Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Michigan
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Select a section to jump to
- What is a buccal fat pad?
- How does buccal fat removal work?
- What are the benefits of buccal fat pad removal?
- Who are good candidates for buccal fat removal?
- Can it be combined with other procedures?
- When can I expect to see the results?
- What is the recovery after buccal fat pad removal?
- What are the risks of buccal fat pad removal?
- Will I age faster if I get a buccal fat pad removal?
What Is the Buccal Fat Pad?
The buccal fat pad is a collection of fat deep inside the cheek. It has numerous lobes, including one that extends up towards the temple. Given its location, it adds fullness to the cheek area. It is frequently the cause of what people consider the “baby” fat in their cheeks. It is an area of fat that tends not to vary much in size with weight changes; people tend to have a natural size of their buccal fat pad that is fairly constant over time. For those that have an excessively large buccal fat, removal can be a great option to help provide optimal balance and definition to the face.
How does Buccal Fat Pad Removal work?
Buccal Fat Pad Removal is a quick and easy way to remove the excess buccal fat to create a permanent improvement to the contour of the face. It is performed in the office very comfortably with local anesthetic. A very small incision is made on the inside of the mouth. The buccal fat can be removed from this incision and a single dissolving suture is placed in each incision. That’s it! The whole process takes less than 30 minutes, and there are no visible scars.
What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal fat pad removal is an excellent way to slim the face. This will reduce puffy cheeks and create more definition to the cheek and jawline. Given that the buccal fat is fairly constant in volume, this is a permanent change to the face, meaning your results will last a lifetime!
Who are Good Candidates for Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal Fat Pad Removal candidates are healthy patients who are concerned about excess fullness to the cheeks and lack of definition to the cheeks and jawline. Our surgeons can help to guide you as to whether you would be a good candidate at your consultation. Our expert surgeons typically recommend candidates for Renuvion procedures should:
- Be non-smokers, or willing to quit prior to your procedure
- Be at least 18 years old
- Live a healthy lifestyle and be close to your ideal weight
- Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have realistic expectations and a positive outlook
- Understand the procedural risks
Can it Be Combined with Other Procedures?
It absolutely can! Commonly, it can be combined with other in office procedures such as chin liposuction and Renuvion, which can work together to improve jawline definition, as well as filler to the cheeks to jawline. It can also be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as facelift, neck lift, or blepharoplasty to help enhance the results in certain patients.
When Can I Expect to See the Results?
After surgery, it is expected there will be some swelling in the area where the buccal fat pad used to be. Typically, by a month it has resolved enough that the results are becoming noticeable, though results will continue to improve over the course of the first year after surgery.
What is the Recovery After Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
There is minimal recovery for the buccal fat pad removal. There are internal incisions that typically heal within 5 days of the procedure. During this time, it is important to avoid sharper or crunchy foods. A soft diet is recommended for 1 week. It is also important to keep the incisions clean, so regular mount washings with salt water after eating and throughout the day are also recommended. There will be swelling to the cheeks, but minimal pain, so most patients should be able to return to work the following day if they wish.
What are the Risks of Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Complications are not common after buccal fat pad removal, but they can occur, just like any other surgery. Bleeding, fluid collection, infection, damage to the parotid duct, nerve injury, asymmetry and excess hollowness of the cheeks are all risks. Although all are uncommon, it is important that you choose a qualified provider to perform your surgery.
Will I Age Faster if I Get Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
The effect of buccal fat pad removal on aging is a frequently discussed concern. With aging, the face tends to lose volume, including fat volume. Therefore, if we remove the buccal fat pad, we can be adding to that process in the wrongly selected patients. For those with excess buccal fat, this can be a wonderful procedure that can help to improve their facial profile and balance for the rest of their lives! This is why it is critically important you have a consultation with a provider who is trained in plastic surgery and aesthetics to determine whether you will be the right candidate to benefit from this procedure.