Buccal Fat Removal is a surgical procedure that Dr. Salama performs under general anesthesia to remove the buccal fat pad in your cheeks to give your midface more definition. The procedure, sometimes referred to as cheek reduction, helps to highlight your facial bone structure by removing this fat, which lies between the cheeks and jawline. It brings a hollowness to the area and reshapes the face. While some people have more buccal fat than others, everyone still has buccal fat, and those that have more may require cosmetic surgery because buccal fat can be quite stubborn despite diet and exercise.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
How Buccal Fat Removal Works
Buccal fat removal is a quick and fairly simple outpatient procedure, typically done in less than an hour under general anesthesia. During your procedure, Dr. Salama will either remove all or a portion of the buccal fat pads through two small incisions on the inside of your mouth. Incisions will be one on the left and the other on the right. With his expertise, Dr. Salama determines how much of the fat pad is ideal for removal in order to give your face more definition. Once the excess fat has been removed, he closes the incisions and you’re done! Then, it’s just time for your recovery.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal in Miami
- Slims and contours the midface
- Improves the appearance of the cheeks and face overall
- Provides results when diet and exercise are not enough
- Improves self-esteem
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Who makes the best candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Anyone who has concerns about having an overly round face and/or chubby cheeks despite diet and exercise may be a good candidate for Buccal Fat Removal at Elite Plastic Surgery in Miami. The procedure addresses facial concerns including too much roundness, lack of definition, chubby or “chipmunk” cheeks, and proportional imbalance. While the best way to determine if the procedure is right for you is through an evaluation with Dr. Salama, you may be a good candidate if you:
- Are dissatisfied with the appearance of your midface due to overly round or full cheeks
- Maintain a stable weight
- Are in good health and a non-smoker
- Have realistic expectations regarding the procedure
During your consult with Dr. Salama, he will evaluate your facial structure and recommend the best course of action to address your concerns and achieve your desired results.
Recovery from Buccal Fat Removal
The recovery for Buccal Fat extraction is fairly easy. Patients are provided with thorough post-op instructions on aftercare following surgery. While each patient recovers at their own pace, they may experience soreness, bruising, and swelling in the cheek area for a couple of days, maybe even numbness around the incision. Cold compresses and OTC pain meds can help alleviate the discomfort. The first day or two after surgery, patients will be on a liquid-only diet to allow the incisions time to heal gradually introducing soft foods thereafter per the instructions provided. Normally within a week, patients are able to resume their usual routine. The healing process takes about 3 weeks and several months for final results. Risks associated with the surgery may include: numbness, asymmetry, changes in sensation, infection, and injury to the salivary duct and/or facial nerve.
What is the cost of Buccal Fat Removal?
The cost for a Buccal Fat Reduction at Elite Plastic Surgery is $1500 when added on to another procedure. By itself, it is $2999, but always check with a patient coordinator as there may be a special going on.