Dr. Hootan Daneshmand
Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
A rounded mass of fat in the middle of your cheek is known as the buccal fat pad. It’s in the hollow area beneath your cheekbone, between the facial muscles. Your face shape is influenced by the size of your buccal fat pads. Buccal fat pads are present in everyone. They do, however, come in a variety of sizes. You could feel that your face is excessively big or full if you have enlarged buccal fat pads. You could also think you have a “baby face.” It’s not a bad thing to have larger cheeks. A plastic surgeon may propose buccal fat removal if you want to make them smaller. This procedure is used to narrow the breadth of a person’s face.
At the Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, we perform a variety of face procedures in Bakersfield, CA, including buccal fat removal. We understand that it’s important to feel comfortable in your own skin. At Silhouette, we can help.
Whether you’re looking for a Orange County double chin reduction, Orange County brow lift, or any other body procedure in Orange County, we’ve got you covered. For more information on your plastic surgery and cosmetic procedure needs, call our Orange County plastic surgery office at 949-359-8397 today.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Orange County buccal fat removal, or reduction, is a simple in-office surgical procedure used to reduce fullness in the lower cheeks. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and is done through a small incision on the inside of your cheek. The discomfort is minor, and recovery is simple.
How Much is Buccal Fat Removal?
As with most cosmetic procedures, pricing varies depending on a number of factors. Specifically, buccal fat removal ranges between $2,000 and $5,000.
Factors that affect the procedure cost include but aren’t limited to:
- Your surgeon’s experience level, education, and special training
- Type of anesthesia used
- Medications for the recovery
- Facility fees
Buccal fat reduction is not covered by health insurance because it is a cosmetic surgery. You’ll have to pay for it yourself. Before undergoing surgery, inquire about the entire cost with your surgeon’s office. Inquire about payment arrangements.
When Do Results Start Showing After Buccal Fat Removal?
Swelling may hide the ultimate effects of buccal fat removal surgery at first. As your cheeks progressively contour to their new shape, it may take many months for you to see the full effects. In post-op photos, the cheeks should seem less plump or fat. Medical and surgical practice is not an exact science. Although positive outcomes are anticipated, there is no assurance. In some cases, a single surgical operation may not be enough to produce ideal outcomes, and another procedure may be required.
If you have shortness of breath, chest aches, or irregular heartbeats after returning home from surgery, get medical treatment right away. If any of these problems arise, you may need to be admitted to the hospital and get further treatment. The outcome of your operation depends on you following your doctor’s recommendations. During the healing process, it is critical that the surgical incisions not be exposed to undue force, abrasion, or motion. Your doctor will provide you with detailed advice on how to take care of yourself.
How Long Does it Take to Heal After Buccal Fat Removal?
After the buccal fat is removed, there is relatively little discomfort. The majority of patients do not require pain medication, and many are surprised to discover that the recovery time is rather painless. After the buccal fat pad is removed, there is very little downtime. Many patients are able to return to work the next day. You may wish to relax soon following the operation, but you should feel fine the next day. Although there may be some swelling, bruising is usually minor and frequently undetectable.
You won’t be able to see the full extent of your surgery’s outcomes until the swelling has gone down. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for this to happen. During healing, many individuals have no apparent bruises. There will be no visible wounds or scars during or after the healing period since the incision is done within the cheek.
What Are the Potential Complications of Buccal Fat Removal?
The decision to undergo buccal fat removal surgery is a highly individual one. You must evaluate if the advantages will meet your objectives and whether the risks and probable consequences of buccal fat removal surgery are acceptable. Your plastic surgeon and/or team will go through the dangers of surgery in great detail. You’ll be asked to sign permission documents to confirm that you understand the treatments you’ll be having and any risks or issues that may arise.
The most common potential risks of buccal fat removal include:
- Risks of anesthesia
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Fluid accumulation
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Salivary duct injuries
- Injuries to the facial nerves
- Changes in sensation or numbness
- Persistent pain
- Poor incision healing
- Possible revision surgery
- Prolonged swelling
- Minimal changes or subpar results
What Is the Buccal Fat Procedure Like?
Buccal fat removal is a very straightforward surgical operation that involves the excision of a fat pad in the cheek. The fat is carefully removed through a tiny incision created within the cheek. After that, the incision is closed, and the procedure is repeated on the opposite side of the face. You won’t require general anesthesia (many people are awake during the procedure), and you’ll be able to go home straight afterward. It is crucial to remember that as we age, we all lose fat in our faces, and one may or may not require filler or fat placement later in life. In the appropriate applicant, even a tiny bit of fat may make a difference.
Am I a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal surgery is a technique that is tailored to the patient’s specific needs. It can help people who are concerned about their large or chubby cheeks. If you’re thinking about having this surgery done, be sure you’re doing it for yourself, not for someone else or to suit some type of ideal picture.
If the following apply to you, then you’re probably a good candidate for buccal fat removal:
- In good physical health
- At a stable weight
- Nonsmoker
- Someone who is unhappy with the appearance of their cheeks
If you’re thinking about surgery, go over images of buccal fat removal surgery and read about what to anticipate during recovery. Patients might have more realistic expectations and have a faster recovery if they prepare ahead of time.