Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Buccal fat pad removal involves removing excess fat from the cheeks to achieve a slimmer, more contoured appearance. The buccal fat pads are located beneath the cheekbones and are responsible for giving the face its full, round shape.
The buccal fat pads are accessed through a small incision inside the mouth. The fat is then carefully removed to achieve the desired level of facial contouring. It usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete the procedure and can be performed under a local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Recovery time is relatively short, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a week. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common but can be managed with some pain medications and cold compresses.
Buccal fat pad removal is an excellent option for patients seeking a more defined facial appearance, particularly those who are bothered by round, chubby cheeks or a “baby face” look. It’s important to note, however, that the procedure is not suitable for everyone and should be carefully considered in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
While the results of buccal fat pad removal can be long-lasting, they may be affected by factors such as weight gain and aging. It is important for patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
To learn more about buccal fat pad removal and whether it is right for you, schedule a consultation with Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Rosenberg.
During your consultation, Dr. Rosenberg can assess your individual needs and goals and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired facial contour.
The removal of buccal fat pads is a cosmetic procedure that offers several advantages for patients seeking a more contoured facial appearance.
The advantages of this treatment include:
Slimmer, more defined facial appearance:
The removal of excess buccal fat can create a slimmer, more defined facial appearance, particularly in the cheeks and jawline.
Natural-looking results:
When performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, buccal fat pad removal can provide natural-looking results that enhance a patient’s natural facial features.
Minimally invasive:
The procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed under a local anesthesia with sedation, reducing the risk of complications and minimizing downtime.
Short recovery time:
Recovery time for buccal fat pad removal is relatively short, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a week.
Long-lasting results:
While the results of buccal fat pad removal may be affected by factors such as weight gain and aging, they can be long-lasting when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Can be combined with other procedures:
Buccal fat pad removal can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a facelift or neck lifts to achieve more comprehensive facial contouring.
Overall, buccal fat pad removal can be an excellent option for patients are seeking to achieve a slimmer, more defined facial appearance. However, it’s important to understand that the procedure is not suitable for everyone and should be carefully considered in consultation with Beverly Hills board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rosenberg.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal FAQs
Here are some things to expect after a buccal fat pad procedure:
Swelling and bruising:
Bruising and swelling are common after the procedure and can last up to two weeks. Apply some cold compresses to the treated area to help reduce swelling and bruising.
Discomfort:
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by your surgeon.
Limited diet:
In the first few days after the procedure, you will be on a limited diet consisting of soft foods to avoid irritating the surgical site.
Mouth rinses:
Your surgeon may recommend using a special mouth rinse to help keep the surgical site clean and promote healing.
Follow-up appointments:
Your surgeon will monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly during some follow-up appointments.
Results:
While the final results of buccal fat pad removal can take several weeks to fully develop, you should begin to see a noticeable improvement in your facial contour within a few weeks after the procedure.
It is important that you follow all of your post-op instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery and successful buccal fat pad removal procedure. If you have any concerns or questions during your recovery,do not hesitate to contact our office at (310) 295-7925.
Here are some of the factors that may make you a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal:
You have excess facial fat:
If you have excess fat in your cheeks that does not respond to diet and exercise, buccal fat pad removal may be a suitable option.
You are in good overall health:
As with any surgical procedure, you should be in good overall health to undergo buccal fat pad removal. This includes being at a stable weight and not having any underlying health conditions that could increase your risk of complications.
You have realistic expectations:
It is important to have realistic expectations for the results of buccal fat pad removal. A board-certified plastic surgeon can discuss the potential benefits and limitations of the procedure with you during a consultation.
You are a non-smoker:
Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. If you smoke, your surgeon may recommend that you quit before undergoing the procedure.
You are committed to following post-operative instructions:
Following your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully is essential for achieving the best possible results from buccal fat pad removal.
Overall, if you are unhappy with the appearance of your cheeks and are in good overall health, buccal fat pad removal may be an option to help you achieve a slimmer, more defined facial appearance.
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