Buccal Fat Removal

Before buccal fat removal surgery, the patient is administered anesthesia to ensure they do not feel any pain, and the patient is sedated. The surgical team typically makes small incisions inside the patient’s mouth, usually within the natural creases of the cheeks. These incisions are inconspicuous and do not leave visible marks after the surgery. Through these incisions, the surgeon locates the buccal fat pads within the cheeks. The surgeon carefully removes these fat pads. This step results in more refined and defined facial contours. After the buccal fat pads are removed, the surgeon closes the incisions with stitches, completing the buccal fat removal surgery.

Buccal fat removal surgery generally takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour. The duration may vary depending on the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the surgery, and the patient’s individual circumstances. Additionally, the structure of the cheeks and the amount of fat in the cheek area can influence the duration of the surgery.

Patients should refrain from consuming alcohol and stop smoking one week before buccal fat removal surgery. If patients are taking aspirin or blood-thinning medications regularly, these medications should be discontinued before the surgery. If a patient is on any medications for underlying health conditions, these should be communicated to the doctor. Pregnant women or those with significant health issues should consult a physician before considering buccal fat removal.

During the first day following surgery, patients should avoid solid foods due to the small stitches inside the mouth, which can make chewing difficult and potentially damage the stitches. Consuming liquids is preferred on the first day, and transitioning to soft solid foods may be possible from the second day onward. Patients are recommended to use mouthwash for the first three days after surgery to maintain oral hygiene. Stitches inside the cheeks are usually not noticeable, and to prevent infections, it’s essential to pay extra attention to oral hygiene. In a few days, the cheek stitches dissolve and disappear, and sensitivity decreases. After buccal fat removal, patients can typically return to their social lives relatively quickly.

Swelling and edema after buccal fat removal are typically minimal and tend to reduce on their own within a week. The application of ice during the initial hours after surgery, the brief duration of the surgery, and the patient’s dietary habits can help minimize the formation of edema.

There is no pain felt during buccal fat removal surgery. Whether local or general anesthesia is used during the surgery, the area is entirely numbed, and no pain is experienced.

The effectiveness of buccal fat removal is contingent on maintaining realistic expectations and not being discouraged if immediate results are not evident. Keep in mind that the complete outcome may take up to four months to become fully visible.

You can return to normal activities , usually after few days of the operation.

Buccal fat removal can also be performed for men who desire a sharper facial contour.