What is buccal fat removal?

Excess buccal fat that persists after adulthood has begun is usually caused by genetics. In some cases, it can be caused by obesity, and diet and exercise will reduce the concern. If the buccal fat is hereditary, diet and exercise will not be effective. A buccal fat removal surgery is done to reduce, thin and sculpt the cheeks. For patients who can’t reduce a childlike or puffy facial roundness, this procedure effectively resolves the concern by removing the fat stored in the cheeks, thus enhancing the cheekbones and contouring the jawline and face.

What are the benefits of buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal is a popular procedure because it has many benefits for those who want to refine their facial structure and achieve more of a v-shaped appearance. Benefits include the following:

  • A more sophisticated, adult look
  • Enhanced, refined facial structure
  • Defined, more sculpted cheekbones
  • Smoother lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth
  • A younger, more renewed appearance
  • No visible scars
  • Short procedure time
  • Low-risk surgery
  • Only local anesthesia required

Buccal Fat Removal Before & After

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Your Consultation with Dr. Brace

Dr. Brace takes the time to ensure you have a detailed, thorough consultation to discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals. He will examine your face and skin and answer any questions you might have about the surgical procedure. He will explain the surgery in detail and will also have photos taken as a part of planning your surgery.

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What should I expect during a buccal fat removal procedure?

To start the surgery, you will have local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure. General anesthesia is not required. Once the local anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Brace will make a precise incision inside your cheek. Dr. Brace will apply pressure on the outside of your cheek to further expose the buccal fat pad within. He will carefully remove the fat to achieve sculpted, defined cheeks and an attractive facial structure. He will close the wound with dissolvable sutures. You can drive yourself to and from this simple, low-risk surgical procedure that will take less than an hour and cause minimal trauma.

Recovery after buccal fat reduction

There will be some swelling and bruising during the first few days. During this time, you will need to follow a liquid diet. After three days, you can start eating soft foods. As you continue to heal, you can start slowly progressing back to the foods you eat on your usual diet.

Most patients feel well enough, and the swelling has usually reduced significantly enough for them to return to sedentary work or their usual daily routine. After about three weeks, you can expect a full recovery. Your cheeks will fully settle into their slimmer and more contoured shape over the next several weeks.

Am I a good candidate for a buccal fat reduction?

People who always wanted to have a slimmer, more sculpted facial shape and whose cheeks didn’t naturally slim down once they reached adulthood are usually candidates for buccal fat reduction surgery. Ideal candidates for buccal fat reduction should meet the following requirements:

  • Are in good health
  • Do not smoke
  • The face has fully developed and matured
  • Are close to their ideal weight and feel they can maintain it
  • Have realistic expectations about what the buccal fat removal procedure can achieve
  • Have plump or chubby cheeks that remain after weight loss or entering adulthood
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Why choose Guelph Facial Plastics for buccal fat removal?

Dr. Matthew D. Brace is a top cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgeon whose expertise in facial reconstruction and cosmetic surgery of the face and neck is why he is a sought-after authority in the field. Dr. Brace is passionate about achieving natural-looking, nuanced, and beautiful results for his patients. Dr. Brace and his team invite patients to experience a safe, welcoming, and compassionate atmosphere where patients’ needs and goals are met, and they feel comfortable. His practice is a state-of-the-art center that ensures patients experience the very best that modern aesthetic medicine and technology can provide. Please call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brace and learn more about what buccal fat removal surgery can achieve.

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