Buccal Fat Removal in Newport Beach, California

The buccal fat pad is a round mass of fat located in the middle of the cheek, between the facial muscles and under the cheekbones. Everyone has fat in their cheeks, but the size of the fat pads can vary greatly from person to person.

Buccal fat removal surgery is also known as a buccal lipectomy or cheek reduction surgery. The procedure works by cutting away the buccal fat pads in the cheeks to create the appearance of thinner cheeks and a more angular face.

Buccal Fat Removal – Frequently Asked Questions

Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

A good candidate for buccal fat removal is someone who is in good physical health, is at a healthy weight, but has a rounder, fuller face. The best candidate is a non-smoker who has realistic expectations. Individuals seeking facial feminization surgery may also qualify for this procedure if their buccal fat pads are large enough to necessitate removal.

Is the procedure safe?

Yes, this surgery is low risk and minimally invasive compared to other procedures. When performed by experienced, trained surgeons, the surgery is perfectly safe.

Can men get buccal fat removal surgery?

Yes, men who have large buccal fat pads and want a thinner, more angular face are good candidates for buccal fat removal surgery.

How should I prepare for my procedure?

Before the procedure, patients are instructed to quit smoking at least 4 weeks before the procedure. We also recommend avoiding blood thinning medications at least 2 weeks before. Patients must abstain from alcohol for one week prior, and follow all other instructions given by the surgical team.

How long until I see my results?

Immediately after the procedure, a change in shape and size of the cheeks will be noticeable. Some swelling is normal, and it will obscure the results initially. Most patients make a recovery after 5 to 7 days. The results are final after 4 months once the cheeks settle into a final shape.

What can I expect for my recovery?

All patients are given specialized care instructions, including how to prevent infection and change the bandages. It will be necessary to stick to a liquid diet until the incisions heal enough for a solid diet. Any swelling and bruising can take up to 14 days to heal. In some cases, it can take up to 3 weeks to fully recover. Most patients are safe to return to normal activities after 7 days.

Will I have visible scars from the surgery?

No, there will be no visible scars. The buccal fat pads are removed from the inside of the mouth. Because there are no incisions made on the face, patients will not have visible scars.

Will the procedure be painful?

The procedure will not be painful. For patients who are only receiving this procedure, local anesthesia is used to prevent pain. Most patients report feeling zero pain and only minimal discomfort during the recovery.

How do I know if buccal fat removal is right for me?

Schedule a consultation at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic to learn if this surgery is right for you. After Dr. Qazi examines your cheeks, he will make a recommendation. Patients who are good candidates for the procedure will be referred to Dr. Qazi’s team of plastic surgeons.

Some people do not qualify for the procedure because they do not have adequately sized buccal fat pads to necessitate it. If this is the case, Dr. Qazi may recommend another procedure, like liposuction, to reduce the side of the cheeks.

What are some risks associated with this procedure?

This procedure is generally very safe, and carries little risk of side effects. Some rare side effects include: infection, lockjaw, hematoma, seroma, excessive fat removal, facial asymmetry, and salivary gland damage.

Can I get other procedures done at the same time?

Yes, it is safe to get buccal fat removal at the same time as other plastic surgery procedures. Buccal fat removal can be performed at the same time as a facelift, rhinoplasty, botox injection, lip augmentation, or facial implants. When patients undergo multiple surgical procedures, we always use general anesthesia instead of local anesthesia.

Are the results permanent?

Once fat cells are removed from the body, they do not come back. This is true for the buccal fat pads as well. The results are almost entirely permanent. The only way for the results to be reversed is if patients gain weight or the shape of the face changes with age.

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