Buccal Fat Removal Las Vegas
Enhance the contours of your lower face for a more sculpted look.
Buccal fat removal, also known as cheek reduction surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance facial aesthetics by reducing fullness in the lower cheeks. Dr. Stile, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Las Vegas, offers this minimally invasive procedure to help patients achieve a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance. By targeting the buccal fat pads, this surgery refines cheekbones, enhances jawline definition, and contributes to overall facial harmony.
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Learn More About Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal involves the surgical extraction of the buccal fat pads—natural pockets of fat between the facial muscles in the hollow area beneath the cheekbone. While these fat pads provide youthful fullness during childhood, they can contribute to a round or chubby facial appearance in adults. Removing excess buccal fat can:
- Improve facial harmony by balancing facial features.
- Enhance cheekbones by creating a more sculpted look.
- Slim the lower face, contributing to a V-line shape.
Prior to surgery:
- Consent Forms: Signing necessary documentation.
- Pre-Surgical Markings: Dr. Stile may mark areas for incision guidance.
- Anesthesia Discussion: Review of anesthesia options and preferences.
During the procedure:
- Incision Inside the Mouth: Small incisions made on the inner cheek, leaving no external scars.
- Exposure of Buccal Fat Pads: Carefully access the fat pads without damaging surrounding tissues.
- Removal of Fat Pads: Extracting the appropriate amount of fat to avoid an overly gaunt appearance.
Closure with Dissolvable Sutures: There is no need for suture removal as they dissolve naturally.
To prepare for surgery:
- Medical Clearance: This may be required if you have underlying health conditions.
- Medication Review: Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements.
- Smoking Cessation: Stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery.
- Arrange Transportation: Ensure someone can drive you home post-procedure.
- Follow Pre-Operative Instructions: Provided by Dr. Stile for optimal results.
Adhering to these guidelines helps minimize risks and promotes a smooth surgical experience.
On the day of your procedure:
- Discharge Instructions: Detailed care guidelines for recovery at home.
- Arrival at Facility: Check-in and preparation for surgery.
- Anesthesia Administration: Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
- Procedure Duration: Approximately 45 minutes.
- Post-Operative Monitoring: Brief observation before discharge.
Light exercise can typically resume after one week, with more strenuous activities after two weeks, depending on healing progress.
While both procedures aim to slim the face, they target different types of fat:
- Buccal Fat Removal: Extracts the buccal fat pads deep within the cheeks, leading to significant mid to lower face contouring.
- Cheek Liposuction: Removes subcutaneous fat beneath the skin’s surface, addressing superficial fullness but not the deeper buccal fat.
Buccal fat removal is often preferred for individuals with prominent cheek fullness that doesn’t respond to weight loss or cheek liposuction.
Buccal fat removal costs may include the following:
Post-Operative Care: Follow-up visits and necessary medications.
- Surgeon’s Fee: Based on experience and qualifications.
- Anesthesia Fees: Cost of anesthesia administration.
- Facility Expenses: Use of surgical center or hospital.
- Medical Tests: Any required pre-operative evaluations.
Buccal fat removal is typically considered an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance.
Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal:
- Have full, round cheeks and desire a slimmer facial appearance.
- Are in good physical health with stable weight.
- Do not smoke or are willing to quit before surgery.
- Have realistic expectations about the outcomes.
Individuals considering this procedure should consult with Dr. Stile to determine suitability based on their unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
While there is no strict age limit, buccal fat removal is typically recommended for individuals:
- Aged 18 to 20 and older, once facial development is complete.
- Younger adults with persistent cheek fullness.
- Older adults should consider potential facial sagging due to aging.
It’s important to understand that facial fat naturally diminishes with age, and removing buccal fat pads may lead to a gaunt appearance later in life. Dr. Stile will assess age-related factors during the consultation.
Several options are available for individuals seeking facial slimming:
- Buccal Fat Removal: Targets deep fat pads for permanent reduction.
- Facial Liposuction: Removes superficial fat deposits under the skin.
- Non-Surgical Treatments: Includes injectable fillers and Botox for contouring.
- Jawline Enhancement: This may involve implants or fillers to define the jawline.
Buccal fat removal is distinct in providing a permanent solution by removing the buccal fat pads, resulting in a more contoured and defined facial structure.
Yes, it can be combined with:
- Chin Augmentation
- Jawline Enhancement
- Concurrent Facial Procedures for comprehensive facial contouring.
