Buccal Fat Removal

For some people, a wide mid-face or slightly square facial appearance is undesirable. In most cases, this is a fundamental product of genetics and cannot be changed. This is particularly true when the bony anatomy is the cause. Having said that, in a small group of people, a wide mid-face and full hamster like cheeks can be the result of buccal fat. In this relatively small group, their facial appearance and definition can be improved by buccal fat removal. If you believe this might be you then please contact us here at Adamgoodwinsurgery.com to book a free appointment.

Is Buccal Fat Removal For Me?

At any age, but most commonly in the younger age group, a desire for cheekbone definition and a slim mid-face leads them to consider buccal fat surgery. Be aware, however, that Instagram and social media don’t always portray celebrities in a realistic light. Many of their photos are edited and doctored and professional make up artists have a number of techniques to make faces look slimmer and better defined. Don’t think that if your favourite Instagram scar looks a certain way, that same look is achievable for you.

Having said that, for some people with hamster cheeks or ill-defined cheekbones, buccal fat removal is an option. At your primary consultation we will discuss your hopes and expectations. Looking more like someone else is unlikely to be attainable. Looking like a slimmer more defined version of yourself is what we are aiming for.

There are certain limitations to buccal fat removal and these will be discussed in detail.  They include your final result demonstrating a limited affect on your facial shape in general. Buccal fat only contributes a small and hard to define percentage of your facial volume therefore removal will, as you might expect, have a slightly unpredictable and limited effect on your overall facial shape.

Buccal fat surgery

Buccal fat surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic but may be performed via a general anaesthetic if combined with other procedures. After consent is signed and photos are taken, some local anaesthetic is injected both into the cheek via a dental nerve block and also inside the cheek similar to that which a dentist might perform. The buccal fat is removed through a small incision above the saliva duct near the back teeth. Anywhere between 2 and 6 cm³ can be removed on each side. The inside of the mouth is stitched together with dissolving stitches leaving no visible scar.

Buccal fat surgery recovery

Recovery is relatively straightforward. We encourage you to use mouthwash for the first three days after surgery. Eating large or chewy foods is not recommended. Your activity should be limited to what is required. Intense activity should be postponed for at least two weeks.

Your face will feel swollen and stiff but, to the outside world, there is likely to be very little sign of surgery. Your final result will be achieved somewhere between 4 and 12 weeks following surgery. Before then, swelling will replace the buccal fat and limit any obvious changes in the short term.

Complications of Buccal Fat Surgery

Complications are rare but include problems with healing of the scars inside the mouth. Haematoma or blood clot accumulation in the space where the fat once was can cause swelling, bruising and fullness on one side of the face following surgery. A rare but possible complication is injury to the salivary duct inside the mouth which may require additional treatment or surgery.

Overall buccal fat resection is a relatively straightforward procedure only limited by patient expectations and what can actually be achieved by removing a discrete pocket of fat from inside the cheek.