Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal Fat Removal in Tarzana

A wide range of factors impacts the appearance of our faces, from bone structure to pockets of fat. Fortunately, modern medical techniques allow us to make changes to match your unique aesthetic preference. One way to help you achieve your ideal facial shape is through buccal fat removal.

Buccal fat removal is an increasingly popular procedure that reduces the buccal fat pad in the cheeks. When done by a trained surgeon, it can be an effective way to achieve a more toned and slim facial contour.

How Does Buccal Fat Removal Work?

It might not be a household name, but we can bet you see buccal fat at work every day. This fad pad is a rounded mass of fat that is situated in the middle of the cheek. Its size and volume can play a significant role in your face's overall shape and appearance. Though everyone has these fat pads, the impact on your facial appearance can vary significantly from one person to the next.

Buccal fat removal works by removing targeted amounts of this fat to generate a slimmer, more contoured face. By reducing the width of your face, you can get a new, thinner look.

Is Buccal Fat Removal Right for Me?

Buccal fat removal is a unique and effective way to achieve a slimmer look for many individuals. If you have a round face or a "baby face," this procedure might be what you need to get that slender look. While diet and exercise alone are not enough to reduce this fat completely, it is important to still be at a healthy weight to be a candidate. We want to stress this is not a weight-loss procedure.

The first step to your slimmer look is to schedule a consultation. During your personal meeting with our oral surgeon, he can evaluate your situation. By conducting a physical examination and discussing your goals, he can help you determine if this procedure is right for you.

What Is the Procedure Like?

For buccal fat removal, most patients typically only need local anesthesia to stay comfortable. However, if you are having it combined with another procedure at the same time, you may need general anesthesia.

Once you are comfortable, our oral surgeon works through incisions on the inside of your cheek. This ensures no scarring on the outside where it might be visible. Once the right amount of fat has been removed, he will close the wound with stitches that dissolve on their own over time.

The procedure itself takes between 30-60 on average, but can last longer if combined with other procedures. After your procedure, you can return home the same day, though you may need someone to drive you if you had any form of sedation.

Is There a Recovery & Downtime Period?

To ensure a safe and optimal recovery, we provide patients with post-operation instructions. In addition to staying on a liquid diet for a few days, it will be important to use a special mouthwash. This helps prevent infection and ensures a smooth healing process.

Some bruising and swelling after your procedure are normal, but these should go away within several days. Most patients find they have fully recovered from the procedure within three weeks total.

During your recovery, we will be in touch to make sure that everything is going smoothly and you are on your way to slimmer cheeks. If you have any questions as your cheeks heal, let us know and we will gladly answer them. In other words, The Smile Specialists are with you every step of the way.

Seeing Your Results

While you should be able to see changes in your face right away, it takes time for your final results to appear. This is because your face can take some time for your cheeks to settle into their new and final shape. However, once your results are in, they will be with you for years to come.

While your results can be permanent, it is still important to remain at a stable weight. On average, weight gain of about 30 or more pounds can plump up your cheeks once more. But if you maintain a stable weight, you can see your results stick with you for a lifetime.

Schedule Your Appointment

Dealing with fat that won't go away can be frustrating day after day. Take the first step to reducing a rounded face or "baby face" today when you schedule your consultation. You can learn all about buccal fat removal and see if it is the right option for you. Call us today to learn more and get started.