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"Buccal fat removal has been the best decision of my life! The transformation has given me newfound confidence and a more defined facial structure. I couldn't be happier with the results!"
Hi everyone!
I am Dr. Janna Joethy, the chief surgeon at Nassim Plastic Surgery, Buccal Fat Removal is a procedure that removes the fat between the cheekbones and jaw bones. Buccal fat is present in everyone and makes up the shape of an individual’s face, however, some may have more buccal fat than others.
This is the story of Lena, a firecracker of a mom with two little ones who keep her on her toes.
Lena came to me initially quite apprehensive. Buccal fat removal was a procedure she'd considered for a while, but the thought of surgery left her nervous. During our consultation, we walked through the process step-by-step, focusing on the subtle but impactful results it could achieve. We discussed her concerns openly, and by the end, Lena felt confident and empowered to decide.
‘‘For years, I looked in the mirror and saw "tired mom" staring back. My cheeks, once youthful, seemed to swallow my cheekbones. My two little ones are my world, but between sleepless nights and endless soccer practices, I'd lost myself a bit. Then, I saw a before-and-after picture of buccal fat removal. It wasn't a dramatic change, but the woman looked like a brighter version of herself. A spark I hadn't seen in years flickered back to life.
The surgery itself was daunting, but the results? Life-changing. The swelling subsided, and a new face emerged – one that held the joy of motherhood but also reflected the woman I still was. It wasn't about vanity but about reclaiming a piece of myself. Now, when my kids hug me, they see a mom who feels confident and beautiful, ready to chase them around the park with a smile on my face – a genuine, rested smile. It may seem like a small thing, but this little tweak made a world of difference for this mama bear.’’
It was a joy to see Lena blossom after her recovery.
Her eyes sparkled with newfound confidence, and the subtle change in her facial structure beautifully complemented her youthful energy. As a facial plastic surgeon, there's immense satisfaction in helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals, and Lena's journey is a testament to the transformative power of this procedure.
The procedure itself is minimally invasive.
We access the buccal fat pads through small incisions inside the mouth, minimizing any external scarring. The amount of fat removed is carefully considered to achieve a natural-looking definition without compromising the youthful fullness that can provide facial support as we age. It was a joy to see Lena blossom after her recovery.
Now let’s understand buccal fat removal in a bit more detail to help you understand if you want to go for it.
Buccal fat is the fat that is present between the cheekbones and the jaw bones that make the shape of an individual’s face and makes their face look fuller. Everyone has buccal fat but some people have more than the other. Over time, as collagen production drops significantly due to ageing and other factors, the skin also starts to sag in the cheeks.
Buccal Fat removal is a surgical procedure that removes the buccal fat and can create a more slender V-shaped contour in the lower face while highlighting the cheekbones for a more attractive and youthful face shape.
Buccal fat removal helps to improve confidence and self-esteem for those who are unhappy with their current face shape and have more buccal fat pads in their cheek and jaw areas.
Also read: The Ultimate Guide on How To Lose Face Fat | Face Lifting in Singapore
Buccal fat removal is beneficial for people who want to improve their facial appearance and get a more defined face. Below are the main benefits of having buccal fat removal:
People have more buccal fat around the cheek and jaw area that they don’t like and want to reduce the buccal fat.
You may consider having this procedure if you:
You should not consider the buccal fat removal surgery if your face is narrow or if you’re over a certain age, as buccal fat naturally diminishes with age.
Also read: Long-Term Effects of Breast Augmentation: What to Expect
Here’s a detailed overview of what to expect during and after buccal fat removal:
Before undergoing buccal fat removal surgery, we will sit and discuss a few things as I explain the procedure to you. During this consultation, I will:
Anesthesia: We will start the procedure by giving local anesthesia to you so that you don’t feel pain during removal surgery. The dosage of the anesthetic varies from patient to patient and the level of removal surgery. It is done as an outpatient procedure.
Incision and Fat Removal: After the anesthesia, small incisions are made on the inside of the mouth, then we gently press the buccal fat pads for a more exposed look and then make the cut and remove them carefully and properly.
Once the desired amount of fat has been removed to achieve the desired facial contour, the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and dissolvable sutures. Post-operative care instructions will be provided, including:
The buccal fat removal downtime can vary from person to person based on several factors, including individual healing capabilities, the extent of the procedure, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.
Generally, the downtime can range from several days to a couple of weeks.
Factors that may influence longer downtime include:
1. Extent of Fat Removal: Removing larger amounts of buccal fat pads may result in more significant swelling and require a longer recovery period.
2. Individual Healing: Each person's body responds differently to surgery, with some individuals experiencing quicker resolution of swelling and bruising than others.
3. Complications: While rare, complications such as infection or excessive swelling can extend the recovery period.
4. Pre-existing Conditions: Patients with underlying health conditions or habits like smoking that impair circulation and healing may experience longer downtime.
