Buccal Fat Removal
What is buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat is the fat between your cheekbones and jaw bones that help make up the shape of your face. Everyone has buccal fat, but some people have more than others.
Buccal fat removal is a surgery to remove the fat in this area of your face. Removing this fat can highlight the bone structure in your face, especially your cheekbones and the hollowed-out areas between your cheeks and jawline. This procedure is also sometimes called a cheek reduction.
Buccal fat removal surgery is a type of plastic surgery. The decision to have plastic surgery is a personal one. It’s best to consider plastic surgery only if you truly desire to modify your appearance and not because someone else wants you to. It’s also important to consider the possible benefits and risks of having plastic surgery.
Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?
Some people may feel the roundness in their cheeks creates a fullness to their face they don’t like. Having a cheek reduction can alleviate the sense of fullness or “chubbiness” of your cheeks.
You may consider having this procedure if you:
- Don’t like the appearance of fullness in your cheeks.
- Are otherwise healthy and have a stable weight.
You may not be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if your face is narrow or if you’re over a certain age, as buccal fat naturally diminishes with age.
Buccal fat removal surgery is usually performed by a healthcare provider with special training in plastic surgery procedures such as a licensed plastic surgeon.
What are the steps of a buccal fat removal procedure?
A buccal fat removal procedure includes the following steps:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
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. Occasionally, the buccal fat pad may be removed during a facelift and not necessitate an incision inside the mouth.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Sutures close the incisions inside your mouth. Typically, these sutures are absorbable, but each plastic surgeon performs the surgery differently. Be sure to avoid playing with the sutures with your tongue until cleared by your surgeon.
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 is the recovery time for buccal fat removal surgery?
After your procedure, your provider will give you instructions on what to do to promote healing. It’s important to follow your provider’s after-care instructions, including any follow-up appointments. Healing time after this procedure is usually about three weeks, but it will take several months to see the final results.
When can I go back to work/drive/eat?
You can return to normal activities when your provider says it’s OK — usually after a few days to a week.
