Buccal Fat Removal

The Buccal fat pads are natural pockets of fat in your cheeks, which tend to be resistant to diet and exercise. However, the size of the fat pads varies with all, which causes variation in appearance between individuals. The Buccal Fat Removal procedure involves an incision in the mouth on the inside of the cheek where a walnut-sized fat pad is.

Buccal Fat removal or buccal lipectomy is a procedure that aims to enhance the contour of your mid-face, defining the cheekbones and slimming the face. The best candidates are those who are physically healthy and at a stable body weight, concerned by the appearance of their cheeks.

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Common names

Buccal Lipectomy, Cheek Fat Pad Removal, Cheek Reduction Surgery

Targeted areas

Mid-Face, Cheek’s

Procedure Information

Procedure Type

Surgical

Cost

From $4400

Improvement

Enhancement of natural facial contours, Less fullness in the face, Facial slimming, Defined Cheekbones

Results

Removal of stubborn fat in the cheek’s

Recovery Time

All incisions are made inside the mouth so patients can expect to make a full recovery within 3-5 days.

Treatable Area's

Cheek’s

Why would you opt for Buccal Fat removal?

  • You want to reduce the appearance of fuller-looking cheeks to reveal a more defined look.
  • You have excess fullness in your cheeks which don’t seem to budge from diet and exercise.
  • You would like to enhance the contours of your cheek for a “model cheekbone” look.
  • You have tried injectable treatments such as Dermal Filler’s and/or Wrinkle Relaxer’s to slim and contour the face, which has not helped.

For those who experience self-confidence concerns associated with the appearance of a “fuller face”, Buccal Fat removal can be a great way to boost confidence, while enhancing your natural facial contours.

Your decision to undergo this procedure or any other invasive cosmetic procedure should be your choice, without the influence of others. A thorough consultation with your doctor will take place prior to making further informed decisions as to whether this procedure is best for you.

Best candidates for Buccal Fat Removal

If diet and exercise have not succeeded in helping you reduce the appearance of facial fullness, this procedure might be for you. Additionally, it is important that the individual is both physically and mentally healthy and at a stable body weight.

A consultation is essential to know whether you are a suitable candidate for a Buccal Fat removal procedure.

How can I enhance my results?

There are times when the Doctor may suggest the addition of Dermal Filler and or Wrinkle Relaxer to achieve a more desirable face shape and structure. This may enhance the overall results of the Buccal Fat Removal procedure, although this will be determined based on each patient’s individual needs and is not a ’one size fits all ‘approach.

Cosmetic surgery medical requirements

From 1 July 2023, new regulations around cosmetic surgery were implemented by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) and the Medical Board of Australia. Please make sure you have read and understood these new reforms when considering your cosmetic surgery

READ ABOUT COSMETIC SURGERY MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS HERE

Buccal Fat Removal surgery important information

Prior to booking the procedure. you will have a full consultation with Dr Murray and our Nurses to ensure that you are physically healthy and a suitable candidate for the Buccal Fat Removal procedure. A consent form with all side effects, risks and benefits will also be explained and provided.

You must avoid blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory pills, for at least one week before the surgery. If you’re seeing a medical specialist for any health conditions, please seek their opinion about your fitness for this procedure.

You must fast on the day of the procedure. You are able to eat dinner, as usual, the night before, then you must stop drinking fluids at midnight. On the morning of the procedure, you can take a small sip of water to take your pre-surgery medication.

Alcohol should be avoided for at least 24-hours before the surgery. Smokers must quit prior to surgery. Smoking and illicit drug use must be strictly avoided before the procedure.  We take smoking very seriously as a high risk for any procedure, so you must be aware of the cancellation policy if you smoke.  Smoking increases the risk of some serious complications during and after surgery.  Ideally, you should stop smoking at least 8-weeks prior to a procedure, cutting down does not reduce the risk of complications, however, the greatest health benefit is gained by quitting smoking for good.  More information about the possible complications, as well as information about how to quit, is available here.

Important: If you’ve been smoking in the last 2-weeks, the procedure will be cancelled and payment won’t be refunded.

An information package will be given to you covering medications, blood tests and other pre-procedure instructions. You should commence antibiotics the night before and wash in an antiseptic solution the morning of the procedure.

A blood test must be undertaken at least 1-week before the procedure.

What happens during the Buccal Fat Removal treatment?

An incision is made inside the mouth in each cheek, with pressure applied to push the fat pads out of the incisions.

After a suitable amount of fat has been removed from your cheeks (the amount of fat will vary with each person), your doctor will close the incisions with absorbable sutures.

This is a day procedure which means you will be able to go home with a carer, hours after the procedure.

You must be on time for your procedure. This means being at the clinic at least half an hour before the start time. Your nurse will perform an extensive admission procedure before admitting you to our fully licensed surgery.

Patients who have reflux should continue their anti-reflux medication. Most medications should be continued other than blood-thinning medications. Check with the doctor before the procedure and the nurse on the day of the procedure.

Photographs will be taken before you change into a surgical gown. In the theatre, a small drip will be inserted. If you are uncomfortable with needles, numbing cream can be applied to the back of the hand prior to the drip being inserted.  Please ask the nurse beforehand. Also, a pre-operative relaxant can be prescribed.

Full monitoring equipment will be used, including a heart rate and oxygen level monitor. You will receive sedation and will go into varying degrees of sleep. You should not recall any of the procedure.

What happens after the Buccal Fat Removal treatment?

You must be picked up by a competent adult who can assist you at home for the first night. Usually, you can expect to be in and out of the surgery in 2-3 hours. You must be fully recovered before leaving. Please inform your nurse if you suffer from nausea after the anaesthetic.

Immediately after the procedure, swelling may occur and last for up to 10 days and since all incisions are made inside the mouth, wound care is not necessary.  The stitches should dissolve completely in 6 to 7 days. In order to prevent any complications and speed up the recovery process, a liquid diet is recommended for a week post-surgery. Most patients can return to work within 2-3 days following on from the procedure.

How can we help?

Whether you have a treatment in mind, or you have a condition that you’d like to discuss with one of our professionals, please make an enquiry using this form. Be sure to include your ideal date and time for your appointment

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