Lea Michele Undergoes Buccal Fat Removal - The Procedure Explained

Leah Michelle's Decision to Undergo Buccal Fat Removal

In 2022, actress and singer Lea Michele candidly shared that she had decided to undergo buccal fat removal surgery. This cosmetic procedure sculpts the face by removing a small amount of fat from the cheeks.

Michele joins a growing number of celebrities and influencers trying buccal fat removal. But it's a relatively new procedure sparking a lot of questions. Here's a deep dive into why Michele chose buccal fat removal and what it really entails.

Who is Lea Michele?

Lea Michele is an actress and singer best known for starring as Rachel Berry on the hit TV series "Glee" from 2009 to 2015. She made her Broadway debut as a child in "Les Misrables" and has since starred in productions of "Spring Awakening" and "Funny Girl."

Michele has earned Emmy, Golden Globe, and Grammy nominations for her work. She has released several solo and Christmas albums as well.

Her Decision to Undergo Buccal Fat Removal

In an August 2022 interview with PopSugar, 36-year-old Michele openly discussed her decision to have buccal fat removal surgery earlier that year:

"I just had a big birthday and I've really come into loving myself, and I want to start this new decade of my life fresh. I did my first concert and I just wanted to feel as comfortable and confident as possible."

Michele said the subtle change gave her a boost of self-confidence as she takes on new challenges in her career and life.

What is Buccal Fat?

Buccal fat refers to the small pads of fat in the cheek area along the bottom of the cheekbone and around the lower jaw. It gives the face its youthful, rounded appearance.

Buccal fat starts to naturally decrease for most people around age 30. But for some, it remains prominent into adulthood and contributes to wider, "chubbier" cheeks.

How Buccal Fat Removal Reshapes the Face

As the name suggests, buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure to remove some of the buccal fat pads in the cheeks. It's performed through small incisions inside the mouth.

Removing a portion of the buccal fat can create a slimmer, more sculpted facial appearance with more defined cheekbones. However, too much removal can make the face look hollow and gaunt.

The amount of fat removed depends on the patient's facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. The results are meant to look natural, not dramatically altered.

Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal

Good candidates for buccal fat removal include:

• Healthy individuals without medical conditions
• People with naturally chubby or round cheeks despite being at a normal weight
• Those looking to achieve a slimmer, more contoured facial shape
• People with good skin elasticity
• Non-smokers
• Realistic expectations for the results

Its not recommended for people with naturally thinner faces, as removing too much fat can cause premature aging and a gaunt, hollow look.

The Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal

Benefits of buccal fat removal include:

• Slimming and contouring the cheeks
• More defined facial features
• A sharper jawline
• Improved facial symmetry
• Increased confidence for some patients

The results are permanent, as the buccal fat pads do not regrow once surgically removed. However, weight gain can impact results over time.

Understanding the Risks

Like any surgery, buccal fat removal carries some risks:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Asymmetry if too much fat is removed from one side
• Hollowing or premature aging if excess fat is removed
• Prolonged swelling
• Numbness

Choosing an experienced surgeon helps minimize these risks. Be sure to follow all postoperative care instructions as well.

What to Expect During Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. It takes 1-2 hours and involves these steps:

1. Administering anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable
2. Making small incisions inside the mouth behind the upper molars
3. Using surgical tools to remove the desired amount of buccal fat
4. Closing the incisions with self-dissolving sutures
5. Applying dressing and ice packs to reduce swelling

Some surgeons use laser-assisted technology for greater precision. There is very little visible scarring since the incisions are inside the mouth.

Typical Post-Procedure Experience

After buccal fat removal surgery, patients can expect:

• Some pain and discomfort managed by medication
• Swelling that peaks at day 3 but can last weeks
• Some bruising around the cheeks
• Numbness that resolves within a few months
• A liquid diet for the first few days
• No strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks

Most people return to work within 5-7 days. Steady improvement is seen over the next several months as swelling dissipates.

Complementary Facial Procedures

For optimal rejuvenation and contouring, buccal fat removal is sometimes combined with procedures like:

• Chin augmentation: Implant or filler to balance a smaller chin
• Facelift: Elevates and firms sagging skin
• Neck lift: Reduces a double chin and jowly neck
• Rhinoplasty: Reshapes the nose for harmony

Addressing all areas of concern creates natural-looking facial symmetry and proportions.

Leah Michele's Beauty Evolution

Lea Michele has candidly discussed getting aesthetic procedures to boost her confidence at pivotal career moments. Here is a look back at her beauty evolution:

• Early days: Displayed her natural beauty as a Broadway ingenue
• Glee years: Experimented with makeup trends befitting her character
• 2014: Subtly plumped lips
• 2017: Enhanced brows and lash extensions for more glam
• 2022: Buccal fat removal for a contoured look

Now in her mid-30s, Michele joins scores of celebrities proactively addressing signs of facial aging.

Her Advice on Cosmetic Procedures

Speaking to women considering similar enhancements, Michele offered this advice:

"Do your research. Take your time. Make the best decision for you. Do something that's going to make you feel great about yourself and your life."

Her approach underscores the importance of choosing qualified doctors and setting realistic expectations around cosmetic surgeries and injections.

The Future of Buccal Fat Removal

Interest in buccal fat removal has grown exponentially along with contouring procedures like liposuction. Social media is also fueling demand as more influencers share their experiences.

As with any procedure, proper patient selection and surgical technique are paramount. Patients should select board-certified plastic surgeons and entrust their faces only to experienced doctors.

When performed correctly on suitable candidates, buccal fat removal sculpts the face for a naturally refreshed appearance. It's likely we'll see even more spotlight on this transformative procedure.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.