Liposuction for cheeks is a great option for those who want to get rid of fat in the area, but don’t want to go through the pain of a face lift. It’s also great for those who have lost weight and want to tighten their skin while they lose more weight.
The procedure is done under general anesthesia, which means that you’ll be asleep during the actual surgery. The surgeon will make small incisions along the jawline and remove unwanted fat from that area, then place it in strategic spots on your body where you might like some extra volume (such as your buttocks or thighs).
The recovery period lasts between 1-3 weeks, depending on how much work was done and how well your body responds to anesthesia. You should avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks after surgery and avoid extreme temperatures or hot baths for six weeks following treatment.
You should expect some swelling and bruising around the jawline after surgery but this should subside within a few weeks. You may also experience dry skin around the mouth due to lack of moisture while sleeping during recovery time so it’s important not to skip moisturizing during this time frame!
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Liposuction For Cheeks
All About Buccal Fat Removal for Thinner Cheeks
The buccal fat pad is a rounded mass of fat in the middle of your cheek. It’s located between facial muscles, in the hollow area beneath your cheekbone. The size of your buccal fat pads affects your face shape.
Everyone has buccal fat pads. However, the size of buccal fat pads can vary greatly.
If you have larger buccal fat pads, you might feel like your face is too round or full. You may also feel like you have a “baby face.”
There’s nothing wrong with having bigger cheeks. But if you’d like to make them smaller, a plastic surgeon might recommend buccal fat removal. This surgery is done to reduce the width of round faces.
If you’re interested in buccal fat removal, read on to learn about the procedure and the potential complications.
What is buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal is a type of plastic surgery. It’s also known as a buccal lipectomy or cheek reduction surgery.
During the procedure, the buccal fat pads in your cheeks are surgically removed. This thins the cheeks and defines facial angles.
The surgery can be done alone or with another form of plastic surgery, such as:
- facelift
- rhinoplasty
- chin implants
- lip augmentation
- Botox injection
Who’s a good candidate for buccal fat removal?
You might be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if any of the following applies to you:
- You’re in good physical health.
- You’re at a healthy weight.
- You have a round, fuller face.
- You dislike the fullness of your cheeks.
- You have pseudoherniation (small rounded fat mass in the cheek due to weak buccal fat pad).
- You’re seeking facial feminization surgery.
- You have realistic expectations.
- You don’t smoke.
Buccal fat removal isn’t for everyone. It may not be recommended in the following scenarios:
- Your face is narrow. If your face is naturally thin, the surgery might cause sunken cheeks as you age.
- You have progressive hemifacial atrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome). This rare disorder causes skin on one side of the face to shrink. It’s known to affect the buccal fat pad.
- You’re older. As you age, you naturally lose fat in your face. The procedure might emphasize jowls and other signs of facial aging.
A plastic surgeon is the best person to determine if you’re an ideal candidate.
What’s the procedure like?
Before the procedure
Before the procedure, you’ll talk to your plastic surgeon about your:
- expectations and goals
- medical conditions
- current medications, including vitamins and supplements
- alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
- drug allergies
- past surgeries
This information allows your plastic surgeon to decide the best surgical approach as well as determine possible risks and recovery outlook.
You might need to stop taking some medications or get blood tests before the procedure.
Your plastic surgeon will also analyze your face and take pictures to plan the surgery.
During the procedure
The procedure may be done in a hospital or in a doctor’s office. Here’s what it usually involves:
- If you’re only getting buccal fat removal, you’ll be given local anesthesia in your face. You won’t feel any pain, but you’ll be awake during the procedure.
- If you’re receiving more than one surgery, you might be given general anesthesia. In this case, you’ll need a ride to and from the surgeon’s office.
- Your surgeon will make an incision inside your cheek. They’ll place pressure on the outside of your cheek to further expose the buccal fat pad.
- Your surgeon will cut and remove the fat.
- They’ll close the wound with dissolvable stitches.
After the procedure
Before going home, you’ll be given a special mouthwash to prevent infection. Your provider will explain how to care for your incision.
You’ll need to eat a liquid diet for several days. You can then progress to soft foods before returning to your normal diet.
After the surgery, your face will be swollen and you may experience bruising. Both should diminish as you heal.
Full recovery usually takes about 3 weeks.
During recovery, follow your doctor’s directions for self-care and eating. Attend all of your followup appointments.
You can expect to see results in several months. It takes time for your cheeks to settle into their new shape.
What are the potential complications of buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal is generally considered safe. However, like all procedures, there’s a risk for unwanted side effects.
Possible complications include:
- excessive bleeding
- infection
- negative reaction to anesthesia
- hematoma
- lockjaw
- seroma (fluid accumulation)
- salivary gland damage
- facial nerve damage
- deep vein thrombosis
- cardiac or pulmonary side effects
- excess removal of fat
- facial asymmetry
- poor results
You might need another surgery to correct some of these issues.
See a doctor if you notice any of these unusual symptoms
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- abnormal heartbeat
- excessive bleeding
- severe pain
- signs of infection
How much does the procedure cost?
Buccal fat removal ranges between $2,000 and $5,000.
The procedure might cost more or less depending on factors like:
- the surgeon’s level of experience
- the type of anesthesia
- prescription medications
Since buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure, it’s not covered by health insurance. You’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Before getting the surgery, talk to your surgeon’s office about the total cost. Ask if they offer payment plans.
How can I find a board certified plastic surgeon?
It’s important to find a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience in buccal fat removal. This will ensure your surgery is performed safely and properly.
To find a qualified plastic surgeon, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. On their website, you can find plastic surgeons by city, state, or country.
Choose a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This indicates that they received education and training according to specific professional standards.
