Your buccal fat pads are the naturally occurring, rounded fat deposits that sit deep in the lower cheeks between the cheekbones and jawbone. They contribute to facial fullness, giving a soft, youthful appearance. Some individuals are more genetically predisposed to this facial fullness than others.
Buccal fat pad removal (buccal lipectomy) is a cosmetic procedure performed to address the fullness of the cheeks. A small amount of buccal fat is carefully removed to achieve more facial contour while aligning with the patient’s personal aesthetic preferences.
The procedure is often (but not always) performed on younger patients (typically under 30 years old), as they tend to have more facial fat. It’s important to keep in mind that we lose facial fat as we age. Therefore, the procedure should not be performed on individuals with narrow, naturally thin faces, as this may lead to a gaunt appearance as they age.
This procedure, when performed in isolation, is usually performed under local anaesthesia. Small incisions are carefully made inside the mouth, near the molars. The muscle is then separated from the buccal fat pad, and a portion of the fat is removed. The incisions are then sewn together with dissolvable sutures. The amount of fat removed must be carefully considered to preserve the natural harmony of the face and avoid creating a hollowed appearance over time.
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Your Buccal Fat Removal (Face Liposuction) Consultation with Dr Mark Attalla
If you are considering liposuction, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr Mark Attalla at Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne.
During your consultation, Dr Attalla will discuss your goals, assess your suitability, and explain what the procedure involves, including recovery and expected outcomes.
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Dr Mark Attalla, MBBCHa FACCS – Cosmetic Practitioner
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Recovery information
After the procedure, the patient is given thorough post-operative instructions, both verbally and in writing, to take home. These instructions will include advice on managing discomfort, on activity restrictions, and on caring for the incision site.
Recovery from buccal fat pad removal surgery typically lasts 7 to 14 days. Some soreness and swelling are common, while bruising is relatively uncommon. However, every individual heals differently, depending on their age, general health and natural healing response.
During the first few days, patients are advised to eat soft foods only to avoid stressing the incision site. They must rinse their mouth with antiseptic mouthwash several times a day. Patients should also sleep with their head elevated.
A compression garment is often given to help manage swelling in the area.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
The fat cells removed by the procedure will not return; however, an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise can cause new fat cells to form, possibly requiring further procedures to remove them.
For this reason, we encourage an active and healthy lifestyle after any procedure to ensure the longevity of any results. Liposuction should not be mistaken for a replacement for a weight loss process.
Face liposuction, like any surgical procedure, can involve some discomfort during and after the process. Patients may notice soreness, swelling, or bruising in the treated areas. These effects are part of the body’s healing response and can vary from patient to patient.
The type and level of discomfort will depend on individual healing and the details of the procedure, which will be discussed during your consultation.
Potential risks & complications
All surgical procedures carry an element of risk. In addition to general surgical risks, buccal fat pad removal surgery carries the following potential risks and complications:
- changes in sensation in the cheeks
- infection at the incision site
- reaction to anaesthesia
- facial contour asymmetry
- requirement for revision surgery
- prolonged bruising and swelling
Before deciding on cosmetic surgery, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Talk to your cosmetic doctor about what to expect from the surgery and make sure you understand the recovery time and results.
*Individual outcomes vary, as the results for one person may not be the same for others. Several factors, including genetics, diet, and exercise, can contribute to these differences.
*Every type of cosmetic surgery involves invasive procedures and, therefore, comes with an element of risk. This includes all types of liposuction in Melbourne.
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