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Buccal Fat Pad Removal

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Buccal fat pad removal performed by Dr. Pakeman is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery performed to reduce the appearance of lower cheek fullness or “chipmunk cheeks.” Everyone is born with chubby cheeks, but as you get older this generally dissipates. However, weight gain and genetics could make your baby’s face stick around well into your 30s or longer. A buccal lipectomy can give you a beautiful, contoured look by removing your buccal fat pads from your cheeks.

If you’re interested in a more desirable facial shape, please contact our cosmetic surgeon in New York today at 212-308-1566 to schedule your consultation. Manhattan Surgical Care provides experienced cosmetic surgery to those in New York, and nationwide.

How is Buccal Fat Pad Removal Performed?

The buccal fat pad is encased in fat within each of your cheeks. Because the mass of fat is encapsulated underneath your muscle, liposuction, and skin tightening techniques will not work as they do with skin fat. Buccal lipectomy (also referred to as cheek augmentation) removes a portion of the fat pad through a small incision inside the back of your mouth across from your upper molars.

A suture is used to close the incision and allow for proper healing. You will not have any scarring on your face or cheeks because the cut is made from inside your mouth. It’s important to choose a skilled cosmetic surgeon to perform your buccal lipectomy to ensure you reach your desired results while maintaining a natural facial shape.

The entire procedure can take as little as 30 minutes to complete, and recovery time is minimal. Buccal fat pad removal is sometimes combined with other procedures such as liposuction of the neck or chin or rhinoplasty to reshape your overall face.

 

 

BENEFITS OF BUCCAL FAT REDUCTION (BUCCAL LIPECTOMY)

Cheek reduction by removal of buccal fat offers several facial cosmetic surgery benefits:

  • Reduction of lower cheek volume
  • Enhancement of upper cheek and cheekbone contour from the lower cheek hollows
  • Triangulation of facial shape and facial contour
  • Creation of a more slender, narrower facial contour
  • Reduction of facial fullness or plumpness
  • Cheekbones may appear higher with more definition with buccal fat reduction
  • Men: more chiseled jawline and cheeks
  • Women: more sculpted lower facial contour
  • Improvement in the balance of facial proportions contour, upper to lower cheek ratio

The Recovery Process

It’s normal to experience some swelling after your procedure and one to two weeks afterward. Your cheeks could appear more round than before, but this swelling will subside, and you should begin to see thinning in your cheeks within a month of your buccal lipectomy. The recovery process after buccal fat pad removal varies per patient. Your full results could take up to three or more months to fully settle in.

Am I a Candidate for Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Buccal Fat Removal Surgery New YorkDr. Pakeman can help you decide if buccal fat pad removal is right for you during your initial consultation. You could be a better candidate for another facial procedure. The best candidates for buccal lipectomy are in their late 20s or early 30s, at or near their goal weight, and in good health. Come prepared with a list of any medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins you are currently taking, as well as your medical history.

If you’re tired of your chubby cheeks, please call Manhattan Surgical Care in New York today at 212-308-1566 to schedule your consultation. Our cosmetic surgeon serves clients throughout New York.

BUCCAL FAT PAD REMOVAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is buccal fat?

Buccal fat, buccal fat pad or Bichat’s fat pad, is a deep fat pad located in the area between the cheekbone and jawline that contributes to the facial definition and silhouette of the face.

What is the cause of chubby cheeks, full round face, cheek fullness, or chipmunk cheeks?

Cheek fullness or enlarged cheeks are commonly due to buccal fat volume excess. and does not respond to diet or exercise.

What is buccal fat removal surgery?

Buccal fat pad removal (bichectomy or bichectomia) is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery. It is performed to decrease the fullness of the cheek or “baby fat cheeks” also known as buccal lipectomy, buccal fat pad removal, or buccal fat pad excision. Buccal fat removal is frequently done to reshape and re-sculpt the face to create a sleek contoured face with a chiseled look. To learn more about buccal fat removal, read here.

Who are ideal candidates for Buccal Fat pad Removal?

Ideal candidates for buccal fat excision surgery are both men and women with excessive fullness in the lower cheek area, round face, chubby cheeks, or chipmunk cheeks who would like to have a chiseled face.

Am I a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

A buccal fat removal is an option for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their chubby cheeks (excessive fullness in the lower cheek area) and would like to achieve a sleek chiseled face. A consultation with Dr. Basil Pakeman can be helpful to decide if buccal fat pad excision is right for you.

At what age can a buccal fat excision be performed?

Buccal fat removal is for patients of all ages. Patients from their 20’s to their 60’s can benefit from buccal fat excision. Buccal pad removal patients are frequently in their 20’s to their 40’s.

Does buccal fat removal procedure hurt?

This procedure does not hurt. There can be mild soreness in your mouth but usually no pain.

Can my cheeks fullness (chipmunk cheeks, chubby cheeks) be improved with other procedures rather than buccal fat excision for example Liposuction of the cheeks)?

Buccal fat (Bichat’s fat or buccal fat pad) is an isolated fat pocket that is located deep in the facial muscles, and it can’t be accessed directly with a liposuction cannula. Liposuction is best used to address the superficial fat of the face and neck areas.

How is the buccal fat excision surgery performed?

