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Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery
120 Hebron Ave., Suite 2A
Glastonbury, CT 06033
Phone: (860) 775-5595
Hours:
Monday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Extended evening and Saturday hours available for skincare services.
Please call to inquire.
Well-defined cheekbones and a sculpted jawline enhance
facial harmony and create a more refined appearance.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Karter performs buccal fat removal in Glastonbury, Connecticut, to help you reduce excess cheek volume for a slimmer, more contoured look.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal, or cheek reduction surgery, is a precise cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat from the buccal fat pads of the cheeks. These internal fat pads sit below the cheekbones and in front of the masseter muscles, contributing to facial fullness or “chipmunk cheeks.” While the buccal fat pads facilitate smooth muscle movement during chewing, excess fat in this area does not serve a functional purpose.
By carefully excising this fat, buccal fat removal enhances the definition of the upper cheeks and cheekbones while creating a more sculpted transition into the jawline. The result is a naturally contoured, refined facial appearance—similar to the effect of expertly applied cheek bronzer but achieved surgically for long-lasting results.
Why Choose Buccal Fat Removal?
- Refined facial contours – Removing excess buccal fat slims the lower cheeks, enhancing the definition of the cheekbones and jawline for a naturally sculpted look.
- Minimally invasive approach –Small incisions inside the mouth leave no visible scars and ensure a discreet, natural-looking transformation.
- Enhanced facial balance – Reducing fullness in the lower cheeks creates a more harmonious balance between the upper and lower face, complementing other facial features.
- Permanent results– Unlike temporary solutions such as fillers, buccal fat removal provides long-lasting definition without the need for maintenance treatments.
Meet Dr. Nicholas Karter
Dr. Karter is fellowship-trained, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon known for his exceptional results and patient-first philosophy. Learn what sets him apart below:
- Voted "Best Plastic Surgeon in Hartford"
- 15 Years of Facial Plastic Surgeon Experience
- Certified by 2 Prestigious Medical Boards
- Completed an Elite AAFPRS Fellowship
- 4.9 Average Rating on Google
From Consultation to Confidence: Your Personalized Surgical Experience
From your first conversation with our team to your one-on-one time with Dr. Karter, we provide a concierge-level experience tailored to your needs.
Complimentary Phone Consultation
Start with a free one-on-one call with Erin, our patient care coordinator. She’ll listen to your concerns, discuss treatment options, and go over important details like technique, recovery, and cost considerations. If we feel like the right fit for you, she will schedule your in-person consultation with Dr. Karter.
Comprehensive In-Person Consultation
During your visit, Dr. Karter will examine your facial anatomy and explore your surgical options in-depth. He will walk you through the details of a deep plane facelift, discuss what to expect after surgery, and create a customized plan based on your goals.
Simple & Seamless Scheduling
When you are ready to move forward, we will coordinate every detail with the surgical center and anesthesia team. We recommend bringing your calendar to your appointment so you can choose your ideal date. A fully refundable 20% deposit is all that is needed to secure your surgery.
Presurgical Preparation & Support
We make sure that you are 100% prepared for your procedure. You will receive a comprehensive recovery kit with everything you need for postoperative care, have presurgical photos taken, and review all necessary consent forms and instructions.
Comprehensive Postoperative Care
We see patients several times throughout their recovery to ensure optimal healing and results. As part of our commitment to exceptional postsurgical care, we also provide laser resurfacing treatments to refine incision lines and support smoother scar healing.
Direct Access to Dr. Karter
Dr. Karter is personally invested in your experience and results. As part of his commitment to your comfort and well-being, he provides you with his personal cell phone number so you always have a direct line to your surgeon when you need it.
Your Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
While every patient varies, Dr. Karter’s recommended recovery protocol for buccal fat removal is typically very straightforward:
- Minimal downtime – Most patients take no more than a week off from work or social engagements. Most swelling typically resolves at that point, and you can confidently show off your refined, sculpted features.
- Comfortable recovery – You can manage mild discomfort with Tylenol and ibuprofen alone rather than prescribed pain medications. We recommend omitting nuts and seeds from your diet for the first week to protect your sensitive incisions.
- Extensive follow-ups – Dr. Karter sees you 1 week, 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after your procedure. This close monitoring of your recovery allows us to assess your healing, fine-tune your postsurgical care, and answer any questions or concerns you may have as they arise.
Keep in mind that while swelling is common, it is similar to what occurs after wisdom teeth removal and typically subsides within a week. Although initial results become noticeable as swelling decreases, full definition and contour improvements emerge within 6 to 8 weeks.
A Reputation Built on Results
Dr. Karter is an exceptional plastic facial surgeon. I am so pleased with the results of my surgery. I knew from my initial interview with him that he was the best surgeon for me. He is confident, professional...
My experience with dr. Karter and his staff was far more than I anticipated. My case was complicated and Dr. Karter exceeded my expectations.
I’m thrilled with my results…
I could not be happier with my rhinoplasty results! From my very first consultation through my post-operative appointments, my surgeon was professional, knowledgeable, and truly listened to my concerns...
I cannot say enough amazing things about Dr. Nicholas Karter and his entire team. I have wanted a rhinoplasty for literally my whole life, and after years of thinking about it, I am so beyond grateful...
Complementary Procedures
Many patients choose to refine their appearance further by combining buccal fat removal with these popular procedures:
Buccal Fat Removal FAQ
How much does buccal fat removal cost in CT?
The cost of buccal fat removal in Connecticut varies depending on the extent of your procedure. Because your surgery costs are tailored to your unique concerns, we’ll provide an initial quote during your free phone consultation once we have a better idea of your needs. We also accept financing through CareCredit® and can help you plan for your investment in long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
Does buccal fat removal age your appearance?
When performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon, buccal fat removal refines your appearance instead of making you look older. Establishing the appropriate volume and removing the optimal amount of buccal fat during your procedure is essential to ensure you experience no long-term impact as you age.
How painful is buccal fat removal?
Overall, the procedure is comfortable. Most patients describe the “prick” of the numbing medicine as the most painful part—similar to a dental procedure. Afterward, most patients only have mild soreness for a few days.
Do you have scars after buccal fat removal?
The incisions for a buccal fat excision are hidden within the mouth, so no external or visible scars exist.
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes, buccal fat removal is permanent, and your results should persist even if you gain weight because the removed fat won’t grow back. However, maintaining a healthy weight is still recommended, as weight gain can add fullness to your facial features.
Request Your Complimentary Consultation
If you’re ready to explore your facial contouring options with a top facial plastic surgeon in Connecticut, we invite you to request a consultation online or call Karter Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery at (860) 775-5595 to get started today.
Request a Consultation