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Buccal Fat Removal Treatment

Buccal Fat Removal – Achieve a More Sculpted and Defined Facial Profile at Minnerva Clinic

For individuals who feel their face is overly round or "chubby" due to prominent lower cheeks, despite being at a healthy weight, Buccal Fat Removal (also known as Buccal Lipectomy or cheek reduction surgery) offers a targeted solution. This cosmetic surgical procedure is designed to selectively remove the buccal fat pads—naturally occurring pads of fat located deep within the cheeks—to create a slimmer, more chiseled, and contoured facial appearance. At Minnerva Clinic, our skilled plastic surgeons perform buccal fat removal with precision and an artistic eye, enhancing your natural facial structure.

The experienced surgical team at Minnerva Clinic understands the desire for a more defined facial aesthetic and is committed to delivering subtle yet impactful results that refine your look and boost your confidence.

Understanding Cheek Fullness & How Buccal Fat Removal Sculpts Facial Contours

The overall shape and contour of the face are influenced by bone structure, muscle mass, and the distribution of fat. Some individuals naturally have more prominent buccal fat pads, which can contribute to:

A Round or "Chubby" Facial Appearance: Especially in the lower cheek area, sometimes referred to as "chipmunk cheeks."
Lack of Cheekbone Definition: Fullness in the lower cheeks can obscure the natural hollows beneath the cheekbones.
A "Baby Face" Look Persisting into Adulthood: Some people retain this youthful roundness longer than desired.

It's important to note that buccal fat pads are distinct from the superficial fat that might be addressed by diet, exercise, or facial liposuction. They are deeper structures.

How Buccal Fat Removal (Buccal Lipectomy) Works:

Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the volume of these specific fat pads.

Local Anesthesia (Typically): The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with or without oral sedation, meaning you are awake but comfortable and the area is numb.
Small Incisions Inside the Mouth: The surgeon makes small, discreet incisions on the inside of each cheek (intraoral approach). This means there are no visible external scars.
Identifying and Removing Buccal Fat Pads: The surgeon carefully identifies the buccal fat pads through these incisions. A precise amount of the fat pad is then gently teased out and removed.
Closing Incisions: The small incisions inside the mouth are typically closed with dissolvable sutures.

By reducing the volume of the buccal fat pads, the procedure aims to:

Create a slimmer, more V-shaped or heart-shaped facial contour.
Enhance the appearance of cheekbone definition and the natural cheek hollows.
Reduce the "chubby" or overly full look in the lower cheeks.
Achieve a more mature and sculpted facial aesthetic.

Key Advantages of Choosing Buccal Fat Removal at Minnerva Clinic

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Slims and Contours the Cheeks: Effectively reduces excessive roundness or fullness in the lower cheek area.

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Enhances Cheekbone Definition: Creates a more sculpted look by revealing natural cheek hollows.

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Achieves a More Mature Facial Profile: Helps transition from a "baby face" to a more defined adult appearance.

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No Visible External Scars: Incisions are made inside the mouth, ensuring a scar-free external result.

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Relatively Quick Surgical Procedure: Often performed efficiently as an outpatient procedure.

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Permanent Fat Pad Reduction: The removed buccal fat cells do not grow back.

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Boosts Self-Confidence: Achieving a more refined and contoured facial appearance can significantly enhance self-esteem.

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Performed by Skilled Plastic Surgeons: Ensures precise and aesthetically pleasing results.

Is Buccal Fat Removal the Ideal Choice for Your Facial Contouring Goals?

Buccal fat removal can be a highly effective procedure for individuals who have persistent, noticeable fullness in their lower cheeks. This surgical option might be suitable for you if:

You feel your face is overly round or "chubby" due to full lower cheeks, even if you are otherwise at a healthy weight.
You desire more defined cheekbones and a slimmer facial contour.
You have prominent buccal fat pads (your surgeon will assess this).
You are in good general health.
You have realistic expectations about the subtle yet impactful changes this procedure can provide.
You are a non-smoker or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery to ensure optimal healing.
You understand that this procedure is about contouring, not weight loss.

A thorough consultation at Minnerva Clinic is crucial. Our plastic surgeons will evaluate your facial structure, the prominence of your buccal fat pads, discuss your aesthetic goals, and help you determine if buccal fat removal is the most appropriate procedure for you.

Your Buccal Fat Removal Surgery: A Path to Defined Cheek Contours at Minnerva Clinic

Step in Your Journey	Details of What Happens at Minnerva Clinic
1. In-Depth Surgical Consultation & Facial Analysis	Our plastic surgeon will discuss your concerns about cheek fullness, evaluate your facial anatomy and the prominence of your buccal fat pads, explain the surgical procedure, potential outcomes, and any risks.
2. Pre-Operative Instructions	You will receive pre-operative guidelines, which may include avoiding certain medications, instructions for oral hygiene, and fasting if sedation or general anesthesia is planned.
3. The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure	The surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon will make small incisions on the inside of your cheeks. Through these incisions, a predetermined amount of the buccal fat pads is gently removed. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures. The procedure usually takes about 30-60 minutes.
4. Immediate Post-Procedure Care	After the surgery, you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort in your cheeks. You will be given instructions on oral hygiene, which will include using an antiseptic mouthwash. You can usually go home the same day.
5. Recovery and Healing at Home	Swelling is common and usually peaks within the first few days. You'll be advised to eat a soft diet for a few days and keep your head elevated. Discomfort is typically managed with pain medication.
6. Seeing Your More Defined Contours	As the swelling resolves, you will begin to see the slimming effect and improved cheek definition. The final, refined results will become fully apparent over several weeks to a few months.

