Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure which is useful to remove excessive fat pads from the lower cheeks mainly. This cosmetic surgery is used to make the facial features sharper. This procedure is most effective in removing ‘chipmunk cheeks’, which are overly plump and round cheeks in some people.

Who is an ideal candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

Although buccal fat removal can be performed at any age, the surgeons will advise waiting till the late 20s at least to let nature take its course and get rid of buccal fat naturally as you grow. This is to avoid giving a person an abnormally gaunt experience in case your face loses its remainder of the facial fat pads as time passes. The surgeon will advise a buccal fat removal surgery to a patient who has overly plump cheeks (chipmunk cheeks) and wishes to get rid of these. People wish to have sharper facial features that make your face appear more attractive.

The surgeon will also consider your age, overall health status as well as any underlying medical disorder that might result in complications. The patient needs to have realistic goals about the end-results of buccal fat removal surgery to make it more successful.

How is Buccal Fat Removal performed?

The buccal fat removal surgery is a faster surgical procedure and is normally completed within 1 hour. This is performed as an outpatient cosmetic surgery.

The surgeon will administer local anesthesia to numb the region to be operated on. The buccal fat removal surgery is also often combined with other face life surgeries, such as browlift, blepharoplasty, etc. which makes the overall procedure most effective and successful. The surgeon will begin the surgery by making small incisions inside the mouth. These are made opposite your second upper molar. The surgeon will gently extract the required amount of buccal fat from these incisions inside the cheek. Once the surgeon has removed sufficient buccal fat the incisions will be closed with fine sutures. The surgeon may apply antibiotic dressing along the incisions and wrap a pressure bandage around the head.

Are there any risks associated with Buccal Fat Removal?

As is seen in any form of surgery, there are several risks that are seen in rare cases after buccal fat removal, such as:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Anesthetic allergies
• Nerve damage
• Asymmetry
• Excessive scar tissue
• Lumpy cheeks
• Puckered cheek skin
• Unsatisfied end results

The surgeon will take every possible precautionary measure to ensure that these complications are avoided.

What is recovery like after a Buccal Fat Removal surgery?

• There might be slight swelling and bruising, accompanied with significant discomfort. The surgeon will advise you on the best position to sleep in which will keep your head in an elevated position.

• There will be problems with the incisions inside the mouth if solid food is eaten. The surgeon might advise to have soft food for the next three to five days.

• It is important to follow the post-surgical care instructions of the surgeon effectively for the most ideal buccal fat removal recovery and results.