Buccal Fat Excision Procedure

Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal

Patients who feel like they’re viewed as “too young” or “unserious” because of their childlike large cheeks enjoy the new contours of their face after their procedure. Buccal fat removal creates more balance and harmony in your face. People will notice your favorite features — such as your eyes and lips — instead of your apple or chipmunk cheeks. If you’d like to trade in “cute” for “pretty” or “handsome,” buccal fat removal may be the right way to go. You can also finally escape a family gathering without having your chubby cheeks pinched by an overenthusiastic aunt or uncle.

Candidates for Buccal Fat Excision

Candidates for buccal fat excision usually have overly large cheeks (i.e., “chipmunk cheeks”) or a heavy-looking lower face. While large cheeks may make you look youthful, if you think they make you look too young, too heavy, or don’t give you the sophisticated appearance you desire, buccal fat excision may be for you. 

Although you can have a buccal fat excision at any age, most people have it when they’re younger because they feel their cheeks make them look childlike. If you suck in your cheeks and find this to be the look that you’re after, then this procedure may be for you. Removing your buccal pads may accentuate your cheekbones, giving you a more elegant look.

Candidates for buccal fat excision should be in good general health. It’s also important that you’re a non-smoker. Smoking irritates the oral tissues and could affect your results. You should also have realistic expectations for improvement. You may choose to combine buccal fat excision with other procedures, such as cheek implants (to build up your cheekbones) or a jaw or chin implant (for a sleeker jawline).

Buccal Fat Removal vs Cheek Liposuction

If you want to reshape your mid and lower face, you may wonder which is your better choice: buccal fat removal or cheek liposuction. Cheek liposuction permanently vacuums away fat cells in the cheek area, to recontour your lower face. Buccal fat removal concentrates on removing an overly large buccal fat pad that throws off the harmony and proportions of your face. You and your surgeons can discuss the benefits of both and decide which is best for you. 

Recovery From Buccal Fat Excision

Recovery following buccal fat excision takes just a few days. There is usually minimal swelling and no bruising. Some dietary restrictions may be necessary due to the intraoral incisions. A soft-foods diet is recommended. Work and most other activities can usually be resumed after a few days. To learn more about buccal fat removal, visit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

Buccal Fat Excision Before and After Photos

Buccal Fat Excision Frequently Asked Questions

Does buccal fat removal hurt? 

Answer: Buccal fat removal is a simple procedure that’s done in the office under local and IV anesthesia. You won’t feel any pain during the process, except for a slight prick when the anesthetic is administered. In the days after your surgery, you may feel a little sore. You can control the pain with over-the-counter pain medications and apply cold compresses to manage any swelling.

How large are the incisions? 

Answer: Dr. Miller makes very small incisions on the inside of your cheeks to remove the excessive buccal fat pad. Because the incisions are inside your mouth, you won’t have visible scars.

Can you lose buccal fat naturally?

Answer: Buccal fat decreases for some people with time, but this is not the case for everyone. Everyone’s face matures differently, and sometimes this means the buccal fat pads maintain their size. 

Doesn’t buccal fat go away with age?

You do lose fat in your face as you age. However, you lose fat all over your face, which means, proportionally, you may still have overly large cheeks. However, large lower cheeks could contribute to jowling and sagging.

Does buccal fat go away with weight loss?

If you lose weight, you may notice some diminishment of your buccal fat pads. However, they’ll still be larger in proportion to the rest of your face.

Can I have buccal fat removal as part of a face lift?

If you opt to have buccal fat removal as part of a facelift, your surgeon removes the fat pad while he’s repositioning your facial skin. You won’t require extra incisions inside your mouth.

Are there side effects?

All surgery carries the risk of side effects. However, you shouldn’t experience anything other than slight discomfort, swelling, and bruising after your procedure. These resolve within days.

For More about Buccal Fat Removal, Contact Gotham Plastic Surgery

To find out if buccal fat removal is the right procedure for you, contact Gotham Plastic Surgery today.