In general, patients should expect some swelling and bruising immediately after surgery, with gradual improvement over the following days and weeks. Following the proper guidelines and the medications provided by us during consultation would help you to reduce the swelling easily and bruising and you can return to daily tasks before you even know it.
While buccal fat removal surgery is a popular choice of many celebrities and people are influenced by the surgery before the surgery and explore all the options available, there are both surgical and non-surgical alternatives that can achieve similar results. Here are some of the alternatives both surgical and nonsurgical:
A facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a comprehensive procedure that addresses multiple areas of the face. This surgery can tighten sagging skin, remove excess fat, and smooth out deep folds. For individuals looking to enhance their cheekbones and jawline, a facelift can provide dramatic results. However, it is a more invasive option compared to buccal fat removal surgery and comes with a longer downtime and higher cost.
Cheek implants are a surgical option designed to enhance the structure of the cheeks. The implants are made of synthetic materials, such as silicone, and are inserted through incisions made inside the mouth or under the eyes. This procedure adds volume to the cheek area, creating a more defined and contoured look. While effective, cheek implants require a longer recovery period and carry risks similar to other surgical procedures, including infection and displacement of the implants.
Dermal fillers are a non-surgical alternative that can help contour the face and enhance the cheekbones. These injectable treatments use hyaluronic acid or other substances to add volume to specific areas of the face. Dermal fillers provide immediate results with minimal downtime and fewer side effects compared to buccal fat removal surgery. However, the results are temporary and typically last between six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used.
Kybella is an injectable treatment that targets and dissolves fat cells. While primarily used to reduce submental fat (double chin), it can also be applied to other areas of the face to reduce fat deposits. Kybella provides a non-surgical option for contouring the cheeks and jawline. The treatment involves a series of injections, and the results become noticeable after several sessions. Side effects can include swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness, but the downtime is relatively short compared to surgical procedures.
Should I go for Buccal Fat removal or opt for an alternative?
While choosing the right option make sure to consider the following options such as recovery time, side effects, cost, and the permanence of the results. Surgical options like facelift surgery and cheek implants offer long-lasting results but come with higher risks and longer buccal fat removal downtimes. Non-surgical options like dermal fillers and Kybella provide a less invasive approach with minimal buccal fat removal downtime, but the results are temporary and may require ongoing treatments.
The effects of buccal fat removal surgery are permanent however mentally and physically your body needs time to heal from the treatment and the proper prescription and diet should be followed by you given by our specialized doctor which will help you to recover faster.
Follow the proper course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication will also be given to prevent infection.
After some time of the surgery, the facial contours become more defined which will make you feel more confident and feel free to address yourself as they are.
Buccal fat removal has been a transformative procedure for many of our patients, offering a slimmer, more defined facial appearance. At Nassim Plastic Surgery, we are committed to providing top-tier care and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. If you’re considering buccal fat removal surgery, schedule a consultation to explore how we can help you look and feel your best.
For more detailed information and visual results, visit our website and contact us today for consultation. Let us help you achieve the facial definition you desire with our expert buccal fat removal surgery.
Buccal fat generally does not "go away" with age; however, it may diminish slightly as part of the natural aging process, usually noticeable in the late 20s to early 30s. For those seeking more significant and immediate changes, buccal fat removal surgery is a viable option.
Once buccal fat is removed surgically, it does not grow back. However, significant weight gain can cause overall facial fat to increase, which might affect the appearance of the face. The specific buccal fat pads themselves do not regenerate.
Buccal fat removal is typically a one-time procedure, as the fat pads do not regenerate once they are removed. Therefore, doing buccal fat removal twice is generally not recommended. If there are any concerns about the results, it's best to discuss them with your plastic surgeon.
Buccal fat removal is generally safe, especially when performed by experienced surgeons like those at Nassim, who take all necessary precautions. They ensure the procedure is conducted by top professionals, minimizing risks and enhancing patient safety.
Buccal fat removal surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and manageable with prescribed pain medication and proper aftercare.
Buccal fat removal is not reversible, as the fat pads are permanently removed during the procedure. Replacing the fat is not typically possible, so it's important to be certain about the decision before undergoing surgery.
Buccal fat removal typically does not affect dimples, as dimples are formed by facial muscles rather than buccal fat pads. Your dimples should remain intact after the procedure.
Yes, buccal fat removal can look natural when performed by skilled surgeons. The procedure subtly enhances facial contours, creating a more defined yet natural appearance.
Buccal fat typically does not grow back after removal since the fat pads are permanently reduced. However, significant weight gain can cause an increase in overall facial fat, potentially affecting the results.
Yes, you can brush your teeth after buccal fat removal, but be gentle and avoid the surgical area to prevent irritation. Follow your surgeon's specific post-operative care instructions for the best results.
