can’t recommend her enough!!”
The Ideal Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal
Dr. Yamasaki recommends buccal fat removal for patients, often between the ages of 20 and 40, who desire improved facial contours and want to reduce excess fullness in the cheeks or midface area. This procedure is highly individualized and primarily suited for those with rounder face shapes that persist despite diet and exercise.
In general, the ideal candidate for buccal fat removal surgery:
- Is bothered by the appearance of their cheeks
- Is physically healthy
- Has no history of bleeding disorders
- Is a nonsmoker
- Has realistic expectations
Buccal Fat Removal Preparation
The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Dr. Yamasaki customizes each procedure to meet the patient’s needs and discusses the specifics of buccal fat removal during the consultation. Depending on the patient’s preferences, this in-office procedure can be done under local anesthesia. This procedure can also be done under sedation or, when combined with other procedures such as facelift, may also be done in the operating room under general anesthesia. The process usually takes less than an hour.
This procedure begins with a one-inch incision in each cheek. She carefully removes a small amount of buccal fat, which creates a sharper cheek contour and reduces excessive fullness in the cheeks. The primary midface support structure is not altered or weakened by this procedure. Once finished, she closes the intraoral incisions with sutures that dissolve over time.
Before & After Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
Dr. Yamasaki recommends a few days of rest and light activity following the procedure. Most patients experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for approximately 7 to 10 days post-surgery. To reduce potential side effects, Dr. Yamasaki will provide detailed instructions on proper aftercare practices. She also encourages her patients to use ice to the face, keep head elevated, get plenty of rest, and stay well-hydrated with a nutritious diet to aid in the healing process.
Once the recovery process is complete, patients will notice thinner, more contoured cheeks with a softer and more youthful appearance. Patients can expect to see the full results of their buccal fat removal procedure in 4 to 6 weeks. Dr. Yamasaki recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise practices to maintain these results.
Buccal Fat Removal Cost
The cost of buccal fat removal varies depending on the patient’s needs and desired outcome. During an initial consultation, Dr. Yamasaki will assess the patient’s characteristics and explain all costs associated with the procedure. Buccal fat removal is considered cosmetic and therefore not typically covered by insurance.
Dr. Yamasaki is dedicated to providing her patients with the best care possible and working with them to create personalized, affordable treatment plans that meet their individual needs. Dr. Yamasaki accepts payment through Care Credit. Patients can rest assured that their surgery will be performed in a safe environment using the most advanced techniques available.
Why Choose Dr. Yamasaki for Your Buccal Fat Removal
- Renowned Expertise: Board-certified and fellowship-trained, Dr. Yamasaki is a top specialist in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery.
- Prestigious Affiliations: Dr. Yamasaki’s association with Penn Medicine and her experience at top institutions like Harvard and the University of Michigan ensure multidisciplinary, superior care.
- Personalized Patient Care: Dr. Yamasaki provides customized treatments using advanced surgical and non-surgical procedures to meet patients’ specific goals.
- Extensive Experience: Dr. Yamasaki’s experience in numerous procedures, from rhinoplasty to skin cancer reconstruction, ensures high-quality treatment outcomes.
- Academic Contributions: With nearly 50 publications, Dr. Yamasaki remains at the forefront of otolaryngology research, enhancing her practice with the latest advancements.
Dr. Alisa Yamasaki, MD, is a Harvard-trained Facial Plastic Surgeon and board-certified Otolaryngologist–Head and Neck Surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Her expertise includes procedures such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts, dermal filler, and neuromodulator injections in New Jersey & Philadelphia. If you want to reduce the appearance of chubby cheeks with buccal fat pad removal surgery, schedule a consultation online at Yamasaki Facial Plastic Surgery.
Common Buccal Fat Removal Questions
Who is an ideal candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal are those who have naturally full cheeks and want to reduce the size and appearance of their midface. Patients should be in good overall health, be nonsmokers, and have realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved with surgery. Dr. Yamasaki will assess each patient’s anatomy in detail during the initial consultation and determine if buccal fat removal procedure is right for them.
What are the side effects associated with Buccal Fat Removal?
When will I see my Buccal Fat Removal results?
How long will Buccal Fat Removal results last?
Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery right for me?
Buccal fat removal is an effective procedure for reducing facial fullness and creating a more sculpted facial appearance. Dr. Yamasaki will review your treatment options during your consultation to ensure you get the best treatment for your individual goals and needs. She will create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes optimal results, comfort, and safety.