Buccal Fat Removal FAQs
To avoid increasing your discomfort after buccal fat removal, you should eat a diet of bland, soft foods, such as applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, or broth. It’s also important to avoid eating foods like sharp tortilla chips or granular rice. You may resume your normal eating habits in 2 to 3 weeks.
Your initial buccal fat removal surgery recovery can take 2 to 3 weeks, and Dr. Davis encourages you to engage in light walking to promote circulation during this time. While most patients can resume exercising in 3 to 4 weeks, it is important to wait for Dr. Davis to clear you for more strenuous exercise.
Often, “chubby cheeks” are associated with a fuller-faced, more youthful look, and for some people, buccal fat removal can fashion a more age-appropriate appearance. Buccal fat removal surgery reduces fat and fullness from the lower portion of the face to create a sculpted look and a slimmer jawline.
Choosing the right buccal fat removal surgeon is an important decision. Removing too much buccal fat may negatively impact your appearance and can create an older-looking or even gaunt appearance. However, selecting an experienced board-certified and highly educated plastic surgeon like Dr. Davis ensures you’ve chosen a provider who will deliver optimal results while providing the utmost care for your safety.
Recovery from buccal fat removal surgery can take 2 to 3 weeks, and patients may need a week off work for initial healing. Persistent swelling and inflammation may take weeks to months to resolve after the incisions have healed. Final results are typically visible in 3 to 6 months, allowing you to enjoy your slimmer cheeks, more prominent cheekbones, and a youthful facial appearance.
After your buccal fat removal procedure, Dr. Davis may recommend that you wear a compression bandage or chin strap for at least 2 weeks to minimize swelling and support your tissues through your recovery. To further encourage healing and prevent infection, Dr. Davis may also prescribe antibiotics or an antiseptic mouthwash.
When performed as a standalone procedure, buccal fat removal surgery is relatively quick. The procedure may take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your anatomy and anesthesia needs. Buccal fat removal may also be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve dramatic results, including lip augmentation, rhinoplasty, injectables, facelift, or neck lift.
Yes. Like with any surgery, there are potential risks associated with buccal fat removal. These risks may include bleeding, infection, facial nerve injury, or salivary gland injury. However, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Davis, who has extensive anatomical knowledge and training, can significantly reduce your risk of complications.
No, buccal fat does not go away with age. Patients can actually develop buccal fat as they age.