Where are the Incisions and Scars for Buccal Fat Removal?
Any incisions made during a Buccal Fat Removal will be placed inside your mouth, so while you may have some scarring occur, it will be imperceptible.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Your buccal fat pad fills in the deep tissue spaces of your mouth to act as a gliding pad for your chewing and facial movement needs. While the buccal pads are important to have, some people have larger pads than what looks “natural” when compared to the size of their face – referred to as “chipmunk cheeks”.
While many people find this feature to be very attractive, others find their prominent feature to be the cause of self-image issues. At Landford Plastic Surgery, we offer Buccal Fat Removal to our Washington DC, and Maryland patients an opportunity for a change if they wish their cheeks were more proportionate to their faces. Below, we have included some information regarding this cosmetic procedure.
Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
At Landford Plastic Surgery, we believe that a great candidate for Buccal Fat Removal has the following characteristics:
- At a healthy and stable weight
- Dislike the fullness of your cheeks
- Have a round, fuller face
- Overall good physical health
- You have pseudo herniation (small rounded fat mass in the cheek due to weak buccal fat pad)
How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost in Washington DC & Maryland?
The cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Washington DC & Maryland will vary on many factors. The best way to get the most accurate cost is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Landford and have her evaluate your situation. Once she has everything she needs, your surgical plan will be made and our Patient Coordinator will be able to give you a total breakdown of the cost of your procedure.
What Should I Expect During a Consultation for Buccal Fat Removal?
If Buccal Fat Removal is the best solution for your needs, your first step should be to contact the office of Dr. Wilmina Landford in either Washington D.C. or Maryland and schedule your consultation with her. When you come in, you will be able to ask any questions about the procedure, have your face evaluated, discuss the different options available, and answer some of the questions about your medical history. We encourage you to be honest and open with Dr. Landford when having this conversation. Any information you provide will be used to prevent unnecessary risks and help you achieve the most optimal results.
Once you and Dr. Landford have discussed and agreed upon every aspect of your surgery, she will create your surgical plan. With this, our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule your procedure for a time that provides you with a few days of recovery following surgery. You will also be provided with some instructions to help alleviate and expedite your recovery.
How Do I Prepare for Buccal Fat Removal?
Although every patient will have their full pre-operative instructions, we have included some of the more general tips to follow:
- Fill any prescriptions
- Hydrate yourself
- Make sure you do not have any oral/dental infections, wounds, or active cold sores. You must follow these guidelines, as it decreases risks and improves results.
- No alcohol for at least 1 week before surgery.
- Patients are asked to avoid any medications or supplements that can increase bleeding for 1- 2 weeks before surgery
- Prep any meals before your surgery, you will be required to have softer foods during the first few weeks
What are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?
Some of the major benefits our Buccal Fat Removal patients in Washington DC and Maryland have seen from their treatment include:
- Achieve a more balanced overall facial shape
- Create a more slender, v-shaped lower facial contour
- Enhance the appearance of high cheekbones
- Improve definition of the cheeks and jawline
- No visible scarring
- Reduce excessive cheek fullness (“chipmunk cheeks”)
What are the Steps of Buccal Fat Removal?
On the day of your Buccal Fat Removal Surgery in Washington DC or Maryland, it will be performed either under local or general anesthesia, depending on your personal preferences and whether you are combining it with other procedures. You may also be provided with some pain and anxiety medication pills to help you relax. Once the two of you are ready, Dr. Landford will inject a small numbing solution on the inside of each cheek. Although it is a very quick interaction, there may be a burning sensation, but from that point on, your entire cheek will be numb. Next, your mouth will be propped open at a comfortable level, with your cheek being gently pulled back. Dr. Landford will make a very small incision inside the cheek to identify the buccal fat pad. The fat is then gently teased out of its pocket and removed. Two or three dissolvable stitches are placed to close the incision and the procedure is done. The entire surgery should take under one hour and results become evident after one to four months as the swelling subsides and the buccal space contracts.
Surgical Techniques for Buccal Fat Removal
There are several adjunct techniques that Dr. Landford can utilize to help achieve a slimmer, more contoured jawline. The most common is the:
Traditional Buccal Fat Removal Technique
This procedure is becoming very popular and many patients are coming in specifically requesting it. The procedure removes a small fat pad in the cheek that helps slim the middle third of the lower face. Patients with chubby cheeks often request this procedure because they feel that no matter how in shape they are, their face still looks fat. This fat pad is removed through a small incision placed inside the mouth.
The area is completely numbed so there is no discomfort during the procedure. The procedure is done in the office with local anesthesia and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete on both sides.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
Once you are released from our care to return home, your recovery should be relatively easy, requiring only about one to two days. Some patients experience mild pain/ soreness, but this will subside after a few days.
Your cheeks will appear slightly fuller during the first week but tend to return to their normal appearance after about seven days. Unfortunately, the results are not immediately evident as the swelling takes the place of the fat that was removed, and will continue to subside for about the first four weeks post-surgery, only to improve over the next several months.
During recovery, it’s important to be careful not to bite down on the cheek area, so the incision can properly heal and sutures can dissolve. Pain medication can be prescribed and ice packs will help with swelling and discomfort.
Why Choose Us?
Elevate your confidence and unveil your natural beauty with Dr. Wilmina Landford, the ultimate choice for Buccal Fat Removal. With a remarkable background in plastic surgery training from the prestigious Johns Hopkins, Dr. Landford possesses a profound understanding of the intricate structures that shape your face. This specialized expertise ensures not only a safe and precise procedure but also results that perfectly complement your unique features.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to take the first step toward achieving your desired look? If you are seeking to contour your cheeks for a slimmer appearance, Wilmina Landford, M.D. will guide you through your transformative journey. Buccal Fat Removal at Landford Plastic Surgery in Washington DC or Maryland will provide you with a skilled and experienced team. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Landford, schedule yourself on our calendar or fill out this form, and a member of our team will contact you shortly.
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