Buccal Fat Removal

Most surgeons recommend waiting until the age of 18-20 to undergo buccal fat pad removal. This is because the face is still developing during adolescence, and removing fat too early may result in an overly sharp or gaunt appearance later in life.

• Younger individuals with rounder faces may see a dramatic improvement, but ensuring the face has matured is important.
• Older adults may need to consider additional procedures, such as a facelift, to prevent sagging or loose skin after buccal fat pad removal.

A consultation with a qualified surgeon will help you decide if this procedure is right for you, based on your goals and facial structure.

While buccal fat pad removal directly targets fat in the cheeks to create a more defined facial contour, masseter Botox works differently. Masseter Botox is a non-surgical treatment involving injecting it into the masseter muscles (located at the jawline) to reduce their size, creating a slimmer, more contoured jawline.

• Buccal fat pad removal involves removing fat under the cheeks, giving the face a more angular look.
• Masseter Botox targets the muscles of the jaw, reducing their size for a narrower jawline.

While both procedures can contribute to a more sculpted face, they address different areas and may be combined for more comprehensive facial contouring. Buccal fat pad removal might be a better choice if you’re looking for permanent results. Masseter Botox is a temporary solution that requires regular treatments to maintain its effect.

Both buccal fat pad removal and cheek liposuction aim to slim the face, but they differ in approach:

• Buccal fat pad removal involves making an incision inside the mouth. It specifically targets the fat pads beneath the cheekbones and offers more precise contouring of the cheeks and jawline.
• Cheek liposuction, on the other hand, involves using suction to remove fat from the overall cheek area. It’s less precise than buccal fat pad removal and may not offer the same level of definition.

While buccal fat pad removal can reduce the overall fullness of the cheeks and jaw, it is not specifically intended to address smile lines (the lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth). However, reducing cheek fullness in some cases may make smile lines less prominent.

Other procedures, like a facelift or dermal fillers, may provide better results for deeper smile lines.

The procedure may reduce the prominence of smile lines by creating more contour in the face, but it is not specifically designed for this purpose.

Most patients experience mild discomfort, which can be managed with pain relievers.

Buccal fat removal typically requires only one surgical appointment, as it is a straightforward outpatient procedure that takes about 30 to 45 minutes. However, you will need at least one pre-operative consultation with Dr. Chopra to discuss your goals, assess your facial structure, and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. After surgery, one or more follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor healing, check for any signs of infection, and ensure everything is going smoothly.

Initial results from buccal fat removal can be seen as early as two to three weeks after the procedure, once the majority of swelling subsides. However, full results take longer to develop, typically becoming most noticeable around three to six months post-surgery. This is because the remaining swelling gradually resolves, and the skin and tissues continue to settle into their new, more contoured shape. As healing progresses, the cheeks appear slimmer, and the overall facial structure becomes more defined.

The results of buccal fat pad removal are permanent. However, as you age, the natural loss of fat and muscle in the face, along with skin laxity, may alter the appearance of your face. This can sometimes change the effects of the procedure and appearance.

Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve the results of the surgery over time.

Yes, the fat pads removed during buccal fat pad removal do not regenerate, making the results permanent.

Recovery typically lasts about three weeks, with full results visible after one to two months.

Dr. Chopra often combines buccal fat removal with chin liposuction or submental liposuction to further define the jawline and enhance lower-face proportions. Additionally, buccal fat removal can complement procedures like a facelift or neck lift, particularly for patients looking to address both excess fat and skin laxity. Some individuals also opt for dermal fillers or fat grafting in other areas of the face to create a more sculpted yet youthful look. If you’re considering combining procedures, Dr. Chopra will assess your facial structure and aesthetic goals during your consultation in Washington, D.C., to determine the best and safest approach.

While buccal fat removal is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, it carries some risks, particularly for patients who are not ideal candidates. One of the most significant concerns is premature facial hollowing. Because buccal fat naturally diminishes with age, removing it at a young age, or in someone with only mildly chubby cheeks, can lead to an overly gaunt, aged appearance as the skin loses volume over time. This can create an unnatural, sunken look that may require corrective procedures later in life.

Other potential risks include asymmetry, prolonged swelling, infection, excessive scarring inside the mouth, and nerve damage that could affect facial movement or sensation. Additionally, if too much fat is removed, the results may appear harsh or unbalanced rather than refined. To avoid these complications, it’s crucial to undergo a thorough evaluation with Dr. Chopra, who will assess your facial structure and determine if buccal fat removal is truly the right choice for you.