Buccal Fat Removal

• Q: What is Buccal Fat Removal?
• Q: How is Buccal Fat Removal performed?
• Q: What Should I Anticipate After the Procedure?
• Q: Am I a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

Q: What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is known as a buccal lipectomy or cheek reduction surgery. Cheek reduction surgery helps an individual improve not only the appearance of the cheeks but brings harmony to the overall facial shape. For patients with overly full, round or chubby cheeks, removing the buccal fat pads results in a more sculpted and symmetrical facial appearance. The procedure is performed from inside of the mouth and does not result in visible scars on the face. Dr. Rayham will strategically remove the correct amount of the buccal fat pad to enhance the patient’s youthful contours and overall facial shape.

Q: How is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?

Dr. Rayham performs Buccal Fat Removal procedure in his offices. Buccal Fat removal is a minor surgical procedure which Dr. Rayham performs under local anesthesia. Dr. Rayham first makes small incisions inside the mouth. Then, he gently removes or “teases out” as much of the fat pad as necessary to achieve the desired look discussed between him and the patient. Dr. Rayham then uses dissolvable sutures to close the incisions. This procedure takes about one hour excluding the prepping time. You are able to return home soon after the surgery.

Q: What Should I Anticipate After the Procedure?

A buccal lipectomy patient may experience facial swelling following surgery. However, the swelling will dissipate on its own within about two to three weeks. After the swelling stops, the cheeks will start to look thinner and more contoured.

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. The rinse can help reduce a patient’s risk of infection and should be taken as directed.

Some patients receive medication to help accelerate the healing process or lower the risk of infection after a buccal fat pad removal procedure. Any medication should be taken as prescribed. If a patient experiences any side effects when taking medication after a buccal lipectomy, this individual should notify Dr. Rayham.

Dr. Rayham provides instructions for a patient to follow during recovery from buccal fat removal. The instructions detail how a patient can care for the surgical site and describe any medications that should be taken during the recovery period. They also explain how frequently a patient should follow up with Dr. Rayham, along with post-surgery issues that require immediate attention.

Dr. Rayham tracks his patient’s progress throughout the recovery. He performs periodic evaluations to ensure his patient fully recovers from surgery and helps him/her avoid post-treatment complications. Dr. Rayham is available to respond to a patient’s questions throughout the recover. If a buccal lipectomy patient is worried about the results of surgery, Dr. Rayham can quickly address his or her concerns at any time during the recovery period.

Q: Am I a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

You might be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if any of the following applies to you:

• Good physical health
• Healthy weight
• Dislike the appearance of your round cheeks or full face
• Diagnosed with pseudoherniation (small rounded fat mass in the cheek due to weak buccal fat pad).
• Seeking facial feminization surgery.
• Non-smoker

Buccal fat removal isn’t for everyone. It may not be recommended in the following scenarios:

• Face is narrow: If your face is naturally thin, the surgery might cause sunken cheeks as you age.
• Diagnosed with progressive hemifacial atrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome): This rare disorder causes skin on one side of the face to shrink. It’s known to affect the buccal fat pad.
• Age: As you age, you naturally lose fat in your face. The procedure might emphasize jowls and other signs of facial aging.

A plastic surgeon is the best person to determine if you’re an ideal candidate. Click here if you’d like to email Dr. Rayham with a question or a concern.

We also encourage you to call us toll free 1 866 435 5357 (1 866 435 5357), or 1 877 Dr. Rayham (1 877 377 2942) to speak with Dr. Rayham or RR Plastix New York Plastic Surgery Center experienced office staff.