As we age, the fullness and roundness of our faces tend to diminish. When we are in our 20s, our faces thin out and become more defined. For some individuals, this does not occur, leading to self-confidence and self-esteem issues about the appearance of their face. If this sounds like something you struggle with, then a buccal fat pad removal may be an option for you. Dr. Kitto at Kitto Plastic Surgery in Richmond, VA, has worked with many individuals to help them achieve their facial aesthetic goals. Allow us to help you determine if this procedure is right for you.
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal fat is the fat located between the cheekbone and the jawbone. How much buccal fat is located in this area can drastically change the shape and appearance of our face. Individuals who have more fat in this area tend to have rounder faces and fuller cheeks. In contrast, individuals with less buccal fat have slimmer faces and a more defined jaw and cheekbone.
Buccal fat pad removal is a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess buccal fat to create a slimmer, more defined, and highly contoured face. Patients with low self-esteem and self-confidence issues because of excess buccal fat (“chubby cheeks”) may choose to undergo this procedure.
The Buccal Fat Pad Removal Procedure
Because buccal fat pad removal is an in-office procedure, there is no need for invasive practices or anesthesia. Instead, the surgeon will numb the inside of your cheeks, create a small incision, and remove a pre-determined amount of buccal fat. Afterward, the cheek is stitched back together and left to heal on its own.
The Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal
The overall benefits of buccal fat pad removal depend on your individual goals and plans for the procedure. What are you looking to get out of it? What are the desired results? The surgeon obtains this information, and a proper plan is set to help you achieve those results. A few of the benefits that most people experience are:
- Reduction in the fullness of cheeks
- A slimmer face shape
- Enhancement of the cheekbones
- More definition in the cheeks and jawline
- More symmetrical appearance
Side Effects and Buccal Fat Pad Removal Recovery Process
Since buccal fat pad removal is minimally invasive, there are few severe side effects, and the recovery process is relatively simple. It is common to experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the area for a few days, but patients are typically given pain medications to address these issues. In addition, patients are closely monitored by the surgeon until recovery is complete. However, there are a few side effects to watch out for:
- Excessive Bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid Accumulation
- Gland Or Nerve Damage
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Cardiac Or Pulmonary Side Effects
Is It Worth It To You? Get Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Richmond, VA
Overall, whether a buccal fat pad removal is worth it depends on your specific goals and insecurities. For individuals who struggle with their self-esteem and self-confidence because of the appearance of their cheeks, buccal fat pad removal is an option to consider.
At Kitto Plastic Surgery, we perform in-office buccal fat pad removal in Richmond, VA. Our board-certified surgeon has a practiced eye for symmetry and precision, and the Kitto Plastic Surgery team does everything in its power to ensure you feel safe and comfortable in our office.
Call us at 804-294-1777 or go online to schedule a buccal fat pad removal consultation.