Buccal fat removal focuses on reducing cheek fullness rather than addressing smile lines (nasolabial folds). However, by slimming the cheeks, the procedure may indirectly:
- Reduce the appearance of smile lines by altering facial contours.
- Enhance facial balance, which can make smile lines less prominent.
Additional procedures or treatments like dermal fillers may be recommended for direct treatment of smile lines.
Swelling and Bruising
Initial Swelling: Common and may last several days to weeks.
Bruising: Minimal due to the internal nature of the procedure.
Pain Management
Mild Discomfort: Manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Ice Pack Usage: Helps reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
Healing Process
Soft Food Diet: Recommended for the first few days to avoid irritation.
Mouth Rinse: Prescribed to maintain oral hygiene and prevent infection.
Avoid Strenuous Activity: Limit physical exertion for at least one week.
Recovery Time
Return to Work/School: Typically within 3-5 days, depending on comfort.
Full Recovery: Complete healing and final results may take several weeks.
- Immediate Recovery: Swelling decreases within a few days.
- Resume Normal Activities: Light activities after a week; strenuous exercise after two weeks.
- Final Results: Noticeable within several weeks, with continued improvement over months.
- Work/School: Return in 3-5 days, depending on comfort and swelling.
- Drive: Once you are no longer taking prescription pain medications.
- Eat: Soft foods immediately after surgery; resume a normal diet as tolerated.
Light exercise can typically resume after one week, with more strenuous activities after two weeks, depending on healing progress.
While buccal fat removal is generally safe, potential risks include:
- Infection: Preventable with proper oral hygiene and care.
- Excessive Bleeding: Rare and minimized by following pre-operative instructions.
- Facial Nerve Injury: Uncommon when performed by an experienced surgeon.
- Salivary Gland Injury: Rare complication due to the procedure’s proximity.
- Numbness: Temporary altered sensation in the cheek area.
- Asymmetry: Minor differences may occur but can often be corrected.
- Overly Gaunt Appearance: Avoided by careful removal of appropriate fat amounts.
Signs of Complications to watch for:
- Persistent Swelling or Pain
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest Pain
- Abnormal Heartbeat
- Abnormal Taste
- Initial Consultation: To discuss goals and plan the procedure.
- Surgery Appointment: The day of the procedure.
- Follow-Up Visits: To monitor healing and address any concerns.
The change from buccal fat removal is subtle yet noticeable, enhancing facial definition without drastically altering your appearance. When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Stile, the procedure enhances facial contours without causing a hollow look.
No, they do not grow back once the buccal fat pads are removed. However, overall facial fullness can increase with significant weight gain.
When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Stile, the procedure enhances facial contours without causing a hollow look.
Yes, natural aging leads to facial fat loss, which is why age considerations are important before surgery.
No visible scars are present since incisions are made inside the mouth.
The change is subtle yet noticeable, enhancing facial definition without drastically altering your appearance.
Choosing Dr. Stile means:
- Las Vegas, NV: Conveniently located practice offering state-of-the-art facilities.
- Experienced Surgeon Importance: Over two decades of expertise in plastic surgery.
- Board-Certified Surgeon: Ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care.
- Personalized Treatment: Customized plans tailored to individual needs.
- Patient Testimonials: Positive reviews highlighting patient satisfaction.
During your consultation, Dr. Stile will address these aspects of your treatment:
- Medical History Review: Assessment of overall health and any medical conditions.
- Facial Examination: Analysis of facial structure and buccal fat pad size.
- Discussion of Goals: Understanding your desired outcomes.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Tailored to your anatomy and objectives.
- Explanation of Procedure: Detailing surgical steps, anesthesia, and recovery.
- Before and After Photos: Viewing results from previous patients.
This comprehensive evaluation ensures you are well-informed and comfortable with your decision.
- Am I a Good Candidate?
- What Are the Potential Risks?
- How Will You Perform the Procedure?
- What Can I Expect During Recovery?
- Do You Have Before and After Photos?
- How Many Buccal Fat Removals Have You Performed?
Asking these questions helps ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your decision.
Take the Next Step
Please fill out the form on this page to request an in-person consultation and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Stile Aesthetics will reach out to you promptly. You can also call our office directly at (702) 243-9555.
Stile Aesthetics serves Las Vegas, NV & Surrounding Areas.
*Individual results may vary
