Buccal Fat Removal in New York City

To find out if you’re a good candidate for buccal fat removal or any other form of body plastic surgery, schedule an appointment for a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. David Shokrian at Millennial Plastic Surgery in Midtown Manhattan. He’s board certified and has an excellent reputation. During your consultation with this plastic surgeon, some questions you can expect to hear include:

• What are your goals and expectations?
• Do you have a history of medical problems?
• Are you on any type of medication?
• Are you taking any herbal supplements?
• Are you allergic to any medications?
• Have you had surgery in the past?

You must be physically and emotionally healthy and at a stable weight, and your expectations of what the procedure can do for you should be realistic. Your surgeon may advise you against this procedure if you have a naturally thin face, or if you have certain medical problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure or uncontrolled diabetes.

Buccal fat removal is not usually recommended for people over the age of 50 because it doesn’t really have any advantages. Instead, it makes some signs of aging such as jowls more noticeable. Younger people must realize that facial volume decreases with age, which could make their face eventually appear gaunt. Of course, then you’d be more likely to want a facial fat transfer to actually make your face look fuller and more youthful.

Besides finding out whether you’re a good candidate for buccal fat removal or any other cosmetic procedure, your consultation is an opportunity for you to ask questions of your NYC plastic surgeon. Questions to ask include:

• How long have you been practicing plastic surgery?
• Have you done buccal fat removal in the past?
• Do you have buccal fat removal before and after photos of previous patients you’ve treated?
• Is this the best procedure for my aesthetic goals?
• What’s expected of me to get the best results?
• Are there risks or complications I should be aware of?
• What if I’m dissatisfied with the results?

Pay attention to how the surgeon and staff make you feel. Is the staff friendly and helpful? Do you feel comfortable disclosing your medical history to the surgeon? Choose a surgeon who has plenty of experience and a professional team you’re comfortable with. The team at Millennial Plastic Surgery provides the perfect blend of comfort, compassion and expertise.

If your NYC plastic surgeon determines you’re a good candidate, he examines your face and takes photographs. He explains your treatment options and lets you know what to expect from the procedure and what you need to do to prepare. This usually includes discontinuing anything that may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, such as:

• Aspirin
• Naproxen
• Ibuprofen
• Prescription blood thinners, such as coumadin or warfarin sodium

You have to stop taking these medications five days before surgery or as directed by your Manhattan plastic surgeon. Herbal teas and supplements sometimes have blood thinning properties, so you may have to avoid them before surgery as well. Be sure to let your doctor know about any herbal supplements you take, so you know which to temporarily discontinue.

If you’re a smoker, you must quit at least a couple weeks before surgery and remain resolved not to smoke until at least a few weeks after surgery. Smoking increases the risk of infection and surgical complications, such as blood clots.

Cheek fat removal is a safe and effective procedure when done by a reputable plastic surgeon. Most side effects are minor and usually disappear within a few days as your body heals. Side effects that you may experience include:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Numbness at the surgical site

All surgery includes some risk of problems, such as an allergic reaction to anesthesia or an infection. In rare cases, you may notice sensation changes, asymmetry or injury to the salivary duct or facial nerves. Choose a highly skilled and experienced surgeon since the risk of complications increases with a surgeon who’s not board certified or doesn’t have expertise in facial surgery. Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms that include persistent pain, excessive bleeding, high fever, shortness of breath or chest pain.

The cost of buccal fat removal in New York City can range from $4,000 to $8,000.

There are several factors affecting buccal fat removal cost in NYC.

These include:

• Surgeon’s Experience and Reputation: Surgeons with many years of experience typically charge higher fees. Their extensive practice often means they have honed their skills and can deliver more consistent and satisfactory results. Experienced surgeons may also use advanced techniques and technologies to enhance the results and reduce recovery time, justifying higher costs.
• Location of the Clinic: Clinics in upscale areas or those with high overhead costs may have higher prices.
• Complexity of the Procedure: The natural variation in facial anatomy can affect the complexity of the procedure. Patients with more prominent buccal fat pads or unique facial structures may require more intricate surgical techniques, which can increase the cost. The amount of fat to be removed may also vary. More extensive fat removal requires additional time and precision, potentially raising the overall cost.
• Anesthesia Fees: The type of anesthesia used (local vs. general) can impact the price. Local anesthesia is generally less expensive, typically adding a few hundred dollars to the procedure cost. General anesthesia requires the presence of an anesthesiologist or a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA), which significantly increases buccal fat removal cost. General anesthesia can add anywhere from $500 to $1,500 to the procedure cost.
• Facility Fees: Accredited facilities that adhere to stringent safety and quality standards may charge higher fees. These facilities often provide a higher level of care and advanced medical equipment. Plus, some facilities offer additional amenities such as private recovery rooms, personalized care, and advanced post-operative monitoring, which can increase the overall cost.
• Pre- and Post-Operative Care: Consultations, follow-up appointments, and any necessary medications or supplies can add to the total cost. Required medical tests or imaging before the surgery can add to the initial cost. Some clinics offer comprehensive care packages that include all pre- and post-operative services, which can be more cost-effective in the long run.
• Outpatient vs. Inpatient Care: Outpatient care means that the patient does not need to stay overnight in a hospital. The procedure is performed in a clinic or surgical center, and the patient goes home the same day. It’s generally less expensive than inpatient care because it avoids the costs associated with an overnight hospital stay. Inpatient care involves staying in the hospital for at least one night after the procedure. This is less common for buccal fat removal but may be necessary for more complex cases or if combined with other surgeries.

Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about the type of care that best suits your needs and budget. If you have any more questions or need further details, contact our practice now!

*Price range is based on a national average of buccal fat removal not specific to Millennial Plastic Surgery.