Understanding Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal, also known as buccal fat pad removal, is a cosmetic procedure that targets the buccal fat pads in the cheeks. This fat gives the face a rounded, full appearance. Removing it can make the cheeks appear more sculpted and hollow.
Some celebrities like Sophie Turner have sparked interest in this procedure, with apparent changes to their cheek area in before and after photos shared online. But is buccal fat removal right for you? Here is everything you need to know about this intriguing cosmetic treatment.
What Are Buccal Fat Pads?
Buccal fat pads are small compartments filled with fat located in the middle area of each cheek. They are located along the bottom of the cheekbone and upper jawbone area.
Buccal fat serves various facial functions:
- Padding and protection for the cheekbones
- Support and structure for facial muscles
- Volume and fullness for youthful-looking cheeks
As we age, buccal fat pads often shrink and deflate naturally. This leads to sagging cheeks and the formation of jowls along the jawline.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
During this outpatient procedure, a small incision is made inside each cheek. The surgeon then removes some buccal fat through this incision.
In some cases, only one cheek undergoes buccal fat removal. But both cheeks are usually treated for optimal facial symmetry.
Sophie Turners Buccal Fat Removal Transformation
Sophie Turner first rose to fame playing Sansa Stark on the hit television series Game of Thrones. In recent years, photos have shown changes to Turners cheek area that point to possible buccal fat removal.
Take a look at before and after photos to see the transformation for yourself.
[Insert photo 1 showing fuller cheeks circa 2015/2016]
Turner with a rounder, fuller facial profile earlier in her career.
[Insert photo 2 showing more sculpted cheeks present day]
Turner appearing at recent events with slimmer cheeks and accentuated cheekbones.
Turner has not publicly spoken about buccal fat removal. But cosmetic surgeons speculate she has likely had this treatment based on her evolving cheek profile.
Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal
So is buccal fat removal appropriate for you? Ideal candidates for this procedure include:
- Healthy individuals without medical conditions
- Non-smokers
- Men and women age 18+
- Those wanting sharper cheekbone definition
- Those looking to get rid of excess cheek fat
- Those concerned about early signs of jowls
This procedure is not recommended for individuals who are underweight. Excessively thinning the facial profile can lead to an unhealthy, gaunt appearance.
Buccal Fat Removal vs Fillers
Some people pursue buccal fat removal when facial fillers would better suit their needs. So whats the difference between these two treatments?
Buccal fat removal eliminates your bodys natural fat pads. This subtraction leads to a slimming effect in the cheeks.
Facial fillers add volume to the cheeks and other areas through injection of substances like hyaluronic acid. This achieves a plumping effect to fill out sagging areas and wrinkles.
After a consultation, your provider can recommend which facial rejuvenation treatment makes the most sense for you.
What About Non-Surgical Alternatives?
If you only have mild volume concerns or want to avoid surgery, your provider may suggest:
- Facial exercises focusing on the cheek muscles
- Non-invasive fat reduction treatments like CoolSculpting or truSculpt
- Non-permanent fillers for temporary plumping effects
What to Expect With Buccal Fat Removal
Now lets get into what it's like to undergo buccal fat pad removal. Here is a step-by-step overview of the buccal fat removal process.
Pre-Procedure Steps
Your surgeon will take the following steps to ensure your safety and prepare for buccal fat removal:
- Medical evaluation - Review your health history and medications to assess candidacy for the procedure.
- Discussion of goals - Evaluate the amount of buccal fat to remove for optimally accentuated cheeks while maintaining a natural shape.
- Photographs - Compare images over time to assess the changes to your cheeks.
- Consent forms - Sign paperwork confirming your consent to undergo buccal fat removal.
- Anesthesia preparations - Discuss combining local and general anesthesia to ensure your optimal comfort and safety.
How Is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?
On surgery day, the surgeon takes the following steps:
- Clean and sterilize the skin around the inner cheeks.
- Administer local or general anesthesia so you dont experience any discomfort.
- Make a small incision inside each cheek near the upper second molars.
- Insert specialized tools into this incision to access the buccal fat pads.
- Carefully tease and separate the fat, then surgically remove targeted buccal fat tissue.
- Irrigate the area to control bleeding and remove debris.
- Close incisions with specialized absorbable sutures.
The amount of fat removed depends on your facial profile and goals. Typically no more than half the buccal fat pad is taken out from each cheek.
Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
Healing after surgery involves:
- Some swelling and tenderness for about a week as the cheeks heal.
- Minor bruising that clears within 2 weeks.
- Prescription pain medication for your comfort during the first few days.
- Antibiotics to reduce infection risk.
- An all-liquid diet for the first 48 hours.
- No strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 14 days post-op.
- Most patients feel ready to return to normal routines and work within 7-10 days.
- Gradual improvements to your cheek contour as swelling dissipates over 3 months.
After a couple months, youll see the final effects of buccal fat removal. Most patients are very pleased with this minimally invasive transformation!
The Pros and Cons of Buccal Fat Removal
Like all cosmetic procedures, buccal fat removal has its advantages and disadvantages.
The Pros
- Shapes and contours the cheeks by removing unwanted fat
- No excess skin requiring removal
- Enhances definition of the cheekbones and jawline
- Minimally invasive procedure with little downtime
- Provides long lasting results
The Cons
- Doesnt address other signs of facial aging like skin laxity or wrinkles
- Risks include infection, bleeding, numbness or nerve damage
- Swelling for several weeks post-procedure
- Potential need for additional buccal fat removal in the future as more fat descends
- Results are not reversible if you don't like the slimmer cheek look
Discussing both pros and cons fully with your surgeon allows for better decision making.
Price: What Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?
According to 2021 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of buccal fat removal is $2,541.
The exact price youll pay depends on factors like:
- The surgeons experience and credentials
- Geographic location of the surgeons practice
- Whether you have the procedure done alone or combine it with other facial surgeries
Many cosmetic surgeons offer patient financing plans to help offset the cost as well.
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.
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