Chubby cheeks work for some people, but for many others this is bothersome. Many of these people are getting their faces sculpted by having a cheek reduction, also called buccal fat excision. This is a surgical procedure that involves removing the excess buccal fat located in a specific cheek area. Slimmer cheeks, a more contoured face and a sculpted look that reveals the natural cheekbones are the results!

 

Buccal fat pad excision aims to remove excess fat from the cheeks in patients with round, chubby cheeks, or those simply seeking a more defined appearance. The buccal pads are areas of fat in the lower cheeks that may appear because of a genetic disposition or simply from being overweight, and can cause unwanted “chipmunk cheeks” in certain patients.

 

Benefits of Buccal Fat Excision

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Some of the benefits of Buccal Fat excision are:

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• Buccal fat excision removes excess, chubby cheek fat

• Results in thinner, more defined cheeks (an enhanced appearance)

• Typically improves self-confidence and self-esteem

• Involves short surgery, little bruising and brief downtime

• No facial scarring or external incisions on the face

• Achieves a more sculpted, balanced facial appearance
   

Buccal Fat Pad Excision FAQ:

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Is Buccal Fat Pad Excision right for you?

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If you are unhappy with excessively full cheeks, and you have a strong desire to reshape, sculpt and slim down your face, cheek reduction surgery may be right for you. Dr. Long, A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will determine this during your personal consultation when he will review your options with you and design an individualized treatment plan. You should be in good health, over the age of 18 (to assure facial development is complete), and have realistic expectations.

 

How is Buccal Fat Excision Surgery Plastic Surgery done?

 

After you are anesthetized and comfortable, Dr. James Long, MD makes an incision inside the mouth, between the cheek and gums, and works through this opening to remove the unwanted fat and to sculpt the cheek area. Dissolvable sutures close the incisions.

 

What is to expect after Buccal Fat Pad Excision Plastic Surgery?

 

You can expect the following when you wake up and you should follow the instructions given when you return home:

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• Some swelling, bruising, numbness and discomfort is normal and to be expected.

• Cool compresses and oral pain medication will easily manage your discomfort.

• All swelling resolves on its own in a few weeks as healing progresses.

• You will need to rest at night with your head elevated for a few weeks.

• Plan on a restricted diet as follows: Avoid all uncooked foods (risk of bacteria) and be sure to thoroughly wash all raw fruits and vegetables. You will want liquid to soft foods for a few days.

• You will be given a special anti-bacterial mouthwash to be used throughout the day for several days.

• Keep your tongue away from the incision sites inside your mouth.

• Avoid all strenuous activity until healing is complete.

• Sutures usually dissolve on their own within 7 to 10 days.

• All healing takes time and cannot be rushed. It may be several weeks before all swelling is gone and you see the final results.

 

Can Men and Women of All Ages Have Buccal Fat Pad Excision Surgery?

 

Men and women and young people of various ages and stages come to Dr. Long, MD for his cheek reduction (buccal fat excision) surgery. There are many options today and Dr. James Long, MD can discuss them with you to assure you make the right decision.

 

How Painful is Buccal Fat Pad Excision?

 

Most patients complain of discomfort rather than severe pain. Oral medication and cool compresses easily manage this.

 

How Much Bruising is There After Buccal Fat Pad Excision?

 

Since the incision is inside the mouth, bruising is minimal and non-visible. Swelling of the cheeks may take a while to resolve, but patients typically are up and about in a couple of days.

 

Why the diet is restricted With Buccal Fat Pad Excision?

 

This is the same as “oral surgery” and it is critical to ensure no bacteria from foods get into the mouth and incision sites. Also, mouth soreness will dictate what you feel like eating for a few days.

 

Will Insurance Pay for Buccal Fat Pad Excision?

 

No. This is a cosmetic procedure and insurance does not cover it.

 

Why go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for Buccal Fat Pad removal?

 

Practitioners who are not residency trained and Board Certified to perform Buccal Fat Pad Excision  have been found to suffer a much rate of complications. One of the most common complaints is minimal improvement, asymmetries, “operated look”, etc.  As a patient, you should always seek out a professional with the experience and skill to achieve your personal goals. Always look for a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for your procedure.  Always look for the ASPS logo, The Symbol of Excellence.