Cheek fullness is usually considered a sign of youthfulness. But for some people, excess fullness in the cheeks can be a source of insecurity. A surgical procedure called buccal fat reduction was developed to thin the cheeks by removing the buccal fat pads (naturally occurring pads of fat in the cheek hollow area) that contribute to those “chubby” cheeks.
Since the size of the buccal fat pad varies from person to person, the degree of surgery needed to produce desired results will also vary. But by electing a buccal fat reduction procedure from a reputable plastic surgeon, like Dr. Elizabeth Whitaker, it’s possible to reduce the prominence of the cheeks and create a more defined, balanced shape.
How does buccal fat reduction surgery work?
The buccal fat pad is a deep fat pad located on either side of the face between the buccinator muscle and other superficial facial muscles. Its function is to fill the deep tissue spaces and cushion other facial structures from muscle contractions. In buccal fat reduction, these fat pads are accessed through strategic incisions inside the cheeks and the desired amount of tissue is carefully removed. Then incisions are sutured and the patient is sent home to recover along with detailed post-operative instructions.
At Atlanta Face & Body, buccal fat reduction may be performed either under relaxation and local anesthesia or IV sedation depending on the individual technique utilized.
Am I a candidate for buccal fat reduction?
Buccal fat reduction is a highly individualized surgical procedure, so every patient’s experience may vary depending on their degree of cheek fullness and individual facial anatomy. If you’re considering buccal fat reduction, you may be a good candidate if:
- You’re in generally good health and at a stable weight.
- You feel like your cheeks are too prominent or chubby.
- You want a more defined or balanced appearance in your face.
- You have realistic expectations for surgery.
Ages of people who elect this procedure vary as cheek fullness can affect people at any stage of life. Whatever your reasoning behind considering surgery, be sure to take ample time to review buccal fat reduction before & after photos so you have a clear understanding of what to expect.
Before & After: Buccal Fat Reduction
People in generally good health who are bothered by frown lines between the brows are generally good candidates for a browlift procedure. After we discuss your individual aesthetic goals, we’ll go over more details about the available procedures to help you determine which one may be the best option for you. Before deciding upon any procedure, Dr. Elizabeth and her staff will perform a thorough evaluation to ensure you’re well informed on the right one to meet your aesthetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during recovery from buccal fat reduction surgery?
Following your procedure, we advise patients to avoid physical exertion for a couple of weeks. The amount of downtime needed may only be a few days up to two weeks depending on the amount of fat removed and the specific surgical technique utilized. During the first few days after surgery, it’s recommended you be on a soft or semi-liquid diet, and you will be instructed to use an antibiotic mouthwash several times a day to help prevent any infection
Temporary swelling and mild cheek discomfort are typical side effects from buccal fat reduction, but the degree of which will depend on the level of surgery needed. For most patients, healing will continue for several weeks as the swelling gradually subsides. The tissues inside the mouth heal quicker than the skin on the outside, so recovery will require less time compared to other surgical incisions. We’ll make sure your well informed on all post-op instructions to help your recovery be as efficient and comfortable as possible
What results can I expect from buccal fat reduction in Atlanta?
Immediate results of buccal fat reduction may be initially obscured by swelling that’s often associated with the surgery. It may take several weeks (in some cases months) for you to see the optimal results, as your cheeks gradually contour to their new appearance with the excess fat removed. Once swelling has subsided, you will likely notice a change in cheek structure and a more balanced facial look. You may also notice that your face appears younger and more defined.
