When performed as a standalone procedure, the downtime is fairly quick, and patients are able to return back to normal social activity within 7 to 10 days, says Dr. Azizzadeh. While not for the squeamish, videos of the excision are highly watchable as the fat typically pops out in satisfying little lumps. So, you may find yourself frustrated when you work so hard to shape your body a certain way, only for your facial structure to remain unchanged. Who is a good candidate for this procedure? WebBuccal fat removal is a surgery to remove the fat in this area of your face. Injectables are more easily tailored to patients needs and can achieve a sculpted, chiseled cheek contour rather impressively. The surgery is 20 to 40 minutes long and is minimally invasive, as it only requires a small incision on the inside of your cheek. Surgical removal of this fat helps to improve lower cheek contour making it appear slimmer, says New York based, double board-certified plastic surgeon .css-1mt1pvh{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1mt1pvh:hover{color:#808080;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Konstantin Vasyukevic, MD. Most people tolerate the procedure very well and compare it to a dental procedure where youre hanging out with your mouth open, says Dr. Devgan. Its also not known how much buccal fat persists or diminishes as we age (its an area of debate, according to a recent study). When done properly, buccal fat removal gives the face a model-esque look, says Dr. Devgan. However, it has gained more popularity in recent years as more people have become interested in cosmetic surgery and in enhancing their appearance, especially with the rise of social media and filters.. Buccal fat removal (or buccal fat pad excision) is a cheek contouring plastic surgery that has grown increasingly buzzy in recent years, leading to a boom in We should have known that the return of butterfly clips and low-rise jeans would eventually lead us back to this madness. I look hollowed and gaunt. Whatever it is, knowing your skin type can help you find the best skin, Not all vitamin C serums are created equal. Youll be on a liquid diet for a day or two while your incisions start to heal. Before buccal fat removal surgery, youll meet with your healthcare provider. Following the treatment, the aftercare is relatively simple. They may give you a special mouth rinse to help with healing and prevent infection. Buccal fat removal surgery is usually performed by a healthcare provider with special training in plastic surgery procedures such as a licensed plastic surgeon. Remember that you can always remove more buccal fat later on if you desire, but you cannot replace what you've removed. Seeing the words trend and plastic surgery together is usually a red flag, but this procedure is by no means new its been around for close to 60 years. WebRemember that you can always remove more buccal fat later on if you desire, but you cannot replace what you've removed. Dr. Vasyukevic agrees, patients would start with [a] liquid diet for the first 1-2 days and then progress to soft foods and then regular diet within 1 to 2 weeks post surgery. Heavy physical exertion should be avoided for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Doshi agrees, stating that it is generally more appropriate for patients who have completed their facial growth and development, which typically occurs in the early 20s. Buccal fat pad removal to improve facial aesthetics: An established technique? The surgery starts with a topical anesthetic and possibly oral sedation, if youd prefer to be in a light sleeplike state. Your provider will press gently on the fat pads to further expose them, then cut and remove the fat pads. Mariel Molino Is Living Her Childhood Dream. But theres no evidence that they work. Everyone has buccal fat pads. Dont like the appearance of fullness in your cheeks. From liposuction to a neck lift, there are several ways to improve the. Excess cheek fat can push the skin downward, and removing it can create a slight lifting effect (though the change won't be as dramatic as if you'd had a mini facelift). Three years later, after 2 weeks of downtime, Layla is more than pleased with her buccal fat removal and sympathizes with why celebrities may want a gaunt appearance. In 2021, Chrissy Tiegan shared that she had gotten buccal fat removal on her Instagram stories. For this reason, the surgeon and the patient need to ensure that any young person undergoing buccal fat removal is a good candidate for the treatment and won't regret not having that fat later in life. The decision to have plastic surgery is a personal one. You may consider having this procedure if you: You may not be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if your face is narrow or if youre over a certain age, as buccal fat naturally diminishes with age. Suite 106, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (Large Map) Telephone: 424-394-0959 Office Hours: By Appointment. A strong bony foundation (long, wide, and high cheekbones) can also contribute. All rights reserved. Stick to a soft-food diet and avoid anything too hot or spicy for at least 24 hours, to avoid irritating the incisions. You can return to normal activities when your provider says its OK usually after a few days to a week. Youll need to eat a liquid diet for several days. Results are permanent, even if you gain weight. The incision is then closed with a few absorbable sutures. Buccal fat can also be removed as part of a face-lift in those cases, it can take much longer to complete. This can highlight the bone structure in your face, especially your cheekbones and the hollowed-out areas between your cheeks and jawline. Two board-certified facial plastic surgeons share details about this buzzy cosmetic procedure. The size of these pads varies from person to person, regardless of weight. Lastly, this treatment is not to be confused as a quick fix for weight loss. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google In a Buccal Fat Removal, the buccal fat pads are permanently removed from the cheek hollows. Whats the recovery time after this procedure? Most patients need a week of buccal fat removal recovery time. For this reason, many think its not a good idea to perform buccal fat removal on patients who already have a slim face and just want more definition. Cheek augmentation with filler typically costs $1,000, and results last for nine months to a year. Schedule A Consultation. This indicates that they received education and training according to specific professional standards. This has significantly impacted the naturalness and longevity of my outcomes as well as reducing the recurrence of jowling (the excess skin on the lower face) in my patients, explains Dr. Azizzadeh. If my random silly little video managed to change even one persons mind on getting the surgery, then that makes me happy, she tells the Cut. The buccal space is entered and the fat pad is actually delivered into the mouth where it is gently cauterized and removed. How can I find a board certified plastic surgeon? "There is a difference in how people treat me now," she admits. Buccal fat removal has a 90% Worth It Rating from RealSelf members, and it can create a slimmer, more contoured face in the right candidate. Heres When to Get Them Instead of Filler. You'll be physically fine to go about your normal activities, but most people take three or four days of social downtime while the worst of the swelling goes down. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. No I was never going to age, I wanted it done now and nothing you could say to me would change my Buccal fat removal ranges between $2,000 and $5,000. If you grapple with insecurities about the shape of their face and cheeks, this surgery will give you a slimmer, more angular face shape. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The average surgeon performs just 1-5 per a YEAR Having a cheek reduction can alleviate the sense of fullness or chubbiness of your cheeks. If you meet certain health criteria and have a fuller face, you might be an ideal candidate. Buccal fat is the fat between your cheekbones and jaw bones that help make up the shape of your face. Years Later, Buccal Fat Removal Regret! While I have had patients who do not obtain a significant change: I have never once had a patient tell me they look WORSE after buccal fat removal. However, it can take as long as three or even six months to see your full results, as your skin settles into your cheek hollows. The trendy procedure is big in LA, but what does it actually entail? Volume needs to be in the right place, says Dr. Azizzadeh. It is also important to remember that the procedure is not reversible and that the results are permanent. I didn't really notice them dissolving but the tissue stayed hardened throughout the healing process. During that time, you can expect significant swelling and some discomfort. How will these be handled? As I got older, they (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29924767/). LEVINE: Like all plastic surgery procedures, the cost varies based on geography and surgeon. (On Sept. 26, Teigen revealed she was 70 days sober. In fact, it's likely that your face will look fuller during your recovery than it did before your procedure. Combining cheek reduction surgery with complementary procedures will increase your cost, particularly if you're also having a facial plastic surgery procedure that requires general anesthesia. Jenna Ortega On Being Her Own Worst Critic. Then my doctor prescribed me an injectable weight-loss drug that upended everything. Its important to follow your providers after-care instructions, including any follow-up appointments. If the surgeon removes too much fat or you lose weight post-procedure, your face may look overly gaunt as you age. Aesthetic Surgery Journal: "Managing the Buccal Fat Pad. A majority of RealSelf members who've had buccal fat removal surgery say it was. Buccal fat removal (or buccal fat pad excision) is a cheek contouring plastic surgery that has grown increasingly buzzy in recent years, leading to a boom in questions about cost, risks, and before and after photos. For this reason, it is best to approach your surgery conservatively. I've posted before but this is my final result at 13 months post surgery. After surgery, you may experience swelling and discoloration on the face. I like that my face doesn't look as wide as it used to, particularly when I smile or I get my picture taken. Youll need to give it about six weeks for the swelling to fully subside to see the final result. Some people actually photograph the lumps after theyve been removedtheyre a golden yellow (the color of fat) and range from the size of a small walnut to as large as half a golf ball. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. And she wants to delay her 11-year prison sentence. [Its] been one of these little secret procedures that gives you a modelesque, chiseled face, says New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Lara Devgan, MD, who is particularly well-known for posting videos of the procedure to her 650,000 followers. The size and shape of the buccal fat pads varies between individuals, and is responsible for creating the contours below Removing this fat can highlight the bone structure in your face, especially your cheekbones and the hollowed-out areas between your cheeks and jawline. Adding filler of fat grafting could help to restore volume, but would not lead to a complete reversal, says Dr. Vasyukevic. LEVINE: Removal of buccal fat is a straightforward procedure that can be performed in less than 30 minutes under local anesthesia or using sedation. When performed as a solo procedure, it is done under local anesthesia through a small, intraoral incision on the inside of the cheek. We use fine-tipped surgical tools to tease out and dissect a walnut-size amount of fat, says Dr. Devgan. The average surgeon performs just 1-5 per a YEAR and does not deeply study the concepts of buccal fat and beauty nor actively engage in researching about them. Most patients can return to their normal activities after three days. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. Join The Zoe Reports exclusive email list for the latest trends, shopping guides, celebrity style, and more. It will take time usually several months before youll see the final results. Big Forehead Fix: The Forehead Reduction Surgery, Buccal fat removal makes your face skinner. Some people may feel the roundness in their cheeks creates a fullness to their face they dont like. It appears as though while we were sleeping, blissfully unaware of the term buccal fat, celebrities were getting the fat removed from their cheeks. According to RealSelf, the average cost is $2,475. The first description of the procedure was by Dr. Alan Matarasso in the early 1990s. While some aspects of aging are associated with volume loss, buccal fat wont exacerbate that until way later and that is easily correctable. This creates a flattened cheek and jowls. Natural, more aesthetic results are the goal of board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Andrew Cohen, who owns a practice in Beverly Hills. Interest in buccal fat, or cheek fat, removal has spiked in WebBuccal Fat Removal is a popular facial surgical procedure, but it is not always the best solution Show more Show more Buccal Fat Trend Needs To STOP! Buccal fat pad removal is permanent. Theres nothing wrong with having bigger cheeks. Parts of this website will not display or function properly. Can you remove a partial amount of buccal fat instead of all of it, and still get some facial thinning results? (2019). Because the fat still has its blood supply and vascular system, Dr. Azizzadeh finds the fat more likely to take under the skin. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Healing time after this procedure is usually about three weeks, but it will take several months to see the final results. It may seem counterintuitive to add fat when you say your problem is chubby cheeks, but we can add volume to the highest and most projected point of the cheekbone and taper it to the lower face, says Dr. Benjamin Caughlin, a plastic surgeon in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. WebBuccal Fat Removal - 1 Year later. The pushing and pulling is the incision being made at or an inch away from the upper gum line a little further back than your canine teeth (the cut is only a few centimeters or less) and the fat being cut out with a scalpel. 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