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John Mesa, MD profile

John Mesa, MD

VERIFIED
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
903 Park Ave., New York, New York
(973) 617-2614
Website
4.9 | 778 Reviews
3040 Questions Answered
AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Cheek, Chin and Jawline Enhancement

2891 Photos•469 Reviews•1897 Q&A•0 Offers
I specialize in buccal fat removal (chubby cheek reduction) in my New York, New Jersey, and Miami practices. I have perfected the procedure to minimize downtime and maximize results. I routinely perform it under local anesthesia, with no discomfort. This allows my patients to commute in and out of surgery on the same day. This minimally invasive procedure slims the face and creates a beautifully chiseled look. It was the best-kept secret in Hollywood. Now people know it gives that celebrity face look, so it’s becoming very popular. In at least half of buccal fat removal cases, I also perform cheekbone enhancement with dermal fillers. You can shape the face exactly as you want, creating an instant result that can last up to two years. Downtime is virtually zero. Chin enhancement is very popular, too. Everyone wants a sharp jawline, and a defined chin helps achieve that. Fillers create immediate results, while chin implants are long-lasting and can give men a very masculine look.
BEFORE
AFTER

Fillers and Other Injectables

1074 Photos•130 Reviews•193 Q&A•0 Offers
I have extensive experience performing facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers in my New York and New Jersey offices. Facial fillers are an ideal way to address the creases, volume loss, and hollowing in the skin that occur naturally with age. They can also enhance lip volume and shape, and restore a more youthful appearance to the neck, chest, and hands. I use a wide range of fillers, choosing the filler or combination of fillers with the properties to achieve each patient’s ultimate goals. Another injectable I frequently use is Botox. It reliably eliminates and prevents new wrinkles like forehead lines, crow’s feet, the “11s” between the eyes, and bunny lines on the nose, with virtually no downtime. I was also one of the first surgeons to perform Scrotox. Injecting Botox into the scrotal muscles relaxes them, causing the testicles to descend and look longer and bigger. In addition to its cosmetic use, Scrotox also helps relieve pain caused by overactive scrotal muscles.
BEFORE
AFTER

Face and Neck Lifts

476 Photos•52 Reviews•392 Q&A•0 Offers
I specialize in performing facelifts and neck lifts under local anesthesia in my New York and New Jersey practices. Yes, I perform surgery with the patient awake! I’ve been perfecting the technique for years, so it’s painless. A lot of people are afraid of potential risks of general anesthesia or IV sedation (“Twilight anesthesia”), so having a procedure under local with no pain is a win-win situation. A facelift is the “gold standard” procedure for rejuvenating the lower face and jaw with the best, longest-lasting results. I perform a deep plane facelift, lifting the skin and the lower muscular layer (the SMAS) together. I believe this technique delivers the most natural result. Neck lifts can be performed with a facelift for complete facial rejuvenation. Sometimes, though, the signs of an aging neck and jawline are a patient’s primary concern. During a neck lift I tighten loose neck muscles and remove excess fat and skin from the neck, making you look slimmer and more youthful.
BEFORE
AFTER
MEET JOHN MESA, MD
🩺15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

Welcome! I'm Dr. John Mesa, a Harvard-trained, board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon specializing in facial contouring. With a keen focus on buccal fat removal, extended chin liposuction, and performing facelifts and neck lifts under local anesthesia, I ens

John Mesa, MD VIDEOS

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Before and After Photos

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What procedure can correct sagging? I assume buccal fat/jowls and small mouth downturned mouth? (Photo)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

When patients in their early 30s experience facial sagging, particularly in the jowl area and a slight downturn of the mouth, it could be due to multiple factors. The fullness in the lower anterior cheeks contributing to jowls could be related to enlarged buccal fat pads, while the downturn of the mouth corners might result from excess skin or skin laxity.

Because these issues may stem from different causes, no single plastic surgery procedure is likely to address all concerns simultaneously. A combination of treatments might be necessary. For example, buccal fat removal could reduce fullness in the lower anterior cheeks and improve the appearance of jowls, especially in patients with minimal skin sagging or good skin elasticity.

The downturn at the corners of the mouth could be caused by muscle imbalances, which might be temporarily improved with Botox injections to weaken the muscles that make the corners of the mouth pull down, allowing the muscles that elevate the corners of the mouth to lift the corners. For excess skin contributing to marionette lines, options could include skin-tightening procedures like CO2 laser or radiofrequency-based treatments like FaceTite. Additionally, fillers might be used to camouflage these lines and enhance their appearance.

