What is the buccal fat pad?
Buccal fat pads are rounded deeper fat pad structures that sit deep within your cheeks, between the jaw and cheekbones. The size of these fat pads is largely determined by genetics, and lesser so by age and weight. Larger buccal fat pads can create the appearance of “chubby cheeks,” “baby face,” or “chipmunk cheeks.” Many patients find themselves frustrated that even with diet and exercise, their face has a rounder appearance in proportion to the rest of their neck and body.
What is a buccal fat reduction?
This procedure accesses the buccal fat pads via a minimally invasive incision in the inside of the cheek and excises buccal fat to contour the face. This procedure leaves no visible scars and transforms a patient’s face to appear slimmer and more defined. The procedure is relatively short, usually taking about 30 minutes. We perform this procedure in office with a numbing injection and/or nitrous oxide.
Who makes a good candidate for buccal fat reduction?
The best candidates for buccal fat reduction are those who:
- Have good overall health
- Are non-smokers
- Have realistic expectations
- Have a soft, rounded face
It is best to have an individualized consultation with our surgeons to discuss your goals in particular.
What Should I Expect Before and During Surgery?
A consultation is needed to evaluate your particular anatomy, goals, past history, and individualized surgical plan. Sometimes, a buccal fat reduction procedure is paired with other procedures, such as a chin implant and/or neck liposuction, for the best outcomes for the patient. On the day of surgery, your surgeon will mark you and then inject the anticipated intra-oral incision sites with an injection numbing anesthetic. During surgery, an incision is made in the inside of your cheek, along the ridge where your teeth rest. The buccal fat pad, which sits in the inside of your cheek, under your cheek bone, is gently dissected and then removed. The incision is closed with a dissolvable suture.
What Should I Expect After Surgery?
A gauze packing is placed inside each cheek for compression, and a chin strap dressing is applied to help minimize swelling. You may notice some swelling of the cheeks in the few days after surgery. Post-operatively, you will be asked to adhere to a liquid diet for 1-2 days, then advance to a soft diet until one week post-operatively, when you can resume your regular diet.
When Should I Expect to See My Results?
After swelling subsides in the first week or two, you should start enjoying your results. Long-term results are expected at six months post-operatively. These results are permanent.