Questions to ask at your initial consultation
Don’t be afraid to ask questions at your initial consultation. It’s the best way to find the best surgeon for your needs.
Consider asking the following questions:
- Were you specifically trained in plastic surgery?
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Have you performed buccal fat removal in the past?
- Do you have before-and-after photos of previous patients?
- How should I prepare for the procedure?
- How will you perform my surgery? Where?
- Am I at risk for complications? How will these be handled?
- What can I expect during the healing process?
Finally, make sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon. They should make you feel safe and at ease.
Key takeaways
Buccal fat removal is a surgery that reduces the size of your cheeks. A surgeon removes the buccal fat pads, creating a slimmer face.
If you meet certain health criteria and have a fuller face, you might be an ideal candidate.
In general, the procedure is considered safe. Recovery takes several weeks.
Like all surgeries, there’s a risk for complications. For best results, work with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.
Cheek Liposuction Recovery Time
Liposuction is a procedure that uses suction to remove fat from the body. In 2015, it was the most popular cosmetic procedure for men and women, with nearly 400,000 procedures performed.
Some of the most commonly treated areas include the abdomen, hips, and thighs. However, liposuction can also be performed on the cheeks.
Keep reading to learn more about cheek liposuction, what the procedure is like, how much it costs, and more.
What’s cheek liposuction?
Cheek liposuction permanently removes fat cells from your face. It can also shape, or contour, the area. As you heal, your skin will mold around this newly shaped area. This can slim the face, leading to a more defined profile or jawline.
Cheek liposuction is performed in a similar way to liposuction on other parts of the body. It’s sometimes performed along with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift.
Having liposuction performed on your cheeks is different from procedures like buccal lipectomy. While both involve removing fat from the face, buccal lipectomy is the removal of a specific fat tissue in the cheek called the buccal fat pad.
What’s the procedure like?
Cheek liposuction is an outpatient procedure. This means that you can go home after it’s done. It typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Your doctor will use a pen to mark the area of your cheek that’s being treated. You’ll then be given local or general anesthesia. If you receive general anesthesia, you’ll be asleep during the procedure.
Your doctor will make small incisions. They’ll then use one of several different techniques to help make the fat tissue easier to remove.
Examples of these techniques include:
- Tumescent. A solution of saline, pain medication, and epinephrine is injected into the area. This causes the area to stiffen and swell, allowing the doctor to more easily remove the fat.
- Ultrasound. A small metal rod that produces ultrasonic energy is inserted into the area. This energy helps to break up fat cells.
- Laser. A small laser fiber is inserted into the area. Energy from the laser works to break down fat.
A small metal tube called a cannula is inserted into the incision. A suction device attached to the cannula is then used to remove the fat from your cheek.
Recovery
After the procedure, you’ll likely experience soreness and swelling in and around your face. This will diminish over time and can be managed with over-the-counter medications.
You’ll also be asked to wear a compression garment during your recovery. It’ll fit over your head, covering your jaw and neck.
You can expect the full recovery time to take 3 to 4 weeks. Afterward, your cheeks should have a thinner, leaner appearance.
Who’s a good candidate?
The following things make someone a good candidate for liposuction:
- having a weight that’s average or a little above average
- being in good overall health, without underlying conditions like heart disease or diabetes
- having skin that’s elastic and smooth
- being a nonsmoker
People with thin skin aren’t good candidates for liposuction.
When the fat is removed, skin that isn’t elastic may appear loose. Additionally, liposuction can enhance dimpling of the skin. If you have cheek dimples, this is something to consider.
Side effects and other precautions
Swelling and discomfort are normal as you recover from liposuction. These should go away as you heal.
As with any procedure, there are some potential complications to cheek liposuction. The risk of complications can increase if you’re having multiple cosmetic procedures done at the same time. Risks include:
- significant bleeding during the procedure
- having a bad reaction to anesthesia
- skin that appears loose, bumpy, or uneven
- skin discoloration
- nerve damage, which may cause numbness
- infection in or around the incisions
- fluid accumulation under the skin (seroma)
- fat embolism
Seeking a qualified healthcare provider is very important to achieve the best results and help prevent complications. Liposuction should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Fat cells are permanently removed from the body during a liposuction procedure. If you gain weight after the procedure, it’ll appear proportionally throughout your body. With significant weight gain, new fat cells can develop in the treated and untreated areas, though.
How much does it cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction is $3,518. The cost may be higher or lower than this depending on factors like location, the specific doctor, and the type of technique used.
Since liposuction is a cosmetic procedure, it isn’t covered by insurance. Because of this, some doctors may offer a financing plan to help with the cost. Be sure to ask about this during your consultation.
How to find a board-certified surgeon
If you’re thinking about having cheek liposuction, it’s important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has a search tool to help you find one in your area.
Once you’ve found a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can set up a consultation. During this time, they’ll evaluate if you’re a good candidate for liposuction.
They’ll also explain the details of the procedure, the technique they use, and any possible risks. Be sure to ask about anything that they don’t cover on their own or that you’d like more details on.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask them questions about their experience and training. Some examples include:
- How many years of plastic surgery experience do you have?
- How many years have you been performing liposuction?
- Do you have experience with cheek liposuction? If so, how many procedures have you performed?
- Do you have any before and after photos that I can look at?
Key takeaways
Cheek liposuction uses a suction device to remove fat cells from your cheeks. The result of cheek liposuction is a face that appears thinner and less full.
Cheek liposuction is a short outpatient procedure, and a variety of techniques can be used to help remove the fat. Recovery typically takes a few weeks, during which you’ll need to wear a compression garment.
Cheek liposuction should always be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Be sure to confirm that the surgeon is certified before scheduling a consultation.