If you’ve spent a little time on social media, you’ve likely heard a thing or two about buccal fat removal surgery, especially among celebrities. This face-slimming cosmetic procedure helps individuals enhance the natural contours of their face and achieve more defined cheekbones. While this technique can be aesthetically advantageous for many, there are certain things individuals should first consider.
These days, there’s a lot of misinformation online about who’s a good candidate for the procedure, how it actually works, safety considerations, and even post-operative care. However, it’s important that individuals like yourself are equipped with the proper knowledge so you can make an informed decision for your needs. Therefore, below, Dr. John Mesa, a board-certified surgeon with over fifteen years of experience, shares tips and insights people should know to achieve the best outcomes.
What to Expect Before Getting a Buccal Fat Removal
Maybe you’ve seen some amazing before and after cheek fat reduction surgery photos and are pretty confident that buccal fat removal is right for you. After that, is it possible to just saunter into a clinic and get the procedure done the same day? Well, not exactly.
f you’re getting it done professionally, some crucial steps should occur between deciding to undergo the procedure and actually having it done.
Here are a few insights Dr. Mesa says patients should keep in mind if they’re considering buccal fat removal in NYC, or elsewhere.
The Buccal Fat Removal Consultation
The buccal fat removal process should always begin with a plastic surgery consultation. During that time, a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. John Mesa will discuss your aesthetic goals, health status, and other details to determine if you’re the right candidate for the procedure.
You should be prepared to discuss the following:
- Pre-existing health conditions
- Prior surgeries
- Drug allergies
- Medications
- Use of any vitamins and/or herbal supplements
- Any tobacco, alcohol, or drug use
As a triple fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Dr. Mesa will also complete a thorough facial assessment. He’ll carefully evaluate your anatomic features, reviewing where you carry excess fat and if it’s possible to achieve your goals and have natural-looking results. He or a member of his team will take photographs as well, so you can one day see your before and after results.
Determining if You’re a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal
A research from National Library of Medicine suggests that the ideal candidate for buccal fat pad removal is someone with prominent zygomatic cheekbones that are obscured because of larger cheeks. Individuals with this anatomy don’t really have an angular facial appearance, which is one with a sharp jawline and defined cheekbones.
Instead, they may have what’s called a “moon face,” meaning their face has a rounder shape. Buccal fat surgery helps to decrease cheek fullness, so their pronounced cheekbones stand out more.
However, having chubby cheeks alone doesn’t qualify you for this surgery. It’s important to understand that facial surgery can generate varying results based on one’s anatomic and physiological makeup. That’s why, during the consultation, we set reasonable expectations about what facial contouring surgery might look like for you.
Buccal fat removal might not be the best option in the following scenarios:
- Premature facial development: If the face isn’t fully developed, Like in teenagers before age 15, the outcome of the surgery cannot be predicted as growth continues.
- Small buccal fat pads: Some people naturally have smaller buccal fat pads, or they have already undergone a partial buccal fat removal elsewhere. As a result, they may not achieve the result they are looking for.
- Weak cheekbones (Malar hypoplasia): Buccal fat surgery isn’t a solution for individuals with underdeveloped cheekbones. However, Dr. Mesa states that you can become a candidate if you opt in to undergo cheekbone augmentation with fillers before or on the same day of the procedure.
- Unrealistic expectations: Removing buccal fat is meant to define your natural facial contour when you have excess fat in your buccal fat pads. Those who want to slim down their faces when they’re overweight or obese may not be satisfied. This is because the procedure won’t be able to slim down the entire face.
Sometimes, it’s determined that cheek reduction surgery isn’t the best approach for your needs. If such is the case for you, Dr. Mesa will suggest other techniques to help you obtain a slimmer face and more defined cheekbones.
RELATED: Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
How to Prepare for Buccal Fat Removal in New York City
Once your surgeon confirms that you’re a good candidate for cheek fat removal, they’ll recommend steps you can take for preparation to the surgery.
For instance, if you smoke tobacco, they may ask that you quit since smoking can affect cosmetic results and heightens the risk of complications.
Your surgical team may also ask you to:
- Visit your primary care physician for a medical evaluation and lab testing f you have any underlying medical condition that requires it.
- Alter your current medication regimen
- Avoid taking medications and/or supplements that may increase bleeding (aka blood thinners)
Understanding Your Anesthesia Options
Prepping for buccal fat removal surgery requires discussing your anesthesia options, too. Usually, Dr. Mesa performs this face-slimming procedure under local anesthesia, so patients are completely awake and without any pain or discomfort.
However, other surgeons may elect to perform the procedure with sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will determine what’s best for you based on your health status and other factors.
With local anesthesia, you’ll remain awake and aware, but your face will be numbed so you don’t feel pain. Many patients worry about being overly anxious and jumpy throughout the surgery. However, hundreds of reviews of Dr. Mesa state that the patients felt very calm and relaxed while undergoing the procedure under local anesthesia.
