Buccal Fat Removal- Diagnosis, Procedure, & Recovery

Diagnosis & Evaluations Before Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Before undergoing buccal fat removal surgery, a thorough evaluation is done by the plastic or cosmetic surgeon. The evaluation involves the following:

• Taking Medical History: The surgeon will take a detailed medical history of the patient, including pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, medications, and previous surgeries. This information is valuable to assess the patient’s overall health and potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. 
• Physical Exam: A comprehensive physical evaluation of the face is done to assess the facial structure, skin elasticity, and the amount of buccal fat present. 
• Aesthetic Goals Discussion: During the initial consultation, the surgeon will also discuss the aesthetic goals to customize the plan accordingly. The surgeon will also give an idea regarding the outcome that can be achieved through the surgery. 
• Facial Analysis: The surgeon may perform facial analysis, which involves measuring specific facial proportions and analyzing the symmetry of your features. This helps the surgeon plan the procedure to achieve a balanced and harmonious facial contour.
• Photography: The surgeon will take photographs of the face from different angles and process them in imaging software to display the enhancements that can be done through surgery. 

Before planning the surgery, the surgeon will have an open discussion with the patient to determine if he/she would like to consider alternative options for buccal fat removal to achieve their cosmetic goals. 

Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Also known as cheek reduction surgery and buccal lipectomy, buccal fat removal surgery is the procedure performed to remove the buccal fat pad from the lower cheek to accentuate the facial features. This surgery helps to make the cheekbone more defined and gives a chiseled look. Cheek reduction is a very common procedure and can be performed on both males and females as required.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Being an adult and having a baby face is not something that every person likes. Buccal fat removal allows the person to get rid of the chubbiness from the cheeks effectively. The surgery has the following benefits- 

• The surgery eliminates the excess cheek fat effectively to make the lower face look more sculpted and defined. 
• The fat pads are present right below the cheekbones. When they are removed, the cheekbones become more prominent and improve the contours of the face. 
• Cheek reduction is a safe procedure with minimal downtime. Most patients can resume normal activities within 2-5 days after the surgery. 
• Once the buccal fat pad is removed, it will never grow back. Thus, the results of the surgery will last for a lifetime. 
• One of the biggest benefits of buccal fat removal surgery is that the incision is made inside the mouth. Thus, the scar is hidden inside the mouth. There won’t be a visible scar on the face. 
• The surgery will improve the patient’s self-confidence and self-esteem by giving him/her contours as desired.

Preparation Before Buccal Fat Removal

The patient doesn’t need to take extensive precautions to prepare for the surgery day. Some common instructions that the surgeon will give include the following- 

• Stop taking blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements at least 2-4 days before the surgery. 
• Stop smoking at least a week before the procedure. 
• Avoid consuming alcohol 2 days prior to the surgery. 
• Start taking a healthy and balanced diet to improve the body’s healing abilities. 
• Avoid eating or drinking anything at least 6 to 8 hours before the surgery. 

On the day of surgery, the patient is admitted to the hospital and asked to sign the consent form. The patient is also advised to ask someone to accompany him/her to drive them home. 

Buccal Fat Reduction Procedure

At the hospital, the patient is given a hospital gown to wear for the surgery. An IV line is attached to the arm, and vitals are checked before taking the patient to the operating room. The steps involved in buccal fat removal surgery are explained below- 

• The anesthetist administers either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for the patient. The best choice of anesthesia is made according to the patient. 
• An incision is made inside the mouth on the inner portion of the cheek to access the buccal fat pad. 
• Pressure will be placed outside of the cheek to expose the buccal fat pad easily. 
• The fat pad is excised and removed with precision. 
• After removal, the surgeon will close the incision using dissolvable stitches. 

The entire procedure takes around 30 to 60 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. 

What to Expect After Face Fat Reduction Surgery?

Right after the surgery, the patient can expect to feel slight numbness and discomfort in the mouth. The patient is kept under observation for a couple of hours, and his/her vitals are monitored by the nursing team. The patient will get discharged on the same day after getting the surgeon’s approval. 

Gradually, the mouth will start to swell, and there will be bruising and redness too. The medical team will give a special mouthwash to prevent infection. Further, post-surgery care instructions will also be given to the patient for a smooth and safe recovery. 

Risks & Complications of Cheek Reduction Surgery

Like any other surgical procedure, there are certain risks and potential complications associated with cheek reduction or buccal fat removal surgery. Some common risks and complications include the following:

• Infections: It is one of the most common risks of surgery, which leads to swelling and pain. It’ll require intervention from the doctor. 
• Bleeding: While minor bleeding during the procedure is normal, some patients may bleed excessively. 
• Nerve Damage: The buccal fat pads are located close to facial nerves. Thus, there is a risk of nerve damage during the surgery, which could lead to temporary or permanent numbness, weakness, or changes in facial sensations. 
• Asymmetry: Achieving facial symmetry is a challenging task. And there is a slight risk that the results will be asymmetrical when the swelling subsides. 
• Unsatisfactory Results: While most patients usually feel pleased with the outcomes of the surgery, there is a possibility that certain individuals may feel that the results are not aligned with their expectations. 
• Scarring: Normally, the incisions of buccal fat removal surgery are made inside the mouth, thus, there won’t be visible scarring. However, in some cases, the patient may develop keloid or hypertrophic scars, which will be thicker and more noticeable, requiring further treatment. 
• Allergic Reactions: In some cases, the patient may experience allergic reactions to anesthesia, sutures, or other surgical materials used during the procedure. 
• Overcorrection or Underreaction: Removing too much or too little buccal fat can result in overcorrection or underreaction of the cheeks, affecting the desired outcome. 

