The buccal fat pad is meant to fill the deep tissue spaces to act as a gliding pad for your masticatory and mimetic muscles, which are primarily responsible for chewing. While they are important to have, some people’s pads are larger than what is natural for the size of their face, often creating what many people refer to as “chipmunk cheeks”. While this can be an attractive appearance to some people, for others, it’s a very prominent feature that causes self-image issues. Buccal Fat Removal offers our Houston patients an opportunity for a change if they wish their cheeks were more proportionate to their faces. Below, we have included some information regarding this cosmetic procedure.
Introduction to
Buccal Fat Removal
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal Fat Removal (sometimes referred to as Cheek Fat Reduction surgery, Bichectomy, or a Buccal Fat Lipectomy) is a very popular surgical procedure that can accentuate the contours of your face by reducing the fullness of your mid-cheek area. This causes your face to look slimmer and makes your cheekbones appear more defined. While the surgery is fairly simple, it does take a skilled hand and artistic eye to achieve optimal results.
What are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?
Some of the major benefits our Houston Buccal Fat Removal patients have seen from their treatment include:
- Achieve a more balanced overall facial shape
- Create a more slender, v-shaped lower facial contour
- Enhance the appearance of high cheekbones
- Improve definition of the cheeks and jawline
- No visible scarring
- Reduce excessive cheek fullness (“chipmunk cheeks”)
Who are the Best Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal?
You could be a great candidate for Buccal Fat Removal in Houston if you have the following characteristics:
- At a healthy and stable weight
- Currently seeking facial feminization surgery
- Dislike the fullness of your cheeks
- Have a round, fuller face
- Overall good physical health
- You have pseudoherniation (small rounded fat mass in the cheek due to weak buccal fat pad)
What’s the first step for a
Buccal Fat Removal
The first step to getting Buccal Fat Removal in Houston is to have an evaluation and consultation with Dr. Ahmadi to learn if this procedure will give you the results you desire. During your appointment, you’ll be able to explain your aesthetic goals for surgery and receive an evaluation of your face and body. Dr. Ahmadi will provide his recommendations and come up with a surgical plan. You must be very upfront and honest about your goals, as good communication always leads to the best results.
Although the full preoperative instructions are reviewed during the surgical booking, the following is a general outline:
- Patients are asked to avoid any medications or supplements that can increase bleeding for 1- 2 weeks before surgery.
- No alcohol for at least 4 days before surgery.
- Make sure you do not have any oral/dental infections, wounds, or active cold sores. You must follow these guidelines, as it decreases risks and improves results.
What to Expect on the Day of Buccal Fat Removal
On the day of your Buccal Fat Removal, it will be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on your preferences. Dr. Ahmadi will open your mouth and a small numbing injection is placed on the inside of each cheek, which is very quick, but can produce a “burning” sensation, at which point your entire cheek will be numb. Your mouth will be held open at a comfortable level, and your cheek will be gently pulled back. He will then make a very small incision just inside your cheek to identify the buccal fat pad. Dr. Ahmadi will then gently tease the fat out of its pocket and remove it. Once finished, two or 3 dissolvable stitches will be used to close the incision, finalizing the procedure.
The entire surgery should take under one hour.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
You will be able to return home once released by Dr. Ahmadi, but you should have a family member or friend available to take you home. Recovery is generally easy and only takes a few days. You may experience some mild pain and/or soreness, but this will subside after a few days. Around one-week post-surgery, your cheeks will appear slightly fuller, however, the results are not immediately evident as there will be some swelling that takes place. Any swelling will eventually subside with the results beginning to be seen as early as 4 weeks post-surgery, and progressively improving for the next several months.
During recovery, it’s important not to bite down on the cheek area, so the incision has an opportunity to properly heal and the sutures can dissolve.
How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost in Houston, TX?
The cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Houston will vary on many factors. The best way to get the most accurate cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahmadi and have him evaluate your situation. Once he has everything he needs, your surgical plan will be made and our Patient Coordinator will be able to give you a total breakdown of the cost of your procedure.
Why Choose Dr. Ahmadi?
Dr. Ahmadi is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to provide all aspects of cosmetic surgery. As one of the leading cosmetic surgeons in the Huston area, Dr. Ahmadi has helped thousands of patients achieve their best selves for decades. As part of Avante Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ahmadi has performed thousands of plastic surgeries and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ahmadi has led Avante to become the most exclusive plastic surgery practice in Sugar Land using his artistic passion and attention to detail.
Schedule a Consultation
A Buccal Fat Removal in Houston, TX can do so much to help you achieve a slimmer, more contoured face and achieve your aesthetic goals. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahmadi, please call Avante Plastic Surgery at (281) 265-2639 or use our website to schedule your appointment.
Buccal Fat Removal FAQ’s
Patient Resources
We’re here to help, with a number of patient resources designed to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Read through the materials below, and don’t hesitate to reach out and set up your consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.