Facial fat removal has become very popular in the last ten years. Everyone from celebrities to everyday people is increasingly interested in streamlining their appearance in ways that weight loss alone might not. However, face thinning surgery is not something to take lightly.
Orange County plastic surgeons are looking to educate the public to help potential patients feel comfortable with their decision to have buccal fat removal procedures. Learning more about this cosmetic procedure can help you understand the risks and rewards - and whether it is right for you!
What is Buccal Fat?
Buccal fat is the small pad of fat that exists in the cheek. This pad of fat can give the face a youthful softness. However, it can also make the face look much wider or rounder than many people want.
During facial thinning surgery, a plastic surgeon may remove or reduce the size of the buccal fat pads. This changes the shape of the face, often dramatically. It defines the cheekbones, narrows the lower part of the face, and can create the look of weight loss where there otherwise has been none.
Because buccal fat does not grow back, this procedure has a long-lasting impact on the face. While major weight gain can still cause nearby fat cells to shift into the area where the buccal fat pads previously existed, the results of the surgery are still very reliable.
How is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?
During this face thinning surgery, also known as facial contouring surgery, your cosmetic surgeon will make an incision inside the mouth. Through this incision, they will remove or reduce the size of the buccal fat pad. The exact process will depend on the desired result, which they will discuss with you well in advance of your procedure. They will then repeat the procedure on the other side of the face.
While you should be able to eat normally after a few days and return to work or other everyday activities after about a week, pain and swelling may continue for several weeks after surgery. Your surgeon can advise you on how to handle pain, swelling, and bruising, as well as when to see a doctor about any other potential side effects of surgery.
Risks and Drawbacks
While buccal fat removal is a popular procedure, it is not for everyone. Orange County plastic surgeons recommend patients be in their mid-twenties or older before having this surgery, so the face has finished developing. Likewise, patients who are over the age of 50 may want experience sagging skin after buccal fat removal. To combat this, most surgeons recommend adding a facelift or other procedures to your plans.
As with any surgery, there are risks inherent to anesthesia and incisions. Before any surgical procedure, speak to your doctor about what these risks may include and how likely they are for someone of your age, gender, and other demographics.
Buccal fat removal procedures are popular for good reasons. Talk to your doctor today to answer any questions you may still have and find out whether they would recommend this surgery for you!
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