You haven't provided your growing situation, so I can't answer definitively. I always recommend reviewing GWE's defoliation tutorials, as a baseline. I have been blessed with generous folk who talked me through it, even with all the information provided. Generally yes. Only the big fan leaves that are blocking the light to the bud sites should be removed. Tucking them behind the buds is another strategy, especially if your plant needs the "armor" discussed in GWE's tutorial. Good luck!!!