Buccal Fat Removal Surgery: Procedure, Recovery, Costs

Buccal Fat Removal Surgery: Procedure, Costs, Recovery, and Effect on Facial Appearance

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure that removes the buccal fat pads from the cheeks. It is sometimes referred to as a "cheek reduction." This surgery has grown in popularity in recent years as a facial contouring technique.

What is Buccal Fat?

Buccal fat is located between the skin and buccinator muscles in the upper cheeks. Buccal fat pads are one of several fat compartments that provide overall facial fullness.

Buccal fat is important during childhood development for providing chubby cheeks. However, as we age, buccal fat can create an overly full or rounded facial appearance in some people.

Who is a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal include:

• Those looking to contour their cheeks and jawline for a slimmer facial appearance.
• People with naturally chubby or full cheeks, even when at a low body fat percentage.
• Those looking to accentuate their cheekbones.
• People who feel their face looks fuller compared to the rest of their body.
• Those concerned about sagging or drooping cheek appearance later in life.

Buccal Fat Removal Procedure

During buccal fat removal surgery:

• The procedure is done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
• Small incisions are made inside the mouth, along the upper buccal mucosa.
• The surgeon uses surgical tools to remove the desired amount of buccal fat from each cheek.
• Stitches are used to close the incisions inside the mouth.
• The procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours.

Only a partial amount of buccal fat is removed to avoid creating a sunken or overly hollowed appearance. The remaining buccal fat helps maintain some natural facial fullness and contour.

Recovery from Buccal Fat Removal

Recovery time after buccal fat removal includes:

• Swelling and bruising for approximately 1-2 weeks.
• Numbness in the cheek area for a few weeks.
• Pain and discomfort managed with medication for 1 week.
• Liquid or soft food diet for 5-7 days.
• Avoiding strenuous activity for 2 weeks.
• Most people return to work within 7-10 days.
• Incision sites heal within 2 weeks.
• Final results apparent after swelling fully resolves at 6-12 weeks.

Results of Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal results include:

• Slimming of the cheeks and lower face.
• A more sculpted, contoured facial appearance.
• Increased definition along the jawline and cheekbones.
• A less rounded or "chubby" cheek look.
• A more oval facial shape instead of round.

The amount of change depends on the individual's facial anatomy and how much buccal fat is removed. Complete removal can create an overly hollow look, so surgeons aim for balanced subtle contouring.

Cost of Buccal Fat Removal

The cost of buccal fat removal ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the surgeon and location. Factors affecting the cost include:

• Geographic region.
• The surgeon's expertise and qualifications.
• Extent of the procedure.
• Anesthesia fees.
• Hospital or facility fees.

Since buccal fat removal is considered cosmetic, it is not typically covered by health insurance.

Risks and Side Effects

Possible risks and side effects include:

• Swelling, bruising, and tenderness.
• Numbness or altered sensation in the cheeks.
• Asymmetric or uneven results if fat removal is uneven.
• Sunken cheek look if too much fat is removed.
• Damage to facial nerves.
• Infection.
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
• Scarring inside the mouth at incision sites.

Buccal Fat Removal vs. Fillers

While both buccal fat removal and dermal fillers can reshape cheeks, there are some differences:

• Buccal fat removal permanently removes fat to create a slimming effect. Results are very long-lasting.
• Fillers temporarily add volume. They require maintenance injections every 6-24 months.
• Fat removal is invasive while fillers are minimally invasive with little downtime.
• Fillers typically cost less per treatment but require repeat treatments.

Finding a Qualified Surgeon

It's important to use an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon or oral and maxillofacial surgeon to perform buccal fat removal.

Be sure to review the surgeon's before and after photos, credentials, reviews, and accomplishments when choosing who will perform this delicate facial contouring procedure.

Conclusion

When performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon on an appropriate candidate, buccal fat removal can provide a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance. But like any surgery, it does carry risks of side effects. This procedure reshapes the cheeks permanently, so having realistic expectations about the results is important.

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.