WHAT IS BUCCAL FAT REDUCTION?

Some people have a baby face. This means their face is round and full. Buccal fat reduction is an excellent procedure that reduces the amount of fat in your cheeks. It results in a more slender face and tapered appearance. It’s perfect for people with a chipmunk face and fat cheeks.

Buccal Fat Reduction by Dr. Sofer

There are multiple differences in the manner Dr. Sofer performs this procedure. Dr. Sofer performs a minimally invasive buccal fat reduction, using a very small 5mm incision on each side of your cheeks to reduce the fat pads. Dr. Sofer does not make big incisions. This is so important in reducing scarring and extra swelling. The procedure is also done while you are awake. Dr. Sofer has performed hundreds of buccal fat reductions. He’s very comfortable in doing this procedure while you’re awake. This is very important. Why? First, we don’t want to expose our patients to unneeded anesthesia and its potential complications. Second, by performing this procedure on awake patients, the extra buccal fat pad sticks into the mouth. This allows Dr. Sofer to see the EXTRA fat and remove only this part.

HOW MUCH FAT IS REMOVED?

The amount of fat removed really depends on your exam. After a small incision is made on the insides of your cheeks, all the extra fat the makes your face look chubby pops into your mouth. We usually reduce a portion of this fat. Removal of the complete fat pad will result in premature aging. You don’t want that.

CAN I GET THIS PROCEDURE IF I ALREADY HAVE A THIN FACE?

If you already have a slender face, you may still be a candidate for buccal fat reduction. Individuals with a thin face may still have poor definition of their cheekbones and the area over their jaw. Buccal fat reduction is designed to create proportions. Buccal fat reduction performed on a thin face needs to be super conservative. This is extremely important. Just a tiny reduction in the fat pad can achieve a beautiful appearance. Remember, more reduction does not mean more beauty.

WILL I HAVE PAIN AFTER BUCCAL FAT REDUCTION?

Tenderness in the cheeks for the first 1-2 days is normal. We prescribe you a narcotic to help with this. However, icing is the best form of pain control. The discomfort will resolve  soon after.

WHAT CAN I EAT AFTER SURGERY?

Since you’ll have tiny incisions inside your mouth, you’ll need to be careful with what you eat! You should avoid foods that are too spicy or hot, hard, sharp, or sour for the first 2 weeks after surgery. The reason this is important is because you don’t want to irritate your incisions.