Buccal fat pad removal
Buccal fat removal aims to slim down the cheeks, particularly around the cheek hollows. While a soft, full face is often seen as youthful, some feel their face is too plump, even chubby.
Imagine wanting a sleek contour like Angelina Jolie’s; this procedure removes the buccal fat pad, a natural pad of fat in the cheek hollow area. The size varies from person to person, and even between cheeks. However, if you have a thin, narrow face, buccal fat removal might make you look gaunt over time, so it’s usually not recommended for those with naturally slim faces.
Book Appointment
Procedure in Brief
Duration | 35 - 40 mins |
Pain | Mild 2/10 |
Visible Results | Immediate, final results at 6 months |
Results Last | Permanently |
Hospital Stay | Daycare |
Downtime | 2 - 3 Days |
Approximate Cost excluding GST* | INR 55,000 |
Infoplex
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Dr.Sameer Karkhanis | Welcome to CCRS
The CCRS Walkthrough
Dr.Sameer Karkhanis | Welcome to CCRS
The CCRS Walkthrough
Procedure
Candidates
Buccal fat removal surgery is a highly individualized procedure. It can address concerns for patients who are worried about full or chubby cheeks. Its best to have realistic expectations following the surgery.
Pre-operative
- You need to undergo lab tests or a medical evaluation.
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as they can increase bleeding and bruising.
Procedure
Medications are administered to ensure your comfort during the surgical procedure, with options including intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. For buccal fat removal, an incision is made inside the mouth, on the inner cheek. Sometimes, during a facelift, the buccal fat pad can be removed without needing an additional incision inside the mouth. The incisions are closed with sutures, which are typically absorbable.
Post-op Care
For the first 48 hours its best to have a liquid diet with mouth washes every 4 hours to keep the sutures clean. Be sure to avoid playing with the sutures with your tongue until cleared by your surgeon. The sutures fall off by themselves. Semi solid and soft diet is advised for a week
Recovery
The final results of buccal fat removal surgery may initially be hidden by swelling. It can take several months for your cheeks to fully contour to their new appearance, eventually looking less full or chubby.While good results are anticipated, there is no guarantee. In some cases, achieving optimal results may require more than one surgical procedure.
Your buccal fat removal surgery will result in a slimmer, more contoured cheek, specifically in the cheek hollow area.
Complications
The possible risks of buccal fat removal surgery include, but are not limited to:
- Anesthesia risks
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Hematoma
- Injury to a salivary duct
- Injury to branches of the facial nerve, resulting in temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Suboptimal aesthetic result and/or minimal changes
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Can Be Combined With
Consultation
Meet the skilled professionals behind our transformative treatments. Each of our specialist doctors brings extensive experience and a commitment to excellence, ensuring personalized care and exceptional results.
Sameer Karkhanis, MD
Board-Certified Mumbai Plastic Surgeon
Chief Plastic Surgeon & the Director at CCRS is a qualified Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is Board Certified, with the qualification of DNB Plastic Surgery (Diplomate of National Board). He is an active member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
FAQs
Our dedicated team of professionals provides top-notch surgical services in a modern, comfortable environment. Explore our gallery to see the advanced facilities and compassionate care that set us apart in the field of surgery.
Yes, buccal fat removal is considered a permanent procedure. Once the fat deposits are removed, they do not regenerate. While the full results may take time to become apparent due to the healing process, the transformation can be quite dramatic. However, it’s important to remember that your face will continue to age naturally, so the effects of the procedure may become less pronounced as time goes on.
No, removing buccal fat changes your facial shape but does not cause premature aging. This treatment should not have any long-term negative effects, aside from potential scarring or nerve damage if performed improperly or excessively in one area over multiple procedures.
No, once Buccal Fat Removal has been performed, it cannot be undone or reversed. However, many surgeons have techniques to help camouflage any potential irregularities caused by an unbalanced look due to buccal fat removal.
If you’re unhappy with the results of your buccal fat removal, alternative options exist for restoring volume in your cheeks. These can include but are not limited to:
- Dermal fillers that plump up areas where volume loss has occurred due to fat removal, weight loss, or aging;
- Fat transfer procedures that use fat from another area of your body, harvested via liposuction, and injects into the cheeks to restore fullness;
- Cheek augmentation involving implants inserted into the cheeks to provide more definition.
Your options depend on your overall aesthetic goals. Your doctor can help you decide which option is best for you.