Buccal Fat Removal Before & After
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Buccal Fat Removal
In Nashville
Refine Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Tired of chipmunk cheeks and a rounded face?
The buccal fat pad is located in the mid-cheek area. Sometimes, patients have too much fat in this area, giving the cheeks a rounded appearance. If you wish to make cheeks more thin and refined, then buccal fat removal in Nashville might be the right choice for you. The procedure is also known as buccal fat extraction. It helps improve visibility and definition of the jawline and cheekbone and the overall contour and curvature of the face.
Why Remove Fat from Cheeks?
Smooth facial contours are a hallmark of youth and beauty. Many patients seek cosmetic correction to increase the facial volume so they look younger. It is important to understand that simply adding overall volume does not necessarily improve appearance.
The right amount of facial fat volume helps the skin appear plump and contoured while hiding imperfections and other subtleties that become more obvious with age. However, with this area of the face, there can definitely be “too much of a good thing.” For example, the malar fat pads on the upper cheeks (near the cheekbone) provide a model-worthy look that many patients desire. Just below the cheekbone rests the buccal fat pat.
When this area has excess volume, either from filler or natural fat, the face loses its vivacious curves and appears blunted and circular. One of the more common trends in cosmetics is cheek contouring, where the entire goal of make-up placement is to mimic buccal fat removal by drawing attention away from the mid-face and toward the cheekbone above and the jawline below.
Slimmer cheeks through buccal fat removal and possibly highly targeted micro-liposuction, provide this effect permanently. By removing extra buccal fat during a short in-office procedure, Dr. Bryant helps create beautiful, attractive facial contours that look more structured, balanced, and refined.
What are the benefits of buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal provides many benefits for individuals who want to achieve a more sculpted, elegant appearance.
Benefits include the following:
- No visible scars
- Procedure time is short
- Doesn’t require general anesthesia
- Defines the cheekbones
- Results in a more sophisticated, refined appearance
- Smooths lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth
- Buccal fat is ideal for transfer to other areas of the body where volume is needed
Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat reduction is best for young adults and people that store a lot of fat in the buccal fat pad. Located at the mid cheeks, you may notice excessive fullness or a face that’s too round.
While there is nothing wrong with having full cheeks, it is possible to improve your appearance if large or wide cheeks are bothering you. Buccal fat reduction is often a wonderful accent procedure and is commonly done with other facial refinements such as filler injections, jawline slimming with masseter Botox injections, liposuction, FaceTite, EmbraceRF, or AccuTite.
Buccal fat pad removal is not appropriate for all patients. The ideal candidates are in good physical and mental health. It is best to wait until the facial features stop developing, therefore treating very young patients is not advised.
What to Expect from Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is typically performed as a short, in-office procedure under local anesthesia. Additional options, such as topical anesthesia or oral sedation are available if appropriate. This surgery can also be performed with light sedation at any of six nearby surgical locations throughout the Nashville area if desired.
Pre-Procedure Appointment
Before your procedure, you’ll meet with Dr. Bryant and his surgical care coordinator. Your personal treatment plan will be reviewed and you’ll be provided with all preoperative and postoperative instructions — as well as medication if applicable.
Post-Procedure Appointment
The recovery for different procedures may vary. Buccal fat removal is a minor surgery so there is little downtime and can be a “lunchtime” treatment if done in the office under local anesthesia. Dissolvable stitches may be placed. Bandages are generally not necessary. Patients can return home the same day as the surgery.
Dr. Bryant provides each patient with aftercare instructions in order to keep the wound site clean. With this incision placed inside the cheek, the wounds tend to heal quickly in healthy patients. After the procedure is finished, you may have 1-2 absorbable sutures inside your mouth. Bruising or other complications are uncommon. Please be sure to come in for scheduled follow-up appointments. This way, Dr. Bryant can monitor your healing.
Can I combine buccal fat removal with other procedures?
General anesthesia is advised if the buccal area is being treated in addition to other areas of the face. It’s coming for patients to have buccal fat removed along with other procedures such as rhinoplasty, nonpermanent lip fillers, and more. Since these are minor surgeries, it is safe to have more than one procedure at a time.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Refine Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics
Buccal fat removal aftercare is relatively simple. A special mouthwash is used to keep the wound site clean, preventing infection. Pain medicine may be prescribed for you to use after your procedure if needed, but is often unnecessary.
The patient does not have any specific dietary restrictions after the procedure, but they may find that excessive chewing and spicy foods are not enjoyable. Homemade smoothies, fresh vegetable juices, and pureed foods are ideal choices. Soft foods may be introduced into the diet with your physician’s approval during the healing period. Dr. Bryant will be happy to answer any questions you might have. It is his policy to provide each patient with our office cell phone number so that they can reach him or his physician assistant easily in the event of a medical emergency related to treatment. Thankfully, buccal fat removal in Nashville is a minor procedure, with a very low risk of infection or complication.