Buccal fat removal can create a slimmer, more sculpted cheek contour for patients seeking a permanent solution to a rounder face. Dr. W. Marshall Guy at Dr. Guy Facial Plastic Surgery offers buccal fat removal in The Woodlands, TX, with a facial anatomy-focused approach designed to create natural-looking definition without visible external scars. The fat removed is permanent, and results are long-lasting provided the patients maintain a healthy lifestyle after the procedure.
How Does Buccal Fat Removal Work?
Buccal fat removal works by reducing the deep fat pads located inside the cheeks. These fat pads are different from jowl or neck fat and require a separate surgical approach rather than standard liposuction. Dr. Guy may perform the procedure in the office or operating room, depending on the patient’s anatomy and treatment needs.
The procedure may involve:
- Local anesthesia for comfort
- A small incision inside the mouth
- Gentle removal of fat from the buccal compartment
- Closure of the internal incision
- No visible external scars
Because the incision is placed inside the mouth, buccal fat removal can refine cheek fullness without creating visible facial scarring. Patients can usually return home shortly after surgery and should limit strenuous activity during the first several days.
What Do Buccal Fat Removal Results Look Like?
Buccal fat removal results are designed to create a more balanced and contoured facial appearance. By reducing excess fullness in the inner cheek area, the procedure can help accentuate the jawline, cheek structure, and other facial features that may have looked less defined. The goal is not to hollow the face dramatically, but to create a more proportionate shape.
Results may include:
- Less fullness in the lower cheeks
- More defined facial contours
- Better balance between the cheeks and jawline
- A slimmer cheek appearance
- Improved confidence in face shape
Swelling can temporarily hide the final result after surgery. As puffiness gradually decreases, the cheeks begin to settle into a thinner and more refined contour.
Can Buccal Fat Come Back After Surgery?
Buccal fat removal provides long-term results because the removed fat pads do not grow back. Once Dr. Guy excises the buccal fat pads, those specific fat deposits are gone. This makes the procedure a lasting option for patients whose cheek fullness is related to deep, genetic buccal fat rather than temporary weight changes alone.
Long-term results may depend on:
- Stable body weight
- Natural aging patterns
- Skin elasticity
- Facial structure
- Healthy lifestyle habits
Significant weight gain can still affect facial fullness and overall results. While the removed buccal fat pads do not return, remaining facial fat can enlarge if weight changes are substantial.
It's Your Time to Look Your Best!
Revision rhinoplasty, or secondary rhinoplasty, is precisely what the name implies, a revision surgery to address your initial rhinoplasty results.
One may undergo a revision rhinoplasty for many reasons:
- The first surgery did not live up to your expectations.
- The scar tissue formed in such a way that led to an undesirable result.
- Trauma occurred in the postoperative period, which affected the final result.
- The original goals of surgery were not realistic based on your anatomy.
How Can You Maintain Buccal Fat Removal Results?
Maintaining buccal fat removal results begins with following recovery instructions and protecting long-term facial balance. Patients may need to follow a soft or semi-liquid diet during the first week to support healing in the mouth and reduce the risk of infection. Compression at the surgical sites, low-sodium foods, and plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help swelling improve more efficiently.
Helpful ways to maintain results include:
- Maintaining a stable weight
- Following diet restrictions after surgery
- Avoiding strenuous activity during early recovery
- Eating a low-sodium, nutrient-rich diet
- Attending follow-up visits as directed
Patients should also remember that buccal fat removal is not ideal for every face shape. Those with naturally narrow faces may look better with a different approach because excessive cheek fat removal can make the face appear too hollow as aging continues.
Schedule a Consultation for Buccal Fat Removal with Dr. Guy Today
Dr. Guy brings double-board-certified facial plastic surgery expertise and detailed knowledge of facial anatomy to buccal fat removal in The Woodlands, TX. Ready to explore buccal fat removal in The Woodlands, TX? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Guy today.