Prominent buccal fat pads give the face a fuller, rounder appearance that can be a problem area for many. Unfortunately, exercise and diet fads do little to decrease the prominence of these fat pads. Because of this, men and women are turning towards an increasingly popular surgery, buccal fat removal, to improve the shape of their midfaces.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat pads are small collections of fat just below the cheekbones that when prominent, give the face a rounder, “babyface” appearance. Buccal fat pad removal in Washington, D.C., utilizes a small incision inside the mouth on both cheeks to remove these fat collections. It is performed under local anesthetic and typically takes about thirty minutes.
Dr. Schoenfeld will often combine a buccal fat removal procedure with other cosmetic procedures to create optimal facial proportions. This provides patients with the best aesthetic results in one surgery.
What to Expect from the Results
The goal of a buccal fat removal procedure is to provide a slimmer, more chiseled appearance to the face. The improved and more defined contour to the face helps to draw more attention to your eyes and smile. A slimmer appearance gives the face a more mature, professional look with improved definition in the mid-face and cheeks.
For those who experience significant self-consciousness about their chubby cheeks, a buccal fat pad removal can provide a boost to their confidence. Many experience improved satisfaction with their appearance and renewed confidence after the procedure.
Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal in Washington, D.C.?
Buccal fat pad removal is a specific procedure for those who are unhappy or concerned with the roundness of their face or the appearance of their chubby cheeks. For those interested in undergoing a buccal fat removal surgery, you must identify exactly what you wish to accomplish by the procedure. Having realistic expectations can ensure the desired results are attained.
The ideal candidates for buccal fat pad removal are physically healthy, maintain a stable weight, and are non-smokers that are bothered by the appearance of their cheeks. Reviewing before and after photos can help set realistic expectations of the procedure. So, if you are not sure whether you are a good candidate for this procedure, call and make an appointment at Renu by Dr. Schoenfeld to learn if the surgery is right for you.
What to Expect During Recovery
Following a buccal fat removal procedure, swelling and soreness are typically experienced for up to 14 days postoperatively. Typically, minor bruising is noticed, and post-op symptoms can be managed using an ice pack, over-the-counter medications, and painkillers prescribed by the doctor. Special mouthwashes or antibiotics may be used to help minimize the risk of infections.
Because the incisions are made inside the mouth, a liquid diet, including soups, jello, smoothies, etc., is recommended directly after surgery until advised otherwise (usually about five days). A soft diet consisting of foods such as mashed potatoes and applesauce is then recommended and progressed as tolerated. Hard or crunchy foods are best avoided for at least two weeks. It should be noted that many experience some discomfort chewing for up to three weeks.
Post-operative swelling is common and during the early part of recovery, can mask the results of the surgery. In as little as one to two weeks after surgery, initial improvements in the appearance of your cheeks can be noticed. However, it may take up to four months for the final result to be visible as residual swelling resolves revealing a slimmer, more defined contour to the face.
Buccal Fat Removal Cost
The cost of buccal fat removal in Washington, D.C., generally ranges from $2,000 to $8,000 but can cost up to $20,000. The price variation is due to multiple factors, including the surgeon’s experience, geographical location, additional procedures, and other costs and fees associated with the surgery. During the initial consultation at Renu by Dr. Schoenfeld, the total price will be discussed to help eliminate any confusion and uncertainty with the procedure.
Surgeon’s Experience
Board-certified plastic surgeons invest a significant amount into staying on the cutting edge of technology and learning techniques to maximize the results of cosmetic procedures. Expert surgeons are often in high demand as they typically deliver the best outcomes. Therefore, to remain competitive, they are often more expensive.
Geographical Location
Depending on where the procedure is being performed, the cost can vary widely as larger cities typically have higher expenses than smaller cities. Additionally, cosmetic procedures such as buccal fat removal are in more demand along the West and East coasts resulting in increased costs.
Additional Procedures
It is not uncommon for patients to try to address multiple areas of concern with one procedure. The addition of other procedures results in an increased overall cost. However, having multiple procedures done at one time can lead to a more satisfied patient, and in the long term be cheaper than undergoing multiple separate procedures.
Additional Fees
The surgeon’s fee is only one aspect of the total cost of the surgery. The cost of nurses, anesthesia, medications, and surgical assistants are factored into the total cost. Depending on the location of your surgery, hospital or surgical facility costs will need to be added to the cost of the surgery.
Understanding Buccal Fat Removal
The appearance of chubby cheeks caused by overly prominent buccal fat pads often requires surgery to alter, as diets and exercise are rarely effective. Thus, if you want a more sculpted, slimmer facial contour to project a professional and mature look, buccal fat removal may be for you. Understanding the expected recovery and realistic expectations and costs of the procedure, are important aspects to ensure you obtain the highest satisfaction with the procedure. So if you are ready to experience the benefits of buccal fat removal, call today at 301-652-7368 to set up an initial consultation with the professional staff at Renu Facial Plastic Surgery.
This procedure can technically be done at any age, but as the face grows during the teenage years, the buccal fat pad can often change and become less prominent. Therefore, it is typically recommended to wait until your 20s or 30s to have a buccal fat removal procedure. If done too early, the face may grow, causing the development of an unhealthy, boney appearance to the face.
Yes. Buccal fat pads provide volume to the cheeks and are located just under your cheekbones. Larger, more prominent fat pads can thus give the face a more rounded and fuller appearance that is often associated with a youthful appearance (“babyface”). Although this can improve as we age, some buccal fat pads remain more prominent than others resulting in bothersome areas.
The surgical removal of the buccal fat pads can provide a solution to this problem area. Removing the buccal fat pad results in a slimmer, more sculpted facial contour that promotes a more professional and mature appearance.
Yes. Buccal fat is different from the fatty tissue removed during a typical liposuction procedure. The amount of buccal fat is genetically predetermined and remains stable throughout life. The buccal fat pad is less responsive to weight gain or loss and unable to grow back once removed. Therefore, this procedure provides a permanent solution to chubby cheeks. However, if a large amount of weight (greater than 20 pounds) is gained post-operatively, the results of the procedure can be affected.
Buccal fat removal can be a powerful procedure to help slim and contour the face in those with chubby cheeks. It can be used as a stand-alone procedure or combined with other surgeries or non-surgical cosmetic procedures to maximize the overall results. These procedures can be used in conjunction to help create proportion among the facial features.
Non-surgical procedures such as dermal fillers and chemical peels are used to help enhance facial features and help to remove skin damage and signs of aging. Various surgical procedures are often combined with buccal fat pad removal to enhance the rejuvenating effects of these procedures. Often, facelifts, neck lifts, neck and submental liposuction, fat grafting to the face (cheeks, chin), and cheek implants are used in combination with buccal fat removal.
Combining procedures can help target many problem areas with one surgery. However, the recovery can substantially change depending on the procedures added. Therefore, if you are considering addressing multiple areas, the expert recommendations of Dr. Shoenfeld will ensure the best combination of procedures is used to maximize your results while minimizing the risk of complications.