Buccal Fat is the fat in the cheeks which makes a person look chubby. Not many people would like this look. One of the growing interests in the cosmetic surgery world includes buccal fat removal.
Causes
Buccal Fat are layers of fat that accumulate on the lower part of the cheeks.
In older people, the cheeks can look round due to fat deposits caused by aging. In younger people it could just be obesity or just a genetic predisposition. Removal of this fat can make the cheeks hollow and also contour the face giving a more stylish appearance.
Procedure
This is usually done as an out-patient procedure under local anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete. The cosmetic surgeon first makes an incision about 2-3 cms long between the cheeks and gums. The incision is made with precision starting from above the second upper molar and exposes the fascia and fibers of the main cheek muscle (buccinator). The surgeon then applies pressure externally under the cheek bone, causing the buccal fat to protrude through the incision. The fat is then extracted with forceps or surgical tweezers. After a collective amount is removed, the surgeon then closes the incisions.
As per the patient’s requirement the cosmetic surgeon may also perform facial liposuction to remove fat deposits from the cheek. However, unlike buccal fat excision, liposuction can leave visible scars and incisions
Associated Risks
This is a relatively safe procedure. But as is with any surgery, the risks with this procedure include:
Infection at the incision site
Complications due to anesthesia
Recovery
The patient may experience numbness for a period of 2 to 3 weeks. There will be moderate swelling on the face which will usually go away in about a week. To avoid infection the surgeon may advise you to rinse your mouth 2-3 times a day with hydrogen peroxide solution. Chewing would be difficult and the patient will be put on liquid diet for about a week.
The outcome of this procedure is permanent and scar-free (since the incision is done in the mouth). This cheek procedure may be combined with other cosmetic procedures as well. The outcome of this procedure can be seen 4 months after it is done.
