02
Dec
Get the elegant, contoured look you have always wanted; rejuvenate aging skin with buccal fat removal
Big buccal fat pads often run in families. This fat does not respond to diet and exercise. So, people of all shapes and sizes may have “chubby cheeks.” Our globally recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Derek Steinbacher, can achieve a sleek, contoured, well-defined, and elegant look to the mid-face. In doing so, your cheeks appear in harmony with other features and parts of your face.
Dr. Steinbacher supports your best look with a surgical procedure known as buccal fat removal or fat excision. This option also supports a balanced, beautifully contoured appearance among patients with aging skin in and around Guilford and New Haven, Connecticut, so many different types of individuals can benefit from this procedure.
What is buccal fat?
“Buccal” is derived from the Latin word “bucca,” which means “cheek.” When discussing buccal fat, we are talking about the pad of tissue that sits between the facial muscles in the hollows of the cheeks, slightly below your cheekbones.
How can I benefit from surgical reduction of this fat?
For the right patients, this treatment can have a tremendous, positive impact on the overall appearance of the face. When this area looks oversized, it can make the shape of the face appear overly round. Since even trim and fit individuals may look heavier than they actually are due to excess fat in this area, this procedure supports a healthy, well-proportioned, and defined look. It also helps to rejuvenate the face, especially for those with signs of aging and mature skin.
How does the buccal fat pad “age” my face?
When you have large buccal fat pads, the loss of elasticity, effects of gravity, and other changes over time can cause this tissue to slide downward. This can make the lower portion of your face look heavy. This process can also lead to sagging and the appearance or worsening of jowls. By removing excess cheek fat, Dr. Steinbacher can “lift” this central feature of your face. This restores a smoother, more youthful, and balanced appearance.
Will my results continue to look good over time?
Fat provides structure and support to the face. Over time, fat is lost from the face, which can result in a naturally leaner appearance. When evaluating your concerns and face, Dr. Steinbacher accounts for features such as the height of your cheekbones. Not all individuals with buccal fat are good candidates for this procedure. As needed, we can discuss other alternatives. Keep in mind that, for the right patients, our surgeon applies considerable skill to ensure that just the right amount of fat is removed from the area to achieve your goals and desired look. Such precision fat removal minimizes the risk of your face appearing gaunt or hollow.
How is the fat removed?
No two patients’ experiences with buccal fat removal surgery are the same. In general, the procedure is performed with local anesthesia for your comfort. After you are fully numb, small openings are made on the inside of the cheeks to access the fatty tissue. The amount of tissue that is excised or removed depends on your specific features, goals, and needs. Once removed, the incisions that were made to reach the fat pads are closed.
We will also review instructions for pre-treatment and post-surgical care with you. To get started today, request a consultation at the office of Dr. Derek Steinbacher. Our team can be reached at (203) 453-6635, serving the greater New Haven, CT, area from our Guilford location.
Dr. Derek Steinbacher has devoted his life to
aesthetic and life-changing surgery. He is an artistic and meticulous surgeon who draws patients
from around the world due to his perspective, unmatched skill, and exceptional results. He is able
to uniquely address the face (facelift +
rejuvenation), jawline (orthognathic; chin; contouring; implants), nasal (rhinoplasty), eyelids, profile, neck, breast, and body with
one-of-a-kind results.
He is a multiple Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Plastic, Cosmetic, and Cranio-Maxillofacial
Surgery. He is Fellow of the most prestigious surgical organizations, including the Society of
Plastic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the
Academy of Facial
Plastic Surgery, Societies of Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Aesthetic
Society, and the Rhinoplasty Society. He has served as Full-Professor
of Plastic Surgery at Yale, including Director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Program, and Chief of
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Steinbacher has unparalleled training at premier institutions,
including Harvard
and Johns Hopkins. His
perspective brings together the best aspects of many distinct – but related fields – and it is this
intersection of scope and expertise, in addition to an artistic eye, which enables excellent
comprehensive results.
Dr. Steinbacher's approach: technical acumen, meticulousness, and penchant for combining art and
science, together with his eye for balance, beauty, and harmony, helps achieve outcomes that greatly
improve a person's confidence, health, and overall quality of life. Patients can trust that they are
always in good hands!