BUCCAL FAT PAD REMOVAL

Buccal fat pad removal surgery removes fat from your lower cheeks, to contour the mid to lower portion of your face and gives your cheekbones more definition. This procedure is also known as buccal lipectomy, cheek reduction surgery, or face thinning surgery. Buccal fat pad removal is a minimally invasive surgery and can be completed in under an hour in the Capizzi MD Operating Room. The name of the Buccal fat pad itself comes from the Latin word “Bucca” which means “puffed cheek.” For patients who feel their face is very rounded or feel that they have a “baby face” look, Buccal fat pad removal can create a more mature, sculpted facial contour with little-to-no downtime.

Benefits

The Buccal fat pad sits between your facial muscles, in the hollows of your cheeks just below your cheekbones. The size of these pads varies person-to-person, regardless of weight, and is often a genetic feature. If you feel that your face is overly rounded, it may run in your family! Buccal fat removal can significantly enhance your natural facial features and appearance by giving you more defined cheekbones and jawline. The incisions are made inside your mouth, this procedure leaves no visible scarring. This relatively quick surgery, about 45 minutes total, produces permanent results even if you gain weight.

Candidates

You might be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if you…

• are in good physical health
• are at a healthy weight
• have a round, fuller face
• dislike the fullness of your cheeks
• are seeking facial feminization surgery

The Consultation

When you come to our office for your consultation, you’ll meet with your surgeon and discuss your expectations and goals. It can be helpful to bring along aspirational photos to showcase what you wish to achieve with surgery. You’ll also discuss your health history, any current medical conditions and medications, drug allergies, and past surgeries. This information allows your surgeon to decide the best surgical approach for you. You will leave your consultation with a personalized treatment plan, as well as information regarding any possible risks associated with your procedure and recovery outlook.

The Procedure

Buccal fat pad removal is a quick and simple procedure. Your surgeon will make a small incision on the inside of your mouth near your cheek. Through this incision, the fat pad is identified and removed. Your incision will be closed with dissolvable sutures and just like that, you’re on the road to recovery! This procedure can be performed alongside chin liposuction or a facelift very easily.

Recovery

After your surgery, you will be given a special mouthwash to prevent infection. You should expect mild to moderate swelling for a couple of days. The swelling is similar to that of having your wisdom teeth removed, with some patients describing that they had “chipmunk cheeks” during this stage of recovery. This swelling is not painful and will subside after 2-3 days. You will be prescribed medication for pain; however, most patients find they’re able to switch to an over-the-counter pain reliever soon after the procedure. Because the sutures are inside your mouth, your surgeon will also recommend that you only have soft foods for the first week after your procedure.

If you’ve been considering Buccal fat pad removal, reach out to our practice to schedule your consultation! You can fill out the online consultation form below, or call our office at 704-655-8988 for more information.

Benefits

The Buccal fat pad sits between your facial muscles, in the hollows of your cheeks just below your cheekbones. The size of these pads varies person-to-person, regardless of weight, and is often a genetic feature. If you feel that your face is overly rounded, it may run in your family! Buccal fat removal can significantly enhance your natural facial features and appearance by giving you more defined cheekbones and jawline. The incisions are made inside your mouth, this procedure leaves no visible scarring. This relatively quick surgery, about 45 minutes total, produces permanent results even if you gain weight.

The Consultation

When you come to our office for your consultation, you’ll meet with your surgeon and discuss your expectations and goals. It can be helpful to bring along aspirational photos to showcase what you wish to achieve with surgery. You’ll also discuss your health history, any current medical conditions and medications, drug allergies, and past surgeries. This information allows your surgeon to decide the best surgical approach for you. You will leave your consultation with a personalized treatment plan, as well as information regarding any possible risks associated with your procedure and recovery outlook.

The Procedure

Buccal fat pad removal is a quick and simple procedure. Your surgeon will make a small incision on the inside of your mouth near your cheek. Through this incision, the fat pad is identified and removed. Your incision will be closed with dissolvable sutures and just like that, you’re on the road to recovery! This procedure can be performed alongside chin liposuction or a facelift very easily.

Recovery

After your surgery, you will be given a special mouthwash to prevent infection. You should expect mild to moderate swelling for a couple of days. The swelling is similar to that of having your wisdom teeth removed, with some patients describing that they had “chipmunk cheeks” during this stage of recovery. This swelling is not painful and will subside after 2-3 days. You will be prescribed medication for pain; however, most patients find they’re able to switch to an over-the-counter pain reliever soon after the procedure. Because the sutures are inside your mouth, your surgeon will also recommend that you only have soft foods for the first week after your procedure.

If you’ve been considering Buccal fat pad removal, reach out to our practice to schedule your consultation! You can fill out the online consultation form below, or call our office at 704-655-8988 for more information.