Although having a cheek and face is one of the features of having a beautiful pink, it is not always! Because with age, this obesity caused by fats in the cheeks of the people causes an unpleasant appearance on people’s faces. Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves removing excess fat from the lower part of the cheeks to create a more sculpted, defined appearance on the face. It is also known as a buccal lipectomy or cheek reduction surgery.
In some people, filling the cheeks and the face helps to create a young and round face, but in some others, the amount of fat is so high that despite the proper body, the face looks very full, and the person does not have satisfaction. They prefer to have a stretched and shaved face.
The procedure can help highlight the bone structure in the face, particularly the cheekbones and the hollowed-out areas between the cheeks and jawline. While the procedure has become popular in recent years, it is important to note that it is not a good option for everyone. Removing too much fat can make the face appear gaunt or older. Candidates for buccal fat removal should have excess fat in the cheeks and realistic expectations for the procedure.
Overall, buccal fat removal can provide a more sculpted appearance on the face, but it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of the procedure before deciding to undergo it.
What is buccal fat removal? How is it done?
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the buccal fat pads, located in the lower cheek area of the face. This procedure can give the face a more sculpted and defined appearance, especially around the cheekbones and the hollowed-out areas between your cheeks and jawline. The procedure is also known as cheek reduction, buccal lipectomy, or face thinning surgery.
During the procedure, a small incision is made inside the mouth, and the buccal fat pads are surgically removed. A plastic surgeon will make small incisions inside the mouth to remove the fat pads.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon will apply a local anesthetic, similar to the kind used at the dentist’s office, to the area before making a small incision from the inside of the mouth. After the fat pads are removed, dissolvable sutures are used to close the incision site. The entire procedure usually takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
The procedure can result in a slimmer-looking face, and it is a popular treatment among younger women. The surgery can be performed alone or with other forms of plastic surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can create a more mature and sculpted facial contour in adults who have a rounded, baby face look.
However, like any surgical procedure, it does come with risks, and patients should thoroughly discuss the procedure’s benefits and risks with their doctor before making a decision. Buccal fat pads are a natural part of the face’s anatomy, providing padding to blood vessels, nerves, and the parotid duct. The size of these pads is mostly due to genetics.
It is important to note that while buccal fat removal can make the face appear slimmer and highlight the bone structure, it is not a good option for everyone. Removing too much fat can make the face look gaunt or even make a person look older. The amount of fat to be removed is determined by the surgeon based on the patient’s facial structure and desired outcome.
Want to Lose Weight? Weight loss without surgery is possible through various methods, including lifestyle changes, diet modification, and non-surgical procedures.
8 Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
Here are some of the benefits of buccal fat removal:
- Slims the face and creates a more defined facial contour.
- Improves cheekbones and makes them more prominent.
- Provides a toned-face appearance with no visible scarring.
- Enhances the definition of cheeks and jawline with balanced facial harmony.
- Targets diet and exercise-resistant face fat.
- Gives a slimmer, more angular appearance by removing unwanted fat located below the cheekbones.
- Provides a more chiseled appearance and is quick, easy, and has an extremely limited amount of downtime.
- increasing self-confidence.
It’s important to note that buccal fat removal should be used sparingly, as excessive fat removal could create premature aging and face distortion in the long run. Additionally, it’s recommended to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure before making a decision.
Risks and complications
Buccal fat removal is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any surgery, it does come with risks and potential complications. Common risks associated with buccal fat removal include infection at the incision site, asymmetry, numbness or sensation changes, and injury to facial nerves and/or salivary duct injury.
Other possible risks include anesthesia risks, bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, fluid accumulation (seroma), hematoma, injury to a salivary duct, and injury to branches of the facial nerve, resulting in temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness.
Additionally, there is a risk that the surrounding nerves can be permanently damaged, resulting in pain or numbness.
Complications are relatively rare, but they can include accidentally injuring the spit gland or facial nerves. The larger problem with buccal fat removal is that it could create a gaunt look as a person ages.
In the rare case of facial nerve damage, the result could be facial asymmetry, trismus (lockjaw), or an abnormal degree of bleeding. However, a study found the chance of these complications to be low, without any severe damage.
It is important to note that recovery time for buccal fat removal surgery is relatively short, with about 2-3 days of downtime. Common minor complications include swelling, pain, and bruising. It is essential to discuss the risks and potential complications with a board-certified plastic surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
Additionally, it is advisable to ask the surgeon about their experience with the procedure and for before-and-after photos of previous patients to manage your expectations of the results and determine what is reasonable for you.
Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce fullness in the cheeks by removing excess fat. After the procedure, it is important to follow your provider’s after-care instructions to promote healing and ensure a smooth recovery.
Patients may experience swelling and bruising after the surgery, which typically subsides within a few weeks. For the first three days after surgery, patients are advised to decrease swelling by using a pillow or two to prop themselves up while sleeping, although sleeping sitting up is not necessary. Patients should also avoid sharp, granular foods and instead stick to a soft-food diet, as well as follow a regular icing regimen to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Patients may be instructed to stay on a liquid diet for several days or longer and may be prescribed special mouth rinses to reduce the risk of infection. While patients may want to rest immediately after the procedure, many feel good enough to return to work the next day.
In general, full recovery usually takes about three weeks, but this may vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. If you are considering buccal fat removal, it is important to consult with a qualified provider to discuss the procedure, its risks and benefits, and what to expect during the recovery period.
Am I a Good Candidate for Buccal fat extraction?
If your cheeks are obese and you want to make them thinner and make your face more conical, removing buccal fat or shrinking cheeks can be a good option for you. In general, this surgery can be effective and useful for these people:
- People who are unhappy with their obese face
- Slimming people who tend to model and improve their face angles.
- People in the age range of 20 and 60 years
- People who have good public health.
- People who have relative fitness.
- People who have a wide face and want to have an angled face.
- People who have obese or carnivorous species.
- People who are in good health and have a fixed weight.
- People who don’t smoke
Concluding Remarks
In summary, buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at removing excess fat from the cheeks for a more sculpted facial appearance. It is generally considered safe, but it is important to be a good candidate and understand the potential risks and complications. Recovery time is relatively short, and the exact results will vary depending on the individual.
While the recovery period can vary, patients are typically advised to rest for a few days and avoid strenuous activities. Following the after-care instructions provided by the surgeon is crucial for optimal healing and results. As with any surgical procedure, it’s essential to consult with a qualified and experienced surgeon to ensure a safe and successful outcome.
