If you’re looking to refine your facial features for a slimmer, more sculpted look, buccal fat removal may be the ideal solution. This specialized facial plastic surgery, also known as cheek fat removal or buccal fat pad reduction, targets excess fat in the cheeks to create a contoured and defined appearance. Buccal fat lipectomy is a relatively minor surgery that makes a major aesthetic difference. It’s generally recommended for patients who have round faces.
Dr. Ronald H. Schuster is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been in private practice in Baltimore, MD for nearly 30 years. He has a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and a keen eye for the ideal harmony between features that he uses to achieve exceptional results.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is a surgical cheek fat removal procedure designed to reduce the fullness in the lower cheeks. This facial slimming surgery enhances the natural contours of your face and emphasizes your cheekbones and jawline by removing the buccal fat pads. It’s an excellent option for those who feel their face appears too round or youthful. In fact, people who have large buccal fat pads often complain of having a “baby face” despite being well into their 20s, 30s, or beyond. These individuals typically want a more defined and mature look.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
You can generally expect to enjoy the following perks after surgical cheek fat removal:
- Slimmer facial appearance: Reduces chubby cheeks for a refined look.
- Better facial symmetry: Eliminates size differences between buccal fat pads.
- Enhanced cheekbones: Brings attention to your natural bone structure.
- Sculpted facial look: Improves overall facial symmetry and balance.
- Long-term results: Creates permanent cheek slimming with no need for touch-ups.
- Boosted confidence: Helps patients feel more satisfied with their facial appearance.
Am I a Candidate for Cheek Slimming Surgery?
Good candidates for buccal fat removal are individuals who feel their cheeks are overly full or round despite being at a healthy weight. After all, large buccal fat pads typically can’t be reduced with diet and exercise. They are often a genetic feature that runs in families.
This surgery is particularly effective if you want a long-term solution for facial contouring. During a consultation, Dr. Schuster will assess your facial structure, discuss your goals, and determine if this cheek reduction surgery aligns with your expectations. Keep in mind that individuals with very narrow and thin faces may not be ideal candidates because it can create a hollow look.
The Buccal Fat Reduction Procedure
The buccal fat reduction procedure is typically performed under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Schuster makes small incisions inside the mouth, ensuring no visible scarring. Through these incisions, he carefully removes the buccal fat pads to achieve the desired level of contouring. The surgery usually takes about an hour. Patients can return home the same day.
Sometimes, cheek fat can be removed during a facelift. This process may not require an incision in the mouth. Talk to Dr. Schuster about the right surgical plan for your goals.
Buccal Lipectomy Recovery and Results
Here’s a quick summary of what you can expect after a buccal lipectomy in Baltimore:
- Recovery time: Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort for a few days, with a full recovery in a few weeks. You may need to avoid solid foods and use a special mouth rinse. Dr. Schuster will explain his aftercare protocol during your office visit.
- Side effects: Minor bruising and swelling are common but subside quickly.
- Final results: A slimmer, more defined facial appearance is typically noticeable within a few weeks as the swelling decreases. The long-term results of cheek fat removal are permanent, providing a lasting sculpted look.
Why Choose Dr. Schuster for Buccal Fat Removal?
Dr. Ronald H. Schuster is a board-certified plastic surgeon with nearly 30 years of experience in cosmetic procedures, including facial contouring surgeries like buccal fat removal. Patients from Baltimore and beyond trust Dr. Schuster for his expertise, artistry, and personalized approach.
You should also consider Dr. Schuster for your buccal lipectomy procedure because of his:
- Comprehensive expertise: Dr. Schuster is an active member of several distinguished cosmetic surgery organizations including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Medical Association.
- Commitment to safety: Every procedure is performed in accredited surgical facilities with the highest safety standards.
- Patient-centered care: Dr. Schuster takes the time to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals.
- Proven results: Dr. Schuster has a reputation for exceptional outcomes and compassionate care. Read reviews from his satisfied patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buccal Fat?
