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BUCCAL FAT PAD REMOVAL- Orange County, CA
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal (Cheek Fat Removal)?
Facial or cheek fat removal, known formally as buccal fat pad removal, is a surgical procedure that helps to slim the face by removing excess fat within the cheeks. This fat can be present due to weight gain, but it is more commonly associated with an individual's genetics.
What is Involved in the Cheek Fat Removal Procedure?
Buccal Fat Pad Removal is a fairly quick procedure that is typically done under local anesthesia. You will be taken to the procedure room where numbing medication is injected and allowed to sit for 20-30 minutes. This will keep you comfortable throughout the entire procedure as well as up to 8 hours afterwards.
A small incision is made on the inside of your cheek through the mouth. The tissue is gently spread until the facial fat pad is located. This is slowly pulled into your mouth away from any important structures. As much fat is taken as possible to give you the best result. However, if some of the fat is too close to important nerves or blood vessels, they will not be removed. The fat is clamped and cauterized to prevent any bleeding, and the excess cheek fat is removed. Your incision is closed with absorbable suture. The procedure is repeated on the other side.
What is Recovery After a Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
After removal of your cheek fat, you should be able to notice the difference right away! You may have some swelling that develops over the next day or so and lasts for up to 2 weeks. Patients complain of soreness for a few days, but it is easily taken care of with tylenol or ibuprofen.
You should sleep with the head up on a few pillows to reduce swelling. You should also try not to chew on or play around with the sutures inside your mouth. The sutures will dissolve on their own within a few weeks. You should be able to return to work the next day if your job doesn't require lifting heavier than 5 lbs.
What are the Risks of Cheek Fat Pad Removal?
As with any surgery where an incision is made, there are risks of bleeding and infection. Most patients will experience soreness and possible temporary numbness of the area. Extremely rare risks include temporary or permanent paralysis of a portion of the face. Always be sure to discuss the risks in detail with a Board Certified or Board Eligible Plastic Surgeon before your procedure!
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Cost: $4,500 $3,000 (Limited Time Only!)
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