Buccal Fat Pad Removal

What happens before a buccal fat removal surgery?

During your initial visit, We will examine you and likely take photographs of your face. They’ll also ask you general questions about your overall health, such as your family health history and any past surgeries you’ve had. They’ll take basic health information such as your blood pressure and discuss any current medications you take. It’s important for you to tell your provider about all of your medications, including herbs and supplements. For best outcomes, they may want you to stop smoking or using tobacco products prior to surgery.

During this time, your healthcare provider will address any questions you have and explain what to expect during the surgery. They can provide recommendations tailored to your specific goals and discuss any risks for the procedure.

What happens during a buccal fat removal procedure?

During your procedure, you can expect the following:

• You’ll receive a local anesthetic to numb the skin on your face so you won’t feel any pain. You’ll remain awake during the procedure. If you’re having more than one procedure done at the same time, you may receive general anesthesia. Your provider will want you to arrange for transportation afterward if you receive general anesthesia.

• Your plastic surgeon will make a small incision on the inside of your mouth on both sides of your face to expose the buccal fat pads.

• Your provider will press gently on the fat pads to further expose them, then cut and remove the fat pads.

• Finally, your provider will close the incisions with sutures, the sutures are dissolvable.

What happens after this procedure?

After your procedure, we will give you a special mouth rinse to help with healing and prevent infection. You’ll be on a liquid diet for a day or two while your incisions start to heal. Gradually, you can add soft foods to your diet as your provider says it’s OK.

Some things you can expect after surgery:

• Swelling.

• Bruising.

• Numbness at the incision sites.

These should gradually fade as your body heals. Healing time is usually about three weeks. It will take time — usually several months — before you’ll see the final results.

What are the risks associated with buccal fat removal surgery?

With any surgery, you must weigh the risks and the potential benefits of having the procedure. Your healthcare provider will discuss with you any risks so you can make an informed decision.

Some risks associated with buccal fat removal surgery are:

• Infection at the incision site.

• Injury to facial nerves and/or salivary duct injury.

• Numbness or sensation changes.

• Asymmetry.

What is the recovery time for buccal fat removal surgery?

Healing time after this procedure is usually about three weeks, but it will take several months to see the final results.