Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure that helps eliminate excess fullness in the cheeks to achieve a more defined, contoured appearance. Aging, genetics, and weight fluctuations can each contribute to a bloated or puffy look. With a buccal fat removal, each patient can achieve a sharper, more rejuvenated, and youthful look.

Dr. Tim Roham of Advance Laser and Cosmetic Surgery is one of Orange County’s top cosmetic surgeons. He has more than 20 years of experience and has treated thousands of patients, helping each of them achieve their aesthetic goals.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Roham, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule your consultation over the phone, please call our Santa Ana office at (714) 557-0777 or our San Clemente office at (949) 248-1900.

About Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal aims to restore a more contoured facial profile by excising the fat found in one’s cheeks. This procedure benefits those who feel like their cheeks are excessively round or full, even when maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The buccal fat pad, also known as Bichat’s fat pad, not only contributes significantly to one’s overall appearance, but for some patients, this fullness can diminish their facial aesthetics. ⁽¹⁾ Through buccal fat removal, many patients enhance both their appearance and confidence.

Benefits

There are several benefits that patients can experience after undergoing buccal fat removal, including:

Candidates

Suitable candidates for buccal fat removal include men or women with fuller cheeks who are interested in a more slender, defined facial aesthetic. All candidates interested in buccal fat removal should be in good overall health and hold realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can accomplish. Individuals should be nonsmoking, or willing to quit using nicotine before treatment and throughout their recovery. Dr. Roham will determine each patient’s eligibility during their personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step to achieving a more sculpted appearance is scheduling a personal consultation at Advance Laser and Cosmetic Surgery. During this consultation, Dr. Roham will ask each patient a series of questions about their medical history, current medications, concerns, and goals, before evaluating the structure and anatomy of their face.

Using this information, he will craft each patient’s procedure, tailoring certain aspects to help each patient achieve their goals. He will provide pre- and post-operative instructions, as well as the cost of the procedure. We encourage patients to prepare and ask questions, as this consultation is meant to be informative and collaborative.

Preparation

Dr. Roham will provide pre-operative instructions during the consultation. Patients will need to avoid certain medications and supplements, particularly ones with blood-thinning properties. They should also avoid drinking alcohol several days before the procedure. If applicable, they will need to completely cease smoking several weeks in advance and throughout their recovery to promote effective healing.

Patients should fill any prescriptions ahead of time, as well as arrange transportation home from the procedure. It is also important for each patient to schedule time off from work so that they can focus on their recovery. Dr. Roham will provide further instructions during each consultation.

Procedure

Each patient will first receive anesthesia before their procedure begins to ensure their relaxation. Patients will have the choice between local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia with sedation will keep them awake, yet relaxed, while general anesthesia will put them to sleep. Once the patient is comfortable, Dr. Roham will create small incisions inside the mouth, either above or below where the gum meets the inner cheek. This area is also called Stensen’s duct, and it is responsible for transporting saliva into the mouth. ⁽²⁾ Because the incisions are intraoral, there is no risk of any visible or external scarring. From there, Dr. Roham will gently press on the cheek to expose the buccal fat before excising it. He will then carefully close incisions with dissolvable sutures and leave the patient to rest under the care of our team. Each procedure will vary in length, but they often last between 30 and 60 minutes.

Recovery

After buccal fat removal, it is common for patients to experience swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the treated area, but these effects are temporary and will dissipate on their own. Most patients will receive pain medications, which they should take with Dr. Roham’s instructions to help further manage any discomfort. When resting, patients should keep their head elevated to help minimize swelling.

Patients will need to follow a soft or liquid diet for the first few days of recovery to help avoid aggravating the incisions. Most can return to their daily routine within several days, but they should continue avoiding physical activities or other actions that could strain the face for several weeks, or until Dr. Roham provides clearance.

Results

Patients often notice changes in their facial appearance immediately after the procedure, but the final results will become more apparent over the following weeks as any residual swelling subsides. Patients will enjoy sharper cheekbones, a more defined jawline, and a more sculpted facial profile in general. Many patients also report an increase in their self-esteem and confidence with their newly refined appearance.

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Roham can perform a variety of other treatments to complement the effects of each patient’s buccal fat removal. A few of our more notable procedures include the brow lift, Juvéderm®, and our selection of neuromodulators.

Brow Lift

A brow lift is a procedure that lifts the position of the eyebrows to restore a more rejuvenated and youthful-looking appearance. This procedure can address signs of aging, such as wrinkles, frown lines, creases, and more. Dr. Roham can perform both the endoscopic and open approach brow lift, which both offer unique advantages and target different concerns to help revitalize one’s eyes.

Juvéderm®

Juvéderm® is a collection of soft tissue fillers that restore volume in various areas of the face. This FDA-approved injectable filler can fill creases and wrinkles, but it can also augment the lips, chin, cheeks, and temples. The main ingredient in Juvéderm® is hyaluronic acid, a deeply hydrating substance that is naturally present in the body. With just one treatment, patients can experience significant results that last up to a year.

Neuromodulators

Neuromodulators are a type of injectable treatment that block certain neurotransmitters to help reduce and prevent the appearance of wrinkles, creases, and other signs of aging. Neuromodulators carefully address parts of the face that experience repeated muscle contractions, and they can address areas like the forehead, nasolabial folds, and even areas of the neck.

Cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Orange County, California

Advance Laser and Cosmetic Surgery provides each patient with transparent and upfront pricing. Dr. Roham will discuss and disclose the full cost of each patient’s buccal fat removal with them during their personal consultation. Anesthesia, facility fees, and patient anatomy can all factor into the final cost, making it difficult for our team to provide an estimate before meeting each patient, making the consultation essential. Our practice additionally offers various financing options to help each patient achieve their goals.

To unlock the full cost of your buccal fat removal, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule your consultation over the phone, please call our Santa Ana office at (714) 557-0777 or our San Clemente office at (949) 248-1900.

FAQ

References

1. Davis B, Serra M. Buccal Fat Pad Reduction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576413/
2. Weniger FG, Weidman AA. The Buccal Fat Pad. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(7):e2328. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002328