Summary of Cheek/ Buccal Fat Removal

As children we all have large fat pads in our cheeks that create the round, chubby “baby faces”. As we grow up, these chubby faces usually transform into the more sculpted appearance of the adult face with cheekbone highlights and a distinct jawline. However, this is not the case for everyone and in some people the round, chubby cheeks do not dissipate and instead remain into adulthood.

In fact, due to heredity, some people may never lose the childhood “chubby” look in their cheeks which can make them appear “overweight” and less attractive in adulthood.  Buccal fat pad removal is an elegant but simple procedure that is designed to help patients that have full, round or “chubby” cheeks achieve a more sculpted, athletic facial appearance.

The buccal fat pads are located in the lower portion of the face and when they are large they can give a person the appearance of “chubby” cheeks. During buccal fat pad extraction, these oversized buccal fat pads are removed in order to give the patient a more elegant, sculpted facial appearance with improved contour of the lower face and enhancement of the cheek hollow.

The overall look is one of a patient that appears to have lost weight as well as a more chiseled face with higher appearing cheek bones. The change afterwards is a subtle, beautiful thinning of the cheeks and not a drastic or unnatural change in appearance. Most people will simply ask if you have “lost weight.” The procedure itself is non-invasive, scarless and quick to heal.

CONSULTATION

During your consultation, Dr Sreekar Harinatha will address your desires from buccal fat pad removal and he will give you a clearer understanding of how the surgery may best be able to meet your own needs and expectations. When going into your consultation, it is wise to come with questions written down and have a general understanding of the overall procedure so you can be prepared to learn as much as possible during your visit.

ABOUT THE PROCEDURE OF CHEEK/ BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL

Dr. Sreekar Harinatha performs buccal fat removal procedure as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The procedure generally takes about 1 hour. All operations are performed in fully credentialed and state-of-the-art surgical facilities.

The buccal fat pad is easily accessed from small incisions within the mouth, excised, and then closed with self-absorbing small sutures.

Although frequently performed as an isolated procedure, buccal fat removal can be performed in combination with other procedures such as a cheek or chin implant, facelift, nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) and facial liposuctioning to enhance your overall aesthetic result.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY

After your surgery, you’ll be discharged home with small dressings. Patients can anticipate mild to moderate swelling for several days, similar to having any oral procedure performed. Head elevation is encouraged for the first few days after surgery to help decrease swelling.

RISKS

When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, the risk of serious problems after cheek/ buccal fat removal or

cheek reduction surgery

are rare. Most complications are minor, temporary, and can be easily resolved with conservative treatment and time. Specific risks and the suitability of buccal fat pad removal procedure for a given individual can be determined at the time of consultation. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions both before and after surgery consultation.