Facial Plastic Surgery · Dr. Susan Tan, MD ABFPRS

Adjunctive Procedures in Honolulu

In addition to her major surgical specialties, Dr. Susan Tan offers a range of in-office adjunctive procedures — precise, physician-performed treatments for specific cosmetic concerns of the face. Every adjunctive procedure is performed by Dr. Tan personally, with the same standard of anatomical precision and aesthetic judgment that governs her major surgical work.

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ABFPRS Board Certified Fellowship-Trained · University of Toronto Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026 Only Female Facial Plastic Surgeon in Honolulu

Physician-Performed In-Office Procedures

Adjunctive Facial Procedures — Precise, Targeted, Personally Performed

The following procedures are performed in-office by Dr. Tan personally — not delegated to a nurse or aesthetic provider. They address specific cosmetic concerns of the face that do not require the full scope of a major surgical procedure, but still benefit from the precision and anatomical knowledge of a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon.

Each procedure begins with a consultation to assess your specific concern and confirm that the approach is appropriate. Dr. Tan will be honest about what is achievable and what alternative approaches might better serve your goals.

Available Procedures

In-Office Adjunctive Procedures — What Dr. Tan Offers

Mole Removal Honolulu

Surgical removal of facial moles — both for cosmetic improvement and, when indicated, for pathological evaluation. Dr. Tan uses precise excision techniques to minimize scarring, placing incisions along natural facial lines where possible. Every removed mole is sent for pathological analysis as standard of care. Results are immediate. Scar management guidance is provided post-operatively.

Scar Revision Honolulu

Surgical improvement of existing facial scars — from prior surgery, trauma, or acne. Techniques include excision, geometric line closure, Z-plasty, and W-plasty depending on the scar’s characteristics. Dr. Tan evaluates each scar’s position, texture, width, and tissue quality to determine the approach most likely to produce meaningful improvement. Realistic expectations are discussed thoroughly at consultation.

Buccal Fat Removal in Honolulu

Surgical reduction of the buccal fat pads — the fat deposits in the lower cheek area responsible for a rounded, full facial appearance. A small incision inside the mouth allows Dr. Tan to access and partially remove the buccal fat, creating a slimmer, more sculpted lower face. Appropriate for patients who desire more facial angularity. Dr. Tan counsels patients carefully on long-term results — as faces naturally deflate with age, buccal fat removal should be approached conservatively.

Dimpleplasty in Honolulu

Surgical creation of a natural-looking cheek dimple — a popular procedure that creates the appearance of a dimple where one does not naturally exist. Performed under local anesthesia through a small incision inside the mouth. The dimple is visible initially at rest and becomes more natural-looking over time — most prominent when smiling. A detailed consultation ensures the patient understands the expected appearance and the permanence of the result.

What to Expect

In-Office Procedures — What All Adjunctive Procedures Have in Common

All adjunctive procedures at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery are performed by Dr. Tan personally — under local anesthesia, in-office, as outpatient procedures. Recovery is significantly shorter than major surgical procedures. Most patients return to normal activities within days to one week.

Every procedure begins with a thorough consultation. Dr. Tan will assess your specific concern, explain the technique, show you what to expect from the result, and discuss the limitations honestly. She will also advise whether a different approach — surgical or non-surgical — might better serve your goals.

Every removed tissue specimen (mole, cyst, or excised skin) is sent for pathological analysis as standard of care. Results of pathology are communicated to you promptly.

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General Recovery by Procedure

Mole Removal

Return to normal activities same or next day. Scar management begins at 2 weeks post-op.

Scar Revision

Sutures removed at 5–7 days. Final scar maturation takes 6–12 months.

Buccal Fat Removal

Liquid diet for 1–2 days. Most patients return to work within 3–5 days. Final result visible at 3–6 months.

Dimpleplasty

Mild swelling for 1–2 weeks. Dimple initially visible at rest — becomes more natural over several months.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Adjunctive Procedures in Honolulu — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about in-office adjunctive facial procedures with Dr. Tan.

Who Performs These Procedures?

All adjunctive procedures at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery are performed by Dr. Susan Tan personally — not delegated to an aesthetic nurse or assistant. Every patient receives the same standard of physician-performed care regardless of the procedure’s complexity or duration.

Is Mole Removal Covered by Insurance?

Mole removal for medically indicated reasons — such as suspicious appearance, changing characteristics, or irritation — may qualify for partial insurance coverage. Purely cosmetic mole removal is not covered. Dr. Tan’s team can advise on documentation and insurance guidance at your consultation.

How Long Until I See the Final Result from Buccal Fat Removal?

The full result of buccal fat removal typically becomes visible at 3–6 months, as residual swelling fully resolves. Initial swelling after the procedure makes the face appear fuller than the final result — patience is essential. Dr. Tan counsels patients thoroughly on the timeline and what to expect at each stage.

Is Dimpleplasty Permanent?

Yes — dimpleplasty is a permanent procedure. The created dimple will initially be visible at rest and when smiling. Over time, it becomes more natural in appearance — typically visible primarily when smiling, similar to a natural dimple. Patients should fully understand the permanence of the result before proceeding.

Can I Combine an Adjunctive Procedure with a Major Surgery?

Yes — adjunctive procedures are frequently combined with major surgical procedures when appropriate. For example, mole removal or scar revision is often performed at the same session as a facelift or blepharoplasty. Dr. Tan will advise on the most efficient and appropriate combination at consultation.

Interested in an adjunctive procedure in Honolulu?

Begin with a consultation — Dr. Tan will assess your specific concern and tell you honestly which approach will produce the best result for your face.

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