Bye Bye Baby Face
During puberty, our facial features slim down, and we lose that ‘baby face’ look and grow into more mature features. However, for some, those chubby cheeks stay even into adulthood. It becomes distressing when even the best makeup contour tutorial does not make a difference. Buccal fat removal may be the answer to a slimmer sculpted face. In Houston, Buccal fat removal can be performed by Dr. Schusterman on patients who desire a slimmer look in their face. This is accomplished by removing the fat pads in the cheeks. It is these fat pads that affect your face shape.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is known as cheek reduction surgery or buccal lipectomy. The fat pads in your cheeks can vary in size and make your face appear rounder and fuller, giving you that ‘baby face’ appearance. Buccal fat removal will reduce the width of your face.
How do I know if Buccal Fat Removal is right for me?
In order to thin the cheeks and define your facial angles, Dr. Schusterman removes the buccal fat pads. This surgery can be performed with other procedures such as a facelift or Botox® injections. It is important for you to have realistic expectations about how Buccal fat removal surgery will affect the overall look of your face. If you have a narrow face that you think looks fat, having this procedure will give you sunken cheeks and could make you look much older than you are.
If you dislike your full face, buccal fat removal may be an excellent surgical option for you. Dr. Schusterman will determine if this surgery is right for you based on the following:
- You are in overall good health.
- You have a fat mass in your cheek (pseudoherniation).
- You are considering or want facial feminization surgery.
- You have a fuller, round face not brought on by weight gain.
Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
At our practice in Houston Buccal fat removal is performed as an outpatient surgery. You are given a local anesthetic in your face, but you will be awake during surgery unless you are having other elective procedures completed at the same time. Dr. Schusterman will make an incision on the inside of your cheek and apply pressure from the outside of the cheek to expose and remove the buccal fat pad. The incision is closed with absorbable stitches.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
There is a specific post-op plan you will need to follow for optimal healing. You are given a medicated mouthwash to prevent infection, and you will need to adhere to a liquid diet for almost a week while your incisions heal. Your face may be swollen and bruised, but this will go away after a few days. Full recovery takes about three weeks.
Buccal Fat Removal Results
Once any swelling subsides, you will see the difference in your face, as your cheeks will appear thinner, giving you a more defined appearance. It is vital to maintain a healthy weight, but once your buccal fat pads are removed, you won’t have fat in this area anymore.
Schedule Your Houston Buccal Fat Removal Consultation with Dr. Schusterman
There are many questions and concerns you can address with Dr. Schusterman during your consultation. His goal is always to deliver the best Buccal fat removal Houston has to offer. Therefore, he will first determine if this surgery is the right procedure for you and how to proceed safely and confidently. If you are interested in learning more, call Dr. Schusterman to schedule your buccal fat removal consultation today.
Buccal Fat FAQs
Any surgery will have some risk, but complications are rare. Risks may include infection, bleeding, facial nerve damage, numbness, or facial asymmetry.
You will need to refrain from your regular eating habits and only have liquids for the first three to four days after surgery. Your incisions need time to heal. Then you can move on to soft foods to make sure as you eat, you don’t accidentally bite the inside of your cheeks. Full recovery takes three weeks before moving onto solid foods.
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. Dr. Schusterman offers both payment and financing options for your convenience.