The buccal fat pads consist of packed fat cells in your lower cheeks. The mass of tissue deep inside your lower cheeks influences facial shape. One of the increasingly popular plastic surgery procedures offered at Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute is buccal fat removal surgery. Here are some things you should remember regarding buccal fat removal.
How buccal fat removal works
While all humans have buccal fat, its size tends to differ from one person to another. For instance, if your buccal fat pads are more pronounced, your face will appear rounder and fuller. Consequently, it will appear like you have the face of a baby.
It is okay to have more pronounced cheeks. But, if you want them less round and fuller, you can benefit from buccal fat removal. Also called cheek contouring, buccal fat removal involves surgical extraction of fatty tissues in the buccal pads of each cheek.
Your plastic surgeon will make tiny holes inside both sides of your mouth. The incisions created help make it possible to view and access the buccal fat pads. Your plastic surgeon will then slightly press the buccal fat pads to expose them more. After cutting and eliminating fatty tissues, your cosmetic surgeon will stitch the incisions.
As a result, the cheeks become thinner, and the angles of your face become well-defined. Your cheeks will not appear chubby and fuller.
The right candidate for buccal fat removal surgery
The buccal fat removal surgery can be much safer if you are physically healthy. You need to have the right weight and not smoke.
Also, do not have a condition affecting the structures of the buccal fat pad. A condition that can affect your buccal fat pads will cause the sinking of the facial skin on one side. Additionally, you will be the best candidate for cheek contouring if your expectations are reasonable.
This cosmetic treatment may be unsuitable if you have a narrower face or have reached an advanced age. The fat volume in the buccal fat pads and other body sections usually decreases with age.
After buccal fat pad removal
After surgery, your plastic surgeon will advise you on how to care for your surgical wounds. For example, you should use a special solution for rinsing your mouth regularly to promote healing. You can promote healing by protecting yourself against bacterial infections that can attack the incision areas.
During the healing of your mouth, consume soft and liquid foods. Solid, salty, and acidic foods and fluids can irritate and inflame your wounds and thus slow down healing.
The bruising and swelling of the mouth’s incision sites will last a few weeks. However, it will take four or six months to witness the intended results of the buccal fat removal surgery.
If you experience adverse effects from the surgery, you should, without hesitation, consult your plastic surgeon. If you are bleeding, having infection signs, or have an altered taste, let your doctor know.
Contact Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute today to schedule an appointment with a specialist in buccal fat removal.