Buccal fat reduction is a popular cosmetic procedure for achieving a slimmer, more sculpted facial profile. At Mark Fisher Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Westport, Connecticut, board-certified and fellowship-trained in craniofacial surgery Dr. Mark Fisher offers this specialized treatment to help patients transform round, full cheeks into a refined, contoured look. If your cheeks stay full despite diet and exercise or you desire a more angular appearance, buccal fat removal may be the ideal solution.
Let’s explore what this transformative procedure involves, its benefits, recovery expectations, and how to know if you’re an ideal candidate.
From Dr. Fisher?
“The goal of facial contouring is to subtly sculpt facial features to achieve the perfect balance of light and shadow.”
What is Buccal Fat Reduction?
Buccal fat reduction is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to permanently reduce the size of the buccal fat pads—the naturally occurring fat deposits in the lower cheeks that create a rounder, fuller facial appearance. This surgery is particularly beneficial for individuals with a genetic predisposition to plump cheeks, offering a sleeker, more contoured facial structure by enhancing the cheekbones and defining the jawline. It is not recommended for patients without cheek fullness in an attempt to achieve a more sculpted look.
Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure typically takes less than an hour. Dr. Fisher carefully makes small incisions inside the mouth, ensuring no visible scarring. Through these discreet entry points, he gently extracts the fat pads, sculpting the face into a more mature, sophisticated silhouette.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
Patients at Mark Fisher Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery choose buccal fat removal for its array of aesthetic advantages:
- Short, low-risk surgery: Completed in under an hour with minimal surgical risk.
- Invisible scars: Incisions are hidden inside the mouth, leaving no external marks.
- Local anesthesia only: No need for general anesthesia, making the procedure more accessible.
- Sophisticated, adult look: Achieve a slimmer, more defined facial profile.
- Enhanced cheekbones: Highlight your natural bone structure for a striking contour.
- Smoother facial lines: Improve the transition from nose to mouth corners, reducing puffiness.
- Youthful yet refined appearance: Enjoy a renewed, confident look that aligns with your natural beauty.
Recovery and Results
After buccal fat removal, you can expect swelling during the initial few days. Dr. Fisher recommends a liquid diet during this time to ensure optimal healing, followed by a gradual return to soft and then solid foods.
Within a week, swelling typically subsides enough for most patients to resume sedentary work or daily activities. Full recovery is generally complete within three weeks, and over the following weeks, your newly sculpted facial contours will become increasingly defined and refined, revealing the elegant outcome you envisioned.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal with Dr. Fisher meet the following criteria:
- Generally healthy: Free of medical conditions that could impair healing.
- Non-smokers: Or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery.
- Fully matured facial features: Typically adults whose facial structure has developed.
- At or near ideal weight: With a stable weight they can maintain.
- Realistic expectations: Understand the natural, refined results that can be achieved.
- Persistent cheek fullness: Despite lifestyle efforts like diet and exercise.
Dr. Fisher does not recommend buccal fat removal for patients without cheek fullness looking to achieve a more sculpted look.
If you identify with these characteristics, a consultation with Dr. Fisher can help determine if buccal fat removal is the right choice for you.
Start Your Facial Contouring Journey
Dr. Mark Fisher brings unmatched expertise, advanced training, and a dedication to natural, beautiful outcomes to every procedure he performs. At Mark Fisher Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, you will experience thoughtful, personalized care tailored to your unique facial goals.
Ready to learn more about buccal fat removal and how it can transform your look? Contact Dr. Fisher’s Westport office today to schedule your private consultation and take the first step toward a more confident you.