Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is one of the most popular in-office surgical procedures because it is quick, comfortable, and results emerge with minimal down time. Facial contour is created by the shape of the underlying bone (i.e. our facial skeletons) and the fatty tissue overlying it. Attractive and youthful appearing faces have high arched cheekbones and ample upper cheek fat, giving rounded “apples of the cheeks” in women, or a chiseled mid face in men. The lower cheek region, by contrast, should be slightly hollow. Excess fat in the lower cheeks can give an appearance of being overweight and is often referred to as “chipmunk cheeks,” “chubby cheeks,” or “baby fat cheeks” and can create a bottom heavy appearance, or “bowling pin” shape to the face particularly if the upper cheeks are flat, and the lower cheeks are full. Although this cannot be changed by diet and exercise, fortunately the excess fat in the lower cheeks, called buccal fat pads, can be safely and comfortably removed in the office while awake and with local anesthetic numbing medicine in just 30 minutes.
What is the Buccal Fat Pad?
“Buccal” means “cheek” and the buccal fat pads are walnut-sized blobs of fat that live within the lower cheek underneath the buccinator muscle. They are part of our normal anatomy and have no functional importance. The fat pads can be easily accessed through small incisions within the mouth effectively making it a scarless procedure.
“Safety, artistry and compassion…my guiding principles.”
- Ariel N Rad, MD, PhD, FACS
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01Artistry
Finding the best surgeon for buccal fat removal is important when deciding to go through with surgery. All surgeons have a different degree of aesthetic sense, some more than others. Dr. Rad’s (hyperlink) eye is trained to evaluate a face both holistically and at the smallest details, looking for asymmetries and optimal contours. Dr. Rad is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This ensures that Dr. Rad has completed rigorous training and meets the highest standards of education and expertise in their field. He is extremely experienced and has extensive experience performing buccal fat removal with a wide repertoire of different surgical techniques. Dr. Rad’s reputation with organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery provides a sense of Dr. Rad’s overall quality of care and patient satisfaction. Overall, Dr. Rad prioritizes the comfort of his patients and takes the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions. After consulting with Dr. Rad and assessing the best surgical plan, you should feel confident in his ability to understand your goals and work with you to achieve them.
02Safety
Experience and environment are crucial when it comes to safety. Not only has Dr. Rad has performed many buccal fat removal surgeries, but also places safety as the utmost priority when planning and executing surgeries.
Buccal Fat Removal is typically performed in the office under local anesthesia. The exact surgical technique used will depend on the specific concerns of the patient and the desired outcome.
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05Aftercare
Care post-surgery is important for both your recovery and results whether at your home or at a hotel.
Once at home or at a hotel, you should be able to perform your “activities of daily living,” meaning being up and about and doing basic self care. Tissues react with swelling and bruising that distorts facial appearance and causes facial muscles not to work normally, but this is normal and temporary. Cold compresses and head elevation helps with comfort and swelling.
After a few days, you should be able to resume normal activities, making sure to move and eat well for optimal healing.
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frequently askedQuestions
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
If you are bothered by lower cheek fullness that gives your face a bottom-heavy or “chipmunk cheek” appearance, or you feel that you have no upper cheek definition and your facial contours blend without definition, then you are likely a good candidate. Oftentimes women contour the lower cheek area with makeup to create a shadow below the cheekbones and give the appearance of a lower cheek hollow. This can be created surgically with buccal fat removal. It is quite subtle and will not age the face.
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