It is advised to seek consultation and evaluation with a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in these procedures to determine what cosmetic procedures would best fit your needs.

I hope this helps!

John Mesa, MD
Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon
New York - New Jersey - Miami.

provider-John Mesa, MD-photo

John Mesa, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 778 reviews

Asymmetrical cheeks. Would I be a good candidate for buccal fat removal? (photo)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
In patients with facial asymmetry, where one cheek appears sculpted and hollow like a model while the other is fuller, asymmetric buccal fat removal could potentially be performed to create a more balanced appearance. However, this approach is suitable only when the rest of the facial structures are symmetrical. In cases where asymmetry is linked to differences in the cheekbone or jawbone structure, it is crucial to address those bone asymmetries first. Why? Correcting the bone structure allows for a clearer assessment of the impact asymmetric buccal fat removal will have. For such patients, treatments like jaw fillers and cheekbone fillers can help achieve a more symmetric bone structure. Once this foundation is established, the buccal fat removal can be tailored to remove the appropriate amount of fullness from the fuller side, ensuring the best possible outcome. I hope this helps! John Mesa, MD Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon New York - New Jersey - Miami.
provider-John Mesa, MD-photo

John Mesa, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 778 reviews

Can Buccal Fat Removal Fix My Saggy Cheeks? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
People born with chubby cheeks and significant facial sagging may require multiple plastic surgery procedures to achieve a slimmer, tighter, and more youthful appearance. Fullness in the lower cheeks or chubby cheeks is typically addressed with buccal fat removal, a procedure that eliminates the deep pockets of fat responsible for this condition. Ideally, the patient should have high cheekbones to achieve the best results. For younger individuals with sagging skin, this often suggests underdeveloped high cheekbones. A lack of prominent cheekbones is associated with skin sagging, which can make the face appear older. In such cases, cheekbone augmentation, usually with fillers, is a solution to improve the skin’s appearance and reduce sagging. However, a small percentage of young individuals may experience severe lower face sagging despite having high cheekbones. For these patients, skin-tightening procedures like FaceTite can be effective in addressing this concern. For those dealing with chubby cheeks, lack of high cheekbones, and lower face sagging, a combination of buccal fat removal, cheekbone augmentation with fillers, and FaceTite can significantly enhance the facial appearance, resulting in a more youthful, chiseled, and defined look. I hope this helps! Sincerely, John Mesa, MD Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon New York - New Jersey - Miami.
provider-John Mesa, MD-photo

John Mesa, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 778 reviews

I've had perioral liposuction and buccal fat removal - what other cheek slimming procedures are there?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
Without a photograph of the face in question that has undergone peri-oral liposuction and buccal fat removal, it’s challenging to recommend additional cheek slimming procedures. To provide the best advice, please consider updating your question by uploading a picture of your face. Thank you for your time.
provider-John Mesa, MD-photo

John Mesa, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 778 reviews

How to increase my facial symmetry? (photo)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
Facial asymmetry is not an uncommon physical finding where one side of the face appears smaller or larger than the other. This asymmetry is often due to differences in the soft tissues and bony structures of the face. To correct asymmetry, it's crucial to identify the underlying cause and address it appropriately. One common cause of facial asymmetry is a difference in the projection of the cheekbones. When one cheekbone is smaller than the other, unilateral cheekbone augmentation with fillers can help create a more symmetrical facial appearance. If the asymmetry is due to one side of the jaw being smaller than the other, either jaw augmentation on the smaller side with fillers or jaw volume reduction on the larger side with Botox injections to the masseter can also improve symmetry. Regarding soft tissues, asymmetric buccal fat pads are a frequent cause of facial asymmetry. Buccal fat pads are pockets of fat in the lower cheeks that contribute to facial fullness. If one buccal fat pad is larger than the other, it can make that side of the face appear fuller. In such cases, unilateral or asymmetric buccal fat pad reduction or removal can help address the asymmetry. In summary, achieving a more symmetrical face requires identifying the specific causes of asymmetry and addressing them accordingly with one or multiple plastic surgery procedures. I hope this helps! Sincerely, John Mesa, MD Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon New York - New Jersey - Miami.
provider-John Mesa, MD-photo

John Mesa, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 778 reviews

Should I get buccal fat removal, masseter Botox, double chin lipo or all of the above? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

Young patients who are not overweight but have always had a full or round face and wish to achieve a slimmer appearance may benefit from plastic surgery procedures, depending on their ultimate goal. Improvement of a full or round face, especially when smiling, is typically achieved with buccal fat removal. This procedure removes the pockets of fat in the lower anterior cheek that cause the face to look chubby, particularly when smiling.

