Buccal Fat Removal Reading PA

What is buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal, also known as buccal lipectomy or cheek reduction surgery, is plastic surgery that removes the buccal fat pads in your cheeks in order to reduce facial fullness and reveal your natural facial contours.

What are buccal fat pads?

Buccal fat pads are located on either side of the face between the cheek and jaw. The purpose of buccal fat pads is to provide cushion for the muscles and tissues of the face; however, they also store baby fat, which can give the appearance of overly-full cheeks (a condition called pseudoherniation). Most people lose this baby fat as they age, but, either due to genetics or weight gain, others do not.

Even people with very low BMIs can struggle with excess facial fat, and are often unable to lose it despite a healthy diet and exercise routine.

How is buccal fat removal performed?

Board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Reedy and Dr. Lindsay perform buccal fat removal by making a direct excision on the inside of the cheek to remove the buccal fat pad. Once removed, they will close your incisions with dissolvable sutures.

Buccal fat removal is performed using general or local anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during your procedure. The entire surgery takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour.

Is buccal fat removal safe?

While all surgery carries some inherent risk, buccal fat removal is a relatively safe and easy procedure with minimal downtime. However, before you choose to undergo buccal fat removal, it’s important to understand that the removal of cheek fat may impact the way you age. This is because we naturally lose volume in our face as we age, and buccal fat removal could exacerbate the appearance of this fat loss, potentially causing cheeks to look gaunt. If you have a particularly thin or narrow face, this is especially pertinent. Dr. Reedy and Dr. Lindsay can help you determine if you’re a good candidate for buccal fat removal during a personal consultation.

What is recovery like from buccal fat removal?

Recovery from buccal fat removal typically takes 2-3 weeks, with full results appearing after 1-2 months. Our plastic surgeons will give you a special mouthwash to use to prevent infection after your surgery, and advise you to avoid touching your sutures with your tongue while healing. You may also need to eat a liquid diet for several days.

It is common for patients to experience some bruising and swelling in the cheeks for the first few weeks following your procedure, but this should diminish quickly.

Am I a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

You may be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if you:

  • Are unhappy with the fullness of your cheeks
  • Are a healthy non-smoker at your ideal weight
  • Have realistic expectations of your procedure

You may not be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if you:

  • Are older and have advanced signs of facial aging, such as jowling
  • Have a naturally slim face
  • Have progressive hemifacial atrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome)

How much does buccal fat removal cost in Reading?

At Berks Plastic Surgery in Reading, PA, buccal fat removal costs approximately $3,800 with anesthesia.

Schedule your Reading buccal fat removal consultation today

Our board certified surgeons have a combined 30+ years of experience helping people achieve their aesthetic goals, and can help you, too. Learn more about how buccal fat removal can highlight your facial contours—schedule a personal consultation online or call (610) 320-0200 today.