Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Houston, TX
A round face may be adorable on an infant but less desirable in a grown man or woman who wants to appear mature and refined. If you are unhappy with the shape of your face due to prominent, chubby cheeks and want a more sculpted facial appearance, you might want to consider buccal fat pad removal, also known as cheek reduction surgery or buccal lipectomy.
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Cheek reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that aims to achieve a slimmer and more defined facial contour. By selectively removing excess fat from the cheeks, this procedure can help individuals achieve a more sculpted appearance and enhance their overall facial harmony.
Why Choose Patronella True Form® Plastic Surgery?
Dr. Patronella is a well-respected, board-certified plastic surgeon who provides buccal fat reduction in Houston, Texas. He is one of the country’s top plastic surgeons and offers the highest level of care with compassion.
To schedule your buccal fat pad removal consultation, contact our Houston plastic surgery practice at (713) 575-1996.
Am I a Candidate for Cheek Reduction?
As an ideal candidate for buccal fat removal, your cosmetic concerns include chubby cheeks and a desire for a more defined facial contour. You should be in good health, have realistic expectations about your results, not smoke or use any nicotine products, and be able to follow all our surgeon’s instructions before and after your surgery.
Primary Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Some of the benefits buccal fat reduction provides include:
- Facial contouring: Buccal fat pad removal can create a more defined appearance in the cheeks and midface to enhance the shape of your face.
- Improved facial proportions: By reducing the volume of buccal fat pads, this procedure can improve facial proportions and create a more balanced and harmonious facial profile.
- A more appealing facial appearance: Slimmer cheeks can contribute to a more aesthetically appealing appearance, as excess fat in the cheeks can give the face a rounder, “baby-faced” look.
- Customizable results: Buccal fat pad removal can be tailored to each patient’s unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals, allowing for customized and natural-looking results.
How Is Buccal Fat Pad Removal Performed?
Buccal fat pad removal is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. During the procedure, Dr. Patronella will make small incisions in the back of your cheeks to reach the buccal fat pads. He then carefully removes a portion of the fat pads to achieve your desired results and closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures.
What Procedures Are Commonly Combined With Cheek Reduction Surgery?
For those looking to get the most out of their plastic surgery experience, buccal fat pad removal can be performed on its own or combined with other facial surgeries to achieve more comprehensive results. Some procedures that can be combined with buccal fat reduction include:
Facelift
Facelift surgery addresses sagging skin and deep wrinkles in the mid to lower face and neck.
Rhinoplasty
Cosmetic nose surgery can enhance the shape and proportion of the nose.
Facial Fat Grafting
Adding fat to the upper cheek and under-eye areas can reduce hollows and give the midface an even more sculpted appearance.
Chin Augmentation
Recontouring the chin can accentuate the appearance of your more sculpted cheeks while improving the balance and symmetry of the facial profile.
How Long Is Recovery Following Buccal Fat Pad Reduction?
After undergoing this procedure, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and minor discomfort in the midface areas. Follow our surgeon’s post-operative instructions. These may include:
- Taking prescribed pain relief medication as directed to alleviate discomfort.
- Consuming a diet consisting of soft foods and refraining from hard or chewy items for the initial week post-surgery
- Avoiding strenuous physical activities and refraining from lifting heavy objects for several weeks following the procedure
- Sleeping with the head elevated to minimize swelling
- Attending scheduled follow-up appointments with the surgeon to assess progress and ensure optimal recovery
As with any surgical intervention, buccal fat pad removal carries risks and potential complications. However, following Dr. Patronella’s instructions can significantly reduce these risks.
Be sure to attend your scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Patronella so he can monitor your healing progress and address any concerns you might have.
When Will I See My Cheek Reduction Results?
The outcome of buccal fat pad removal typically becomes noticeable once the initial swelling subsides, which may take several weeks to a few months. At this time, you can anticipate a more refined facial contour. While minor swelling and asymmetry may be present during the initial healing phase, the final results of buccal fat pad removal are usually long-lasting and contribute significantly to facial aesthetics.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal With Our Top Houston, Texas Plastic Surgeon
Buccal fat pad removal presents an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to achieve a more defined facial contour and enhance facial harmony. To explore whether buccal fat pad removal is suitable for you, call (713) 575-1996 to schedule a consultation with our highly respected, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Christopher K. Patronella.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Will cheek reduction surgery leave visible scars?
No, cheek reduction surgery typically does not leave visible external scars since the incisions are made inside the mouth. Any scarring that does occur is usually minimal and well-hidden within the natural contours of the mouth.
What is the typical recovery process following cheek reduction surgery?
After cheek reduction surgery, the recovery process involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the cheeks and jawline area. Patients are advised to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully, which may include taking prescribed pain medication, eating a soft diet, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments.
What are the potential risks or complications associated with cheek reduction?
Like any surgical procedure, cheek reduction surgery carries some risks and potential complications, including infection, bleeding, numbness, asymmetry, overcorrection or under-correction of fat volume reduction.
How long do the results of cheek reduction surgery last?
The results of cheek reduction surgery are generally long-lasting and can significantly enhance the appearance of the face. However, individual results may vary, and the longevity of results depends on factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, and lifestyle habits.