If a patient has a very wide jaw and desires a more V-shaped appearance, combining Botox injections to the masseter muscles with buccal fat removal can help create a narrower, more V-shaped face. However, if Botox to the masseter is performed alone, it may make the face appear even chubbier when smiling if the patient has enlarged buccal fat pads.

Chin liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure designed to remove fat beneath the chin, but it does not address facial roundness or chubbiness.

I hope this information is helpful!

Sincerely,

John Mesa, MD
Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon
New York - New Jersey - Miami.

provider-John Mesa, MD-photo

John Mesa, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 778 reviews

Would you recommend Buccal fat removal and Kybella for my face type? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)
Individuals with a healthy body and average shape who were born with chubby cheeks and a double chin could benefit from cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Chubby cheeks are often due to enlarged buccal fat pads, making buccal fat removal the preferred procedure to address this issue. Removing the excess buccal fat pads can transform a chubby face into a more chiseled, V-shaped appearance, offering permanent results and a significant boost in self-esteem. Double chin is the result of accumulation of fat under the chin. There is a minimally invasive procedure called Kybella, a medication that dissolves fat where it is injected, that could be used to treat that area. It also is typically used for very small double chins. However, Kybella cannot provide a more defined jawline and neck. Additionally, Kybella is associated with significant downtime, including swelling and bruising that can last several weeks. For patients with small double chins who seek to achieve a sharper jawline and correction in this area, extended chin liposuction is the procedure of choice. In my hands, this procedure is performed under local anesthesia, with minimal downtime, and delivers excellent results that surpass those of Kybella. When combined with buccal fat removal, it creates a very chiseled facial appearance. I hope this helps! Sincerely, John Mesa, MD Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon New York - New Jersey - Miami.
provider-John Mesa, MD-photo

John Mesa, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 778 reviews

What can I do to get the best out of my face and add more contours? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

When someone feels that their facial features make them look very childish, it’s often due to a combination of two factors: enlarged buccal fat pads and a lack of high cheekbone definition. Younger faces tend to look cherubic, meaning they have chubby cheeks and round faces. They also lack the definition of the cheekbones. In contrast, more mature and attractive faces typically have a chiseled, V-shaped appearance with no chubby cheeks, high cheekbones, and well-defined features.

One of the most common procedures that allows patients to correct the roundish appearance of the face and achieve more contour is buccal fat removal. This plastic surgery procedure removes the buccal fat pads, which are deep pockets of fat in the lower anterior cheeks that contribute to a round, chubby appearance and can obscure the cheekbones. Additionally, for those with not high cheekbones, cheekbone augmentation with fillers can further enhance the facial appearance, making it look more mature and attractive.

The combination of buccal fat removal and cheekbone augmentation ultimately results in a very chiseled, attractive, grown-up appearance without making the face look aged. This is a very common procedure among celebrities, models, and TV stars. The video below can help someone determine if they are a candidate for buccal fat removal.

It's important to note that rhinoplasty won't affect the overall changes in facial fullness or roundness. While chin correction might be indicated for those with very small chins, it won’t significantly impact the overall facial fullness appearance neither.

If someone is interested in addressing these physical characteristics, my recommendation is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial contouring. This consultation will help determine the best procedures to achieve the desired outcome.

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

John Mesa, MD
Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon
New York - New Jersey - Miami.

provider-John Mesa, MD-photo

John Mesa, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 778 reviews

Asymmetrical results on Buccal Fat Removal - what is a good solution? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

A good solution for correcting asymmetrical results after buccal fat removal depends on the patient's concerns and physical findings. If asymmetry occurs after buccal fat removal, it means that one cheek may appear fuller while the other is more defined or chiseled. In this case, the patient must decide which appearance they prefer. If the patient favors the more defined side, the most common strategy to correct the asymmetry is to return and remove more buccal fat from the contralateral side if any buccal fat remains. However, if 100% or all the buccal fat was removed from both sides, there’s no reason to attempt further removal, as there would be nothing left. In these cases, a solution could be to reduce the definition of the more chiseled side.

Another important factor to consider is whether the patient has asymmetrical cheekboness. Often, when a patient detects asymmetry in their buccal fat removal results, it's because they had asymmetrical cheekbones to begin with, where the side that appears more chiseled may have higher cheekbones. Therefore, if asymmetrical cheekbones are present, their asymmetry might be addressed accordingly.

In conclusion, the patient should discuss with their plastic surgeon the potential causes of the asymmetry and make adjustments based on their preferences.

