Buccal Fat Pad Removal

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Buccal Fat Pad Removal San Antonio, Austin, TX

Buccal fat pad removal is an increasingly popular facial procedure that enhances your overall appearance. Removal of the buccal fat pad, which is found in the lower third of the face, gives the face a slimmer appearance. (1) The buccal fat removal allows patients to enhance their facial features in a subtle but impactful manner.

A sleeker, slimmer face is possible with buccal fat pad removal! The team of exceptional surgeons at Austin Plastic Surgeon can create a custom treatment plan that fits your aesthetic goals. It all begins with a personal consultation; schedule your consultation appointment today or call any of our offices to learn more!

Before and After Photos

Buccal Fat Pad Removal Before & After Patient #6938
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Before & After Patient #6938
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About Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Buccal fat pads are discrete solid masses of fat that can contribute to a full appearance of the cheeks and lower portion of the face. They are present in all individuals and are consistent in size regardless of weight gain or loss. (1) However, in some people, these pads can be overly pronounced, leading to a fuller face that may not align with their aesthetic goals. Buccal fat pad removal is a surgical technique focused on removing this excess fat from the cheeks. This treatment can lead to an elegant, refined facial shape. Buccal fat pad removal is a precision sculpting procedure that removes a very specific fat pad that sculpts and shapes the lower portion of the face while maintaining a youthful healthy appearance to the face!

Benefits

Buccal fat pad removal offers a variety of advantages, including:

  • Improved facial contour: By removing excess fat, patients achieve a more defined and sculpted look.
  • Enhanced jawline definition: A slimmer face allows for better visibility of the jawline, creating a more alluring profile.
  • Minimally invasive procedure: With small incisions made inside the mouth, there are minimal visible scars.
  • Quick recovery time: Most patients return to their normal activities the day after their surgery.
  • Customizable results: The amount of fat removed can be tailored to achieve each patient’s desired outcome.
  • Boosted confidence: Many find enhanced facial features translate into increased self-esteem.
  • Long-lasting outcomes: The fat cells removed during this procedure cannot grow back, meaning changes made by buccal fat pad removal are long-lasting and offer sustained improvements.

Candidates

Anyone who wishes to enhance the contour of the lower third of the face is eligible for buccal fat removal. The buccal fat pad can sometimes give patients a round appearance to their faces, so removal of the fat leads to a more contoured jawline and sleeker face. Patients eligible for this procedure should be in good physical and emotional health, want to decrease the roundness of their cheeks and sculpt a sharp jawline, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for their possible results.

It is important to note that patients who are undergoing a weight loss journey may benefit from this procedure at any time during their journey as the buccal fat pad does not change with their weight. (2) The appearance of buccal fat pads may be reduced as a result of weight loss or the natural processes of aging secondary to the surrounding tissue changes, not the buccal fat pad itself, so it is important to attend a personal consultation to see if a buccal fat pad removal will be the appropriate treatment for you.

Personal Consultation

A personal consultation with one of the expert surgeons at Austin Plastic Surgeon is essential to evaluate whether buccal fat pad removal is suitable for you. During this meeting, we will assess your medical history, discuss your concerns, and evaluate your facial structure. This discussion enables us to tailor the surgical plan to align with your goals. The personal consultation also allows us to answer any questions you might have and determine if additional procedures would be an option for you.

Preparation

Once you schedule your buccal fat pad removal surgery, you will receive a thorough list of preoperative instructions to facilitate a smooth and safe process. These guidelines often instruct patients to:

  • Discontinue any blood thinners, supplements, or medications as recommended.
  • Abstain from nicotine use for several weeks leading up to your surgery and during recovery.
  • Fill your prescriptions for pain relievers and antibiotics before your procedure date.
  • Arrange transportation home from the procedure.

Procedure

In buccal fat removal, incisions to access the fat pads are made intra-orally, or on the inside of the cheeks. There are no scars or incisions on the face as all of the incisions are made inside the mouth. (1) Once the fat pads can be accessed through the incisions, the amount to be excised is precisely chosen to meet your aesthetic goals. (2) Once the desired changes are made, the incision will be closed using dissolvable sutures. The buccal fat pad removal procedure usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes. It is minimally invasive and results in a swift recovery with little discomfort.

