While chubby cheeks are common in children, some people are genetically prone to a rounder facial shape that persists into adulthood. A round or more childlike facial structure, often casually nicknamed “chipmunk cheeks” or “babyface,” can be frustrating for people who want a more elegant, sculpted look. To help achieve this more refined appearance for his patients, we perform buccal fat removal in Birmingham, AL.
What is buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal is a short surgical procedure that removes overly large fat pads in the cheeks to provide better facial definition, resulting in a slimmer, V-shaped look. The surgery is performed with incisions on the inside of the cheeks, leaving no visible scars. Fat pads in the cheeks surround the muscles used for chewing and talking.
For some people, this pad is larger than others, in some cases so large that the effect on the face is a childlike, round appearance well past adulthood. For patients who are genetically inclined to have round cheeks, no amount of exercise or diet will reduce them. The only effective option to change this facial shape is buccal fat removal.
What are the benefits of buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal is a popular surgery that has many positive effects. This simple surgery is highly effective but results in minimal trauma and requires a short period of downtime. The benefits of buccal fat removal include the following:
- Short procedure time (30 minutes)
- It does not require general anesthesia
- Achieves a slimmer facial contour in a flattering V shape
- Results in no visible scars (incisions are made inside the cheeks)
- Low-risk procedure
- Short downtime and recovery period
- Improved confidence
- Finally, say goodbye to round, childlike cheeks
Please schedule a consultation if you're interested in buccal fat removal in Birmingham & Montgomery, AL.
What happens during the buccal fat removal procedure?
Buccal fat removal is generally performed with only local anesthesia, as it is a short, lower-risk procedure. At Rousso Adams, buccal fat removal in Birmingham, AL, takes only about 30 minutes.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Rousso or Dr. Adams will make precise incisions in your inner cheeks, and the excess fat will be removed. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures. You can return home once the surgery is complete.
What is the recovery time after buccal fat removal?
Downtime after buccal fat removal is short, lasting only a few days. There will be some swelling, discomfort and some bruising after your procedure. You can treat these side effects with cool packs and pain medication. We will provide a mouth rinse to help keep the incisions in the area clean.
During this period, you will need to follow a liquid diet. As your healing progresses, you can start eating soft foods. From there, you can slowly move back toward your usual diet and start eating all of your usual or favorite foods again.
It will take 2-4 weeks for the residual swelling to disappear fully. However, after about one week, most patients feel comfortable enough to return to sedentary work or other low-intensity activities.
Results after buccal fat removal
After you complete the healing period after buccal fat removal surgery, usually within about a month or less, you will be able to enjoy a more defined, V-shaped, and sculpted appearance.
Your results from this surgery are considered relatively permanent because the fat is physically removed and will not return. Results from buccal fat removal will not change due to weight fluctuations or other common factors.
How much does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?
Buccal fat removal surgery starts at $3,500. The price can vary depending on the details of your specific procedure. Please schedule a consultation to find out more about what your custom treatment plan will include. Once we have designed a surgical plan for you, your exact price will be included.
Who is a candidate for buccal fat removal?
Anyone unhappy about round, curving “chubby cheeks” who wants to achieve a V-shaped, more chiseled look might be a candidate for buccal fat removal.
However, because of how the face matures and changes as we age, this surgery should not be performed until the facial structure and fat pad have fully developed. Some people will experience a reduction of the fat pad once their facial lines have settled and their face has fully matured. If the fat pads are removed before this process is complete, buccal fat pad removal can result in a hollow or older appearance as you age. We recommend not having this surgery until you are at least 20 years old.
Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal should meet the following general qualifications:
- Are in good health
- Have no serious medical concerns, such as a bleeding disorder
- Do not smoke
- Are near or at their ideal weight
- Have a fully developed facial structure
- Childlike facial characteristics or a plump face remain after weight loss or into adulthood
- Are realistic in their expectations about what buccal fat surgery can achieve
Why choose Rousso Adams for buccal fat removal?
Dr. Rousso is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with more than thirty years of experience helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals. He has focused his career on facial procedures, making him one of the field's most sought-after and highly respected facial plastic surgeons.
Dr. Adams is double board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. He is an expert in facial anatomy, making him an extremely valuable part of the Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery team.
During your personal consultation, your facial structure and the size of your buccal fat pad will be examined and evaluated to understand your aesthetic concerns and goals for your facial structure. After which a personalized surgical plan will be created for your buccal fat removal in Birmingham, AL, with care and attention to achieve your goals.
At Rousso Adams Plastic Surgery, your surgery will be performed at their practice, in our AAAHC-certified facility, with our incredible staff tending to every aspect of your experience.