Buccal fat removal is the procedure of removing excess fat from the lower cheeks to give them an impressive look. The buccal fat pad tissue may accumulate in the lower cheeks due to heredity or age. The excess fat makes a person look unimpressive as it increases the volume of the face. To reduce the fat in the lower cheeks, a surgeon may perform a buccal fat removal operation on the patient.
What is the procedure?
The procedure starts with the surgeon giving you a local anesthetic to numb the surgery area along with a sedative. The surgeon then injects a solution of lidocaine, saline coupled with epinephrine to curtail the bleeding and make the surgery practically painless. He will then make a small incision between the gums and the cheek to make the fat ooze out from the opening. The surgeon will then press the cheek from the outside to push the excess fat outside of the incision, with the help of tweezers. After a proper amount has been removed, the surgeon closes the incision.
What is the process of recovery?
The recovery takes around two to three weeks. The doctor will give you some pain killers to fight the pain due to the procedure. The sutures are harmless as they will dissolve inside your mouth. If you want to undertake physical exercise then you should consult your doctor, as strenuous exercise interferes negatively with the healing process.
How much will the procedure cost?
Depending on the condition the cost of the procedure may vary. You may call your nearest plastic surgery clinic to get a general quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the right candidate for the procedure?
The procedure is suitable for people who have excess buccal fat in their cheeks that make their cheeks look swollen. Drooping lower cheeks can be treated if a person has a family history of excess buccal fat. When a person reaches his 30s the excess buccal fat may get stored in the lower cheeks that gives a person an unattractive look, however, if a person is merely in his early 20s then he may wait for the procedure as it may just be baby fat.
How long is the surgical procedure?
Depending on the condition of the patient, the procedure may take one to two hours max.
What are the precautions that I should take before surgery?
There are not many precautions that you need to take. However, quitting smoking before and after the procedure will help you achieve the best results. You may also avoid taking Vitamin E and aspirin before and after the operation.
Should an infection arise, what should I do?
You should immediately consult your doctor who will take care of the infection for you. You should be very watchful for any signs of infection after the procedure.
What are the risks associated with this procedure?
Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.
Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.