Buccal Fat Removal in Houston, TX
Introduction
As one of the leading providers of buccal fat removal in Houston, Texas, our team at Memorial Plastic Surgery, led by facial plastic surgeon Dr. Tyler McElwee, has met many patients who have experienced several benefits after the procedure.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
- Reduction in the volume of the mid and lower cheek
- More defined cheekbone
- Triangulating the shape of the face
- Creation of a slimmer, narrower facial contour
- Reduction of plumpness of the face
- More defined jawline in men
- A more defined lower facial contour in women
- Improvement in facial harmony
Customized Cheek Reduction
Cheek reduction is customized for every patient. This procedure is suitable for a healthy adult with chubby cheeks, but a treatment plan can only be established after an initial consultation with our doctors.
Considerations for Desired Results
The goal of buccal fat removal is to create a contoured and slimmer facial profile, without it looking excessively thin and unhealthy. Individuals who are older and show developing signs of facial aging may not be able to fully achieve the desired result of cheek reduction surgery, because their skin is beginning to naturally sag. During consultations, our doctors will be able to establish if this is the best procedure for the patient as well as to give a realistic view of the results that they can expect.
Candidate Criteria
The appropriate candidate for buccal fat removal is potentially a person who:
- Has chubby or puffy cheeks
- Has a convex appearance on the cheeks
- Minimal skin laxity or other effects of aging
As with any surgical procedure, it is important that the patient:
- Is in good physical condition and has no pre-existing medical condition
- Has a stable weight or is close to their ideal weight
- Is a non-smoker or can stop smoking in preparation for the procedure
Buccal Fat Removal with MPS Top Doctors
During buccal fat pad removal, only the excess fat tissue is removed, preserving enough fat to ensure smooth and natural facial contour, preventing the patient from looking gaunt, or too skinny, after the procedure. Also, the results of the surgery will be affected if the patient gains weight. Younger patients typically have more volume in their faces, thus it may be beneficial to have a greater amount of buccal fat removed, although this approach is highly individualized.
Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive procedure that is usually completed within an hour. The entire procedure is performed from inside the mouth; no incisions are made on the face. Local or general anesthesia is administered before the procedure, depending on the patient’s preference.
The procedure begins with our surgeon removing a portion of the buccal fat pad through a small incision above the upper molars, spreading through the cheek muscles, and applying gentle pressure externally to remove the exact amount of fat needed to contour the face.
The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures to allow for proper healing. Buccal fat pad removal can be combined with other procedures that help rejuvenate the face, such as neck or chin liposuction and rhinoplasty.
Buccal Fat Removal Cost & Financing
The cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Houston ranges from $4,000 – $4,500+ inclusive of anesthesia, facility fees, and follow-up consultations. The final cost will depend on several additional factors including your surgeon and surgery location of choice. Our patient care coordinators can walk you through your options and provide you with a more detailed quote during your initial consultation.
Recovery & Results
This procedure causes very little downtime for most patients. Many patients can return to work a few days after the procedure. However, more strenuous activities are recommended to be resumed after 7 days, provided that our doctors give all the clear.
After the procedure, our doctors provide instructions for post-operative care and prescribe medications to be taken during the recovery period. Patients are instructed to follow a soft or liquid diet for the first week after the surgery. A mouth rinse after every meal is recommended to reduce the risk of infection. We also advise patients to sleep on their backs for at least 3 – 5 days to allow for proper healing.
The face may swell for a few weeks after the procedure, and a garment is provided for the first week. Once the swelling has subsided, patients can see the final results of the surgery, with cheeks looking thinner and more contoured.
Finally, follow-up appointments are scheduled to ensure that the patient is healing without any complications.
The following table gives a brief overview of the recovery timeline after buccal fat removal:
| POST-OP EFFECTS | ESTIMATED TIME |
|---|---|
| Swelling | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Soft or semi-liquid diet | 1 week |
| DAILY ACTIVITIES | |
| Light activities (chores, work, mild exercise) | Immediate |
| Heavy exercise | 7 days, or on the recommendation of the surgeon |
Our Doctors Answer Questions About Buccal Fat Removal
*The content and images on this page are provided with the sole intention of educating potential patients on the procedure discussed above. Results vary per individual and are dependent on our doctor’s consultation prior to the procedure. We strongly recommend undergoing a formal consultation with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon prior to scheduling and undergoing any surgical or non-surgical treatment.