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Buccal Fat Removal or Cheek Reduction

As a part of his facial sculpting procedures, Dr. Hoefflin performs a natural cheek reduction procedure known as buccal fat pad removal or buccal fat pad excision (buccal lipectomy). Ideal candidates are patients with excessive fullness in the cheek area, also referred to “chubby cheeks” or “chipmunk cheeks.”

Dr. Hoefflin performs the buccal fat excision and other facial rejuvenation surgery for patients who wish to further enhance their facial balance and restore harmony. A more sculpted midface with well-defined cheekbones can help to create a more youthful and attractive appearance, and often improve one’s self-confidence. Patients are usually highly satisfied with their appearance after the buccal fat removal surgery.

During your consultation with Dr. Hoefflin, an individual facial analysis, along with digital photograph will allow Dr. Hoefflin to provide you with his professional expertise and recommendation. He will determine if you are in fact a good candidate for a buccal fat pad removal procedure. Customized literature will be provided that discusses each procedure in detail. Before and after photographs of similar cheek reduction patients will be reviewed.

About the Procedure

Dr. Hoefflin performs buccal fat removal procedure as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with deep sedation, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. The procedure generally takes about 1 hour. All operations are performed in fully credentialed and state-of-the-art surgical facilities.

What to expect after surgery

After your surgery, you’ll be discharged home with head dressings. Patients can anticipate mild to moderate swelling for several days, similar to having any oral procedure performed. Head elevation is encouraged for the first few days after surgery to help decrease swelling.

Our patients are surprisingly free of discomfort due to Dr. Hoefflin’s long-acting local anesthetic injections and nerve blocks. Any residual discomfort is easily controlled on oral pain medication. Small and meticulously placed self-absorbing sutures provide little discomfort. The final result becomes apparent 4-6 weeks after your procedure.

Possible Complications

When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, the risk of serious problems after buccal fat removal or cheek reduction surgery are rare. Most complications are minor, temporary, and can be easily resolved with conservative treatment and time. Specific risks and the suitability of buccal fat pad removal procedure for a given individual can be determined at the time of consultation. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon’s instructions both before and after surgery.

To learn if you are a candidate for buccal fat removal, contact board-certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Hoefflin for a complimentary consultation.

How is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?

While the outcome of a procedure to remove buccal fat can be quite striking, the procedure itself is fairly simple and straightforward. In fact, it can be performed in about half an hour.

Depending on your preference, and your doctor’s recommendations, it can be done under either or local or general anesthetic. These are the steps:

  • Getting Ready – You will receive anesthetic and possibly other medications to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed during your procedure.
  • Removing the Fat – The surgeon will make an incision on the inside of your mouth. Once this is done, the buccal fat bad is located and removed. This tissue is only loosely connected to other parts of the cheek and can be removed quickly and efficiently, without damaging other tissue in the area.
  • Closing the Incision – Next, the surgeon will close the incision inside your mouth with sutures. Absorbable sutures are used in most cases, so you won’t need to have them removed at a later date.

It’s also possible to have buccal fat removed as part of a facelift procedure, in which case you won’t need to have incisions within the mouth. If this applies to you, your surgeon can provide more details.

Are the Results Long-Lasting?

This surgery provides results that last a lifetime. The fat that has been removed will not return and the changes your face shape and contour will not go away.

However, if you gain a significant amount of weight following your surgery your face could look plumper for reasons other than buccal fat. This is the direct result of gaining weight. To maintain your more sculpted, defined facial appearance, it is advised that you keep your weight in a healthy range. Your body (and face) has a limited number of fat cells, which swell and shrink with weight gain and loss. When you watch your diet and devote time to a healthy exercise program, you will be able to maintain your new look.

Am I a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

The only way to determine that you are a candidate for this minor surgical procedure, which includes your having a clear understanding of what it can accomplish, is through a consultation with our plastic surgeon.

However, there are some general points that may clarify whether you are a good candidate for buccal fat removal:

  • You should free of any conditions that would make you ineligible for surgery such as an illness or condition.
  • You should be at a stable, healthy weight.
  • Any person undergoing surgery should not smoke.

Getting the Results You Want

Any cosmetic procedure involves both surgical skill and art. As in any other art form, the best results can only be achieved by those who have mastered their craft.

Patients in the Los Angeles area are truly fortunate to have access to the services of Dr. Jeffrey Hoefflin. Trained in both general and plastic surgery, he was trained at some of America’s best hospitals, including UCLS, Memorial Sloan Kettering and Cornell and Columbia-Presbyterian Hospitals in New York City.

His skills are a natural fit for the Beverly Hills Community, where he has brought out the best in many famous faces. It’s time for you to find out what he can do to help you achieve your goals.

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