Pros and Cons About Buccal Fat Removal for Thinner Teeth

Overview:

Buccal Fat Removal: The buccal fat pad refers to a round mass of fat at the center of your cheek.

It is located in the hollow under your cheekbones, between your facial muscles. Your face shape is affected by the size of your buccal fat pad.  

Everybody has a buccal fat pad. The size of the buccal fat pad can vary widely.

You might feel your face is rounder or more full if you have a larger buccal fat pad. It is possible to feel as though you have a babyface.

It’s okay to have bigger cheeks. A plastic surgeon may recommend buccal fat reduction if you want to reduce your cheeks.

This procedure is used to reduce the size of round faces.

Buccal fat removal is a procedure that can be complicated. In this article, we will try to give you brief information on this type of plastic surgery. 

What is buccal fat elimination?

A type of plastic surgery is buccal fat removal. This procedure is also known as cheek reduction or buccal lipectomy.

The buccal fat pads that are located in the cheeks will be surgically removed. This reduces the size of your cheeks and shapes your facial angles.

You can have the surgery done by yourself or in conjunction with other forms of plastic surgery such as:

• Facelift
• Rhinoplasty
• Implants for the chin
• lip augmentation
• Botox injection

Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

If any of these apply to you, then you might be a candidate for buccal fat reduction.

• You are in good physical condition.
• You are at a healthy weight.
• Your face is rounder and more full.
• You don’t like the fullness in your cheeks.
• Pseudoherniation is a small rounded fat mass on the cheek caused by a weak buccal fat pad.
• You’re seeking facial feminization surgery.
• Realistic expectations are necessary.
• You don’t smoke.

It is not recommended for all. In the following situations, it may not be recommended:

• Your face is small. Your face may be naturally narrow. This surgery could result in sunken cheeks.
• Progressive hemifacial Atrophy (Parry–Romberg syndrome) is what you have. A rare disorder that causes shrinkage of skin on one side. It is known to affect the buccal fat pads.
• You’re older. You naturally lose fat as you get older. This procedure may emphasize jowls or other signs of facial aging.

To determine if you are a good candidate, a plastic surgeon is the best choice.

How does it work?

Before the procedure:

Your concerns will be discussed with your surgeon before the procedure.

• Expectations and goals
• Medical conditions
• Current medications, vitamins, and supplements
• Alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse
• Drug allergies
• Past surgeries

This information will allow your surgeon to determine the best surgical approach and possible risks.

Before the procedure, you might have to stop taking certain medications or undergo blood tests.

To plan your surgery, your plastic surgeon will take photos of you and analyze your face.

During the procedure:

This procedure can be performed in a hospital, or in a doctor’s office. This is what it typically involves:

You will only need buccal fat removal. If this is the case, local anesthesia will be applied to your face.

Although you won’t feel any pain during the procedure, you will be awake.

General anesthesia may be used if you have more than one procedure. You will need to be taken to the surgeon’s office in this instance.

The surgeon will incision your cheek. To expose more buccal fat, the surgeon will press down on your cheek.

The surgeon will remove and cut the fat.

They will close the wound using dissolvable stitches.

After the procedure:

To prevent infection, you will be given a mouthwash before you go home. Your provider will instruct you on how to care for the incision.

For several days, you will need to consume a liquid diet. Then, you can move on to soft foods and then return to your regular diet.

Your face may swell after the surgery. You might also experience swelling and bruising. Both of these symptoms should disappear as you heal.

Usually, full recovery takes around 3 weeks.

Follow your doctor’s instructions for self-care and eating during recovery. Follow-up appointments should be attended.

In a few months, you can expect to start seeing results. It will take time for your cheeks and lips to adjust to their new shapes.

What are the possible complications of removing buccal fat?

Buccal fat is generally safe. There are always side effects to any procedure.

There are possible complications:

• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Anesthesia can cause a negative reaction
• Hematoma
• Lockjaw
• Deroma (fluid accumulation)
• Damage to salivary glands
• Facial nerve damage
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Side effects on the lungs or cardiac side effects
• Extra fat removal
• Facial asymmetry
• Poor results

These issues may require additional surgery.

If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor.

• Breathing difficulty
• Chest pain
• Abnormal heartbeat
• Excessive bleeding
• Severe pain
• Signs of infection

What is the cost of the procedure?

The cost of removing buccal fat ranges from $2,000 to $5,000

The cost of the procedure can vary depending on many factors, including:

• The surgeon’s experience level
• The type of anesthesia
• Prescription medications

Buccal fat removal is not covered by insurance because it is cosmetic. You will need to pay for it out of your own pocket.

Talk to your surgeon about the cost of the procedure before you go. Ask about payment plans.

How do I find a board-certified plastic surgeon?

It is important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in buccal fat reduction. This will make sure your surgery goes smoothly and safely.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons can help you find a qualified surgeon.

You can search for plastic surgeons by state, city, or country on their website.

Look for a surgeon who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

This means that they have been trained and educated according to professional standards.

Questions to ask during your first consultation:

Ask questions during your first consultation. This is the best way for you to find the right surgeon for you.

Ask the following questions:

• Did you receive any training in plastic surgery?
• What number of years do you have in the field?
• Are you a buccal fat remover?
• Do you have photos of patients who were treated before and after?
• What should I do to prepare for the procedure?
• What is the best way to perform my surgery? Where is it?
• Am I at risk for complications? What will you do?
• What should I expect from the healing process?

Make sure you are comfortable with your surgeon. You should feel at ease and safe with your surgeon.

The Bottom Line:

Buccal fat reduction is a procedure that reduces your cheeks’ size. The buccal fat pads are removed by a surgeon to slim down the face.

You might be a good candidate if you have the right health requirements and a fuller facial profile.

The procedure is generally considered safe. The recovery process can take several weeks.

There are always risks for complications with any surgery. To get the best results, consult a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Ask your friends and loved ones for support.

If you’re feeling anxious or depressed, consider joining a support group or seeking counseling. Believe in your ability to take control of the pain…

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