The face is the first thing noticed by people, and the cheeks, being the biggest area visible in the face, can have a very significant impression. The cheeks can make even thin people look chubby or round, simply because of their shape and size.
This can make people very self-conscious about the appearance of their cheeks, but unlike most body parts, the cheeks are very hard to reduce in size without adversely affecting the rest of the body. This cheek fat, or buccal fat, can be very hard to reduce. Fortunately, modern plastic surgery has advanced enough to have an answer for this; buccal fat removal.
Buccal fat removal, or cheek reduction surgery, is the cosmetic process of removing the buccal fat that is the cause of chubby or chipmunk cheeks. This is usually done by creating an incision in the back of the mouth, typically near the second upper molar, and through what is called the buccinator muscle. Once these incisions are in place, pressure is applied outside the cheek, which causes the buccal fat pad to protrude through the incisions, allowing the surgeon to grip it with forceps, pulling it enough so a big portion of the pad is available and can easily be cut away. Once enough fat is removed, the remaining buccal fat is inserted back in its place and the incisions are sutured.
If done properly, the procedure results in thinner cheeks, more defined cheekbones, and a slimmer, thinner profile of the face.
The procedure typically takes one to three hours to complete, depending on the doctor’s skill level. Patients will experience pain after the procedure, and will temporarily have swelling and bruising of the cheeks. There will also be difficulty in chewing food and speaking. Patients are advised to diligently take the prescribed medications by the surgeon—such as painkillers and antibiotics—in order to hasten the healing process.
It is also recommended that the patient lessen any activities for the next one to three weeks after the buccal fat removal surgery to ensure that recovery will be as swift as possible. The final results of the procedure will become evident around four months after the surgery.
Following these guidelines will yield the best results in terms of physical recovery and ensures a quicker return to normal day to day activities.
But because this procedure is almost irreversible, and involves such a large portion of the face, it is highly advised that potential patients find the most qualified and most skilled cosmetic surgeon for buccal fat removal. Once this is done, it is also advised that patients consult with the surgeon first, to know all the risks involved to ensure that the end result is achieved, and to ensure that the surgeon knows exactly what the patient wants.