Buccal fat removal surgery has become an increasingly popular facial contouring procedure for those looking to achieve sculpted, dramatic cheekbones. For people who have fuller cheeks that create a chubby-cheeked or baby-faced appearance, buccal fat removal is often an effective solution. However, when considering buccal fat removal, questions about the longevity of its results, including “Will my buccal fat return after surgery” are bound to come up.
If you are considering buccal fat removal as a facial contouring solution, it’s important to seek advice from a trusted expert. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis can help you determine if buccal fat removal will enhance your appearance and answer your questions about buccal fat returning after surgery.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
Also known as buccal fat reduction or cheek reduction surgery, buccal fat removal surgery is a cosmetic procedure to accentuate the cheekbones and contour the facial appearance by reducing the fullness of the cheeks. The buccal fat pads are located in the lower portion of the cheeks. During surgery, they are removed or significantly reduced to create a slimmer, more sculpted facial profile.
The size of the buccal fat pads varies by patient and may be different sizes in each cheek. Typically, buccal fat removal is performed on patients who feel their faces are too full or rounded even after weight loss rather than on patients who have naturally thin or narrow faces.
How Does Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Work?
Often, buccal fat removal procedures are performed under local rather than general anesthesia. Dr. Davis performs buccal fat removal surgery by creating a small incision inside the cheek to locate the fat pad. After removing the excess fat, the incision is closed with absorbable sutures.
After buccal fat removal surgery, patients experience swelling, but bruising and discomfort are minimal. Patients generally do not require prescription pain medication throughout recovery.
Buccal fat removal surgery requires minimal downtime, and patients often feel well enough to resume most normal activities the next day. However, it is important to rest following the procedure, including avoiding strenuous activities like exercising or heavy lifting, to ensure proper healing.
Can Buccal Fat Return After Removal Surgery?
Depending on the desired facial shape outcome, some or all of the buccal fat pad may be removed. If the buccal pads are removed entirely, those fat pads will not return even with weight gain, providing long-lasting results.
While buccal fat pads will not grow back, remaining fat cells in the face may expand with weight gain, affecting overall facial contours and results.
What Factors Could Lead to the Appearance of Buccal Fat Post-Surgery?
Buccal fat removal surgery offers a permanent solution to reducing cheek fullness. The procedure can remove the buccal fat pad entirely or partially, depending on the patient’s desired results.
If the buccal fat pad is completely removed, it will not return after surgery. Weight gain cannot make buccal fat pads grow back. It’s important to note that any remaining fat cells, whether in partially removed buccal fat pads or other facial areas, will still react to weight gain and impact overall facial fullness.
How Can Diet and Lifestyle Affect Buccal Fat After Surgery?
To ensure a successful recovery and optimal results after Beverly Hills buccal fat removal surgery, it’s important to consider certain lifestyle changes.
- Avoid habits like smoking and drinking. These habits may affect healing and greatly increase the risk of developing complications after surgery. Dr. Davis requires patients to quit smoking for at least four to six weeks before and after surgery. It’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before surgery, and it’s important to not mix alcohol with pain medications following surgery.
- Get plenty of rest. It’s important to get adequate rest following any surgery to ensure proper healing. It’s also important to avoid strenuous activities like exercise as advised.
- Follow a nutritious diet. Proper nutrition is important to ensure a healthy recovery. Eat a healthy, balanced diet to ensure the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for smoother healing.
- Avoid sun exposure. As sun exposure can cause skin damage and impact the healing process, avoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks and wear appropriate sunscreen following surgery.
- Avoid touching the incisions. To prevent infection, it’s important to avoid touching the incision area, including with the tongue.
- Follow the post-operative care instructions. To ensure a safe and successful recovery, Dr. Davis will provide post-operative care instructions, including using cold compresses, taking medication appropriately, and attending all follow-up appointments.
What Are the Long-Term Expectations After Buccal Fat Removal?
As buccal fat removal is permanent, it’s important to consider how the slimming effects of buccal fat removal may affect your face shape over several years before opting for the procedure.
As we age, the face can naturally lose fat and muscle volume, and the skin can become lax and begin sagging. These effects can intensify the slimming results of buccal fat removal and could cause a gaunt-looking appearance, creating an older-looking appearance for some patients.
While buccal fat removal may reduce cheek fullness, having some buccal fat may preserve a more youthful appearance as a person ages.
How Can I Maintain Results After Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
Buccal fat removal surgery typically delivers long-lasting results as buccal fat pads do not grow back. However, buccal fat removal surgery does not address other fat cells in the face. With significant weight gain, these remaining fat cells may expand, impacting the facial contour.
To maintain the slimmer facial contours achieved after buccal fat removal surgery, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by continuing a balanced diet and consistent exercise regimen.
How Do I Choose the Right Surgeon for Buccal Fat Removal?
The first step in ensuring optimal results from buccal fat removal surgery is choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in facial contouring procedures. During your consultation, be sure to ask questions about your surgeon’s experience in performing buccal fat removal surgery. Review your surgeon’s before and after gallery to see actual patient results and patient testimonials. It’s important to choose a surgeon with whom you feel comfortable.
With extensive training and unsurpassed education, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gabrielle B. Davis will help determine if buccal fat removal surgery will help you achieve your long-term facial contouring goals. With sincere compassion and a simple approach, Dr. Davis is dedicated to delivering high-quality plastic surgery results that enrich and enhance her patients’ lives.
Contact us today or call (310) 614-5898 to learn how one of the best buccal fat removal procedures in Beverly Hills may help contour your face to help you achieve an overall slimmer facial profile.