Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal allows patients to achieve a slimmer, more contoured facial aesthetic. Dr. Sarah Avila is proud to be a double board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon specializing in a range of facial procedures in Miami. Her procedures are built around the tenet of providing safe cosmetic solutions for patients to improve and enjoy every aspect of their facial aesthetic.
What Is Buccal Fat?
Buccal fat, also known as cheek fat or the Bichat fat pad, is a naturally occurring tissue located in the lower portion of the cheeks. It is responsible for giving the face its rounded appearance and providing cushioning to the facial muscles. However, some people may have larger amounts of natural buccal fat that can contribute to a rounder and wider face. Generally, this fat does not respond to diet or exercise.
Introduction
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure involving removing the fat pads from the cheeks. This can create a more defined and contoured appearance to the face, resulting in a slimmer and more angular look. However, to see results that look natural and enhance one’s appearance, it is vital to work with a qualified, board-certified surgeon. This procedure has become popular among patients who want to see a more sculpted facial look but have stubborn fat pads that do not respond to non-surgical efforts.
What Is a Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Like?
- Local Anesthetic: Patients receive local numbing to prevent any pain. We do not start the procedure until you are fully comfortable and ready.
- 30-Minute Duration: In most cases, this procedure takes only about half an hour, though this can vary. Patients combining this with other procedures can have an extended surgery duration.
- Interior Incisions: Dr. Avila makes all the incisions for buccal fat removal inside the mouth, so there will be no visible scarring, sutures, or wounds following the surgery.
- Outpatient Setting: After the surgery is complete, patients can return home the same day (and do not need to arrange for someone else to drive them).
Why Choose the Removal?
- Facial Contouring: When performed properly, buccal fat removal can lend a patient’s facial features a more contoured, refined aesthetic.
- Unresponsive Fat: Diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle can promote slimmer features. However, many patients will find the fat pad does not respond to any of these. This can be frustrating for patients who have put in the work but cannot see complete results.
- Quick Recovery: The inner tissues of the mouth heal quickly, allowing patients to enjoy the benefits soon following the procedure.
Benefits
- Enhanced, sculpted facial contours
- No visible scarring
- Limited downtime and quick recovery
- Improved self-confidence
- Personalized outcomes
- Permanent results
Is This Procedure Right for Me?
If you are bothered by the appearance of excess fat in your cheeks and desire a slimmer, more defined facial contour, then buccal fat removal may be right for you. This procedure is suitable for individuals who have full or round cheeks due to excess fat, as well as those looking to achieve a more chiseled and angular appearance. If you are concerned about any of the following, then buccal fat removal may be right for you:
- Fullness or chubbiness to the cheeks
- Overall round facial shape
- Loose or drooping jowls
- Lack or loss of facial definition
- “Chipmunk” cheeks
Candidates will also need to meet a few qualities in order to promote a safe experience and positive outcomes. These include being:
- In overall good health
- At a stable weight (and roughly within 20 pounds of target weight)
- Non-smoking
- Ready with realistic, healthy expectations
How Long Is the Recovery?
The recovery time for buccal fat removal surgery can vary among individuals, but most patients can make a full return to their routines within a few days to 1 week. Some minor swelling, soreness, and bruising may occur in the cheek area, but the majority of this should resolve within about 3 days. Most patients find that OTC pain medication and ice packs are more than enough to manage any discomfort. Dr. Sarah Avila will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to promote proper healing, minimize potential complication risks, and encourage better overall results.
When Will I See the Results?
Results from buccal fat removal can typically be seen within 2-3 weeks as any post-surgical swelling and bruising subside. However, the final results may take up to 6 months to fully settle in as residual swelling fades and the tissues settle. Patients can expect a more defined and contoured facial structure, with improved symmetry and balance that can last for a lifetime.
Are the Results Permanent?
Yes, the results of buccal fat removal surgery are permanent. Once the fat pads are removed, they will not grow back. However, the face can still undergo changes caused by aging or the effects of weight gain. While the fat pads are gone, weight increases can cause fat buildup in other parts of the face (such as below the chin). So, patients can see optimal, long-lasting results by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping at a stable weight.
Can You Combine Buccal Fat Removal With Other Procedures?
Yes, buccal fat removal can be combined with other facial procedures, which can promote more impressive results. We provide both surgical and non-surgical options that can readily be combined. The chosen procedures will depend on your aesthetic preferences and what concerns you want to treat. During your consultation with Dr. Sarah Avila, she will discuss any potential combination treatments that may benefit you, matching you with options that best suit the concerns the two of you discuss.
How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost in Miami?
Will the Procedure Cause Scarring?
Buccal fat removal only requires small incisions inside the mouth, meaning there are no visible scars on the face or cheek area. For all her procedures, Dr. Sarah Avila takes great care to ensure any incisions are made in discreet locations for minimal scarring and natural-looking results. By keeping incisions to a minimum, she prevents any unnecessary damage to the body’s tissues, which promotes more refined outcomes.
Why Choose an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon for Surgery?
Choosing a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon like Dr. Sarah Avila for your buccal fat removal surgery ensures you are receiving expert care from a highly specialized and experienced physician. As an oculofacial plastic surgeon, Dr. Avila has extensive knowledge and training in the delicate structures of the face, providing patients with safer procedures and more sophisticated results.
If you want to learn more about buccal fat removal in Miami, contact Dr. Avila’s office today to book your consultation. Dr. Avila and her team are here to answer your questions and focus on helping you achieve the best possible results from your procedure. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sarah Avila and learn more about how to get a sculpted, refined facial contour by working with a leading oculofacial plastic surgeon.
Sarah Avila, MD
Specialization: Eyelid Surgery & Aesthetics
Dr. Sarah Avila is an oculofacial plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida. After completing medical school, Dr. Avila completed a residency in ophthalmology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, followed by a highly competitive two-year ASOPRS-accredited fellowship in reconstructive and cosmetic oculofacial surgery at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. During this fellowship, Dr. Avila focused on plastic surgery related to the eyelids, brows, lacrimal duct system, orbit, and face.
