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Buccal Fat Removal

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Buccal Fat Removal

At Wave Plastic Surgery

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Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal Fat Removal in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Francisco

Some people feel like their cheeks are too big and make their face look round. This is often the result of large buccal fat pads in the cheeks. Reshaping the cheek by removing buccal fat can help a person achieve their goal look.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons in Los Angeles offer Buccal Fat Removal to reduce cheek size and help our patients achieve the sculpted, angular look that they want.

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What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

The layer of fat around the cheek area is called buccal fat. This feature can be hereditary or can develop over time, causing a rounded, chubby cheek or ‘chipmunk’ appearance.

Buccal fat pads are naturally-occurring pockets of fat located in the cheek area between the facial muscles. While some facial fullness is considered youthful, excessive buccal fat can create an imbalance in facial structures. Buccal lipectomy (the medical term for buccal fat removal) is a popular procedure for those seeking to enhance their facial contour.

Reducing buccal fat through a cheek reduction surgery will give the face a more contoured, shapely aesthetic. Wave’s expert Plastic Surgeons can help you achieve a more balanced, refined appearance. For more dramatic facial sculpting, we also offer comprehensive face contouring procedures.

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Give us a call today to schedule your buccal fat removal consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery.

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How Does Buccal Fat Removal Work?

Many patients desire a slimmer, more refined shape to their lower face. Men prefer a more chiseled, masculine jawline, while women want a more delicate, angular lower face. This can often be achieved through buccal fat excision. The goal of buccal fact excision is to reduce the fullness in the cheeks. Although younger individuals often have more roundness in cheek hollows and it is seen as a sign of youth, some patients feel that this makes their face appear too full.

The buccal fat is a naturally occurring pocket of fat in the submalar area. The fat in this area has a very distinct appearance, and its function is unknown. There are no known deficits from its removal. The amount of buccal fat varies with each individual patient. The procedure may be performed alone, or in conjunction with other procedures like our facelift surgery or face contouring treatments.

The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure

The reduction of buccal fat pad is usually performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. The typical approach for removing the buccal fat pad is through a minimal incision along the bite line, near the second molars. The underlying tissues are then dissected to expose the main body of the buccal fat. Once visualized, the fat in gently teased out while gentle pressure is applied externally. The fat is then cauterized at the base and removed the incisions are sutured with dissolvable stitches. Typically the procedure takes about 30 minutes to complete, after which the patient is then discharged home.

Buccal fat removal is considered a quick procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. Our facial plastic surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding facial muscles and optimal aesthetic results.

For patients looking for more significant facial refinement, our surgeons may recommend combining buccal fat removal with facial feminization surgery or our specialized double pure fat grafting technique for optimal facial sculpting.

Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal

Patients typically have minor discomfort as the intraoral incisions heal for a few days. Swelling can typically last for a couple of weeks. Self absorbing sutures are used. The final results can take up to 3 months to manifest.

Most patients can return to work and normal activities within 3-7 days, though it’s important to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure optimal healing and results.

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Post-Procedure Care & Recovery Process

Following your buccal fat removal surgery, our team will provide comprehensive instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process:

  • Pain Management: Most patients experience mild discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication
  • Reducing Swelling: Apply ice packs to the cheeks for the first 48 hours to minimize swelling
  • Sleeping Position: Keep your head elevated while sleeping for several days to help swelling subside faster
  • Diet Recommendations: Stick to a soft food diet for 3-5 days, avoiding crunchy foods, chewy foods, and hot liquids
  • Oral Hygiene: Use a prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash to keep the incision sites clean
  • Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous exercise or activities for at least 2 weeks
  • Follow-up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up visits to monitor your healing progress

Most patients experience significant reduction in swelling within 2 weeks, with residual swelling continuing to improve over the following months. The final facial shape and contour usually becomes apparent after about 3 months when all swelling completely subsides.

For more examples of our buccal fat removal results and other procedures, visit our Before & After Gallery to view our patients’ transformations.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal at Wave Plastic Surgery

Patients who undergo buccal fat removal at our Los Angeles facilities experience numerous benefits:

  • Enhanced facial contours with more defined cheekbones
  • A slimmer, more sculpted mid-face appearance
  • Reduction in fullness that diet and exercise cannot address
  • Minimal downtime and quick recovery
  • No visible scars (all incisions are inside the mouth)
  • Long-lasting results that maintain with a healthy lifestyle
  • Boosted confidence with a more mature, defined facial appearance
  • Natural-looking outcomes that enhance your natural beauty
  • Transformative improvement in facial aesthetics

For patients seeking more comprehensive facial enhancement, buccal fat removal can be combined with chin augmentation to further define the jawline or fat transfer to add volume in strategic areas of the face.

Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal

The best candidates for buccal fat removal in Los Angeles are individuals who:

  • Have naturally round or full cheeks due to prominent buccal fat pads
  • Are in good physical and emotional health
  • Maintain a stable, healthy weight
  • Have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes
  • Are seeking a more sculpted, contoured facial appearance
  • Are bothered by a “baby face” or “chipmunk cheeks” appearance
  • Are at least 18 years old with fully developed facial structures

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Your journey to enhanced facial aesthetics begins with a private consultation with one of our experienced facial plastic surgeons in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills. During this initial consultation, we will:

  • Review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure
  • Examine your facial structures and bone structure to develop a personalized surgical plan
  • Discuss your aesthetic goals and desired facial contour
  • Explain the buccal fat removal process in detail, including potential risks
  • Answer all your questions about the surgical procedure
  • Present financing plans and payment options if needed
  • Take pre-operative photos for before-and-after comparison

It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight before and after your buccal fat removal surgery to ensure long-lasting results. Weight fluctuations can affect your overall facial appearance, though the removed buccal fat will not return.

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Why Choose Wave Plastic Surgery for Buccal Fat Removal in Los Angeles

Wave Plastic Surgery stands apart as the premier choice for buccal fat removal in Los Angeles for several compelling reasons:

  • Board-certified plastic surgeons with specific expertise in facial contouring procedures
  • Over 20 years of specialized experience and 30,000+ successful surgical cases
  • State-of-the-art facilities across Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco
  • Cutting-edge surgical techniques with meticulous attention to detail
  • Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals
  • Comprehensive approach that considers facial harmony and long-term aging patterns
  • Natural-looking results that enhance rather than alter your appearance
  • Accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
  • Elevated experience from consultation to recovery

Patient satisfaction varies from patient to patient, but our consistent focus on surgical precision and comprehensive care ensures an ideal outcome for our buccal fat removal patients. Many of our patients report increased confidence and a more refined appearance following their facial contouring journey with us.

Our surgeons also offer complementary body contouring procedures, including liposuction for patients seeking comprehensive aesthetic enhancement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal provides long-lasting results. Once removed, the buccal fat pads do not regenerate. However, significant weight gain may affect your overall facial appearance, so maintaining a stable weight is recommended to preserve your results.

Most patients report minimal discomfort after buccal fat removal. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, ensuring you feel no pain during surgery. Any post-operative discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

No. One of the major advantages of buccal fat removal is that all incisions are made inside the mouth, resulting in no visible external scarring.

The cost of buccal fat removal varies depending on individual factors. In Los Angeles, pricing generally ranges from $3,000-$8,000. The total cost includes surgeon’s fees, facility fees, and anesthesia fees. At Wave Plastic Surgery, we offer financing options to help make this procedure more affordable. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your specific needs.

 

The average recovery time is approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients can return to normal activities within 3 to 7 days, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 2 weeks. Every patient’s experience is unique, and your surgeon will provide personalized guidance tailored to your case.

 

Yes, when performed by board-certified plastic surgeons like ours at Wave Plastic Surgery, buccal fat removal is considered a safe cosmetic procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, asymmetry, and anesthesia-related complications. These will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation appointment.

 

Yes, many patients opt to combine buccal fat removal with other facial enhancement procedures, such as malar reduction or non-surgical skin tightening, for more comprehensive results.

 

Give us a call today to schedule your consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery.

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Our Buccal Fat Removal Specialist

Plastic Surgeon Peter Lee

Peter Lee

M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Peter is CEO and Chief Surgeon of WAVE Plastic Surgery Center with over 20 years of plastic surgery experience, overlooking 30K+ successful plastic surgery cases. He has mentored master surgeons around the world in state-of-the-art techniques, and has been inducted into the RealSelf 100 & 500 Hall of Fame.

His many accolades and shining results are evidence of Peter’s expertise.

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Give us a call today to schedule a consultation with one of the plastic surgery experts at Wave Plastic Surgery to learn more about the procedure and the thread face lift cost.

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