Buccal Fat Removal

What is buccal fat removal surgery?

The goal of buccal fat removal surgery is to thin the cheeks, specifically in the area of the cheek hollows. Although a face that is naturally soft and filled out is considered youthful, some people find that their face feels too full, even chubby.

A buccal fat removal removes the buccal fat pad, a naturally-occurring pad of fat in the cheek hollow area. The size of the buccal fat pad varies with each patient, and the buccal fat pad in each cheek may be different sizes. Buccal fat pad extraction surgery is typically not performed in people with thin, narrow faces as removal of the fat may cause the face to look gaunter with age.

“Buccal fat removal surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfil someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image, especially those coming from social media. Choosing a procedure based on “what’s new” is never a medically sound decision. Hearing about a procedure on television, through an advertisement or online does not necessarily mean it is the best procedure for you.”

Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal surgery?

In general, you may be a good candidate for buccal fat removal surgery if you are bothered by the appearance of your chubby cheeks, you are physically fit, are a nonsmoker, or have stopped smoking recently and have realistic expectations of the outcome of your surgery.

What should I expect during a consultation for buccal fat removal surgery?

During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Dr Ricardo will evaluate you as a candidate for buccal fat removal surgery and clarify what approach is best for you. Alternative and additional treatments may be considered, once he understands your goals and medical condition. It is important to be completely honest during the consultation and be prepared to discuss your surgical goals, medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments, current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use, previous surgeries, and your history with any noninvasive cosmetic procedures.

Dr Ricardo will also evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, examine your face, take photographs, discuss the approach to your surgery, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures and tell you whether your expectations are in line with typical results, discuss any risks or potential complications and share before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours.

The success and safety of your buccal fat removal surgery depend very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. It's very important to understand all aspects of your procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement about your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr Ricardo.

How should I prepare for a buccal fat removal surgery?

In preparing for buccal fat removal surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, take certain medications or adjust your current medications, stop smoking in advance of surgery and avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

The surgery will be performed in an accredited hospital and you will probably be permitted to go home after a short observation period unless you and Dr Ricardo have made other plans for your immediate postoperative recovery. You must arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you the first night following surgery.

Dr Ricardo and the entire staff will provide thorough preoperative instructions and answer any questions you may have. The goal is to help you achieve the most beautiful and natural-looking results, as well as to make your surgical experience as easy, comfortable, and safe as possible.

What are the steps of a buccal fat removal procedure?

Step 1 – Anaesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. Dr Ricardo will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – Surgical procedure

A buccal fat removal surgery requires an incision on the inside of the mouth, on the inner portion of your cheek. Occasionally, the buccal fat pad may be removed during a facelift and not necessitate an incision inside the mouth.

Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Sutures close the incisions inside your mouth. Be sure to avoid playing with the sutures with your tongue until cleared by your surgeon.

Step 4 – See the results

Your buccal fat removal surgery will result in a slimmer, more contoured cheek, specifically in the cheek hollow area.

What should I expect during my buccal fat removal recovery?

Following your buccal fat removal surgery, you may be instructed to stay on a liquid diet for several days or longer. Dr Ricardo may instruct you on special mouth rinses to reduce the risk of infection.

You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr Ricardo. Remember to always follow his instructions to ensure the success of your surgery.

Initial wound healing may take 10 to 14 days. You should be ready to return to work and normal activity after 5-7 days. The surgical incisions mustn't be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. However, you must realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.

What results should I expect after my buccal fat removal surgery?

The final results of your buccal fat removal surgery may be initially obscured by swelling. It may take several weeks for you to see the final results, as your cheeks gradually contour to their new appearance. The cheeks should appear less full or chubby in post-op results.