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- How Is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?
- Best Buccal Fat Removal Candidates:
- Benefits Of Buccal Fat Removal For Facial Contouring
- The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure Step-by-step Guide
- Buccal Fat Removal Vs. Other Facial Contouring Techniques
- Long-term Results And What To Expect Years After Surgery
- Combining Buccal Fat Removal With Other Facial Procedures
- Maintaining Your Results And Lifestyle Tips After Buccal Fat Removal
- Buccal Fat Removal For Men Vs. Women
- What Are The Risks Of Buccal Fat Removal?
A youthful face is a full face. This fullness gives the face a heart shape. Some people have excess fat within the cheek, buccal fat, that causes their face to be more square because of the extra fullness just above the jawline. Many patients feel self-conscious of their “baby face” and choose to have buccal fat removal surgery to reduce the size of their cheeks. This cosmetic procedure may be known as buccal fat removal surgery, buccal lipectomy, or cheek reduction surgery and can improve overall facial aesthetics, helping you look more your age and creating your desired facial shape. Because of its potential complications and impact on facial aging, buccal fat pad removal should be performed by an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Sabbagh or Dr. Baca.
How is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?
Buccal fat removal is usually performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation. To perform buccal fat removal, a small incision is made inside the mouth on the inside of the cheek. This allows for no visible scarring. Through these incisions, your plastic surgeon will carefully remove the buccal fat pad on each side. When these steps are complete, the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. This process typically takes about an hour or less.
expectations
What to Expect for Your Buccal Fat Removal
Anesthesia
Local with sedation
Length of Surgery
One hour
In / Outpatient
Outpatient
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- Can you get fat removed from your cheeks?
- What does buccal fat removal do?
Best Buccal Fat Removal Candidates:
Buccal fat removal candidates are generally healthy and at or near a stable weight. A good candidate typically has a naturally fuller or rounder-shaped face despite being at a healthy weight. If you do not have a fuller face shape, you should not have buccal fat removal to avoid a hollow or sunken appearance as you grow older. Similarly, older patients may be advised to avoid buccal fat removal to avoid signs of aging like jowls. During a consultation at Straith Clinic, your plastic surgeon will review your health history and evaluate your buccal fat pads and overall face shape to determine whether you are a good candidate for buccal fat removal.
3 weeks
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
After your buccal fat removal surgery, you can return home on the same day. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with a mouthwash to prevent infection and instruct you to follow a liquid diet for the first several days of your recovery period. You can expect some swelling and bruising, which should subside within about a week after surgery. Most patients are fully healed at three weeks after their buccal fat pad removal, but many return to work, school, or other routines earlier. Your plastic surgeon will monitor your healing during follow-up appointments.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal for Facial Contouring
Buccal fat removal is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to improve facial contours by reducing fullness in the lower cheeks. This procedure creates a slimmer, more sculpted appearance for individuals wanting to define their cheekbones and jawline. The results provide facial balance, boost self-confidence, and complement your natural beauty.
The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure Step-by-Step Guide
The buccal fat removal procedure begins with a plastic surgery consultation, during which your plastic surgeon evaluates your facial anatomy, excess fat location, and discusses your aesthetic goals. On the day of the surgery, IV sedation is administered for your comfort. A small incision is made inside the mouth, ensuring no visible scarring, and the buccal fat pads are removed. The incision is then closed with dissolvable sutures, and the entire surgery typically takes about an hour. Recovery is straightforward and involves some swelling but minimal downtime.
Buccal Fat Removal vs. Other Facial Contouring Techniques
While the buccal fat removal surgical procedure focuses on reducing lower cheek fullness, other facial contouring techniques, like dermal fillers or liposuction, target different areas. Dermal fillers enhance volume and shape, while liposuction removes excess fat from places like the neck or jawline. Unlike temporary fillers, buccal fat removal offers permanent results, making it a preferred option for those seeking a long-lasting, sculpted appearance and slim facial shape.
Long-Term Results and What to Expect Years After Surgery
Years after buccal fat removal, patients can expect their slimmer facial contours to remain stable as the results are permanent. However, natural aging may lead to changes in skin elasticity and facial volume over time. Proper skincare and a healthy lifestyle can help maintain your cheek reduction surgery results.
Combining Buccal Fat Removal with Other Facial Procedures
Combining buccal fat removal with other procedures can deliver comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Pairing it with a chin implant or jawline contouring like liposuction can create a cohesive and defined profile. Additionally, procedures like rhinoplasty or a facelift can address other cosmetic concerns. This approach allows for customized results that follow your overall aesthetic goals in one surgery.
Maintaining Your Results and Lifestyle Tips After Buccal Fat Removal
To maintain your buccal fat removal results, adopting healthy lifestyle habits is crucial. Stay hydrated, follow a balanced diet, and avoid significant weight fluctuations, as these can affect facial fat distribution. Regular exercise and proper skincare also support long-term skin health and tone. You must attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure your results are optimal and your recovery progresses smoothly. During the healing process you may be instructed to follow a diet with soft foods.
Buccal Fat Removal for Men vs. Women
Buccal fat removal surgery is effective for both men and women. The key is finding out if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons will examine your face to determine if excess buccal fat is contributing to the facial imbalance that bothers you. If you are a candidate, surgery can be performed to meet your goals while maintaining natural and balanced proportions for each gender.
What are the Risks of Buccal Fat Removal?
Like all surgeries, buccal fat removal involves some risks. These include adverse reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, or infection. These risks can typically be avoided by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon who will carefully review your health history and by following their advice through your recovery period.
In addition to these risks, there is a risk of a gaunt or aged appearance if you undergo buccal fat removal but are not a good candidate. As you age, fat in the cheeks is naturally lost over time. For this reason, patients and their plastic surgeons should be careful to only pursue the procedure if they have adequate buccal fat pads to remove.