Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Round, chubby cheeks can be cute in childhood and even into adulthood, but some people don’t wish to carry their baby face into adulthood. If you have full cheeks and would like a more sculpted and defined face, the buccal fat pad removal procedure can help you achieve the look you’re after. Patient selection for this procedure is important, as removing these pads can give the patient a hollow appearance if they already have thin cheeks.

VIDEO: All About Buccal Fat Removal with Dr. L. Scott Ennis

Buccal fat pads are located in the lower portion of the face, and typically descend (or slide) into the jowl as we get older, hence the name sliding buccal fat pad. If they are oversized or slide down into the jowl, they can create a “chipmunk cheek” effect. Surgery that removes the buccal fat pads will improve the cheek contour and contribute to a thinner face with accentuated cheekbones and zero visible scars, since it is accomplished through a small incision inside the cheek.

Good Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal

In general, someone who is considered a good candidate for buccal fat removal is:

The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure

Buccal fat removal surgery is an outpatient procedure that lasts about an hour and uses general anesthesia to ensure maximum patient comfort. General anesthesia is needed as Dr. Ennis is working around the delicate nerves of the face.

Dr. Ennis will begin the procedure by creating small incisions (about two centimeters long) inside the cheek, starting towards the back of the mouth, near the upper molars. The doctor will then gently extract the fat and use dissolvable sutures to close the incision.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

The recovery period for a buccal fat removal procedure is short, much like the period after having your wisdom teeth removed. Patients are also typically swollen as if they had their wisdom teeth removed, and are usually able to resume normal daily activities the day after surgery. There will be some swelling, bruising and discomfort for the first few days. Pain can be managed with prescription pain medication. Sleeping with the head elevated is encouraged for at least the first few days post-surgery, in order to alleviate swelling.

Patients should stick to a liquid diet for the first day after surgery, and soft, non-acidic foods for the first five days. They should also make sure their incisions are kept clean by using mouthwash multiple times a day. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days. Exercise can be resumed after two to three weeks. Results are noticeable about four to six weeks after surgery, once the swelling subsides.

Say Goodbye to Chipmunk Cheeks for Good!

Are you tired of your moon face, and long for a slimmer face? The buccal fat pad removal procedure gives you a more defined facial appearance that has an overall slimming effect on the appearance.

VIDEO: Buccal Fat Removal Procedure – Dr. L. Scott Ennis

The Ennis Plastic Surgery Difference

At Ennis Plastic Surgery we pride ourselves in professional, caring, and patient-centered cosmetic medicine. We understand that creating a natural looking result for the face is very important and Dr. Ennis will take the time to understand the look you want and explain what is possible.