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Charles A. Messa, III, MD, FACS

What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

Posted December 01, 2022 in Buccal Fat Pad Removal

2 Minute Read: 

A the cheek contour or ogee curve in a beautiful woman.Some individuals with full cheeks or rounded faces feel they lack the desired contour known in the cosmetic field as a well-defined ogee curve. 

This S-shaped outline extends from the edge of the brow, along the cheek, and down to the side of the mouth

The shape of your face and the prominence of this curve largely depends on the size of the buccal fat pads between your cheek and jaw.

Also known as a cheek reduction, buccal fat removal is designed to sculpt the face and better define the ogee curve

Who Can Benefit the Most from Buccal Fat Removal?

If you’ve never heard of buccal fat removal until now, you might be surprised to learn what this cosmetic procedure can accomplish.

This contouring technique is performed to accomplish the following:

  • Narrow the lower portion of the face 
  • Enhance the cheekbones
  • Create a defined, attractive, and youthful contour

Individuals unhappy with their chubby cheeks or less-defined facial features are the best candidates for cheek reduction surgery or buccal fat removal.

As with any surgery, you should be a healthy non-smoker with realistic expectations and the ability to comply with all pre and post-surgical instructions. 

Is Buccal Fat Removal a Simple Procedure?

Cheek reduction is less invasive than other facial surgeries, and after a local anesthetic is administered, it involves the following three steps:

1. Making the Incisions

The surgeon exposes the buccal pads by making hidden incisions inside the mouth just behind the cheek.

2. Removing the Buccal Fat Pads 

The surgeon removes or reduces the buccal fat pads and recontours the cheeks. 

3. Closing the Incisions

The surgeon closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures.

This straightforward procedure requires no general anesthesia or lengthy recovery period and causes no visible scars.

How to Achieve the Best Results From Buccal Fat Removal

While this is not a complicated surgery, you will increase your chances at achieving the best results by choosing a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon who performs this procedure regularly. 

Handsome man with high cheekbones.Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, avoid aspirin and NSAIDs, and don’t smoke. 

Use the mouth rinse recommended by your surgeon to assist in healing and prevent an oral infection. 

Stick to a liquid diet between 24 and 48 hours following surgery to avoid disrupting the initial healing process. 

Then, gradually add soft food. Do not begin eating a typical solid diet until your surgeon clears you.

Buccal Fat Removal: Recovery and Final Outcome

You can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and numbness in the cheeks; however, you should be completely healed within three weeks.

You will see visible results by then, but residual swelling and tissue settling may obscure your final outcome for a few months. 

Do You Want to Learn More About Buccal Fat Removal?

If you are interested in buccal fat removal near Weston, Florida, please call Dr. Messa’s office at 954-659-7760 or 877-250-8117. We can schedule your consultation to provide further buccal fat removal details and cost information. 

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Weston Cosmetic Surgery Center
2823 Executive Park Dr, Weston, FL 33331