Buccal fat appears in the area between the cheekbones and jawbones. These fat pads are what give our face shape, but when they are too full, they can lead to more roundness or “chubbiness” than we want. That’s where buccal fat removal comes in. By reducing or completely removing these fat pads, you can accentuate your bone structure and love what you see when you look in the mirror.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat from the cheeks. But it doesn’t just remove any fat from the face. It removes the buccal fat pads (adipose tissue) in the lower cheek area (between the cheekbones and the jawline). This cosmetic procedure is done to create a thinner and more contoured appearance. It often makes the cheekbones more prominent as well to provide a more sculpted look. The procedure often gives the face a V-shape and removes excess roundness.
The buccal fat removal surgery can also be combined with a variety of other procedures, including a facelift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, and more.
Leading Buccal Fat Removal Surgeon in Vancouver
The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
To start your buccal fat removal, local or general anesthesia will be administered. Local anesthesia is often used, but if more than one procedure is being done, general anesthesia may be required. From there, a small incision will be made inside the mouth in the cheek area. This will allow Dr. Demianczuk to access the buccal fat pad. He will then remove the pad (or part of it). The incision will then be closed, and the process will be repeated on the other cheek. In total, the whole procedure typically takes about 45 minutes.
After surgery, you will likely have some bruising and swelling, but those effects will subside within about a week. For the first 1-2 days, you will want to stick to a soft diet to reduce the chances of complications. After 5-7 days, you can return to work and most normal activities. Dr. Demianczuk will also prescribe pain medication to ensure you’re completely comfortable throughout your recovery. Full recovery takes about three to four weeks.
As for results, you can expect your results to be long-lasting. The buccal fat pads don’t grow back, but you will want to stick to a healthy lifestyle, as weight gain can negatively affect the changes.
Buccal Fat Removal Cost
How much your buccal fat removal costs will depend greatly on the results you’re looking for. During your consultation, we’ll discuss exact pricing to help you budget and determine if this is the right procedure for you. Because the procedure is usually elective, it’s not typically covered by insurance.
What Are the Advantages of Buccal Fat Removal?
Patients often notice improvements like:
- A slimmer facial contour
- Cheeks that appear more balanced and symmetrical
- A well-defined cheek-to-jawline transition (often called a V-line look)
- A more mature appearance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
One of the common questions on patients’ minds is, “is buccal fat removal permanent?” The great news is that your newly defined, slimmer cheeks will remain that way for good! Even if you gain weight, your buccal fat pads won’t grow back.
If you feel that your face and cheeks are overly round, Buccal Fat Removal surgery may be the right procedure to slim and sculpt the lower third of the face, giving you permanent, contoured results that you’ll love.
How is buccal fat removal surgery performed?
Buccal Fat Removal is a minimally invasive surgical procedure done under local anesthetic, which many compare to a dental procedure, as you will be in a reclined position with your mouth open. Because the surgery is performed from inside your mouth, there is no visible incision, stitches, or scarring on your face.
Dr. Demianczuk expertly performs this surgery by carefully making small incisions on the inside of the cheeks, just above the upper molars. The tissues of the cheek are then gently separated to expose the buccal fat pads. He will then expertly decrease the fullness of the cheek by removing a portion of fat in the precise amount that best suits your individual goals. Once the desired amount of fat has been removed from the buccal fat pad, he will finish the procedure by sealing the incisions with stitches to complete the procedure.
How long does it take to recover from buccal fat removal?
As Buccal Fat Removal is a minimally invasive procedure, the downtime and recovery is very little. Visible results after Buccal Fat Removal are immediate, but patients should expect a normal amount of post-operative swelling for 7 to 10 days after surgery.
Patients can typically resume their usual activities, but most take a few days before returning to work or social activities to allow for most of the swelling to subside. Full results of your procedure are usually seen after 2 to 3 months post-surgery as your skin settles into the newly hollowed area where the buccal fat once was.
Who is a candidate for buccal fat removal surgery?
People with prominent buccal fat pads often describe themselves as having chubby cheeks. While sometimes this can be the result of being overweight, the size of the buccal fat pads may be genetic. How do you know if you’re a good candidate for Buccal Fat Removal? Buccal Fat Removal surgery may be right for you if you have any of these concerns
Puffy, full cheeks
Asymmetrical cheeks
Round cheeks that don’t decrease in size with weight loss
How long does a buccal fat removal procedure typically take?
A buccal fat removal procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
What type of anesthesia is used for buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal can be performed under local anesthesia in the office, or with IV sedation or general anesthesia in the operating room, depending on the surgeons preference and the patients needs.
When will I see the final results of buccal fat removal?
The final results of buccal fat removal typically become visible around 2-4 months after the procedure, as swelling subsides and facial contours settle.
Are there any visible scars after buccal fat removal?
There are no visible scars after buccal fat removal because the incisions are made inside the mouth.
What are the potential risks associated with buccal fat removal surgery?
Potential risks of buccal fat removal include infection, asymmetry, bleeding, temporary or permanent numbness, and nerve damage (rare)
Schedule your consultation
To find out how buccal fat removal procedure can help you meet your goals, contact Dr. Demianczuk.
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Tired of chubby cheeks or facial roundness and ready to have the prominent cheekbones you’ve always wanted? With buccal fat removal and Dr. Arko Demianczuk’s expertise, you can finally have the contoured face you desire. To learn more, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation today. Call our Vancouver office or message us via our online contact form.
Patient Testimonials
“Dr Demianczuk performed a rhinoplasty. I wanted a subtle changes in the shape of my nose but did not want to dramatically alter my appearance. Dr Demianczuk provided excellent care. He was not rushed during my appointments, listened carefully to my concerns, and answered all my questions. His staff was attentive before, during and after my procedure. Overall, Dr Demianczuk is a skillful surgeon and I highly recomnend him he is professional and personable – I am happy about the experiences and the outcome.”
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Dr. Arko Demianzcuk
Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon | BLOG
Dr. Arko Demianzcuk received his MD degree with honors from Queens University and his Plastic Surgery training (FRCS) from the University of British Columbia. His post-graduate education included subspecialty training in reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery at Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston. Dr. Demianzcuk has been appointed as Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and served as Director of the UBC Resident Cosmetic Clinic for over a decade.Dr. Demianzcuk’s professional memberships include the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada with subspecialty training in Plastic Surgery, the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery, the Canadian Society of Aesthetic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgery, and the Canadian Medical Association.