Everything You Need to Know About Buccal Fat Removal

Do you feel self-conscious about having chubby cheeks? Do you wish you had a more defined and sculpted facial appearance? If so, you might be interested in a cosmetic procedure called buccal fat removal.

Buccal fat removal is a surgery that removes the fat pads in your lower cheeks, creating a slimmer and more contoured face. It can enhance your facial features, especially your cheekbones and jawline, and give you a more mature and sophisticated look.

But before you decide to undergo this procedure, there are some things you need to know. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about buccal fat removal, such as:

• What is buccal fat and why do some people have more of it than others?
• Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?
• What are the benefits and risks of buccal fat removal?
• How is buccal fat removal performed and what is the recovery process like?
• How much does buccal fat removal cost and where can you find a qualified provider?

By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of what buccal fat removal entails and whether it is right for you. Let’s get started!

What is buccal fat and why do some people have more of it than others?

Buccal fat is a type of fat that is located between your cheekbones and jawbones in your face. It is one of the several fat pads that help shape your face and support your facial muscles.

Everyone has buccal fat, but the size and amount of it can vary greatly from person to person. Some factors that can influence your buccal fat size are:

• Genetics: Some people inherit larger or smaller buccal fat pads from their parents or ancestors.
• Age: As you get older, your buccal fat pads tend to shrink naturally, making your face look thinner and more angular.
• Weight: Your buccal fat pads can also change depending on your overall body weight. If you gain or lose weight, your buccal fat pads may increase or decrease accordingly.

Some people may have more buccal fat than they would like, resulting in a rounder or fuller face. This can make them feel insecure or unhappy about their appearance, especially if they have a smaller or narrower forehead, nose, or chin.

Buccal fat removal can help reduce the excess fat in the lower cheeks, creating a more balanced and harmonious facial proportion.

Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure that is not medically necessary. Therefore, it is important to have realistic expectations and a clear motivation for why you want to have it done.

You may be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if:

• You are in good physical and mental health and have no underlying medical conditions that could affect your healing or increase your risk of complications.
• You are at a stable and healthy weight and do not plan to have significant weight fluctuations in the future.
• You have a round or full face that makes you look younger or less mature than you are.
• You are unhappy with the appearance of your cheeks and want to have a more defined and sculpted facial contour.
• You have realistic expectations and understand the limitations and possible outcomes of the procedure.

You may not be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if:

• You have a narrow or thin face that could become too hollow or gaunt after the procedure.
• You have a medical condition that affects your facial fat or muscles, such as progressive hemifacial atrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome) or facial nerve palsy.
• You are older and have sagging skin or jowls that could worsen after the procedure.
• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the near future.
• You smoke or use tobacco products, which can impair your healing and increase your risk of infection and scarring.

The best way to determine if you are a suitable candidate for buccal fat removal is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience and expertise in performing this procedure. They can evaluate your facial anatomy, medical history, goals, and preferences, and recommend the best course of action for you.

What are the benefits and risks of buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal can offer several benefits for people who are unhappy with their facial fullness. Some of the potential benefits are:

• A slimmer and more refined face that highlights your natural bone structure and facial angles.
• A more mature and sophisticated look that matches your age and personality.
• A boost in your self-confidence and self-esteem that can improve your personal and professional relationships.
• A permanent result that does not require any maintenance or follow-up procedures.

However, like any surgery, buccal fat removal also carries some risks and possible complications. Some of the potential risks are:

• Infection, bleeding, bruising, swelling, pain, or numbness in the surgical site or surrounding areas.
• Damage to the facial nerves, muscles, or salivary glands, which can cause facial weakness, asymmetry, or dry mouth.
• Unsatisfactory results, such as overcorrection, undercorrection, unevenness, or unnatural appearance.
• Scarring, keloids, or hypertrophic scars, which can be visible or cause discomfort.
• Need for revision surgery, which can be more difficult and costly than the initial procedure.

The likelihood and severity of these risks and complications can vary depending on your individual factors, such as your health, anatomy, skin quality, and surgeon’s skill. To minimize these risks and ensure a safe and successful outcome, you should:

• Choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the equivalent in your country.
• Follow your surgeon’s preoperative and postoperative instructions carefully, such as avoiding smoking, alcohol, blood thinners, and certain medications before and after the surgery.
• Report any signs of infection, bleeding, or abnormal healing to your surgeon as soon as possible.
• Be patient and realistic with your recovery and results, as it can take several weeks or months for the final outcome to be visible.

How is buccal fat removal performed and what is the recovery process like?

Buccal fat removal is an outpatient procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The surgery typically takes about an hour to complete, depending on the extent of the fat removal and whether it is combined with other procedures.

The surgery involves the following steps:

• Your surgeon will make a small incision inside your mouth, near the back of your cheek.
• Your surgeon will locate and gently pull out the buccal fat pad through the incision.
• Your surgeon will trim and remove the excess fat, leaving enough fat to maintain a natural look and prevent facial drooping.
• Your surgeon will close the incision with dissolvable stitches and apply a dressing or gauze to protect the wound.

