Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal also called cheek reduction surgery or buccal lipectomy is a procedure performed to shape the cheeks and remove the buccal fat pads in the cheeks. For some, the buccal fat pads in the cheeks will be larger which can make their face look puffy. For aesthetic reasons, some may prefer to undergo surgery to remove the pads and shorten or shrink the area to look more presentable and confident. This thinning process can be done if you are in decent physical health, have a puffy or fuller face or if looking to reduce the masculine features and achieve more feminine features on your face.

The Procedure

Local anaesthesia is performed after which the surgeon will make a small incision on the cheek. The excess fat will be cut and taken out. Using sutures the incisions will be closed. There may also be cases where incisions may not be required and the fat pad could be removed as part of the facelift procedure itself.

Healing Process

The patient can be discharged on the same day as it will be a daycare procedure. A medicated mouthwash must be used to reduce any chances of infection. It is advised not to touch the area on the inside with the tongue to protect the sutures. Dietary restrictions will have to be followed and solid foods must be avoided to keep the area free from pressure. The swollen face will heal in time and complete recovery will happen within 3weeks to a month.

FAQ

  • Is buccal fat removal permanent?

    Like any other fat removal surgery, buccal fat removal removes the buccal (lower cheek) fat permanently. The buccal fat is supposed to decrease in size with age but sometimes due to weight gain or genetics, it remains there as it is. This results in a chubby face or baby-like face in adults. Once removed it will never come back.

  • Will it leave scars?

    No, buccal fat removal does not leave visible scars on the face. In this procedure, the incisions are made inside the mouth (intraoral) on the cheeks near the upper 2nd molars. After removing the buccal fat, surgical incisions are stitched back with self-dissolving stitches resulting in scarless slimming of the face.

  • What are the complications of buccal fat removal?

    Buccal fat removal has safe results when performed by a certified plastic surgeon. Its general complications are swelling, redness, bleeding and bruising which subside in 7 to 10 days. Also, medicines are prescribed by the surgeon to get relief from these symptoms.

    Other possible complications are:

    • Asymmetry
    • Bleeding
    • Infection
    • Cardiac/pulmonary complications
    • Deep vein thrombosis
    • Facial muscle and nerve injury
    • Hematoma
    • Numbness
    • Persistent pain
    • Poor healing
    • Salivary duct injury
    • Fluid retention
    • Lockjaw
  • What causes a chubby face appearance?

    A chubby face or round shape of the face is caused by the buccal fat present in between the facial muscles. It also results in undefined jawlines and prominent nasolabial folds. This buccal pad of fat can be removed surgically by buccal. Fat pad removal procedure with the least complications.

  • Can this surgery be performed with other facial surgeries?

    Yes, this surgery is also performed with other facial rejuvenation cosmetic procedures like botox, facelift, rhinoplasty, chin implants and lip augmentation This enhances the results of other surgeries. All facial cosmetic surgeries maintain the aesthetic proportions of the patient. Consult our doctors for face proportion assessment and recommendations for facial rejuvenation.

  • Will it help in slimming the face?

    Buccal fat removal removes the extra fat present in the lower cheeks and gives the face a slim appearance with sharp jawlines. This procedure can easily change the shape of the face and cheeks with minimum complications. Buccal or cheek fat makes the face look round or chubby and can be easily removed surgically.

  • What is buccal fat?

    Buccal fat is the lobulated mass of fat present in between the facial muscles in the cheeks. This fat helps babies in suckling and gives the face a baby-like chubby appearance. This fat decreases with age but in many people, it remains as it is giving the face a chubby appearance. In adults, it serves no function and can be removed surgically.

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