Part of the overall shape of the face is due to the buccal fat pads. The buccal fat pad is a mass of fat located in the middle of the cheek below the cheekbone. Everyone has buccal fat pads between the facial muscles, but the size of these can vary greatly, resulting in a multitude of different facial shapes. Larger buccal fat pads give the face a rounder and fuller appearance, which can be a source of discomfort for some people. Although there is nothing wrong with having larger cheeks, if you’d like to make them smaller, one option is buccal fat removal.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
A buccal fat removal procedure is a plastic surgery that removes buccal fat in the cheeks. The goal is to thin out the cheeks and give the face sharper and more defined angles. The surgery can be done by itself or be combined with a number of other surgical and nonsurgical procedures.
Before the procedure, you will have a consultation to talk with your plastic surgeon about your goals and expectations for buccal fat removal in addition to any medical conditions that you have including medications and allergies. To prepare for the procedure, your doctor might recommend that you get blood tests and cease certain medications.
The procedure by itself is done under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort, but you may also request sedation or general anesthesia, especially if you plan to have buccal fat pad removal along with any other procedures. A small incision inside the cheek will be made, and through this incision, your plastic surgeon will cut and remove the fat. The wound will be closed with stitches.
Is Buccal Fat Removal Worth It?
Buccal fat removal is a highly effective solution to thinning out the face and giving cheeks a more defined look. If you have a fuller and rounder face, you might be a great candidate for buccal fat removal. Overall, the procedure is considered quite safe, though it is highly important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in buccal fat removal. Good candidates for the procedure are people who are:
· In good physical health
· At a healthy weight
· Have a fuller and rounder face
· Are a non-smoker
· Seeking facial feminization surgery
It is important to first talk to your doctor about if buccal fat removal is a good option for you and your goals. If you have rounder cheeks and a fuller face, consider talking to your doctor about buccal fat removal. The procedure is a proven effective solution at thinning the face and giving cheeks more definition.