After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery room until you are ready to go home. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

The recovery process after buccal fat removal can vary depending on your individual healing and the extent of the surgery. In general, you can expect the following:

• You may experience some pain, discomfort, swelling, bruising, or numbness in your cheeks and mouth for the first few days. Your surgeon may prescribe you some painkillers and antibiotics to ease the symptoms and prevent infection.
• You may have some difficulty eating, drinking, speaking, or smiling for the first week. You should avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods and stick to a soft or liquid diet. You should also rinse your mouth with salt water or antiseptic mouthwash after every meal and brush your teeth gently.
• You may have to wear a compression garment or bandage around your face for the first week or two. This can help reduce the swelling and support the healing of the tissues.
• You may have to avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise, sports, or heavy lifting, for the first two to four weeks. You should also avoid sun exposure, smoking, alcohol, and blood thinners, as they can impair your healing and increase your risk of complications.
• You may have to visit your surgeon for regular follow-up appointments to check your healing and remove any stitches or drains. Your surgeon will also advise you when you can resume your normal activities and routine.

The results of buccal fat removal are not immediately visible, as it can take some time for the swelling and bruising to subside and the tissues to settle. You may notice some changes in your facial appearance after a few weeks, but the final outcome may take up to six months or longer to be fully apparent.

The results of buccal fat removal are permanent, as the fat cells that are removed do not grow back. However, your facial appearance may still change over time due to aging, weight fluctuations, or other factors. To maintain your results, you should follow a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and protecting your skin from sun damage.

How much does buccal fat removal cost and where can you find a qualified provider?

The cost of buccal fat removal can vary depending on several factors, such as:

• The location and reputation of the clinic or hospital where the procedure is performed.
• The experience and skill of the plastic surgeon who performs the procedure.
• The extent and complexity of the fat removal and whether it is combined with other procedures.
• The type and amount of anesthesia, medication, and equipment used during the procedure.
• The postoperative care and follow-up visits required after the procedure.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of buccal fat removal in the United States was $2,625 in 2020. However, this does not include the additional fees for anesthesia, facility, and other related expenses, which can add up to several thousand dollars more.

Therefore, the total cost of buccal fat removal can range from $3,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on your individual case and preferences. You should consult with your plastic surgeon to get a personalized quote and a breakdown of the costs involved.

Buccal fat removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, which means that it is not covered by most health insurance plans. You will have to pay for the entire cost of the procedure out of your own pocket, unless you have a medical condition that requires buccal fat removal, such as facial nerve palsy or hemifacial atrophy.

If you cannot afford the full cost of buccal fat removal upfront, you may be able to find some financing options, such as:

• Medical credit cards, which are specialized credit cards that offer low or no interest rates and flexible payment plans for medical expenses.
• Personal loans, which are loans that you can borrow from a bank, credit union, or online lender and repay in monthly installments with interest.
• Payment plans, which are arrangements that you can make with your plastic surgeon or clinic to pay for the procedure in smaller and more manageable amounts over time.

However, you should be careful and responsible when choosing a financing option, as it can affect your credit score and financial situation. You should compare different options and read the terms and conditions carefully before signing any contracts or agreements.

You should also be wary of any offers or deals that sound too good to be true, such as extremely low prices, discounts, or guarantees. These may indicate that the provider is not qualified, experienced, or reputable, and that the quality and safety of the procedure may be compromised.

To find a qualified and trustworthy provider for buccal fat removal, you should do your research and look for the following credentials and qualities:

• Board certification: The provider should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the equivalent in your country, which means that they have met the highest standards of education, training, and ethics in the field of plastic surgery.
• Experience: The provider should have ample experience and expertise in performing buccal fat removal and other facial procedures, and be able to show you before and after photos of their previous patients.
• Reputation: The provider should have a good reputation and positive reviews from their past and current patients, as well as from their peers and colleagues in the industry.
• Communication: The provider should be able to communicate clearly and effectively with you, listen to your needs and goals, answer your questions and concerns, and explain the procedure and the expected results in detail.
• Comfort: The provider should make you feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final follow-up visit.

You can start your search for a qualified provider by asking for referrals from your primary care doctor, family, friends, or anyone you know who has had buccal fat removal or a similar procedure. You can also use online directories, such as the Find a Plastic Surgeon tool from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, to locate and compare different providers in your area.

Conclusion

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure that can help you achieve a slimmer and more defined facial appearance by removing the excess fat in your lower cheeks. It can enhance your facial features, especially your cheekbones and jawline, and give you a more mature and sophisticated look.

However, buccal fat removal is not for everyone, and it has some risks and limitations that you should be aware of. You should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your facial anatomy, medical history, goals, and preferences, and recommend the best course of action for you.

If you decide to undergo buccal fat removal, you should be prepared to pay for the cost of the procedure, which can range from $3,000 to $8,000 or more, depending on various factors. You should also follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully before and after the surgery, and be patient and realistic with your recovery and results.

Buccal fat removal can offer you a permanent and positive change in your facial appearance and self-confidence, as long as you have realistic expectations and choose a qualified and reputable provider. We hope that this blog post has answered some of your questions and helped you make an informed decision about buccal fat removal.