Buccal fat is the adipose tissue located between your cheekbones and jawbones, contributing significantly to the shape and contour of your face. While everyone has buccal fat, the amount varies from person to person, often influencing the fullness of the cheeks.
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to excise this fat, thereby accentuating the underlying facial bone structure. By eliminating this fat, the surgery can enhance the prominence of your cheekbones and create more defined hollow areas between the cheeks and jawline, leading to a more sculpted and contoured appearance. This procedure is also commonly referred to as cheek reduction surgery.
Buccal Fat Pad At A Glance
Treatment
Buccal Fat Pad Removal.
Duration of Procedure
30-45 minutes.
Purpose
To remove excess buccal fat to enhance facial bone structure, particularly the cheekbones and jawline, creating a more contoured and sculpted appearance.
Target Areas
Cheeks, specifically the area between the cheekbones and jawbones.
Main Benefits
Highlights cheekbones and jawline.
Reduces facial fullness for a more defined look.
Enhances overall facial symmetry and aesthetics.
Anesthesia
Typically local anaesthesia
Recovery Time
Usually 1-2 weeks for initial recovery, with minor swelling and bruising diminishing over several weeks.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal offers numerous advantages, making it a popular choice among those looking to enhance their facial aesthetics. Here are the key benefits:
Enhanced Face Contouring The procedure removes volume from the cheeks, highlighting the cheekbones and jawline. This creates a more sculpted and defined facial contour, enhancing the overall symmetry and attractiveness of the face.
Personalised Approach The surgery is tailored to each individual, ensuring results that look natural and complement the patient's unique facial structure. This personalised approach guarantees that the outcome is harmonious and aesthetically pleasing.
Minimally Invasive Procedure Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive surgery performed under local anaesthesia. This reduces the risks associated with general anaesthesia and makes the procedure safer and more accessible.
Quick Recovery Time Patients can return to work almost immediately after the procedure, as it involves minimal downtime. This quick recovery makes it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
Permanent Results The effects of buccal fat removal are long-lasting. Once the fat is removed, it does not return, providing a permanent enhancement to the facial contours.
By choosing buccal fat removal, patients can achieve a refined and elegant facial appearance with minimal disruption to their daily lives. This procedure offers a blend of modern aesthetic benefits with a commitment to safety and natural results.
Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
If you find that your cheeks are too round or give your face an appearance of fullness that you’re not happy with, buccal fat removal might be a good option for you. This procedure can help slim down the cheeks, reducing that “chubby” look and giving you a more defined, sculpted appearance.
The ideal candidates for buccal fat removal are those who are generally healthy and maintain a stable weight. Good health makes for a smoother surgery and quicker recovery, while a stable weight helps ensure that your results will last. It’s also important to consider your facial structure and age. If you have a naturally narrow face or if you’re older, you might want to think twice about this surgery. As we age, we naturally lose some of that cheek fat, and removing too much could make your face look too gaunt.
Before the Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
At Fleming Place Clinic, Ballsbridge, Dublin, under the expert care of Dr. Ioannis Dalianoudis, your journey to a more contoured facial appearance begins with a thorough consultation. During this initial visit, Dr. Dalianoudis will discuss your aesthetic goals and explain what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. He will examine your face, take photographs for reference, and ask about your overall health, including your family history, past surgeries, and any medications or supplements you’re taking. It’s crucial to provide complete information for the best outcomes.
During the Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Your buccal fat removal procedure will take place either in a hospital or at Fleming Place Clinic, Ballsbridge, Dublin, with the convenience of going home the same day. Here’s what to expect during your surgery.
To ensure you’re comfortable, you’ll receive a local anaesthetic to numb your face, allowing you to stay awake without feeling pain. Dr. Dalianoudis will make small incisions inside your mouth on both sides to access the buccal fat pads. He will gently press on the fat pads to expose them, then carefully remove the fat. Finally, the incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures. Dr. Dalianoudis will inform you if you need to return for any follow-up appointments to check on your healing progress.
After the Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Once your procedure is complete, Dr. Ioannis Dalianoudis will provide detailed aftercare instructions. You’ll be given a special mouth rinse to help heal and prevent infection. For the first day or two, you’ll need to stick to a liquid diet while your incisions heal. Gradually, you can start adding soft foods as advised by Dr. Dalianoudis.
In the days following your surgery, you might experience some swelling, bruising, and numbness at the incision sites. These symptoms are normal and should gradually fade as you heal. The initial recovery period is typically about three weeks, but it will take several months to see the final, sculpted results as the swelling completely subsides. Dr. Dalianoudis and the team at Fleming Place Clinic, Ballsbridge, Dublin are committed to supporting you throughout your recovery, ensuring you achieve the beautiful, defined facial contours you desire.
Learn More About the Surgeon Performing Your Buccal Fat Pad
Meet Dr. John Dalianoudis
Dr. John Dalianoudis is a renowned plastic surgeon known for his patient-centred approach and exceptional skills, trusted by patients across Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, France and Denmark.
Dr. Dalianoudis graduated from the University of Ioannina's Medical School in 2005 and specialised in Plastic Surgery and Burns at the University Hospital of Ioannina. He furthered his training in General Surgery at 417 NIMTS and the Vascular Surgery Clinic at Athens Medical Center, completing his Plastic Surgery specialty at Thriassio General Hospital in 2016.
As a member of the European Board of Plastic Surgery (EBOPRAS) since 2016, Dr. Dalianoudis has refined his expertise, including a prestigious fellowship in Facial Aesthetic Surgery in Germany. His comprehensive training covers facelifts, buccal fat pad removal, and other advanced facial procedures.
Choosing Dr. Dalianoudis means trusting a surgeon dedicated to personalised care, ensuring each procedure meets your unique needs and delivers natural, beautiful results.
FAQs for Buccal Fat Pad Removal
The buccal fat pad removal procedure typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours. The exact duration depends on the individual case and whether additional procedures are being performed simultaneously.
No, the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a few days. However, it is advisable to avoid strenuous activities and exercise for at least two weeks to ensure proper healing.
No, you won’t have visible scars because the incisions are made inside your mouth. This ensures that there are no external marks, maintaining a natural appearance.
Initial results may be visible once the swelling subsides, but it typically takes several months for the final results to become fully apparent as your face continues to heal and adjust.
Yes, buccal fat pad removal can be combined with other facial surgeries, such as chin liposuction or facelifts, to enhance overall facial aesthetics and achieve a more comprehensive transformation.
Older individuals might not be ideal candidates if they have already experienced significant natural fat loss in the face. It’s essential to consult with Dr.Dalianoudis to determine if this procedure is appropriate for your age and facial structure.
Preparation involves an initial consultation with Dr.Dalianoudis to discuss your goals and medical history. You’ll receive specific pre-operative instructions, such as avoiding smoking and certain medications, to ensure the best possible outcome.
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