The cheeks are one of the biggest surface areas on the face. It makes you look symmetrical or asymmetrical depending on how much fats are located in the cheeks. While most people are content with their rosy cheeks, there are some who are overly conscious over how round and chubby their cheeks are. This concern may be the reason why some may explore the options for fat removal.
Buccal fat removal refers to cheek reduction procedures. Buccal fats are the pad of fats that shapes the bottom part of the cheeks. These chubby cheeks or “chipmunk cheeks” are mostly caused by being overweight or by genetic predisposition. By removing these fats through buccal fat removal procedures, the cheeks can be reduced in size.
In buccal fat removal surgery, these fat pads are removed from the inside of the mouth through an incision between the gums and the cheek. This incision will expose the fascia and fibres of the main cheek muscles.
From there, pressure is applied externally, causing the buccal fat to protrude towards the incision. The surgeon then carefully but firmly pulls out the fats with a surgical tweezer. Facial liposuction can also be done as a complementary procedure.
Shens Clinic is a MOH-accredited plastic surgery clinic operating in Singapore and has successfully completed more than 6,000 cases to date. Led by Dr Shens, the team of professionally trained staff is fully dedicated to building up the confidence and images of clients. Dr Shens is a Korean-trained plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Some of Dr Shens’ signature treatments include breast augmentation, eye bag removal, double eyelid surgery, and VASER liposuction. Shens Clinic strives to provide high-quality standards for our clients by continuously improving with the latest technology and innovations.
During the procedure, local anaesthesia is injected and it is carried out under sedation, ensuring that patients do not experience or remember any pain during the procedure.
After the surgery however, it is normal that mild discomfort, bruising and swelling is experienced. Be sure to follow all post-procedure instructions for a smooth healing process.
With buccal fat removal, slimmer and more contoured cheeks are expected*. This comes along with added definition to the contours of the cheeks, and it boosts the self-esteem and confidence of the patient. This procedure is usually added together with botulinum toxin injections to the jaw/masseter muscles.
* Disclaimer: results vary according to individuals
It is advised to consult the plastic surgeon with a thorough question on the suitability of the procedure. Following all pre-procedure instructions strictly is recommended to ensure a complication-free
recovery.
After the surgery, patients may find it slightly uncomfortable to chew and we advise patients to have softer food right after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work approximately one week after the buccal fat removal procedure* and the desired outcome of the procedure can be seen in about a month*. However, individual results may vary, and any concerns regarding the buccal fat removal procedure should be discussed directly with your surgeon.
* Disclaimer: results vary according to individuals
The recovery period for buccal fat removal typically spans about three weeks, though final results may take a bit longer to become apparent as the face adjusts to the reduced volume of the buccal fat pads. Initially, swelling will start to decrease after the first week and should gradually subside, fully revealing the new facial contour after it subsides.
Most patients can return to work and normal activities approximately after one week, although they are advised to avoid strenuous activities that could increase blood pressure and lead to swelling. It's important to follow the surgeon's specific post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and the best possible results.
It is important to follow your surgeon's detailed care instructions. This includes managing discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers and using ice packs to reduce swelling. Ensuring that you adhere to these guidelines will aid in a smooth recovery and help achieve the best possible aesthetic results. Keep in mind that while the buccal fat removal recovery tips provided can guide you through the healing process, personalised advice from your surgeon will always be the most appropriate to follow.
If you have any doubts or concerns about post-operative recovery, feel free to contact our customer service team and we will be happy to assist and guide you through the process.
The results of buccal fat removal are generally permanent as the buccal fat pads do not regenerate once they are removed. However, it's important to note that while the removal of the buccal fat pads themselves is permanent, other factors such as ageing, lifestyle, and changes in body weight can still affect the overall appearance of the face over time. Patients should maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle to preserve the aesthetic results of their surgery.
The cost of buccal fat removal starts from $3,888 onwards and may vary based on the complexity of the procedure and the specific aesthetic goals of the patient. To get an accurate estimate and understand the associated risks and considerations, It’s best to book a consultation with a plastic surgeon to get an estimate tailored to your needs and surgical objectives.
Dr Shens has been in the plastic surgery business in Singapore for 20+ years and has extensive experience in various cosmetic surgery treatments, including buccal fat removal. If you have questions regarding buccal fat removal, reach out to our clinic to find out more about the procedure.
Buccal fat removal targets the buccal fat pads located within the lower cheeks for a more defined cheekbone area, while cheek liposuction removes excess fat through suction, suitable for broader facial contouring. The choice between these fat removal procedures depends on the individual’s facial structure and desired outcome, which should be discussed with a qualified plastic surgeon.
Buccal fat pads are composed of deep tissue fat that does not fluctuate significantly with changes in body weight. This means that, unlike other body fats, buccal fat does not typically diminish naturally with diet or exercise. Aging can lead to a natural reduction in buccal fat, but this process varies greatly among individuals and may not achieve the aesthetic results one might desire from buccal fat removal surgery.
Candidates for buccal fat removal are typically individuals who wish to enhance the definition of their facial contours by reducing the volume in their lower cheeks to highlight their cheekbones. Ideal candidates are those with fuller cheeks and do not have excessively narrow facial features that could be exaggerated by the procedure. It's important for anyone considering this surgery to consult with a facial plastic surgeon to discuss how the specific characteristics of their facial structure might influence the outcomes of buccal fat removal.
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