Buccal Fat Removal

MirAge Clinics
Buccal Fat removal

Enhancing Facial Contours

Buccal fat removal is often sought by individuals with distinct facial features, ranging from well-defined cheekbones to a more cherubic or “chipmunk cheek” appearance. Those who desire a less rounded or sculpted facial contour may consider this procedure. This surgery is particularly popular among individuals seeking a slimmer and contoured look. There are facial compartments that define the shape of the face, and there are superficial ones and deep ones. Buccal fat is one of the deep facial fat compartments that kind of give structure to the cheek area. It’s not affected by weight fluctuation, we’re born with how much we have.

Procedure

Buccal fat can be removed using a local anesthetic. A plastic surgeon will use a scalpel to make a small incision inside a patient’s mouth to remove a fat pad the size of a medium grape. The incision is then closed with dissolvable stitches. This operation takes less than a half-hour.

Aftercare

Swelling and bruising are common during the first week. For typical patients, post-surgery pain and swelling is gone within a week. Applying cold packs and following postoperative care instructions help manage these effects. A soft diet may be recommended initially to minimize strain on the surgical site. Patients are advised to refrain from strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.

Risks and Considerations

Temporary swelling and bruising are normal and resolve with time.

While rare, infections can occur, emphasizing the importance of proper oral hygiene.

Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the cheeks may occur but is usually temporary.

Removing too much fat can lead to an overly hollow appearance, necessitating a careful and conservative approach.

Does This Surgery Age Well?

In the past, surgeons used to entirely remove the buccal fat pad, resulting in a sunken appearance as individuals aged, akin to constantly sucking in one’s cheeks. Nowadays, the approach is more nuanced – surgeons focus on contouring the excess fat rather than complete removal. Despite this advancement, caution is warranted, as multiple plastic surgeons emphasize that the procedure isn’t universally suitable. For individuals with minimal buccal fat initially, extraction might lead to a prematurely aged, sunken appearance. While buccal fat pad excision can enhance facial aesthetics for the right candidate, caution is urged for those who are exceptionally thin, as it may overly hollow the face. Moreover, individuals with moderate to severe skin laxity may find that buccal fat removal exacerbates this issue.

Buccal Fat Removal

Enhancing Facial Contours

Procedure

Aftercare

Risks and Considerations

Does This Surgery Age Well?

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