BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL

Buccal fat is the fatty tissue located between your cheekbones and jaw bones that contribute to the shape of your face. While everyone has this fat, some people have more than others.

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgery that involves removing the excess fat in this area of the face. This procedure can help emphasize the bone structure of your face, particularly your cheekbones and the sunken areas between your cheeks and jawline. It is sometimes referred to as a cheek reduction surgery.

Buccal fat removal is considered a type of cosmetic surgery. The decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a personal one, and it is important to only consider it if you genuinely want to alter your appearance, rather than simply to please someone else. It is also crucial to weigh the potential benefits and risks of the surgery before making a decision.

Prior to undergoing buccal fat removal surgery, you will have a consultation with your surgeon. During this meeting, they will discuss with you your desired outcome from the surgery, as well as what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will conduct an examination of your face and may take photographs. Additionally, they will ask you about your overall health, including your family health history and any past surgeries you may have had. Basic health information, such as your blood pressure, will also be taken, and you will be asked to disclose any medications, herbs, or supplements you may be taking. It is crucial that you inform your provider of all medications you are taking, as they may advise you to discontinue use of certain substances prior to surgery for optimal results.

Throughout the consultation, your surgeon will be available to answer any questions you may have and explain the surgical procedure, as well as provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve your desired outcome. Additionally, they will discuss any potential risks associated with the procedure.

During a buccal fat removal procedure, which will be performed in our Outpatient Surgery Center, you will typically be able to return home on the same day. The procedure involves the following steps:

•  Your healthcare provider will administer a local anesthetic inside of the mouth to numb the skin on your face to ensure that you don't feel any pain during the procedure. If you are having multiple procedures, you may require general anesthesia, and you will need to arrange for transportation afterward.

• Your cosmetic surgeon will make a small incision on the inside of your mouth on both sides of your face to expose the buccal fat pads.

• Your surgeon will gently press on the fat pads to expose them further and then cut and remove them.

• Finally, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures, which are often dissolvable. Your provider will advise you whether you need to return for suture removal after the procedure.

After the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to care for your incisions, and they may also give you a special mouth rinse to promote healing and prevent infection. You will need to stick to a liquid diet for a day or two, and gradually reintroduce soft foods as advised by your provider. The following are some typical experiences after the procedure:

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Numbness at the incision sites

These side effects will gradually fade as your body heals, which usually takes around three weeks. It may take several months to see the final results of the procedure.

Before undergoing buccal fat removal surgery, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks associated with the procedure in addition to the potential benefits. This surgery is not for everyone. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you and decide if you are a candidate.

Some of the risks associated with buccal fat removal surgery include:

• Infection at the incision site.

• Damage to facial nerves and/or salivary ducts.

• Changes in sensation or numbness.

• Asymmetry in the face.

After undergoing buccal fat removal surgery, your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to promote healing. It is essential to follow these after-care instructions, including attending any follow-up appointments. Typically, the recovery time for this procedure is approximately three weeks, although it may take several months to see the final results.

Regarding returning to daily activities, you can typically return to normal activities as advised by your provider, which is typically within a few days to a week. This includes going back to work, school, driving, and eating.