Buccal fat pads are pockets of fat found in the cheeks. Some patients have larger buccal fat pads than others, which may cause their cheeks to look plump or overweight, and lead to dissatisfaction with their appearance. This article covers the primary process of undergoing buccal fat removal Miami. From surgery and recovery to risks, cost, and frequently asked questions, we want to help you understand what to expect during buccal fat removal Miami so that you can make an informed decision.
At Avana Plastic Surgery, our talented surgeons perform buccal fat removal Miami to help our patients contour and slim the lower face beautifully. You can contact our offices to request a complimentary consultation. We would be happy to personally assist you with all your cosmetic needs, whether that involves a surgical or non-surgical treatment option.
What is a buccal fat removal or bichectomy?
Buccal fat removal is a plastic surgery that targets the Buccal Fat Pad, an area that goes deep in the cheeks located on each side of the face. When buccal fat is removed from the pad, the face looks leaner and more contoured. This procedure can achieve a V-shape and a more defined lower face.Buccal fat removal is a plastic surgery that targets the Buccal Fat Pad, an area that goes deep in the cheeks located on each side of the face. When buccal fat is removed from the pad, the face looks leaner and more contoured. This procedure can achieve a V-shape and a more defined lower face.
Who is a good candidate for cheek reduction?
Patients worried about the appearance of their lower face due to excess fat in the area may be good candidates for the buccal fat removal procedure. Likewise, patients who have tried to slim their face through dieting and exercising with no results can benefit from buccal fat pad reduction. Sometimes even slim patients have chubby cheeks or a convex cheek appearance they are not happy with.
If you have prominent cheekbones and wish to rejuvenate the overall appearance of your face, it’s vital that you have realistic expectations for the outcome of cheek reduction surgery. At the time of your consultation at Avana Plastic Surgery, your surgeon will meet personally with you to determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.
How is buccal fat removal surgery done?
Buccal fat removal surgery is performed with local or general anesthesia based on the patient or doctor’s preference. This procedure takes approximately one hour to complete. During cheek reduction surgery, the surgeon will create a small incision inside the mouth between the gums and the cheek so that scarring is less noticeable. The fatty deposits are then gently extracted through the incision. This fat can quickly detach from the rest of the facial features inside the cheeks.
However, fat pads in the cheeks can’t be removed through liposuction because they are located in the face. Patients that have more fat in the jawline may need liposuction to extract the fat from that tissue. After the fat is removed, the surgeon will close the incision, and the patient will receive special bandaging. There may be a scar at the incision site, but it will become less visible with time.
Buccal fat removal recovery
Recovery for cheek reduction surgery is minimal. Some patients like to undergo this procedure on a Friday so they can recover over the weekend. We advise our patients to make early arrangements for someone to drive them home. Even when only local anesthesia is applied, it’s best not to drive after the buccal fat removal procedure. Bruising and swelling can be expected following cheek reduction surgery.
Therefore, it may take one to two weeks to see the final results after the swelling is gone. Nevertheless, the majority of the swelling goes down during the first few days of recovery. Any pain or discomfort the patient may experience can be relieved with ice packs or pain medication as prescribed by the surgeon.
There may be some restrictions about the types of food the patient can eat:
- During the initial phase of buccal fat removal recovery, surgeons recommend a clear liquid diet for three days to help with hydration. Some liquids allowed during this stage include water, broth, and gelatin.
- Phase two includes soft foods such as boiled ages, overcooked pasta, and pudding. These foods help the patient improve strength and avoid using the operated area when chewing.
- Patients can go back to their regular eating habits by day 10 of buccal fat removal recovery. If they don’t feel ready to eat solid foods yet, they should talk to the surgeon.
Buccal fat removal is very effective in thousands of cases across the United States. Before committing to the procedure, make sure you understand the guidelines for a better recovery process.
Buccal fat removal risks
As with every surgical procedure, buccal fat removal Miami comes with a few risks and limitations. The most adverse effects are associated with the anesthetics. Numbness is natural following cheek reduction surgery. The patient may also experience a loss of sensation along the incision lines, cheeks, and jaws. The surgeon should be informed of these symptoms so that the buccal fat removal recovery goes well.
Buccal fat goes away naturally as the patient ages; therefore, once this fat is removed, it can no longer be replaced. Some patients who had the buccal fat removal procedure performed may acquire an unhealthy look as the facial skin ages and loses elasticity.
Some risks of buccal fat removal, as listed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Swelling
- Persistent pain
- Asymmetry
- Temporary facial nerve weakness
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Deep vein thrombosis
BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL MIAMI COST
The buccal fat removal cost is based on multiple factors such as your surgeon’s level of experience, type of anesthesia employed, and the location where the procedure is performed. Patients interested in this procedure should make a consultation with a board-certified surgeon specializing in buccal fat removal. Based on RealSelf buccal fat removal reviews, the average cost of this procedure in Miami is $5,250, ranging from $4,500 to $6,000.
Buccal fat removal surgery FAQs
After buccal fat removal, patients will have an improved and more mature appearance. Traditional facial sculpting cannot accomplish that, especially when there is an excessive volume in the lower face. Patients with a face that appears round or bloated can benefit from cheek reduction the most. The buccal fat removal procedure can help remove stubborn pockets of fat in the cheeks creating a more attractive and contoured face.
The buccal fat removal procedure can be performed at any age. Patients should remember that most people will start losing facial fat during their 20s and 30s. If the fat is removed before that time, they will have a face that looks too skinny or an unhealthy appearance.
During the initial consultation, the surgeon will go over the patient’s goals and expectations, review the options available, discuss the buccal fat removal risks and complications, and show buccal fat removal before and after photographs so the patient has an idea of what can be achieved as well as a better understanding of the surgeon’s skill. Other important aspects such as fees, anesthesia choices, and buccal fat removal recovery will also be discussed. That’s the time to ask any questions you may have and determine whether this is the right surgeon for you.
Following buccal fat pad reduction, the lower face and mouth will be swollen and tender. Thankfully, the bruising is not seen since it is on the inside of the mouth. Patients may be on a special liquid diet for several days; they should rinse with antiseptic mouthwash a few times daily, and must sleep with their heads raised. The swelling should stop by the second week of buccal fat removal recovery, and the results will be more appreciated.
The stitches are generally removed after buccal fat pad removal surgery. The process can be uncomfortable but tolerable, and it happens very quickly.
The preliminary results are seen a week after cheek reduction surgery while the full results take longer, about two to four months since the patient has to wait for the swelling to subside.
The results of cheek reduction surgery are permanent. However, patients that gain a significant amount of weight over time may have their cheeks plump again.
Buccal fat removal Miami can be performed with several other procedures to improve the overall appearance of the face. It is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your specific concerns and provide personalized recommendations based on your facial anatomy and desired outcomes. Some of these procedures include:
- Facelift
- Blepharoplasty
- Mid-Facelift
- Neck Lift
- Chin Augmentation