Buccal Fat Removal Can Highlight Facial Bone Structure
The fatty tissue located between your cheekbones and jaw bone is called buccal fat – derived from the medical term buccal, which means “of or related to the cheek.” Everyone has these fat pads, which help to define the shape of your face. Some people, however, have more buccal fat than others and may be unhappy with the roundness of their face and cheeks. For these individuals, a plastic surgery procedure to remove some of this fat may be an option.
Make an Appointment
To schedule a consultation with a UH facial plastic surgeon, call 440-446-8600.
Find a DoctorIdeal Candidates for Cheek Reduction Surgery
Buccal fat removal (also known as cheek reduction surgery), may be appropriate for adults who are in good health, maintain a stable body weight and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. It is not typically recommended for adults over 65 because buccal fat naturally diminishes with age.
Although cheek reduction surgery is generally a very safe procedure, no surgery is completely without risk. Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal will understand and accept the possible risks, which may include:
- Infection at the incision site
- Facial nerve injury and/or facial numbness
- Asymmetrical facial balance
- Damage to the salivary glands
Patient Examination and History
Before your procedure is scheduled, you will meet with the surgeon for a pre-surgery assessment. In addition to taking a personal and family medical history, your doctor will ask about the medications you take - some may need to be stopped prior to and for a certain length of time after the procedure.
During this visit, your doctor will also take photographs of your face, discuss risks and expectations and answer any questions you might have about the surgery.
Performing Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
Buccal fat removal is an outpatient procedure that is usually done in a surgery center or the plastic surgeon’s office. Patients remain awake but are given a local anesthetic and will not feel any pain during the procedure.
A small incision is made on the inside of the mouth on both sides to expose the buccal fat pads. The surgeon then removes all or some of the fat and closes the incision with dissolvable stitches. You will be sent home the same day with instructions about how to care for your incisions and may be given a special mouth rinse to use during the healing process. Patients are typically restricted to a liquid diet for a few days and then gradually transition to a soft, then a regular diet as advised by the doctor.
When Will I See the Final Results?
In the first days and weeks after surgery, there will be visible swelling and bruising of the face along with numbness at the incision sites. Although healing will usually be complete after 3-4 weeks, it may take several months to see the final results.
Patients can usually return to their normal activities, including work and school, in 7 – 10 days.
Make an Appointment
Schedule a consultation with a UH facial plastic surgeon.