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A Buccal Fat Removal procedure surgically removes a fat pad from beneath the cheek. The purpose is to create more definition in the cheekbone by removing what is often called the ?baby fat? in the cheeks. The procedure has become increasingly common as people spend more time on screen. Whether it’s Instagram or seeing their own faces on Zoom repeatedly, more people desire a more defined visage than ever before. But the procedure itself is controversial, here?s why.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal has become incredibly popular in recent years. Like many procedures, its popularity increases due to social media and influencers, making many aspire to achieve a certain idealized look. For many, that means doing something to accentuate their cheekbones and make their faces look more angular. Buccal fat removal is one way of achieving this look.
Why is the Procedure Controversial?
The main criticism of Buccal Fat Removal is that people lose facial fat naturally as they age (hence the phrase ?baby fat?). Some observers worry that removing fat pads from under the cheeks can hurt, rather than help, patients in the long run. For example, as they age, it’s possible they could become unnaturally gaunt-looking as they get older. It is important to assess on a patient-by-patient basis. No quality plastic surgeon will work with the wrong candidate and Dr. Castrellon is no exception.
Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal
Surgical candidacy rests on several common requirements, regardless of which procedure it is. The ideal candidate for plastic surgery is a non-smoker who is at a healthy weight. When discussing your candidacy it is important to provide a detailed health history and disclose any and all medications or supplements you take. Full disclosure is crucial and even seemingly harmless or ?natural? supplements can still be harmful. For example, herbs like St. John?s Wort can interfere with recovery from anaesthesia so it is a supplement to avoid prior to your procedure.
Finally, the right candidates for cheek slimming will need to have a real desire for the procedure. This is a surgical procedure that will require preparation and aftercare. It’s not something that should be undertaken lightly.
Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Buccal fat removal procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The incision is made inside the mouth, to prevent the appearance of visible scars. The surgeon will remove the fatty pads from the cheek area. The size and shape of these vary naturally among patients. Afterwards, your surgeon will close the incision, usually with dissolvable stitches.
Recovery from the surgery can take weeks. During that time, there will be some swelling and discomfort. However, when everything settles down, patients find that they have a more striking look. The cheekbone and hollow are more defined. Results show a more angular look.
Interested in a Procedure?
Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Castrell?n where you can discuss any questions you might have and determine the best procedure to achieve your goals.
Frequently Ask Questions
It generally takes about seven to 10 days for the tissues inside the mouth to recover following buccal fat pad removal. As such, a patient may need to maintain a soft or semi-liquid diet in the first few days after surgery. A special mouth rinse is sometimes recommended for use after a buccal lipectomy.
Buccal fat removal is usually the treatment recommended for patients looking to get rid of their “chipmunk cheeks.” Small incisions are made inside the mouth, and pads of fat are removed. Deposits of fat are removed to ensure better definition of the cheeks and a slimmer facial shape.
Improvement of cheek contours become noticeable immediately after surgery. However, swelling sets in, and can last approximately 2-3 weeks.
After your buccal fat removal, you will need to sleep on your back with your head elevated. If you are a habitual stomach or side sleeper, it can be difficult to change your ways. However, sleeping with your head raised has benefits that aid significantly in your recovery process.
Anyone with a leaner face should avoid the procedure since removing buccal fat can make the face look hollowed out and older than it is. Younger patients tend to do better with buccal fat removal because more facial fat presents additional fullness.
After your procedure, expect swelling and bruising for several days. During this time, you will need to follow a liquid diet. By 3-4 days after your surgery, you may begin to eat soft foods.
10 thoughts on “What Is Buccal Fat Removal and Why Is It Controversial?”
I’ve never heard of this procedure before and I’m surprised people would want it. I thought full cheeks were more youthful looking. Interesting…
I didn’t even know what buccal was until now. Learned something new today. Glad about that. 🙂
wow really interesting Buccal fat remover!!Never heard about it.Thanks for sharing.
Wow, it is truely amazing what surgeries can achieve now a days. I had never heard about Buccal Fat Removal, we learn new stuff everyday.
First time I hear of buccal fat removal. It sound pretty scary to me, though I can see the appeal for women wanting to look like Kim Kardashian.
What else to say but, to each their own.
It’s interesting to see the movement toward this in social media and how popular it is. I’ve often wondered myself how it looks once the face has aged, but it’s a relief to know this is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
I heard that this method taking for 1 hour to removal surgery and painless. No cuts or incisions are made on the face. I think this is good method to remove face fat.
I didn’t know about Buccal fat removal. It’s a new revelation to me.
Hhhhmmmm….this is a surgery that I am not familiar with. Thank you for educating me on it!
This is the first time I’ve heard about this. Very interesting, great post, thanks for sharing!