BUCCAL FAT PAD REMOVAL
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Saginaw, Midland, Bay City and all of the mid-Michigan area.
If you feel your face is too wide, round, or full due to the size of your cheeks, a buccal fat pad removal procedure may be the solution for achieving a more balanced, sculpted look. We have helped many men and women make their ideal facial contours a reality with this procedure.
WHAT IS BUCCAL FAT PAD REMOVAL SURGERY?
Buccal fat pads are located within the muscles of the cheeks. These
encapsulated masses of fat give the cheeks volume and have a significant
impact on your face shape. Some patients have large buccal fat pads which can
result in overly prominent cheeks or a “baby face.” Surgically removing the
buccal fat pads decreases cheek volume to create a slimmer facial profile.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL?
A consultation is the best way to find out if this procedure can accomplish your desired facial shape. A physical examination will be performed to assess your concerns during the consultation and we will speak with you about your facial sculpting goals.
Candidates for facial plastic surgery must be in good health. It is important to provide detailed information about any current or prior medical conditions, so we can determine if you can safely undergo cosmetic surgery.
Buccal fat removal is not recommended for patients who:
- Are overweight or obese
- Have signs of facial aging such as skin laxity and/or jowls
- Have a naturally thin face
PROCEDURE DETAILS
WHAT HAPPENS DURING BUCCAL FAT PAD SURGERY?
Local anesthesia is used when buccal fat removal is performed as a stand-alone procedure. If it is combined with additional facial plastic surgeries, general anesthesia may be necessary.
After the anesthesia takes effect, the buccal fat pad will be exposed by making an incision inside the cheek and then applying pressure on the outside of the cheek. The fat will then be separated from the surrounding tissue, and permanently removed. Incisions will be closed with sutures to complete the procedure.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL RECOVERY
Bruising and swelling are to be expected after the surgery. These symptoms will be much less noticeable after two or three weeks.
Since you’ll have incisions inside the mouth, it is important to closely follow your aftercare instructions for protecting these sites. You will need to rinse the mouth with a special mouthwash as directed. This helps to prevent infection.
A liquid diet will also be necessary for the first several days after your surgery. As the incisions heal, you will be advised when you can transition from liquids to a soft food diet and then to an unrestricted diet.
BUCCAL FAT PAD REMOVAL RESULTS
It takes time for post-surgical swelling to dissipate and allow your new cheek contours to take their intended shape. While complete healing can take several months, you will likely begin to see improvements sooner.
This procedure provides long-lasting results since the fat is permanently removed from the cheeks. It is important to note that while the extracted fat cannot return, fat cells in the cheek area can increase in size if you gain weight. To keep your facial contours slim and sculpted, you will want to take care to manage your weight.
OUR APPROACH TO BUCCAL FAT PAD REMOVAL
A thorough consultation is key to successful facial sculpting results. We will take the time to gather a complete understanding of your cosmetic goals, and your facial tissues and structure will carefully be examined to determine the best treatment(s) for your needs.
To ensure a harmonious facial appearance, buccal fat removal surgery is often paired with additional facial plastic surgeries. Based on your anatomy and desired results, we may recommend a combination procedure that includes one or more of the following:
- Facelift
- Deep plane facelift
- Cheek liposuction
- Chin implant
- Rhinoplasty
- Lip enhancement
During your private consultation, Dr. Pittas will thoroughly explain all relevant information so patients have a clear, transparent understanding of the process. Our office in Saginaw would love to connect with you at (989) 497-3157.