Buccal Fat Removal in New York City

Carefully controlled cheek refinement that enhances definition and facial balance while avoiding excessive hollowing or premature aging.

Subtle Midface Contouring Can Enhance Facial Balance

The fullness of the lower cheeks can significantly influence how the face is perceived. In some patients, excess volume in this area contributes to a rounder or heavier appearance that may feel inconsistent with their gender identity. At FFSNYC, buccal fat removal in NYC is approached conservatively and thoughtfully, with the goal of refining facial contours while maintaining softness and balance.

What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a facial feminization procedure that reduces volume in the lower cheek by removing a portion of the buccal fat pad. This fat pad sits deep within the cheek and can contribute to fullness in the midface. When carefully reduced, buccal fat removal can help create a more sculpted facial shape and improved definition between the cheeks and jawline, without creating a hollow or overly angular look.

Why Choose FFSNYC?

FFSNYC is recognized for its multidisciplinary, team-based approach to gender affirming surgery. Our care team includes board-certified plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons who collaborate to design individualized treatment plans based on facial anatomy, aging considerations, and long-term balance.

With more than 400 gender affirming surgeries performed annually, FFSNYC emphasizes natural results, advanced planning, and respectful, patient-centered care. Access to commercial insurance and coordinated surgical scheduling further support patients seeking facial feminization in NYC.

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A Thoughtful Approach to Midface Refinement

Evaluating Facial Volume and Structure

Not every patient is a good candidate for buccal fat removal. The first step is a comprehensive evaluation of facial volume distribution, bone structure, skin thickness, and long term aging patterns. The surgical team assesses how the cheeks interact with the jawline, chin, and neck to determine whether reducing buccal fat will enhance overall facial harmony.

Conservative Fat Pad Reduction

When buccal fat removal is appropriate, the procedure is performed conservatively. Only a portion of the fat pad is removed to avoid excessive hollowing or premature aging. This measured approach allows for improved definition while preserving the softness that supports feminine facial contours. Balance is prioritized over dramatic change.

Intraoral Surgical Technique

Buccal fat removal is performed through small incisions inside the mouth, which means there are no visible external scars. Through these incisions, the surgeon carefully accesses and reduces the targeted fat pad. The intraoral approach supports discreet healing and minimizes visible signs of surgery.

Integration With Other Facial Feminization Procedures

Buccal fat removal is often performed alongside other facial feminization procedures such as jaw contouring, chin reduction, or cheek augmentation. When combined thoughtfully, these procedures can work together to refine facial shape while maintaining natural transitions between features. Your surgical team will guide you on whether combining procedures is appropriate based on your goals and anatomy.

Patient Testimonials

Dr. Reitzen is just simply severely competent - not to mention she has impeccable active listening skills coupled with a bed side manner that makes you feel like you’re speak...

Dr. Bastidas is a great Doctor who explained everything to me. He put me at ease about my reconstructive surgery on my face and that I will look like myself. I totally trust him....

Dr. Reitzen is fantastic. She was consistently incredibly respectful and professional from the very first appointment. All my friends want to have their surgeries done with it beca...

Dr. Bastidas is very kind and did a fantastic job with my procedure, as well as my daughter’s procedure. The office is very quick to reply as well! Highly recommend!

Dr. Reitzen was incredible and so kind. I always felt comfortable at our appointments and the surgery was done perfectly. Her and her staff were communicative, responding rapidly t...

I had a very pleasant experience with Dr. Bastidas. Highly recommended!

Dr. Reitzen is extremely knowledgeable & confident in what she does. Her bedside manner is incredible and she made me comfortable throughout my process of getting a rhinoplasty...

Amazinggggg team!! I love Dr Bastidas! He did my FFS surgeries.

Dr. Reitzen is an exceptional doctor, possessing all the qualities one would expect: caring, compassionate, empathetic, thorough, skilled, and knowledgeable, with excellent bedside...

It’s very comfortable and very clean place. the people are incredibly, friendly excellent service. I am very happy to have decided on this specific place and to visit Dr Bast...

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Reitzen and the exceptional care I received. From my very first consultation, she was incredibly attentive, taking the time to listen...

Excellent service and great experience. I am very happy to have decided to visit Dr Bastidas, he is an excellent surgeon. Thank you very much Dr Nicolas Bastidas and nurse Robin!...

Excellent doctor and physician assistants. Amazing results! Highly recommend"

Dr. Bastidas and his staff are amazing. The personal care and attention is unmatched by any doctor or office. Normally you have one or the other where the doctor is nice and staff ...

Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal

Recovery from buccal fat removal in NYC is typically straightforward. Mild swelling and tenderness in the cheeks are common during the first one to two weeks and gradually improve. Because the incisions are inside the mouth, patients are advised to maintain good oral hygiene and may be prescribed a mouth rinse to support healing. A soft diet is often recommended for the first few days to reduce irritation. Most patients return to normal daily activities within one week, with continued refinement of facial contours over several months. FFSNYC provides detailed postoperative instructions, scheduled follow up visits, and direct access to the care team throughout recovery.

Results and Long Term Outcomes

Results from buccal fat removal develop gradually as swelling resolves and tissues settle. Early improvements in cheek definition may be visible within weeks, while final contouring becomes more apparent over several months. Because buccal fat does not regenerate, the results are long lasting. The goal is a refined midface that enhances facial balance and supports feminine contours without appearing overly sculpted or hollow. When performed thoughtfully, buccal fat removal can complement other facial feminization procedures and contribute to a more aligned reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buccal fat removal right for everyone seeking facial feminization?

No. Some patients already have limited midface volume, and removing buccal fat could create an overly hollow appearance. Careful evaluation is essential.

Will buccal fat removal make me look older?

When performed conservatively and in the right candidates, buccal fat removal can enhance definition without accelerating aging. Over removal is avoided.

Are there visible scars after surgery?

No. Incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no external scars.

Can buccal fat removal be combined with other procedures?

Yes. It is often combined with jaw contouring, chin reduction, or cheek procedures for balanced facial feminization.

Is buccal fat removal covered by insurance?

Coverage varies. FFSNYC works with commercial insurance providers and can help determine eligibility based on medical necessity.

Schedule Your Consultation for Buccal Fat Removal in New York City

Discover whether buccal fat removal is the right addition to your facial feminization plan with a personalized consultation focused on balance, safety, and long term outcomes.

Patients considering buccal fat removal in NYC are encouraged to connect with FFSNYC to learn how individualized planning, surgical expertise, and affirming care can support refined, natural facial contours aligned with their identity.