The Buccal Fat Removal procedure is routinely performed by Dr. Pakeman in his office-based operating room under local anesthesia without or with sedation (oral or IV sedation). The procedure takes approximately less than six minutes to complete. A small incision is crafted inside the mouth near the second molar tooth. The buccal fat is gently teased out the buccal fat from its compartment and excised. Once a pleasing contour and symmetry are achieved Dr. Pakeman closes the incision with absorbable sutures. Buccal fat surgery is primarily done as an outpatient procedure, and no hospital stay is required. To read more about buccal fat excision, visit here.

How is the recovery after Buccal Fat Removal surgery?

Most patients will be able to resume 90% of their normal activities with minimal downtime and can return to normal daily activities. The cheeks will appear slightly swollen which diminishes with each day. Bruising may occur but is very rare. There may be mild soreness, but the pain is usually rare. The result of a slimmer contour of your face by buccal fat pad removal surgery should be evident within weeks after your bichectomy surgery. About 10% of the patients may have significant swelling which could last up to one week. Dr. Pakeman will request that you avoid Vigorous exercise or activities for one to two weeks after the procedure.

How Much Bruising is There After Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

This procedure is commonly not associated with bruising since the incision is within the mouth and not on the face.

When can I go back to work or school after Buccal Fat excision surgery?

Most of the patients can return to work or school as quickly as the next day.

What are the potential risks from a Buccal Fat Excision Surgery?

Buccal Fat Excision is an extremely safe procedure. Some of the common risks of the procedure are swelling of the cheeks and bruising if medications or supplements that cause bleeding are being taken. Some of the rare complications include bleeding, poor healing, scarring, prolonged swelling, and asymmetry. To learn more about buccal fat removal, visit here.

Should stitches from buccal fat removal be removed?

No, the stitches dissolve in about 2 weeks, therefore they don’t need the removal of absorbable sutures.

How long do the results of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery last?

Buccal Fat Removal Surgery results are permanent, and fat never return once removed.

When will I see the results of Buccal Fat Excision Surgery?

Early Results will be as soon as the third week after the procedure. Definitive results will become noticeable in six weeks, and your full results could take up to three or more months.

How soon can I schedule my Buccal Fat Removal surgery?

To schedule your procedure, Dr. Pakeman will first conduct a consultation to determine if you are a candidate for the Buccal Fat Removal surgery. If you are deemed to be a candidate, your procedure can be scheduled the next day pending the procedure schedule availability.

Will Buccal Fat Removal Surgery affects the parotid gland salivary duct or muscles inside the cheeks like the masseter muscle or pterygoid muscles?

As a very skilled surgeon, Dr. Pakeman is meticulous and avoids damage to the parotid gland salivary duct or those muscles.

How large is the buccal fat pad?

The size of the buccal fat pad size varies from patient to patient and can also vary from side to side. Buccal Fat Pads size ranges from a teaspoon to a tablespoon in volume.

Can anything be done to help prevent or decrease the swelling after buccal fat removal surgery?

Swelling after buccal fat removal surgery is a normal part of the size. Following Dr. Pakeman’s post-procedure instructions will help to reduce and minimize the swelling. Wearing the facial compression garment and sleeping with the head of the bed elevated is important to facilitate the resolution of swelling.

Can Buccal Fat Removal Surgery be performed at the same time as other cosmetic procedures?

Buccal fat pad removal can be combined with other plastic surgery procedures. Some of the other procedures that Dr. Pakeman has performed with buccal fat pad excision include filler ( Voluma, Radiesse, or fat grafting to augment the midface area), liposuction of the neck, and eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty.

What friends and family will noticed after I get buccal fat removal surgery?

They will notice that your face looks thinner, defined, and more chiseled. Most people would ask if you have lost weight after bichectomy, Bichat’s fat pad.

Can buccal fat removal make me look older?

Buccal fat pad removal will not make you old if you have a great midface structure and good cheekbones. The cheekbones prominence is the defining factor in the result of buccal fat removal surgery. Having a weak cheek bone structure with buccal fat removal can lead to the appearance of an older look. This can be avoided by augmenting cheek prominent with a filler or fat at the time of buccal fat removal surgery or it can be done before or after the buccal surgery. Dr. Pakeman will discuss these options at your consultation.

Are there any diet restrictions after buccal fat removal?

There are no diet restrictions, but dietary precautions after buccal fat removal. Food and liquids that are hot should be avoided within the first 6 hours after surgery to prevent accidental burns to yourself since the mouth is numbed.

Related Review

I’ve waited patiently for my 3 months post up so I can share my honest review… I had my cheek and neck liposuction with Dr. Pakeman and it was the best decision I made in my life! Chubby lower face was my biggest insecurity but thanks to Dr. Pakeman I feel so confident now and I enjoy my skinny face. Thank you so much Dr and the team! You made my dream come true and I feel so beautiful now!

Zhanagul Navarrete

Read More Reviews

What is the Cost of Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

This is an elective cosmetic procedure and insurance does not cover it. The cost of buccal fat removal covers the surgical and the facility fee. Our office does offer financing options and we are happy to provide you with the information. The cost will vary based on your needs. Please call our office to get an estimated quote based on your needs at 2123081566.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact Manhattan Surgical Care today to schedule a consultation for your buccal fat removal in New York. We will take the time to guide you through the entire process, ensuring results that fully satisfy your aesthetic needs. Contact us today!

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