Buccal means cheek. The Buccal fat is a peculiar type of fat that helps to separate muscles in the cheek and face. In youth it is sometimes too large and appears like "chipmunk cheeks". As we get older the fat can enlrge, but also the tissue holing it flat lossen. This allows the fat to herniate outward. This can cause fullness in the lower cheek area and make the face look bottom heavy and sometimes rectangular.
How is Buccal Fat Removed?
There are are two ways to remove Buccal fat. The easiest is from inside the mouth. A very small incision is made near the upper molars and the fat is teased out and removed. The second way is duriong a facelift when the tissues are already being separated and the buccal fat can be found and removed. Recovery is very quick and usually there is little bruising. Results can be seen within a few weeks but it can take three months before the final results are in.
What Are Common Misconceptions About Buccal Fat Removal?
One common misconception is that buccal fat removal is only for people with extra body fat. In reality, many people with a healthy weight have naturally full cheeks due to genetics.
Another misconception is that the results are temporary. The procedure actually removes the buccal fat pads permanently for long-lasting facial contouring.
Some also believe that removing this fat will make them look older over time, but when performed on the right candidates, it enhances facial definition without premature aging effects.
How Does Buccal Fat Removal Compare to a Facelift or Facial Liposuction?
Buccal fat removal, facelifts, and facial liposuction can all improve the shape of your face, but they serve different purposes. Buccal fat removal specifically reduces fullness in the lower cheeks by removing deep fat pads.
A facelift primarily addresses sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of facial volume due to aging, rather than fat removal. Facial liposuction, on the other hand, removes superficial fat deposits from areas like the jawline, chin, or neck.
While a facelift can tighten loose skin, it does not remove buccal fat, and buccal fat removal does not address skin laxity. In some cases, combining buccal fat removal with a facelift or facial liposuction can give you the best results.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Buccal Fat Removal?
For those who want facial slimming without surgery, non-surgical alternatives like facial contouring with dermal fillers or Botox can add subtle definition. However, these treatments do not remove fat and may require ongoing maintenance.
Other surgical options, such as chin or jawline liposuction, may be more suitable for patients looking to refine their lower face. Dr. Schuster can help determine the most appropriate treatment for your facial structure.
Do Dermal Fillers or Botox Achieve Similar Results to Buccal Fat Removal?
Dermal fillers and Botox do not replicate the results of buccal fat removal. Fillers can be used to create the illusion of higher cheekbones or a more sculpted jawline, but they do not reduce cheek fullness. Botox can slim the lower face by relaxing the masseter muscles, but it doesn’t remove fat. To permanently reduce your lower cheek volume, buccal fat removal is the best option.
What Questions Should I Ask During a Buccal Fat Removal Consultation?
A consultation is the perfect time to discuss your goals and ensure the procedure aligns with your expectations. Consider asking Dr Schuster:
- Am I a good candidate for buccal fat removal?
- How will this procedure affect my overall facial balance?
- What type of anesthesia will be used?
- What is the recovery process like?
- Are there any risks specific to my facial structure?
- Can this procedure be combined with other facial contouring treatments?
He will address your concerns and develop a customized plan to achieve your desired look.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Be Combined With Another Procedure?
Yes, Dr. Schuster can perform buccal fat removal alongside other cosmetic procedures for better facial definition. It is often combined with a facelift, chin augmentation, or jawline contouring to create a more sculpted appearance.
Dr. Schuster will evaluate your facial structure and aesthetic goals to determine if combining procedures is the right approach for you.
Achieve a Sculpted Look with Facial Contouring
If you’re ready to reduce chubby cheeks and enhance your facial contours, buccal fat removal with Dr. Ronald H. Schuster in Baltimore, MD, can help you achieve your goals. Schedule a consultation today at 410-593-0691 to explore how facial fat removal can refine your look and boost your confidence.
