Excess buccal fat can often cause an overly round lower face. To achieve a more defined facial appearance, reducing the excess fullness created by the buccal fat pads can be a good solution.
Reduce Lower Facial Fullness and Achieve A More Defined Facial Lower Facial Appearance With Buccal Fat Removal
About Buccal Fat Removal
A lot of people are dissatisfied with their “baby face” or “chipmunk cheeks” and crave a more defined look. Because pronounced buccal fat pads are often inherited, it can be challenging to improve them. Buccal fat excision is a highly effective surgical procedure that involves removing the buccal fat pads from inside the mouth, resulting in more definition of the lower third of the face.
However, not all individuals are good candidates for this procedure. As we age the face naturally loses volume so Dr. Honeybrook will carefully evaluate if this procedure is appropriate for you to ensure this procedure does not affect your facial shape adversely in the long term.
How is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?
During buccal fat removal, incisions are made inside the mouth, near the molars, making them hidden from view. After numbing the area, Dr. Honeybrook will make the incision and delicately separate the muscle from the buccal fat pad. The fat pad will then be removed and trimmed to the appropriate size to complement the individual’s facial structure.
After the fat is removed the incisions are carefully closed. surgery typically takes around 30 minutes. As removing too much buccal fat can lead to an overly sunken appearance, Dr. Honeybrook is cautious to over resect buccal fat.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat excision offers numerous benefits, including:
- Results are long-lasting
- Quick, safe, and effective treatment for excess fullness of the lower face
- Enhances the contours of the cheeks, creating a more defined lower facial appearance
- Incisions are hidden inside the mouth, leaving no visible scarring
Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal
After buccal fat removal surgery, the early recovery period typically lasts up to 7-14 days and will result in some soreness and swelling. Visible bruising is usually not a concern.
Dr. Honeybrook recommends sleeping with the head elevated during recovery and rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash several times a day. You will also wear a compression garment to reduce swelling of the area.
The initial improvement can be seen within a few weeks, but the final results may take up to four months to be seen as residual swelling subsides. Once the results become visible, you’ll notice slimmer and more sculpted cheeks with an improved and defined contour.
Could Buccal Fat Removal be Right for You?
If you have excess fullness in the lower cheeks adjacent to the corners of the mouth and desire a more defined lower facial appearance, buccal fat removal may be a suitable option. This procedure is appropriate for both men and women. To best determine if you are a candidate for this procedure it is best to see Dr. Honeybrook for a consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risk. These risks will be discussed with you in detail during the consultation. For further information on risks please refer to the patient resources section of the website.
