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Basil Pakeman, M.D., F.R.C.S., specializes in Cosmetic Surgery, Lipo-surgery and Oculo-facial surgery (plastic surgery related to the eye and face), and serves as the medical director of Manhattan Surgical Care. Dr. Pakeman is recognized as a Pioneer and innovator in minimally-invasive approaches in cosmetic surgery. 

Buccal fat removal or cheek reduction surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure to slim lower face fullness by removal of the cheek in individual with chubby cheeks. Chubby cheeks are adorable in childhood, but not as adults. The buccal fat pad, table spoon sized pocket of fat located in cheeks beneath the cheekbones, is responsible for your chipmunk cheeks look, fullness and plumpness. Dr. Basil Pakeman often performs buccal fat removal in select individual to re shape the face. Removing the buccal fat pad can make your face look slimmer, contoured, and chiseled. Buccal fat pad removal is procedure that Dr. Pakeman is known for in the Tristate area: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut including Philadelphia.

Am I a Candidate for Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

If you have excessively puffy or chubby cheeks and want to a more defined look, you are probably a candidate for buccal fat removal. The best way to determine whether buccal fat excision is option for you to accomplish your specific goals is schedule a consultation with Dr. Pakeman. At the consultation your needs and expectations will be discussed, and a plan of correction will be formulated and alternatives.

The Procedure – What to Expect

Buccal fat pad extraction is usually performed on an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia and can include mild sedation oral or IV sedation. The pre-operative instructions given include refraining from eating or drinking at least six hours prior surgery. You will need to be companioned from our center on your day of surgery. The procedure takes approximately less than an hour to complete.  A small incision is crafted inside the mouth near the second molar tooth. The buccal fat is gently teased out the buccal fat from its compartment and excised. Once a pleasing contour and symmetry is achieved Dr. Pakeman closes the incision with absorbable sutures.  After the procedure, you will be discharged home with your escort.

The Recovery

Your cheeks will be swollen after surgery, but this side effect typically decrease over several days. You will be asked to maintain a liquid and soft diet for several days after surgery. Any other special instructions may to given by Dr. Pakeman. As your results become apparent over a few weeks, you should notice a slimmer and more sculpted facial contour. You will have follow-up visits to check your healing progress. Most patients can return to work within 1-2 days.