Patients who have prominent cheeks and desire a more angled and defined facial structure may want to consider buccal fat removal. Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that removes either part or all of the buccal fat pad in the cheeks and carefully sculpts the contour of the face, providing patients with a slimmer and more matured appearance.
Benefits
Not everyone is born with high and pronounced cheeks. When the cheeks and mid face are naturally round, the face can appear heavier than it really is. Additionally, this can make a person look younger than they actually are. Buccal fat removal offers the following benefits:
- A contoured appearance
- More chiseled and sculpted features
- Defined facial features
- A more mature facial aesthetic
Candidates
Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal surgery must be in good health and have realistic expectations. Patients must also avoid smoking for several weeks before and after their procedure to ensure optimal healing and to reduce the risk of complications. Those considering buccal fat pad removal may relate to any of the following cosmetic concerns:
- Chubby “chipmunk” cheeks
- Excessively puffy cheeks
- Round and full facial shape
- Disproportionate facial contours
Procedure
Buccal fat removal is performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. Your procedure will usually take about an hour. An incision will be created on the inside of each cheek near the back of your oral cavity by the second upper molar. Excess fatty tissue (buccal fat pads) will then be extracted from the cheeks through the incisions, and the incisions will be stitched closed.
Recovery
Patients can return home the same day following their buccal fat removal surgery. Some patients have reported that the experience is comparable to that of wisdom tooth extraction, but recovery only lasts about one week. Swelling and discomfort along the cheeks will occur, but these side effects should resolve within several days. Discomfort is usually minimal. Patients are also instructed to stay on a liquid and soft diet for a few weeks.
Results
Patients who choose to undergo buccal fat removal can enjoy a leaner and pleasantly matured aesthetic while maintaining their natural, youthful facial contours. Final results will become apparent after several months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buccal Fat Removal
How much does buccal fat removal cost?
The cost of buccal fat removal varies between patients depending on the amount of correction needed. Other factors that contribute to the cost of buccal fat removal include anesthesia fees, surgeon fees, and the location of the procedure.
Does insurance cover buccal fat removal?
Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance unless there is a medical reason for needing the procedure. However, contact your insurance company to learn more about coverage policy.
Financing options are also available if needed; please contact our office for more information.
Can I drive home after buccal fat removal?
We do require patients to have a ride home and someone to stay with them overnight. This is due to the oral sedation medication we give patients that can make them drowsy.
What should I eat during my recovery from buccal fat removal?
While recovering from buccal fat removal, you should eat primarily soft foods. Crunchy, sharp foods can puncture your incision sites and increase your risk of infection. It is best to stick to foods such as mashed potatoes, soup, smoothies, avocado, and eggs for the first few days of your recovery. Any type of soft foods will be best to ensure proper recovery.
What are the risks of buccal fat removal?
When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Khoury, buccal fat removal is a generally safe procedure. However, with all surgeries, there are some risks present. These risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Fluid accumulation
Please let Dr. Khoury know If you are concerned about the risks associated with buccal fat removal. During your consultation, he can address your questions and concerns.