Why Trust Minnerva Clinic for Your Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?

✔️Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons with Facial Contouring Expertise: Your procedure will be performed by our highly skilled plastic surgeons who have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and the artistry required for natural-looking cheek reduction.
✔️Focus on Subtle, Harmonious Facial Sculpting: We aim to achieve a refined and more defined facial contour that enhances your natural features and complements your overall facial balance.
✔️No Visible External Scars: The intraoral approach ensures that all incisions are hidden inside the mouth.
✔️Personalized Surgical Approach: The amount of fat removed is carefully judged based on your facial structure and desired outcome to avoid an overly hollowed look.
✔️Commitment to Patient Safety & Comfort: We perform surgery in a safe, accredited environment, prioritizing your well-being and comfort throughout the process.
✔️Comprehensive Consultation and Realistic Expectations: We provide thorough information and ensure you have a clear understanding of what buccal fat removal can achieve for you.

Buccal Fat Removal Results & Aftercare: Enjoy Your More Sculpted Facial Profile

Seeing Your Results

You will start to notice a reduction in cheek fullness as the initial swelling subsides, typically within the first few weeks. However, it can take several months (often 3-6 months) for all residual swelling to completely resolve and for the final, refined contours of your cheeks to become fully apparent. Your face will appear slimmer, and your cheekbones may look more defined.

How Long Do Results Last?

The results of buccal fat removal are generally permanent because the removed fat cells do not grow back. However, significant weight fluctuations can still affect your overall facial fat distribution. Maintaining a stable weight will help preserve your sculpted results. The natural aging process will also continue to affect your facial appearance over time.

Essential Aftercare

Oral Hygiene: Meticulous oral hygiene is crucial. You will be instructed to use an antiseptic mouthwash regularly to keep the internal incisions clean and prevent infection.
Soft Diet: Stick to a soft diet for the first few days to a week to avoid putting stress on the healing incisions inside your mouth.
Managing Swelling & Discomfort: Use cold compresses externally on your cheeks as recommended to help reduce swelling. Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as needed for discomfort.
Head Elevation: Keep your head elevated, especially when sleeping, for the first week or so to minimize swelling.
Activity: Avoid strenuous activities and exercise for about 1-2 weeks, or as advised by your surgeon, to allow for proper healing.
Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor your healing progress.

Buccal Fat Removal FAQs: Your Questions Answered

1. Is buccal fat removal painful?

The procedure is performed under anesthesia (usually local with sedation), so you will not feel pain during the surgery. Post-operative discomfort and swelling are expected but are typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.

2. How long does the buccal fat removal surgery take?

The surgery itself is relatively quick, usually taking about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

3. Will I have visible scars after buccal fat removal?

No, there are no visible external scars. The small incisions are made on the inside of your cheeks.

4. What is the recovery time after buccal fat removal?

Most patients can return to work and light activities within a week, although swelling can persist for several weeks. A soft diet is recommended for the first few days. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about 1-2 weeks.

5. When will I see the final results of my buccal fat removal?

You'll start to see a difference as swelling subsides within a few weeks, but the final, fully refined results can take 3 to 6 months to become apparent as all tissues settle.

6. Will buccal fat removal make me look too thin as I get older?

This is an important consideration. A skilled surgeon will remove a conservative and appropriate amount of buccal fat to avoid an overly hollowed or gaunt appearance, especially considering future natural facial fat loss with aging. This is why a thorough consultation and assessment are crucial.

7. Are the results of buccal fat removal permanent?

Yes, the removed buccal fat cells do not regenerate, so the reduction in volume is permanent. However, significant weight changes can still affect overall facial fullness.

8. Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

Good candidates are typically individuals with naturally full or round lower cheeks (prominent buccal fat pads) who desire a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance and are in good general health with realistic expectations.

9. Can buccal fat removal be combined with other procedures?

Yes, buccal fat removal can be combined with other facial procedures such as chin augmentation, rhinoplasty, facelift, or facial liposuction to achieve more comprehensive facial harmony and contouring.

10. What are the potential risks of buccal fat removal?

As with any surgery, potential risks include swelling, bruising, infection, asymmetry, temporary or (rarely) permanent numbness or weakness in facial muscles, and injury to salivary ducts. Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon minimizes these risks. These will be discussed thoroughly during your consultation.

Ready to Achieve a More Defined and Sculpted Facial Profile?

If you're considering Buccal Fat Removal to address overly round cheeks and enhance your facial contours, the expert plastic surgeons at Minnerva Clinic offer specialized skill and an artistic approach. We are dedicated to helping you achieve a naturally refined and more confident appearance.
Book your buccal fat removal consultation at Minnerva Clinic today and explore how this procedure can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.