Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal, sometimes called “bichectomy” and commonly referred to as “cheek reduction,” is an exciting new option for patients who feel that their cheeks look excessively full or “plump.” Our board-certified plastic surgeon, James Boynton, MD, can remove fatty tissue from the cheeks and resculpt buccal fat pads to create a slimmer look and a narrower contour in the lower face. Buccal fat removal is typically an in-office procedure and produces no visible facial scarring. Plus, downtime from this procedure is minimal—most patients are able to resume their normal daily activities within two days.
What Is Buccal Fat?
Buccal fat pads are pockets of fat that reside in areas beneath the cheekbones in the mid- to lower cheek regions. For some individuals, these fat pockets are often larger during childhood and fade to some extent with the onset of adulthood; however, prominent buccal fat pads may not diminish for others, ultimately leading to a “rounded” facial appearance. Additionally, buccal fat pads can be particularly resistant to traditional diet and exercise. With buccal fat removal procedures, Dr. Boynton can help many patients effectively address this concern and achieve sharper definition and more slender, v-shaped contours in the lower facial areas.
What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal may be a good option for women and men who would like to:
- Reduce fatty tissue in the cheeks that may be creating a “chubby cheeks” appearance
- Resculpt remaining fatty tissue to produce a more defined and slender look in the mid- to lower face
- Achieve a sharper, more refined look in the cheeks and jawline
- Enhance overall facial aesthetics and balance among facial features
Removal and resculpting of buccal fat can be a remarkably effective procedure on its own, or it can be combined with other facial plastic surgery treatments that can help redefine the jawline, reduce signs of a “double-chin,” and provide more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. During your initial consultation, Dr. Boynton will talk with you about the concerns you would like to address and determine whether you are an ideal candidate for buccal fat removal. If this is the right procedure for your needs, Dr. Boynton will develop a customized treatment plan designed to meet your expectations with beautiful, natural-looking results.
What Is Involved in the Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?
The buccal fat removal procedure is typically performed right here at our office using a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Once the treatment area is properly numbed, Dr. Boynton will make very small incisions on the inside of the mouth between the gums and cheeks. He will then remove fatty tissue from the area and precisely reshape any remaining tissue in order to create improved definition and enhanced cheek contours. Since all incisions for buccal fat removal are made inside the mouth, this treatment does not produce any visible scars on the face.
Buccal fat removal procedures usually take approximately one hour or less to complete, depending on the extent of treatment necessary for the desired results. If buccal fat removal is being performed in combination with other surgical procedures, such as neck liposuction or others, general anesthesia may be required.
What Can I Expect During Recovery from Buccal Fat Removal?
Most individuals need only about one to two days of rest at home after buccal fat removal surgery before resuming many of their normal daily routines. Temporary swelling and minor bruising in the cheeks can be expected after treatment; however, significant discomfort after this procedure is not common. It is very important for patients to be aware of the fact that the final results from buccal fat removal can take several weeks, and even up to three months in some cases, to become fully apparent. This is due to the fact that this particular area of the face often needs some extra time to heal after surgery, and it will also take time for the cheek tissues to settle into their new contours.
How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?
The cost of buccal fat removal at our practice typically falls in the $2,500 to $4,000 range. The total price usually varies among patients due to the customized nature of this procedure and factors such as the extent of treatment necessary for the desired results, whether other cosmetic enhancement options are included in the treatment plan, whether local or general anesthesia is utilized, and other components. A member of our plastic surgery team will present you with a full cost estimate once the treatment plan is developed during the initial consultation. Our practice accepts a wide variety of convenient payment methods, including financing arrangements available for qualified applicants via CareCredit®. We will be happy to answer your questions about our payment options and assist you with finding the best solution for your budget.
Would you like to learn more about buccal fat removal? Please contact us today for additional information, or to schedule a consultation.