What is Buccal Fat Removal?
In buccal fat removal, the face or cheek shape is shrunken by removing fat from the cheek through the inside the mouth.
Each of us has structural areas with fat on our cheeks that vary in size. The size and location of the areas change with age.
Even though fuller faces are often seen as youthful, excessive roundness in the cheeks can sometimes feel disruptive. In these situations, a solid area of fat in the middle of the cheek can be removed. The goal is to achieve a narrower look in this area.
Who Does Buccal Fat Removal Suit?
Buccal fat removal reduces the amount of soft tissue in the middle cheek area; thus, it’s best suitable for those who have excess fullness or roundness in this area.
Sometimes the idea of an excessively full or round face is affected by other structural facial features as well. Thus, the face should be evaluated all together rather than doing one straightforward procedure instead. Usually, all the possible procedures should be done together in one operation.
Buccal fat removal rarely suits people with narrow faces to begin with; removing natural fat can cause the face looking too thin as you age.
An Appointment Before the Procedure
During an appointment with a plastic surgeon, the situation is evaluated, the procedure is planned, and the surgical technique is discussed and explained. The distinct features and wishes of each client are considered when planning the procedure.
The decision to go through with the surgery is always based on the client’s own wishes, and the result is considered individually.
We will always be honest about what can be achieved with the procedure.
More Information
Buccal Fat Removal – The Procedure
The procedure can be performed either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. A bilateral procedure takes approximately one hour. The client can return home on the same day.
Buccal fat is removed through an incision made inside the mouth, which is closed with dissolvable stitches. The scar remains inside the mouth and usually heals to become unnoticeable.
Recovering from Buccal Fat Removal
Recovery time is individual. Depending on your work, sick leave is at most a few weeks. Pain can usually be managed with ordinary pain medication.
The wounds should be allowed to heal as undisturbed as possible, and repeatedly touching the area with the tongue should be avoided. Care should be taken when brushing teeth.
During the first few days, a soft diet is recommended. During wound healing, the use of an antibacterial mouthwash is usually recommended.
Possible bruising will subside on its own during the first few weeks. Milder swelling may last for several weeks or even longer.
The result can be seen once the swelling has gone down, after several months. In some cases, the final settling of the cheek tissues may take even longer.
Possible Complications of Buccal Fat Removal
In the early stages, possible problems include bleeding, swelling, bruising, changes in sensation, changes in facial nerve function, and pain. These usually subside on their own as healing progresses.
Swelling may, however, be longer-lasting or more pronounced on one side. Asymmetry may be long-lasting or even permanent.
A rare problem is a long-lasting or even permanent change in facial nerve function, which can cause weakness of the facial muscles or changes in sensation.
Other rarer problems include damage to the salivary duct or permanent pain. Infection in the treatment area, problems with wound healing, or difficult scarring problems are always possible.
The final result may not meet all expectations, and revision surgery may also be needed for various reasons. In addition, allergic reactions to local anesthetics or anesthetic agents are possible.
We will always treat any possible problem situations professionally.