Recovery

Following the procedure, patients experience mild swelling and soreness, which gradually diminishes. You can expect to resume light activities within a few days, although it may take several weeks for complete recovery. Patients should rest and sleep on their backs with their heads elevated to help reduce swelling. Strenuous activities and rigorous exercise should be avoided until your surgeon allows you to resume.

Results

Patients typically see noticeable results within a few weeks after surgery. Full results materialize once the swelling subsides, revealing sharper facial contours and reduced cheek puffiness. The enduring results often boost overall confidence, allowing patients to feel more satisfied with their appearance.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Buccal fat pad removal can be done as an isolated procedure or in conjunction with other treatments. The buccal fat pad removal is most commonly done in combination with submental liposuction, MyEllevate, and chin augmentation. Submental liposuction is a specialized fat removal and facial contouring procedure that reduces “double chins” and other unwanted chin fat. It can also remove unwanted fat around the neck and jaw, sculpting a sharp jawline. This combination helps patients achieve a contoured sleek appearance to the lower third of their face, jawline, and neck.

Chin augmentation can enhance the results of submental liposuction and buccal fat pad removal even further. A weak or recessed chin can impact the entire profile; through the use of chin implants, fat transfers, or fillers, patients can enjoy sharper jawlines and chins that enhance their facial profile.

Cost of Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Austin

The cost of buccal fat pad removal varies based on individual requirements, including surgical complexity and unique anatomical considerations. For more information, please explore our procedure pricing page, but please note that prices may differ depending on your unique needs. Following your personalized consultation, our office will provide an accurate estimate tailored to your needs. Investing in your appearance can profoundly impact your confidence and happiness, and we are happy to help you achieve your goals. If you have any questions about procedures, pricing, payment options, or more, please call any of our Austin-area offices and speak with one of our experts.

FAQ

What is the purpose of buccal fat removal?

The buccal fat pad removal procedure primarily aims to sculpt facial features, creating a more defined and contoured look by reducing fullness in the cheeks.

Is buccal fat pad removal painful?

Anesthesia is used during the buccal fat pad removal procedure. Post-operative soreness is normal, and can typically be managed with the medications recommended by your surgeon.

How long does it take to recover after buccal fat pad removal?

Recovery times for buccal fat pad removal may vary. Recovery time is generally short, with most patients returning to normal activities within a week. However, full results may take several weeks to manifest as swelling continues to decrease.

Who is a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal?

Ideal candidates often experience facial fullness caused by enlarged buccal fat pads. These fat pads are often stubborn and have not diminished despite regular exercise and healthy dieting. Candidates should be in good health and have realistic expectations. If you are currently working to lose weight, we recommend waiting until you are at a stable weight to undergo this procedure, as significant weight fluctuations could impact the results.

Can I combine buccal fat removal with other treatments?

Yes! Many patients choose to pair buccal fat pad removal with other facial cosmetic surgeries, such as chin augmentation or submental liposuction, for enhanced results. Each of these procedures improves the facial profile and enhances overall aesthetics. If you are interested in other procedures or have additional aesthetic goals, speak with your surgeon during your consultation about combining your procedure with other treatments.

Is a buccal fat pat removal permanent?

The fat cells removed during buccal fat pad removal will not grow back, providing long-lasting enhancements without the need for touch-ups.

References

  1. Moura LB, Spin JR, Spin-Neto R, Pereira-Filho VA. Buccal fat pad removal to improve facial aesthetics: an established technique? Medicina Oral, Patología Oral y Cirugía Bucal. 2018;23(4):e478-e484. doi:https://doi.org/10.4317/medoral.22449
  2. Traboulsi-Garet B, Camps-Font O, Traboulsi-Garet M, Gay-Escoda C. Buccal fat pad excision for cheek refinement: A systematic review. Medicina Oral Patología Oral y Cirugia Bucal. Published online 2021:e474-e481. doi:https://doi.org/10.4317/medoral.24335