Buccal fat reduction surgery is cutting-edge cosmetic procedure for the face, which creates a slimmer and more defined appearance by removing excess fat deposits.

A certain amount of fat beneath the surface of the skin is essential to create a youthful and healthy appearance. However, excessive fullness of the face is associated with an uneven and undefined look, which can make it difficult to achieve pride in your appearance.

By removing excess fat deposits from targeted locations around the cheeks, buccal fat reduction can create a less rounded and significantly more defined and attractive look.

What to Expect from Buccal Fat Reduction

Many buccal fat reduction procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic as an outpatient procedure. However, you may wish to have your procedure carried out under a general anaesthetic. This will be discussed with your surgeon during your initial consultation.

A local anesthetic injection numbs the region to be treated and minimises bleeding, after which a small incision is made inside your mouth leaving no visible external scars. Your surgeon will then surgically remove excess buccal fat from precisely targeted locations and in carefully measured quantities, after which the incision will be closed using dissolvable stitches.

Recovering After Buccal Fat Reduction Surgery

The full effect of buccal fat reduction surgery becomes more clearly apparent after a fewweeks once the swelling and bruising subsides.

You will also be advised to avoid strenuous activity and generally take it easy for about a week, while the healing process takes place.

This is not known to be a painful surgery and discomfort during early days can be adequately managed with regular analgesia. If you experience any severe pain or symptoms that seem out of the ordinary, they should be reported to your surgeon as quickly as possible.

As the incision is made through the cheek into the mouth, it may be necessary to eat a relatively soft and restricted diet for a few days, until the wound heals, while keeping your mouth as clean as possible using antibacterial/antiseptic mouthwash.

In most cases patients return to work within a few days, although very rarely, a longer period of leave may be necessary if your work is particularly strenuous or physical in nature.

Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Safe?

Cosmetic surgery carries risks, so it must be discussed openly with your surgeon before committing to a procedure. Though the risks associated with buccal fat reduction surgery are relatively low, they exist nonetheless.

Examples of which include numbness, pain and discomfort, bleeding and infection and facial weakness. In addition, aggressive buccal fat reduction performed at a very young age may result in the face becoming too thin.

Am I an Eligible Candidate for Buccal Fat Reduction?

If you are dissatisfied with the definition of your face and are in a generally good state of health, you may be considered eligible for cosmetic surgery.  Eligibility will be assessed by your surgeon during your initial consultations, wherein you will be asked a series of questions about your lifestyle, your state of health and any medications you are taking at the time.

If there are any doubts or concerns whatsoever regarding your eligibility, under no circumstances should you commit to buccal fat reduction or any form of cosmetic surgery.

For more information or to discuss your suitability for buccal fat pad reduction in more detail, book your obligation-free consultation with Samuel Mattine today.