Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
Enhancing Facial Contours for a Slimmer Look
Buccal fat removal surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to enhance facial contours by removing excess buccal fat from the cheeks. This minimally invasive surgery is ideal for individuals seeking a more sculpted, defined facial structure. By addressing excess fullness in the lower cheeks, buccal fat removal offers patients a slimmer, more angular facial profile, often with dramatic and highly satisfying results.
What is Buccal Fat?
Buccal fat is a natural fat pad located in the lower cheek area, nestled between the facial muscles. Its purpose varies from providing a rounded, youthful appearance in children to cushioning and protecting facial muscles. However, as we age, this fat does not always decrease, leading some people to feel their faces look rounder or fuller than they’d like, regardless of weight loss efforts. Genetics also play a role, so individuals of all body types can have prominent buccal fat pads, which may make their faces appear less contoured. Buccal fat removal targets the cheek area, between the cheekbone and the jawbone, to create a refined look and more pronounced cheekbones.
The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Buccal fat removal is performed through a small incision made inside the mouth, typically on the inner cheek near the upper molars. Through this incision, one gently removes a precise amount of buccal fat to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. The procedure generally takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the patient’s specific needs and facial structure. Since the incision is internal, no scarring occurs and there are no visible marks on the face. Buccal fat pads can also be removed directly from the outside, beneath the SMAS layer, during a deep-plane facelift.
This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, although conscious sedation type anesthesia is often preferred especially if a patient is undergoing multiple facial procedures simultaneously. Many patients report minimal discomfort and experience only mild swelling post-procedure, with recovery times typically spanning one to two weeks. The results of buccal fat removal gradually become more noticeable as swelling subsides, usually reaching their full impact within three to six months.
Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is best suited for individuals with naturally rounder, fuller cheeks who desire a more angular, defined facial shape. Candidates should ideally be in good health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations regarding the outcome. It is particularly effective for those who find that even with weight loss, their cheeks remain fuller than they’d like. However, it is essential to consult with an experienced facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. Bitner, to determine if this procedure is right for you, as patients with already slender faces may not benefit from buccal fat removal and could risk an overly gaunt appearance with age.
Benefits and Considerations
One of the primary benefits of buccal fat removal is its ability to provide a long-lasting solution for cheek contouring without the need for implants or fillers. The results are typically permanent, as the buccal fat pad does not regenerate. However, prospective patients should understand that facial aging and weight fluctuations may still affect their appearance over time.
As with any cosmetic surgery, buccal fat removal comes with some risks, including infection, asymmetry, or prolonged numbness in the treated area. These risks are minimized when the procedure is performed by a qualified, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. Bitner, experienced in facial contouring techniques.
Is Buccal Fat Removal Right for You?
Buccal fat removal offers a straightforward, effective way to enhance facial aesthetics for individuals seeking a slimmer, more sculpted look. Consulting with a skilled facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. Bitner, will allow you to explore whether this procedure aligns with your aesthetic goals. With the right approach, buccal fat removal can bring out your natural facial contours and help you achieve a refined, confident look that complements your unique features.