New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mesa shares that undergoing buccal fat removal under local anesthesia is safer than getting the procedure done under general anesthesia or sedation. Additionally, because local anesthesia won’t impair your judgment and coordination, you would be able to drive yourself home after surgery.
RELATED: Understanding the Benefits of Local Anesthesia
Where Does Buccal Fat Removal Take Place?
Keep in mind that this cheek refinement procedure is typically performed in a hospital, licensed ambulatory surgery center, or a surgeon’s in-office procedure room.
Suppose someone offers to complete buccal fat removal in your home, a hotel room, or another questionable location. In such a scenario, it’s highly likely that the person isn’t licensed or qualified to perform this procedure.
If you’re interested in being seen by the widely recognized, qualified, and sought-after surgeon like Dr. Mesa, we have offices for buccal fat removal in Manhattan, but also in two additional locations like New Jersey, and Miami.
Insights To Know During the Surgery
Now that we’ve clarified what individuals should be aware of before surgery, Dr. Mesa wants patients to know what to expect during this procedure.
What Happens During Chubby Cheek Reduction Surgery?
People are surprised to learn buccal fat removal only takes 45 minutes to an hour. To ensure it’s done safely and effectively, Dr. Mesa often refers to an experience and research-backed five-step technique for buccal fat pad excision called The Five Ds.
The Five Ds stand for:
- Ductal identification
- Dissection
- Deliver
- Debulk
- Closure/Denouement
This facial aesthetic surgery begins with the surgeon making a small incision on the inside of the cheek. By doing it on the inner side of the cheek, you avoid having any visible scars. After that, they’ll carefully remove the buccal fat pad using forceps and trim it with a surgical device. How much buccal fat is removed depends on the patient’s goals and what the surgeon believes will provide the best outcome. They’ll then close the incisions with stitches set to dissolve within several weeks. Finally, the surgeon will complete the same steps on the other cheek.
Tips to Follow After Buccal Fat Pad Removal Surgery
Unlike many other procedures, buccal fat removal has minimal downtime and doesn’t require drainage tubes. Recovery usually takes two to three weeks, but it could take more or less time depending on other factors. Keep in mind that it may take the cheeks a few months to fully settle into their new shape.
Immediately following surgery, patients might notice some swelling and possibly minor bruising, but this typically resolves after a few days. It’s not uncommon to feel some minor discomfort at the incision sites, either. To manage these symptoms, try applying an ice pack and/or taking over-the-counter pain medication.
Most patients feel ready to return to work and their regular duties after few days, but you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for two weeks at minimum.
Ready to Try Buccal Fat Removal in Manhattan?
We strive to ensure our patients are well-informed so they know what to expect every step of the way. Therefore, we hope these tips and insights from Dr. Mesa will better equip you regarding what to expect from this facial silhouette refining procedure.
Diet-wise, Dr. Mesa tells his patients that they can eat or drink anything they want with no restrictions. However, they should avoidhot temperature food like hot tea, hot soup, hot coffee on the day of the surgery because the inside of the mouth is numb due to the local anesthesia.
Are you interested in learning more about buccal fat pad surgery? Contact us today at any of our three locations! Our experienced and caring team will assess how we can help you attain the defined look you dream of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Buccal Fat Removal Be Completed With Other Procedures?
As a minimally invasive face-slimming procedure, buccal fat removal can be done alone or in combination with other surgeries. Occasionally, it’s combined with extended chin liposuction, face and neck skin tightening, eyelid surgery, etc.
Can You Perform Self Buccal Fat Removal Surgery At Home?
While this is a relatively safe and easy procedure for trained surgeons to perform on patients, it’s not one you should try at home on yourself. Buccal fat removal should only be done by a board-certified surgeon in a sterile, controlled medical facility.
Is Buccal Fat Removal the Same as Cheek Liposuction?
While both procedures aim to decrease facial fat, they’re not the same. Buccal fat removal involves excising a portion of the fat located deep inside your cheeks (buccal fat pads), while cheek liposuction vacuums the superficial fat that is located just underneath your cheek skin (subcutaneous fat). The former is also much simpler and quicker to do.
What Are the Risks Associated with Buccal Fat Removal?
Research indicates that buccal fat surgery is considered safe, but as with all procedures, there are some risks. Some potential risks include bleeding, nerve damage, infection, asymmetry issues, or even an aged appearance.
Schedule a Buccal Fat Removal appointment in NYC with Dr. Mesa
Getting your buccal fat pad removed is an effective procedure proven to achieve a more sculpted and defined facial contours. Along with Dr. Mesa’s sought-after signature treatments, it’s a minimally invasive procedure with a short downtime that can quickly provide an enhanced facial structure.
Dr. Mesa is a board-certified plastic surgeon who practices in New York, New Jersey, and Miami. If you’re looking to remove any excess fat in your cheeks, call Dr. Mesa today for a consultation.