Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgery in New York
Buccal Fat Removal NYC
Allure Plastic Surgery
Permanent cheek slimming and facial contouring by Dr. Elliot Heller, MD. A slimmer face, higher cheekbones, and a more defined jawline, with minimal downtime at our accredited Manhattan surgical facility.
Before and After Photos of Buccal Fat Removal at Allure Plastic Surgery
Buccal Fat Removal Specialist
Meet Dr. Elliot Heller, MD
Dr. Elliot Heller, MD is a plastic surgeon at Allure Plastic Surgery, with more than 20 years of experience and over 10,000 procedures performed. He has refined a buccal fat removal technique that achieves slim, contoured cheeks with natural-looking results.
What is Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal (also known as buccal fat pad removal or buccal fat reduction) is a minor surgical procedure that removes excess fat pads from the lower cheeks to slim your face and enhance your cheekbones. Dr. Elliot Heller performs the surgery through a small incision inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars.
The procedure takes about one hour under local anesthesia and is completed in a single session. Using precise, gentle techniques, Dr. Heller removes the buccal fat pad to create a thinner, more contoured mid-face.
Key Benefits
- Permanent fat reduction
- Enhanced cheekbone definition
- More sculpted jawline appearance
- Natural-looking results
45-60 Minutes Quick outpatient procedure
No External Scars Incisions inside the mouth
Local Anesthesia Comfortable and safe
Benefits Of Buccal Fat Removal
How buccal fat removal creates a more sculpted, defined facial appearance.
Slimmer, sculpted cheeks
Reduce chipmunk cheeks and achieve a more chiseled look. Your cheekbones and jawline will appear more defined afterward.
Permanent results
This is a one-time procedure – once the fat is taken out, it will not grow back. Even with future weight changes, your cheeks will stay slimmer than before.
Quick procedure & recovery
The surgery itself is brief (around 45–60 minutes) and done with local anesthesia. Most patients have a fast recovery – often back to normal activities within a day or two. Dr. Heller notes that the procedure is virtually painless, and many people return to work the next day.
No external scars
All incisions are hidden inside the mouth, so you won't have any scars on your face. No one will know you had surgery – they'll just notice your refined facial contours.
Natural-looking outcome
We take a conservative, customized approach to avoid an overly hollow look. Dr. Heller carefully assesses your facial structure to remove just the right amount of fat for your unique face, ensuring you still have a soft, natural fullness. You'll look like yourself – just with slimmer cheeks.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
You might be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if you:
- Have full, round cheeks (a baby face) that make your face look chubby even at a healthy weight.
- Want more definition in your mid-face, cheekbones, or jawline (slimming the cheeks can make these features stand out).
- Are in good general health, do not smoke (or are willing to quit around the surgery time), and have no uncontrolled medical issues.
- Have decent skin elasticity so your skin can bounce back after the fat is removed.
- Have realistic expectations – you're looking to enhance your natural features, not drastically change your face. Dr. Heller will examine you and confirm if buccal fat reduction is the right approach or if another option would suit you better.
Personalized Assessment
Dr. Heller takes a conservative, customized approach to ensure natural-looking results that enhance your unique facial structure.
- Full facial analysis
- Realistic expectation setting
- Alternative options if needed
- Detailed procedure explanation
Allure Plastic Surgery serves patients from Manhattan, Staten Island, and New Jersey. In a personal consultation, Dr. Heller will evaluate your face and goals to determine if you're a candidate and answer all your questions.
Testimonials
★★★★★
Went in for a buccal fat removal of the face and double chin liposuction. It's only been two weeks and I'm loving the outcome already with better results as the weeks go by. Differences can be seen right away.
G.G.
★★★★★
When the day came for my chin implant procedure I could immediately see how much better I looked! People thought I got taller! Others thought I lost weight! My face is slimmer.
V.G.
★★★★★
Dr. Heller really listens to his patients, and always does so in a kind and caring manner. I recently underwent a revision rhinoplasty. The surgery, the aftercare, and the results were all great.
D.A.
What to Expect: Procedure & Recovery
What to expect from procedure to full recovery
Procedure
Buccal fat removal is an outpatient procedure. Under local anesthesia, Dr. Heller makes a small incision inside each cheek and carefully removes the buccal fat pad. He takes out just the right amount to slim your face while preserving your natural contours. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable stitches. The surgery takes about one hour, and you'll be able to go home the same day.
Recovery Timeline
Healing is typically quick and comfortable. Expect some cheek swelling for a few days (mostly gone by about 1–2 weeks). Any minor bruising will fade quickly. You can usually return to work or school within 1–2 days. Many patients feel fine the next day.
Post-Op Care
Discomfort is minimal – often similar to the feeling of a mild dental procedure. You might have sore cheeks for a short time, but most patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers, if anything. Stick to a soft food diet for the first week and avoid very hot or spicy foods to protect the incision sites. Also, avoid heavy exercise for about a week.
Final Results
By around 2 months post-op, the swelling is fully gone and your final results are visible. The slimmer face and more defined cheekbones are permanent. Our team gives you detailed aftercare instructions and stays available to answer questions as you recover.
★★★★★
I had buccal fat removal and my face looks so much more sculpted. Dr. Heller was honest that I only needed a little and did not overdo it. Love the result.Jess C., Google Review
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Ready for Your Buccal Fat Removal Transformation?
Slimmer cheeks and more defined facial contours, with Dr. Heller's care. Schedule your consultation to get started.
- Schedule Consultation
- Personalized Treatment Plan
- Achieve Your Perfect Profile
FAQ
Buccal Fat Removal FAQs
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes. Once the fat is removed from your cheeks, it's gone permanently – it won't come back. Even if you gain weight later, you will not regain the same fullness in the lower cheeks.
Will my face look too hollow as I age?
No, not when the procedure is done conservatively. Dr. Heller removes just enough fat to slim your face but leaves behind some fat for a natural look. This way, your face stays soft and youthful, not overly hollow or gaunt, even years down the line.
What is recovery like? Does it hurt?
Recovery is usually quick and not very painful. You'll have mild swelling and soreness for a few days, which is more of an inconvenience than true pain. Most people are back to their normal routines within 1–2 days. You'll need to stick to soft foods and use a gentle mouth rinse for about a week.
What technology do you use for that buccal fat removal?
We have a special instrument that goes right to the buccal fat with a laser. It's very quick and painless.
Flexible Financing
Pay Over Time with Affirm, Cherry, or CareCredit
We work with Affirm, Cherry, and CareCredit so you can spread the cost of your procedure into manageable monthly payments. Approval usually takes minutes, and there is no penalty for paying off early.
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Ready to sculpt your cheeks?
Meet our team for a consultation in Manhattan, Staten Island, or Edison, NJ.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your individual needs.