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What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat refers to the fat tissues stored in the lower cheeks. The presence of large buccal fat deposits in the cheek hollows gives the appearance of chubby cheeks. While most people lose their buccal fat pads as they enter adulthood, some carry them well into their adult lives. Unwanted buccal fat also affects your jawline and makes your nasolabial folds (lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth) appear prominently.

Buccal fat removal, also called cheek reduction, is a surgical procedure that removes the excess buccal fat pad. Removing excess fat tissues highlights your cheekbones and contours your facial features to provide a sharp and chiseled appearance. The procedure also provides a sharp and chiseled jawline that most people consider highly desirable. Buccal fat removal in Boston is an outpatient procedure that usually concludes within an hour without significant side effects or downtime.

What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?

  • Permanent facial thinning and contouring
  • Safe and highly effective procedure
  • In-office procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia
  • Provides a more chiseled appearance to your lower face
  • Doesn’t leave visible scars
  • Little to no downtime required
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Am I a Suitable Candidate For Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a safe procedure suitable for most adults with a prominent buccal fat pad. If you feel you have “chubby cheeks” or a “baby face” or would simply like to slim down your face for a more chiseled and youthful appearance, you’re likely a good candidate for buccal fat removal. Buccal fat removal candidates should:

  • Have a sufficient prominent buccal fat pad
  • Be in generally good physical health
  • Be close to their ideal body weight
  • Have stable body weight
  • Avoid consuming tobacco products
  • Have realistic expectations with the procedure

What Happens During Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a quick, painless, in-office procedure that concludes within an hour. At the start of the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to numb the treatment area. If you’re feeling anxious, an intravenous (IV) sedative may also be administered. During the procedure, a small incision is made inside the mouth around the inner regions of each cheek.

The doctor cuts the buccinator muscles in the cheeks to create space to work with the buccal fat. Next, the doctor applies external pressure outside the cheeks to squeeze the buccal fat through the incisions. Once the buccal fat is removed, the doctor sutures the incisions.

What Can I Expect During the Buccal Fat Removal Recovery?

After the procedure, you should experience mild to moderate swelling, which can be managed with pain medications. You should have someone drive you back home after the procedure because you’ll be under the influence of anesthesia. Most people can resume work the next day without any downtime — but only if the work isn’t excessively physically taxing. You can resume all normal activities within a week.

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Why Choose Dr. Fechner For Buccal Fat Removal?

Dr. Fechner is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with an exceptional educational background, having trained at some of the world’s best medical schools at Harvard, Cornell Columbia Presbyterian, and NYU. Having performed more than 10,000 facial surgeries in his career, he has developed a keen aesthetic eye and an unrivaled understanding of facial anatomy.

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Buccal Fat Removal FAQ

Is there any visible scarring after buccal fat removal?

When will I see the final results?

Are the results of buccal fat removal permanent?

Can buccal fat removal be combined with other procedures?

Is there any visible scarring after buccal fat removal?

No, there is no visible scarring from buccal fat removal. The incisions are made inside the mouth, so any scarring is hidden and heals well within the oral cavity.

When will I see the final results?

Initial results are visible once the swelling subsides, typically within a few weeks. However, the final results become more apparent as the face fully heals and adjusts, usually within 3 to 6 months.

Are the results of buccal fat removal permanent?

Yes, the results are permanent. Once the buccal fat pads are removed, they do not grow back. However, it’s essential to maintain a stable weight, as significant weight gain or loss can affect facial contours.

Can buccal fat removal be combined with other procedures?

Yes, buccal fat removal is often combined with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift, chin liposuction, or dermal fillers to enhance overall facial contouring. Combining procedures can provide more comprehensive results within a single recovery period.

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