The surgeon will take the necessary precautions and measures to minimize these risks and ensure the best possible outcome.

Results & Recovery Timeline After Buccal Fat Removal

The results of buccal fat surgery are initially obscured by the swelling and bruising around the mouth. These side effects of surgery will take around 3-5 weeks to disappear completely. The new appearance of cheeks will be visible only after the swelling subsides. To get the best results from the surgery, the patient must follow the post-op guidelines. 

Throughout the recovery period, the patient must be very careful. The complete recovery will take place within 3 to 6 weeks. Follow the tips below during the recovery- 

• There will be numbness, swelling, redness, and bruising in the cheeks and mouth for a while. Take the prescribed medications to ensure that these after-effects of the surgery dissipate as soon as possible. 
• Avoid taking blood thinners unless approved by the doctor. 
• In the first week, take a liquid diet strictly. Switch to soft foods in the next week. 
• Eat solid foods only after the incision has healed completely. 
• Drink plenty of water and other fluids. 
• Avoid chewing gum and rubbing the tongue against the stitches. 
• Limit the jaw activities and stretching for the first week. 
• Sleep by elevating the head to keep the facial swelling minimal. 
• Try to avoid dust and other particles that can cause sneezing. 
• Avoid heavy lifting, straining the facial muscles, and strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks. 
• Be gentle while brushing teeth, and rinse mouth thoroughly after every meal. 
• Take regular follow-ups with the doctor to ensure that the wound is healing properly. 

Once the buccal fat pads are removed, they will not grow back. However, aging and weight fluctuations can still impact the appearance of the face over time. 

Care Tips After Cheek Reduction

After undergoing cheek reduction surgery, the patients will be recommended to follow certain instructions for a smoother recovery and to help them maintain the results. Some tips are given below: 

• Adhere to the specific post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. 
• Follow a soft diet during the initial healing phase. Soft foods reduce strain on the surgical site and promote faster recovery.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support the healing process. 
• Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol, as they can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
• Avoid strenuous physical activities and exercise during the initial recovery period. Gradually reintroduce exercise as advised.
• Be gentle when washing the face, and avoid applying pressure to the treated area.
• Protect the face from direct sun exposure and wear sunscreen when going outside to prevent sunburn and hyperpigmentation in the healing tissues.
• Regularly attend all follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing progress and address any concerns.
• Maintain a stable weight to preserve the results of the surgery and prevent changes in facial fat distribution.
• Embrace a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise to support overall well-being and facial health.
• Minimize stress during the recovery period, as it can impact the body’s healing abilities. 
• Sleep with the head elevated on pillows or using recliners to reduce the swelling in the face. 
• Follow a proper skincare regimen to keep the skin healthy and nourished, especially during the recovery period. 

Throughout the recovery period, it’s important to be patient, as healing takes time. The side effects of surgery will take several weeks to subside. Thus, be patient and let the body heal at its own pace. 

Buccal Fat Removal Cost in India

The buccal fat removal surgery cost in India ranges from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 50,000 approximately. The cost varies for each patient due to various factors, such as- 

• Surgeon’s fee 
• Hospital or surgical facility costs
• Anesthesia fee
• Prescribed medications 
• Diagnostic tests and evaluations 
• Post-surgery care and follow-ups 

Non-Surgical Buccal Fat Removal Techniques

There are some non-surgical cosmetic treatments available that are considered alternatives to buccal fat removal surgery. These non-surgical techniques are less invasive and suitable for individuals who prefer temporary or less permanent changes. 

• Dermal Fillers: This is a very commonly used cosmetic procedure to reduce the signs of aging. And they can also be strategically used to add volume to the face and create a more contoured appearance. While they cannot remove the buccal fat, the fillers are injected into specific areas, such as cheekbones or jawlines, to create a balance in the facial proportion. This gives an illusion of slimmer cheeks. 
• Botox: It is a popularly used neurotoxin that can effectively paralyze the masseter muscles of the jaw to create a subtle slimming effect in the lower face. Due to this, the cheeks appear less fuller and more defined. 
• Facial Exercises: People can also try facial exercises to tone the cheek areas and reduce the chubbiness. Though there is limited scientific evidence available to support the effectiveness of facial exercises in reducing buccal fat, they are worth a try. 
• Makeup Techniques: Many people use makeup to create an illusion of more sculpted cheekbones and a slimmer face. Contouring and highlighting can be used to enhance facial features and provide temporary cheek definition. 

These non-surgical cheek reduction techniques may or may not provide the same level of reduction in cheek fullness. Therefore, it’ll be best to discuss these options with the surgeon and determine the best option.