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Buccal Fat Removal

Some may find fuller cheeks adorable, but others may find it pretty unpleasant, especially if they are so big that they make your face rounder than you’d like. With Buccal Fat Removal, you can say goodbye to your chubby cheeks.

What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

The buccal fat pads are the leading contributor to the appearance of full or “chubby” cheeks. Buccal fat removal is the surgical resection of a portion of the buccal fat pad to correct full cheeks and add definition and contouring to the cheek and jawline.

Buccal fat removal is a procedure best suited to younger, healthier patients with a disproportionately fuller face. It aims to correct rounded cheeks when they are caused by genetics or a weak fat pad. You may also have recently lost weight, but despite reaching your goals in other areas, your face still holds onto excess fat. Additionally, some patients are transgender women who are undergoing facial feminization procedures. Buccal fat removal is performed by certified plastic surgeons in Las Vegas at our Nuance Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery clinic.

Who Is An Ideal Candidate?

Patients with naturally full cheeks whom are at their ideal weight but desire more definition and angularity in their facial features may be candidates for buccal fat removal. The surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia in about 1 hour. The incisions are inside of the mouth and leave no visible scarring.

In general, buccal fat removal surgery is a safe, uncomplicated procedure, as seen by the need for local anesthetic only. Most patients who seek this procedure are women, and many celebrities choose it.

How Is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?

The procedure is typically performed by first making an incision inside your mouth, near your upper teeth. This way, you don’t have a scar, and the excess fat is most easily accessible. Then, the fat is exposed and teased out of the space inside of your cheek. Three to five ccs (cubic centimeters) of fat is generally the amount removed. Finally, the inner cheek is stitched together with absorbable material that does not require removal.

Some patients combine fat removal in their cheeks with submental liposuction. This removes the “double chin” look that develops with excess fat underneath the chin, which may be disproportionate to your overall body shape too. 

To prepare for the surgery, it is best that you stop smoking to allow for faster tissue healing. You may also need to temporarily stop taking drugs that slow blood clotting, including herbs and supplements. You will also meet with your surgeon to discuss what the final results will most likely be, so you can make your final decision.

How Is The Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal?

Recovery after the surgery takes around three weeks. For the first several days, you must go on a liquid diet to avoid the need for chewing. Afterwards, you transition to eating soft foods before completely returning to your normal diet. Until your doctor advises you to stop, you must use a prescribed mouthwash to prevent infection and allow healing.

It’s important to remember that your cheeks will take a few months to settle into their new shape. There will initially be bruising and swelling, but this is a normal response that calms as you recover.

Benefits Of Buccal Fat Removal At Nuance Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery

At Nuance Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, you can be assured of receiving the highest quality care. Both our surgeons are fellowship-trained, and specialize in facial surgeries.

Buccal fat removal can help with:

  1. A “moon face” look caused by excess cheek fat.
  2. Increasing the visibility of already-prominent cheekbones.
  3. Pseudoherniation, where the buccal fat pad is weakened and bulges outward.
  4. Facial feminization for transgender women.

How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?

The cost of buccal fat removal in Las Vegas depends on many factors. Your surgeon’s level of skill and experience; the type of anesthesia and other medications you need; and whether you combine it with other procedures affects the total cost. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeannie Khavkin today and find out more about the treatment!

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