Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal, or buccal lipectomy, is a type of facial contouring surgery that involves the removal of buccal fat pads from the cheeks.

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal, or buccal lipectomy, is a type of facial contouring surgery that involves the removal of buccal fat pads from the cheeks. These fat pads are located in the lower part of the cheeks and removing some of the fat is intended to create a more sculpted, sleek and refined facial appearance.

Why Have Buccal Fat Removal?

An individual may choose cosmetic facial sculpting to address plump, full or rounded cheeks. Specialized techniques used for facial fat removal surgery can effectively enhance the definition of the cheekbones and jawline.

FAQ’s

What’s involved in buccal fat removal?
The surgery typically takes about 30-60 minutes. The surgeon will make a small incision inside the mouth, near the back of the cheek. Facial liposuction may also be used to gently remove or reduce the buccal fat pads to achieve the desired contour.

Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes, the results are usually permanent. The fat pads that have been eliminated through surgery won’t regenerate; however, changes in facial appearance can still be influenced by factors such as aging and fluctuations in weight.

Will buccal fat removal make my face look gaunt?
A skilled surgeon strives for an outcome that looks natural, taking care to avoid an excessively hollow or drawn appearance. Make sure to effectively discuss your desired outcome with your surgeon. Furthermore, patients should be aware that as we age, the face loses natural fat and becomes more gaunt over time. Buccal fat removal may look great in your 20’s, but may affect the aging process down the road.

What are the complications of buccal fat removal?
Like with any surgery, buccal fat removal carries risk of infection, bleeding, scarring and reaction to the anesthesia. It’s also possible to be dissatisfied with the final results. For this reason it’s very important to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon.

We invite you to book a consultation with one of our expert plastic surgeons to find out if buccal fat removal is right for you.

Buccal Fat Removal Quick Facts:

Cost of Buccal Fat Removal	TBD
Duration of Surgery	1-2 hours
Hospital Stay Required?	No
Stitches Removed	N/A
Days of Social Downtime	1-2 weeks

After Surgery:

Downtime and recovery: Each person experiences the recovery period differently. Your unique healing journey will be based on your general health and how well you follow your surgeon’s post-care instructions. Below are some general guidelines for what you can expect:

1 Day Post-Op: Pain, discomfort, and swelling is normal. Take medication as prescribed by your surgeon and follow a soft diet for a few days. Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the treated area will help to reduce swelling and bruising. Never apply ice directly to the skin.

1 Week Post-Op: Make sure to get plenty of rest during the first week. Avoid strenuous physical activity and keep your head elevated when sleeping. Your surgeon will also provide instructions on when you can start eating solid food.

2-3 Weeks Post-Op: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and address any concerns. You will be able to return to your normal activities gradually over the next couple weeks; however, your surgeon will provide guidelines on when you can resume strenuous exercise.

Long-term recovery:
Be patient to see the final results. It can take 6-12 months for the tissues to fully settle, and for any residual swelling or asymmetry to subside.

What to Expect Before Surgery:

Follow pre-operative instructions: You will be provided with detailed pre-operative instructions by your surgeon. These may include avoiding medications that promote bleeding, making sure you have all the medications you’ll need post-operatively and when to stop eating and drinking the night before.

Plan for your recovery: You should prepare for some swelling, bruising and some pain after surgery and once the anesthetic wears off. You will be provided with thorough instructions on post-care and how to manage any discomfort to promote a smooth recovery.

How to Prepare for Buccal Fat Reduction

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Do your research

A consultation and medical evaluation with a qualified Plastic Surgeon is the first step in preparing for your buccal fat reduction surgery. During your initial meeting you can learn more about the procedure and potential complications, and discuss your treatment goals.

Quit smoking

If you’re a smoker it’s best to quit smoking at least six weeks in advance. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco can constrict blood vessels and impair your body’s ability to heal adequately post surgery.

ELEGIBILITY The Ideal Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal

The ideal candidate for this type of cheek reduction procedure should have a noticeable amount of excess buccal fat contributing to a chubby facial appearance. In many cases excess facial fat is genetic and resistant to diet and exercise.

Additionally, a person’s facial structure and anatomy should be suitable for buccal fat pad excision. The surgeon will assess the patient’s facial features to determine if plastic surgery for a slimmer face is appropriate. Below are some other factors to consider:

Good overall health: A person should be in excellent health and a non-smoker. This includes having no serious physical or emotional conditions that could affect the outcome or be a contraindication to surgery and general anesthesia.

Stable weight: It’s important to maintain a stable weight for at least 6-12 months prior to surgery. Significant weight gain or loss can impact the outcome of the buccal fat procedure.

Have realistic expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations about what buccal fat removal can and cannot achieve. Buccal fat removal is intended for facial contouring purposes, not as a weight loss tool.

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