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

John Mesa, MD
Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon
New York - New Jersey - Miami.

provider-John Mesa, MD-photo

John Mesa, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 778 reviews

How can I reduce the fullness of my face? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

To reduce facial fullness, it's important to understand the primary cause of this physical trait. When someone smiles and their face appears quite round or full without definition, the fullness is often due to large buccal fat pads. While prominent masseter muscles can also contribute, they are not the primary cause. Therefore, if someone wishes to reduce facial fullness, the procedural option is buccal fat pad removal. By removing the excess buccal fat pads, the face will appear more contoured, with better definition, and will no longer have a chubby appearance, especially when smiling.

Botox injections to the masseter muscle can decrease the fullness of the masseter, located in the lower posterior section of the face, which may make the face look thinner and more V-shaped in individuals without enlarged buccal fat pads. However, if someone undergoes masseter Botox injections and has chubby cheeks, this can make the face appear even chubbier. Reducing fullness in the lower posterior face can accentuate the appearance of enlarged buccal fat pads, leading to an overall chubbier look.

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

John Mesa, MD
Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon
New York - New Jersey - Miami.

provider-John Mesa, MD-photo

John Mesa, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 778 reviews

John Mesa, MD reviews

John Mesa, MD

RATING DETAILS

4.9
778 reviews

All reviews are evaluated by the RealSelf team to ensure they're written by patients like you and meet our guidelines. Your results may vary. Doctors can never pay to have reviews removed or hidden.

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John Mesa, MD
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10 Results
13 months post-opChin Liposuction

Sincere305726

I Recommend Dr.mesa

I had a chin lipo done by dr.mesa about year ago. He is very attentive and caring from the start till the end. I had easier time recover from surgery and I believe it was because dr.mesa is very skilled surgeon. I highly recommend him for this type of surgery.

12 months post-opBuccal Fat Removal

kirbyderby

Great Experience

Dr mesa is the best at his craft. Highly regarded, warming and friendly. The recovery was quick and easy. Instructions were easy to follow. Staff were great and accommodating. Recommend without hesitation.

3 months post-opBuccal Fat Removal

Caring632323

Buccal Fat Removal and Chin Lipo

I had an incredible experience with Dr. Mesa and his entire team. From my very first consultation through post-op care, everyone was exceptionally professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. Dr. Mesa took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure, answer all of my questions, and make me feel completely at ease. I got extended chin lipo and buccal fat removal- the procedure went smoothly, and my recovery was surprisingly easy. I couldn’t be happier with the flawless results. I’m so grateful to Dr. Mesa and his team for their care and expertise—highly recommend!

3 months post-opBuccal Fat Removal

Compassionate608172

I Had an Amazing Experience

I had the best experience with Dr John Mesa. I underwent buccal fat removal and cheekbone filler and it was painless, great staff, and great facility. Highly recommend!. From the start, the staff was very helpful and understanding!

4 months post-opChin Liposuction

susanrenee114

Great

It was a pleasure working with Dr Mesa and I’m happy with my results. The staff is kind and the experience was very positive. I would recommend this to anyone considering having work done on their face. Thanks Dr Mesa

3 months post-opBuccal Fat Removal

Compassionate808740

My Buccal Fat Removal Experiance

I had my buccal fat pads removed with dr. mesa and love my results! i did a lot of research regarding which doctor I wanted to go with and ultimately decided on dr.mesa due to his experience. I told him all my concerns- the biggest one looking older- he assured me i would since I had high cheekbones. he was right. i love my results! no regrets! highly recommend.

3 months post-opEar Surgery

Powerful289918

Ear Surgert

Very good surgeon fixed my era whuxh wad a insecurtt for me. Im so happy. No pain st sll i really rexxomed him. Hes honest and everyone mates u feel so confortable. Totalmente recomendado. La oficina super limpia

1 month post-opScar Removal

Giving896119

Lip Silicone Revision

I'm Dulce Rivera .I like to said thanks so much to Dr. John Mesa for help me to restore my lips and make so happy and proud women again, Dr.Mesa is amazing and the best Top surgeon. I am more confident now. He is dedicated to his service and profession

3 months post-opBuccal Fat Removal

anacarmen93

Buccal Fat Removal 10/10

5 stars for buccal fat removal, extremely worth it. Love my results, highly recommend this doctor. Best i nyc. My recovery was very easy, minimal swelling. Office team very good and responsive to all my questions.

4 months post-opBuccal Fat Removal

Witty752725

I Had an Excellent Experience

I had an amazing experience with Dr Mesa. He was very patient and knowledgeable about the procedures and was willing to give additional information on what needed to be done. I would highly recommend.