Buccal fat removal, a plastic surgery procedure that targets excess fat in the cheeks, has gained significant popularity in recent years. Celebrities like Bella Hadid, Zoe Kravitz, and Chrissy Teigen are rumored to have undergone this procedure to achieve a slimmer facial appearance. As the interest in buccal fat removal increases, it’s crucial for potential patients to understand the procedure, its risks, and the possible outcomes to make informed decisions about their aesthetic goals.
Before you decide to make any changes to your appearance, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and aesthetic concerns to ensure you have as much information as possible to move forward.
Understanding Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is a plastic surgery procedure that involves the removal of excess fat from the buccal fat pad. This fat pad is located between the cheekbone and jawbone, and its primary function is to provide support and structure to the face.
Some people are born with larger buccal fat pads, which can result in a rounder facial appearance. Factors such as genetics, weight, and age can all contribute to the relative prominence of the buccal fat pad. Those with larger buccal fat pads may feel that their face appears fuller and may seek out buccal fat removal to achieve a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance.
Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal
Before considering buccal fat removal, it’s essential to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. It’s essential to have a consultation with a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon to ensure that your anatomy is appropriate for the procedure and that your desired results can be achieved. Several factors can influence this decision, including your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Understanding the Limits of Buccal Fat Removal
It is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. Buccal fat removal can certainly provide a more contoured facial appearance. However, in patients who do not actually have excess fat in this area, the surgery can create a gaunt, aged, appearance.
The procedure is increasingly being sought out by younger patients as a means to create the appearance of prominent cheek and jaw bones, however in many cases these patients have relatively small buccal fat pads and may be risking causing the appearance of premature aging by undergoing the surgery.
The importance of working with a Royal College certified Plastic Surgeon specialized in Aesthetic Surgery of the face cannot be overstated.
The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Preparing for Surgery
To achieve the best results from buccal fat removal, it is essential to properly prepare for the surgery and understand the process. Let’s discuss the necessary steps to prepare for the procedure and provide an overview of the surgery process.
Before surgery, your surgeon will provide you with some simple directions to follow during your recovery. These instructions will include the importance of maintaining a soft diet for one week after surgery, and directions regarding oral hygiene. Following these instructions after your surgery will help minimize risks and ensure a smooth recovery.
During Surgery
During the buccal fat removal procedure, your surgeon will make hidden incisions on the inside of your mouth, carefully removing the excess fat from the buccal fat pad.
In our Toronto plastic surgery practice, we ensure that the amount of fat removed is appropriate for your specific facial features. Once the desired amount of fat is removed, the incisions are closed with dissolving sutures. The surgery typically takes approximately half an hour to perform.
Recovery and Downtime
The recovery process for buccal fat removal is relatively easy, with most patients experiencing minimal downtime. The expected recovery time varies from person to person, but generally, patients can return to their daily activities within a week after the procedure. It is essential to follow your surgeon’s post-procedure care instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
After the surgery, you may experience some temporary swelling, bruising, or discomfort in the treated area. To minimize these side effects, your surgeon may recommend using ice packs, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoiding strenuous activities for a short period. Additionally, you may be advised to sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
As your body heals, you will gradually notice the results of your buccal fat removal. Visible changes in your facial contour may become apparent within a few weeks, but the full effects of the procedure can take several months to fully develop. It’s essential to be patient and allow your body ample time to recover and reveal the desired results.
Risks and Potential Complications
As with any surgical procedure, buccal fat removal comes with certain risks and potential complications. Common risks associated with buccal fat removal surgery include infection, bleeding, and anesthesia-related complications. Additionally, there is a chance of damage to a facial nerve branch located near the buccal fat pad, which could lead to temporary or permanent facial numbness or weakness. To minimize these risks, it is crucial to follow your surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions diligently.
One significant factor to consider when weighing the benefits of buccal fat removal is the long-term effects of the procedure on your facial appearance. As we age, our faces naturally lose fat, and the removal of the buccal fat pad may contribute to a gaunt appearance in the future. It is essential to discuss this possibility with your surgeon and consider any alternative treatments that may better suit your long-term goals.
Ultimately, selecting a plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic surgery is of utmost importance in reducing the risks and potential complications associated with buccal fat removal.
At Ford Plastic Surgery in Toronto, our team of Royal College-certified plastic surgeons is dedicated to providing the highest quality care and achieving optimal results for our patients. By choosing a surgeon who specializes in aesthetic surgery, you can ensure that your procedure is performed with precision and expertise, minimizing the chance of complications and maximizing your satisfaction with the results.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
When considering buccal fat removal, it is of utmost importance to select a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon who has the expertise and experience to achieve the best possible results. By choosing a skilled and qualified surgeon, you can ensure that the procedure is performed with precision, minimizing the risk of complications and maximizing your satisfaction with the results.
Ford Plastic Surgery takes pride in the expertise and qualifications of our team of Royal College-certified plastic surgeons, who are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and achieving optimal outcomes for our patients in the greater Toronto area. Our surgeons are experienced in performing a wide range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, including buccal fat removal, and will work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals.
To further assist potential patients, Ford Plastic Surgery also offers virtual consultations, enabling you to discuss your aesthetic concerns and learn more about the procedure from the comfort of your own home. By scheduling a virtual consultation, you can gain valuable insights and guidance from our expert surgeons, helping you make an informed decision about whether buccal fat removal is the right choice for you.
We invite you to review a recent article in the Toronto Star in which one of our surgeons, Dr. Steven Hanna, was asked to provide his thoughts on the procedure.
Take the Next Step with Ford Plastic Surgery
Throughout this post, we have explored the benefits and risks of buccal fat removal, highlighting the importance of proper consultation and setting realistic expectations.
Achieving a slimmer facial appearance can be a life-changing experience, and it’s essential to work with experienced professionals like the Royal College-certified plastic surgeons at Ford Plastic Surgery. To help decide if buccal fat removal is the right choice for you, we invite you to call (416) 925-7337 or schedule a consultation online with our expert team here in Toronto or take advantage of our convenient virtual consultations.
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