Buccal Fat Pad Removal: A Versatile Option for Contoured Cheeks Across All Ages
If you’re seeking a more sculpted facial appearance, buccal fat pad removal can be an effective option. This cosmetic procedure is designed to remove excess fat from the lower cheeks, providing a more defined look by accentuating the cheekbones and jawline. Whether you’re looking to slim down a fuller face or create more angular contours, this surgery can deliver lasting results.
What You Need to Know
Buccal fat pad removal is a surgical procedure that targets the buccal fat pads located beneath the cheekbones. These fat pads vary in size and shape from person to person and can contribute to a fuller, rounder face. By removing some of the fat pad, the procedure slims the lower cheeks, creating a more V-shaped, angular appearance.
The results are permanent, but weight fluctuations or aging can affect the overall look of your face.
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal fat pad removal is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove excess fat from the buccal fat pads beneath the cheekbones. These fat pads contribute to extra roundness of the face. By surgically removing some of the fat pad, the procedure helps define the cheekbones and jawline, resulting in a slimmer, more sculpted appearance.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal vs. Masseter Botox
While buccal fat pad removal directly targets fat in the cheeks to create a more defined facial contour, masseter Botox works differently. Masseter Botox is a non-surgical treatment that involves injecting Botox into the masseter muscles (located at the jawline). This treatment is used to reduce the size of the muscles, which can create a slimmer, more contoured jawline.
- Buccal fat pad removal involves removing fat under the cheeks, giving the face a more angular look.
- Masseter Botox targets the muscles of the jaw, reducing their size for a narrower jawline.
While both procedures can contribute to a more sculpted face, they address different areas and may be combined for more comprehensive facial contouring. If you’re looking for permanent results, buccal fat pad removal might be the better choice. Masseter Botox is a temporary solution that requires regular treatments to maintain its effect.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal and Neck Liposuction Combination
Combining buccal fat pad removal with neck liposuction can deliver even more dramatic results for patients seeking a refined, contoured lower face and neck. Neck liposuction removes excess fat from the neck area, which can help define the jawline and improve the overall profile.
When combined, these procedures can enhance the overall balance and proportions of your face and neck. Here’s how the combination works:
- Buccal fat pad removal sculpts the cheeks, giving the face more definition.
- Neck liposuction targets the fatty tissue beneath the chin and jawline, creating a smoother neck and more pronounced jaw.
Together, these procedures create a harmonious, youthful, and well-defined facial profile. Many patients who opt for both procedures enjoy a more refined overall look with a clearer jawline and less fullness in the cheeks and neck.
How is Buccal Fat Pad Removal Different from Cheek Liposuction?
Both buccal fat pad removal and cheek liposuction aim to slim the face, but they differ in approach:
- Buccal fat pad removal specifically targets the fat pads beneath the cheekbones by making an incision inside the mouth. It offers more precise contouring of the cheeks and jawline.
- Cheek liposuction, on the other hand, involves using suction to remove fat from the overall cheek area. It’s less precise than buccal fat pad removal and may not offer the same level of definition.
Does Buccal Fat Pad Removal Help with Smile Lines?
While buccal fat pad removal can reduce the overall fullness of the cheeks and jaw, it is not specifically intended to address smile lines (the lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth). However, in some cases, reducing cheek fullness may make smile lines less prominent.
For deeper smile lines, other procedures like a facelift or dermal fillers may provide better results.
Who is a Candidate for Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
The procedure is ideal for people who want a more sculpted face and have excess fat in the lower cheeks. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for buccal fat pad removal.
Is There an Age Guideline for Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Most surgeons recommend waiting until the age of 18-20 to undergo buccal fat pad removal. This is because the face is still developing during adolescence, and removing fat too early may result in an overly sharp or gaunt appearance later in life.
- Younger individuals with rounder faces may see a dramatic improvement, but it’s important to ensure the face has matured.
- Older adults may need to consider additional procedures, such as a facelift, to prevent sagging or loose skin after buccal fat pad removal.
Consultation with a qualified surgeon will help you decide if this procedure is right for you based on your goals and facial structure.
Preparing for Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Preparation for buccal fat pad removal involves a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your goals, health history, and any medications you are currently taking. Your surgeon will also explain anesthesia options.
The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, where only the face is numbed, or general anesthesia, where you are asleep throughout the surgery. If you are undergoing general anesthesia, you’ll need to fast for several hours before the procedure.
If you smoke, it’s crucial to stop smoking before the surgery, as it can interfere with healing and affect the results.
What Happens During Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
The buccal fat pad removal procedure typically lasts about 45 minutes. Here’s what you can expect:
- Anesthesia: The surgeon administers a local anesthetic. The procedure may also be performed under general anesthesia.
- Incision: A small incision is made inside the cheek, where the buccal fat pads are located.
- Fat Removal: The surgeon carefully removes the desired amount of fat from each cheek.
- Closure: The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, and the procedure is repeated on the other cheek if necessary.
Since the incisions are inside the mouth, there are no visible scars.
Recovery After Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Recovery after buccal fat pad removal typically takes about three weeks, although full results may take a few months to become apparent. Swelling and bruising are common in the days following surgery, but they will gradually subside.
What to Expect During Recovery:
- Swelling: Expect some swelling that will improve over the next few weeks.
- Bruising: Bruising is normal but should fade within a week or two.
- Soreness: You may experience soreness inside the mouth where the incisions were made.
- Diet: Soft foods will be easier to eat during the first few days of recovery.
- Time off work: Most patients can return to work within 5-7 days.
Will Buccal Fat Pad Removal Effects Last as You Age?
The results of buccal fat pad removal are permanent. However, as you age, the natural loss of fat and muscle in the face, along with skin laxity, may alter the appearance of your face. This can sometimes change the effects of the procedure and appearance.
Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve the results of the surgery over time.
Request an Appointment
If you’re ready to learn more about buccal fat pad removal and how it can help enhance your facial contours, schedule a consultation at Chopra Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Chopra will assess your facial structure and discuss the best treatment options to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
FAQs about Buccal Fat Pad Removal
- Is buccal fat pad removal permanent?
Yes, the fat pads removed during buccal fat pad removal do not regenerate, making the results permanent. - How long does recovery take?
Recovery typically lasts about three weeks, with full results visible after 1-2 months. - Is the procedure painful?
Most patients experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with pain relievers. - Will my smile lines improve?
The procedure may reduce the prominence of smile lines by creating more contour in the face, but it is not specifically designed for this purpose. - Why should I choose Chopra Cosmetic Surgery?
At Chopra Cosmetic Surgery, we offer expert care and personalized treatments. Our team works closely with you to achieve the best possible results. - Can buccal fat pad removal be combined with other procedures?
Yes, buccal fat pad removal can be combined with other procedures like a facelift or neck liposuction for enhanced results.
To view Chopra Cosmetic Surgery’s buccal fat pad removal before and after gallery, click here. Ready to enhance your facial contours with buccal fat pad removal? Visit our practice in Fairfax, VA by calling to book your consultation at (703) 962-2520 or click here to schedule online.
