Buccal Fat Removal

No, since the procedure is performed under anesthesia, you won’t feel anything during treatment. However, afterward, you may have mild swelling, soreness, and tenderness in your cheeks, similar to the sensation of recovering from a dental procedure. This discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, and any significant pain is uncommon. Following Dr. Rivera’s post-op care instructions, including a soft diet and proper oral hygiene, makes a recovery smooth and relatively painless.

You’ll need your consultation, procedure, and at least one follow-up appointment during recovery. During your consultation, Dr. Rivera will determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure. The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll go home the same day, and afterward, you’ll have at least one follow-up appointment to keep track of healing and address any concerns. Additional follow-ups can be scheduled to monitor long-term results and ensure your facial contours settle beautifully.

While you’ll notice a change in your facial shape within the first few weeks, it will take time to see the full results. Immediately after surgery, your cheeks may appear swollen, temporarily making them look fuller, but as swelling subsides, your more sculpted facial contours will begin to emerge. The most refined, final results typically appear within 3 to 9 months, once all residual swelling has diminished and the tissues have settled. Since the fat removal is permanent, your new, defined look will last for years to come, providing a long-term enhancement to your facial structure.

Chin augmentation, jawline contouring, or liposuction under the chin or around the mouth (perioral mound) are great options to pair with buccal fat removal. Additionally, if volume loss is a concern in other areas of the face, procedures like facial fat transfer or dermal fillers can help restore balance. Dr. Rivera will recommend the best combination of treatments for you based on your anatomy and interests. By customizing your procedure plan, you can achieve a more refined and natural-looking result that enhances your unique features while reducing potential recovery time.

Swelling, bruising, infection, and temporary numbness in the cheek area are common immediately after surgery but are typically mild and temporary. In some cases, removing too much fat can lead to an overly hollowed or gaunt appearance over time, which is why it is crucial to select a skilled surgeon who understands facial balance. Dr. Rivera takes a conservative approach, ensuring that only the right amount of fat is removed to maintain natural-looking results. By following all post-operative care instructions, patients can significantly minimize risks and enjoy an easy recovery.

The procedure can be done under local anesthesia, with incisions inside the mouth. The results may take several months (typically 3-6, up to a year) to be apparent. In younger patients, this procedure can be combined with the filling of the upper checks (and or lateral jawline) and chin implants (if indicated) to give the illusion of a thinner face and improve the facial balance and proportions or a change from full cheeks to a more triangular or squared face. Every year, thousands of people undergo this procedure. A personal consultation will determine what is best for you.

You are bothered by your chubby cheeks. Your self-confidence may improve from these procedures.