Cheek filler is popular for achieving model-esque facial contours, but isn’t ideal for those with naturally rounded cheeks since filler adds more volume. In contrast, buccal fat pad removal takes away fullness below the cheekbones to create a more sculpted facial appearance. To help you decide if cheek fat pad reduction surgery is right for you, read on to see board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bob Basu’s expert answers to your questions.
Is buccal fat surgery worth it?
Yes, buccal fat pad removal surgery (also called buccal lipectomy) is worth it if you are a good candidate. Those who get good results from this procedure usually identify with the following:
- You have excess roundness in the lower cheeks caused by genetics.
- Your parents or older relatives have mid-face roundness, like yours, that has persisted as they have aged.
- Perhaps you have lost weight, but fat did not diminish in your mid face.
Patients who have often considered themselves to have “chubby” or “chipmunk” cheeks are usually good candidates for this procedure. If, on the other hand, you have a naturally thin or leaner face, buccal fat removal may lead to an overly gaunt appearance as you get older.
Because your pre-surgical evaluation is so important, the most critical choice you make as you consider buccal fat removal is your plastic surgeon; they will be able to evaluate the soft tissue structures of your face and let you know whether or not this procedure is likely to give you a result you’ll be happy with for years to come.
What are the benefits of buccal fat reduction?
Buccal fat removal creates a slimmer face and a more concave angle in the cheeks that gives your cheeks and jawline more definition. (It is sometimes called “cheek reduction” surgery.) Your surgeon may also be able to improve your facial symmetry using this procedure. Compared with other surgical procedures, buccal fat removal also has the benefit of being offered under local or IV sedation; this means you will not experience the side effects of general anesthesia and thus have a quicker recovery.
How much buccal fat can be removed?
The amount of buccal fat that is removed in this procedure varies from person to person, simply because we only remove the fat that easily detaches. For patients who are good candidates, this is usually a round fat pad about the size of a walnut.
How long does it take to see results from buccal fat removal?
While recovery from buccal fat removal surgery is very quick, results are not immediately visible due to post-surgical swelling. They will become more noticeable after a few weeks; final results take 1-2 months to develop.
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Can you remove buccal fat without surgery?
To date, there is no non-surgical procedure or treatment for buccal fat reduction. Non-surgical alternatives that tighten skin, i.e. Forma, or add dermal filler to complementary areas, i.e. the cheeks or jawline, may provide some benefit by adding contour to the face.
Does buccal fat pad removal remove dimples?
Buccal fat pad removal may slightly alter the appearance of your dimples, but should not remove them entirely. Dimples form because of muscle movements within your face, not due to fat, so the volume of your buccal fat does not have a direct effect on dimples.
Does buccal fat come back?
Buccal fat will not return after the fat cells are surgically removed. If some buccal fat cells are left behind, which is possible, then those fat cells may grow with weight gain. Still, you will have slimmer cheek contours than you would have without the procedure.
Does buccal fat go away with age?
The volume of buccal fat does tend to decrease as you age. This is largely based on genetics, so we encourage patients to compare their face shape with that of close relatives to get a sense of how their buccal fat stores may age.
Visit Dr. Bob Basu for buccal fat removal in Houston
With extensive experience offering a range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in Houston, Dr. Bob Basu has the expertise and understanding to give you the look you want. To learn whether you may be a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal, contact our practice to schedule a consultation by calling 713.799.2278 or contacting us online.
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