Do you get irritated every time someone comments about your chubby cheeks? Lets Learn about Buccal Fat Removal.
While some like rounder cheeks, others like you might aim for a more defined facial profile. Excess buccal fat, which is common, can completely change your face shape, hiding your natural jawline. But you don’t have to live with your chubby cheeks anymore. Buccal fat removal is an effective solution that can give you the slim facial silhouette you desire
If you have never heard of this procedure before and are wondering how it works and what to expect, this blog will guide you through everything you need to know about buccal fat pad removal and its potential to enhance your appearance!
Understanding Buccal Fat Removal And Who Needs It
‘Buccal’ refers to the cheek area on the face, and the buccal fat pad is located below the cheekbones. The size and shape of these pads may not be the same for every person. The more fat there is, the rounder the face will appear.
Buccal fat pad removal, whether fully or in part, is done to decrease the puffed cheeks look and restore the contouring that has been lost. The procedure makes the face more V-shaped and less full. Since the buccal fat pads do not grow back, the results are long-lasting.
Buccal fat removal – Indications
Opting for buccal fat extraction surgery is a personal choice. You are an ideal candidate if you fall into any of these categories:
- You are dissatisfied with your chubby cheeks
- The shape of your face has been affected due to aging
- A previous surgery on the jaw or chin affected your face shape
- You want more prominent cheekbones
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
Once your buccal fat extraction is over and you have recovered, you can expect these benefits:
- Facial contouring: Your face will look more contoured or chiseled than before, and your cheeks appear less chubby.
- Youthful appearance: The effect of highlighting the natural contours of the face can make your face look more harmonious and younger than its age.
- Lasting result: Unlike other procedures that only offer temporary improvement, buccal fat pad removal provides lasting changes since the root causes are addressed.
- Increased self-esteem: The long-term impact of the procedure creates enduring confidence in the individual about their appearance and reduces the need for frequent touch-ups.
- Minimal scarring and quick recovery: In buccal fat removal, expert maxillofacial surgeons place the incisions within the mouth, eliminating the risk of external scarring. Moreover, the patient can resume daily activities within a short period as recovery is quick.
- Personalized approach: Your surgeon will tailor the technique to suit your specific facial structure and desired outcome. This ensures your natural features are maintained and you achieve your aesthetic goals.
What To Expect Before The Procedure
Before your buccal fat removal surgery, you’ll have a consultation with your maxillofacial surgeon to discuss your goals for the procedure. During your initial visit, the provider will examine your face, likely take some photos, and ask about your overall health, including your family history and any previous surgeries. The surgeon will also check your blood pressure and ask about any current medications, including special supplements. It’s crucial to be open about everything, and they may advise you to stop smoking or using tobacco products for the best outcome.
This is also your chance to ask any questions you have. Your surgeon will tailor recommendations to help you meet your specific goals and discuss any risks associated with the procedure.
The surgeon will also discuss the anesthesia, whether local anesthesia with intraoral injections or intravenous sedation, depending on what works best for you.
Things to Expect During the Procedure
These are the steps involved in buccal fat extraction surgery:
- Step 1: The surgeon administers the most suitable anesthesia that was discussed with you.
- Step 2: Then, he or she will make an incision inside your mouth to remove the fat pad.
- Step 3: Once the fat pad is removed, the surgeon will close the incision with dissolvable stitches.
The whole process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and since it’s an outpatient procedure, you can go home the same day. Just remember, if you’re under intravenous sedation, arrange for someone to drive you home.
Recovery and Aftercare Guidelines
After removing the buccal fat pad, your surgeon will explain the guidelines related to after-care for quick recovery. Though the downtime after this surgery is short, you may experience swelling for two to three weeks. You will have to wait patiently for the swelling to subside to see the results of the procedure. Moreover, the site inside your mouth where the incision was made can take around seven to ten days for complete healing. You will have to be on a soft diet during that period to avoid aggravating the sutures.
As it is a minimally invasive procedure, usually taking only a single incision, the discomfort experienced is quite less compared to other procedures. Your maxillofacial surgeon will prescribe pain medications for your discomfort, but most residual pain should subside within a week.
Things to expect after buccal fat extraction:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Discoloration
Like in other surgeries, there are some risks associated with buccal fat removal as well:
- Infection at the incision area
- Facial nerve injury
- Asymmetrical cheeks
- Numbness
When to see your maxillofacial surgeon
Buccal fat removal is a safe procedure, but you must consult your surgeon under any of these conditions:
- If your skin is too hot to touch, red, or filled with pus
- Excessive bleeding
- If you have an abnormal taste in your mouth
- If the results are asymmetrical
Necessity Of Choosing A Trained Maxillofacial Surgeon
Buccal fat extraction is a specialized procedure requiring the expertise of a maxillofacial surgeon with a successful track record of many similar surgeries. The surgery is delicate, and incisions have to be precise to avoid complications. The surgeon should take into consideration your general health, evaluate risks, if any, and have the capacity to take care of any minor problems if they arise.
Conclusion
Finally, you are now all set to get the slim-looking cheeks you always wanted. Though you have understood all the basics about the procedure, ensure that you clear all your doubts about what to expect from buccal fat removal before and after the surgery and fat removal cost.
Choose a trusted centre for maxillofacial surgery like Gnathos Facial, having surgeons with relevant experience and advanced technology to perform this delicate procedure. From initial consultation to post-surgery recovery, you can rely on our skilled surgeons to guide you through every step, ensuring your comfort and safety. Your journey to slimmer cheeks and defined cheeks is only a visit away.
FAQs
1.Is Buccal fat removal surgery painful?
Since face fat removal is performed under local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain. After the procedure, you may experience slight discomfort or swelling, for which the surgeon will prescribe medications.
2.How much is buccal fat removal cost?
Buccal fat extraction cost varies for each individual, depending on the method used and the unique requirements of the patient.
3.How risky is buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal is considered a safe procedure since it is minimally invasive with quick recovery time. However, like any other procedure, there are a few risks related to it, like infection or injury to salivary glands.
4.Who is a suitable candidate for buccal fat removal?
Any individual desiring a slimmer facial profile and aiming to reduce the excess fat on the cheeks is a suitable candidate, provided he or she is in good general health and has an ideal weight.
5.Who can perform a buccal fat removal surgery?
It is essential to choose skilled maxillofacial surgeons experienced in fat removal procedures and capable of using the latest techniques with utmost care and precision.