Buccal fat removal, also known as buccal fat pad removal or cheek reduction surgery, has seen an increase in popularity in recent years. You may have even heard rumors about various celebrities undergoing this procedure, including stars like Chrissy Teigan, Megan Fox, and Miley Cyrus. Are you thinking about getting this surgery? This blog post explains what you can expect during the journey in front of you.
What Happens Before Buccal Fat Removal?
Before your surgery, you will meet with your surgeon to talk about your medical history, your goals for treatment, and other relevant information. Your surgeon will answer your questions and help you make a well-informed decision about whether you should move forward with buccal fat removal. In some cases, they might suggest a different procedure, such as cheek liposuction.
If buccal fat removal seems like a good fit for you, your surgeon can plan the details of your surgery. Depending on your goals, they may recommend that you undergo full buccal fat removal or partial buccal fat removal, wherein some of the buccal fat is left behind.
What Happens During Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
Buccal fat removal is usually performed under local anesthesia. A surgeon creates incisions inside the cheeks, so no visible scarring will be left behind. All or part of the buccal fat pad is removed. (The buccal fat pad is a collection of fat in the lower half of the cheeks.) After the incisions are closed, most patients are able to go home on the same day as their procedure. Usually, the whole procedure just takes an hour or so.
What Is the Recovery Like?
You will likely need to be on a liquid diet for a few days following the surgery. You may also be instructed to use a special mouth rinse to reduce the risk of infection. Swelling, bruising, and other side effects may occur. The initial healing time is usually around three weeks, though it may be several months before the final results become apparent.
The surgery is generally considered safe, but in rare instances, patients experience issues like infection, nerve damage, or facial asymmetry.
Do you believe your cheeks are disproportionately round or chubby? Would you like your face to look leaner overall? Buccal fat removal might be an option for you! Talk to a qualified surgeon to learn more.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Irvin M. Wiesman is a highly accomplished plastic surgeon who offers buccal fat removal as one of his many services. He is passionate about producing results that patients are pleased with. If you are eager to enhance your appearance, he and our team are ready to assist you. Contact our Highland Park office at 847-266-0684.
