Buccal fat removal for cheek reduction and contouring
The goal of buccal fat removal is to thin the cheeks, specifically in the area of the cheek hollows. Although a face that is naturally soft and filled out is considered youthful, some people find that their face feels too full, even chubby.
What is buccal fat?
The buccal fat pad is a naturally occurring fat compartment inside the cheek. In some individuals, this buccal fat pad may be naturally larger than average and can give rise to the appearance of a round face or chubby and heavy cheeks. The aim of the procedure is to reduce the bulk of the buccal fat pad, making the cheeks appear slimmer and the face more contoured. Buccal fat pad extraction surgery is typically not performed in people with thin, narrow faces as removal of the fat may cause the face to look more gaunt with age.
Who is a good candidate for buccal fat reduction
Buccal fat reduction surgery is a highly individualised procedure. It can address concerns for patients who are worried about full or chubby cheeks.
In general, you may be a good buccal fat removal candidate if:
- You are physically healthy and at a stable weight and a non smoker
- You have realistic expectations of what this procedure can achieve
- You are bothered by the appearance of your chubby cheeks
If you’re considering surgery, spend some time reviewing buccal fat removal surgery photos and learning about what to expect during recovery. Preparation ahead of time helps patients have reasonable expectations and a smoother recovery.
How is buccal fat reduction performed?
A buccal fat removal procedure includes the following steps:
Step 1 – Anesthesia: Anaesthetic medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. This procedure is normally performed under local anaesthesia, meaning that you are awake but the area inside the mouth is numbed, so you feel no discomfort.
Step 2 – The incision: A buccal fat removal surgery requires an incision on the inside of the mouth, on the inner portion of your cheek.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions: Sutures close the incisions inside your mouth. Typically, these sutures are absorbable and will dissolve within 7-10 days without the need for removal.
Step 4 – See the results: Your buccal fat removal surgery will result in a slimmer, more contoured cheek, specifically in the cheek hollow area.
What to expect after buccal fat removal surgery?
Following your buccal fat removal surgery, you should stay on a liquid diet for 5-7 days. You will also be instructed to use an antiseptic mouth rinse to reduce the risk of infection. You should expect to see swelling in the cheeks for one to two weeks You may also experience mild pain, similar to a toothache. The final results will take around 2-3 months to fully mature.
What results can I get from buccal fat reduction?
The final results of buccal fat removal surgery may be initially obscured by swelling. It may take several months for you to see the final results, as your cheeks gradually contour to their new appearance. The cheeks should appear less full or chubby in post-op results.
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary