Having a slim body and a slim face is a dream for many women. Today, a wide range of cosmetic technologies and procedures can help women reach their ideal body shape. One procedure option is buccal fat removal, which can give the cheeks a slimmer appearance. What is buccal fat removal like? Read on for the explanation.

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Everyone’s face shape is different. If you look closely, you will notice a pad of fat in the middle of the cheeks and facial muscles that can make the face look fuller. This fat pad is called buccal fat.

If your cheeks contain a large amount of this fat, your face may appear round and full. This is why buccal fat removal, also known as buccal lipectomy, is performed. The procedure removes buccal fat to create slimmer, more contoured cheeks.

Before the procedure starts, you will consult a plastic surgeon to evaluate your overall health and examine the target area.

During the procedure, the doctor will do the following:

• A local anesthetic will numb the area so you remain awake without pain. However, general anesthesia may be used if other procedures are performed at the same time.

• The doctor will make small incisions inside your mouth on both sides to access the buccal fat pads. The doctor will gently press the pads to bring out the needed fat, then cut and remove the pads.

• The doctor will close the incisions with stitches.

After surgery, the doctor will explain how you should care for the incisions. To help prevent infection, the doctor may prescribe a mouthwash. In general, after buccal lipectomy, patients are advised to follow a liquid diet for several days until the incisions begin to heal. Once you feel comfortable with solid foods, you can gradually reintroduce soft or solid foods into your daily diet.

Recovery time can vary depending on the procedure performed, but in general, it takes from about three weeks to several months to see the best results.

Like most surgical procedures, buccal fat removal may lead to side effects such as wound infection, facial nerve injury, and numbness.

People Who Should Not Have Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is considered a safe cosmetic procedure. However, certain individuals are not advised to undergo it for specific reasons, such as:

• People with narrow faces are not recommended for this procedure, since buccal fat naturally decreases with age. Even removing a small amount can cause a hollowed look over time.

• People with progressive hemifacial atrophy, a slow yet ongoing loss of facial tissues such as muscle, bone, and skin.

• People with medical conditions like blood clotting disorders that can complicate surgery.

Tips for Reducing Facial Fat

A slimmer face can increase your confidence. In addition to buccal fat removal surgery, you can try the following to help slim your cheeks:

• Facial exercises, such as lifting your cheeks upward, pursing your lips up and down and to the left and right, and holding a smile for a few seconds

• Cardio exercise

• Drink enough water

• Reduce alcohol

• Manage your diet by limiting refined carbohydrates and high-salt foods while increasing fiber intake

• Get enough sleep

That is an overview of buccal fat removal. The procedure is not inherently dangerous, but it does carry side effects and risks that you should consider. If you are thinking about buccal fat removal, consult a trusted plastic surgeon to achieve the best possible results.

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