The Longevity of Buccal Fat Removal Results, Is It Permanent?

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgery that thins the cheeks, creating a more defined facial shape. People considering this surgery want to know how long the results will last and if the changes are permanent.

Dr. Douglas S. Steinbrech, an expert in plastic surgery, provides clear information about the expected outcomes, how long they endure, and how buccal fat removal compares with similar cosmetic treatments. This will help you understand the procedure better and decide if it’s right for you.

Does Buccal Fat Removal provide permanent results?

Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that targets the reduction of fat in the buccal fat pad to slim down facial appearance. The removal of buccal fat cells constitutes a permanent procedure, as these fat cells do not regenerate once extracted.

However, it’s crucial to consider the following:

• Permanent results: The outcome of buccal fat pad removal is permanent since the extracted fat cells cannot regrow.
• Future facial changes: Aging, lifestyle, and weight fluctuations can still affect your facial contours over time.
• Potential excessive removal: An over-removal of buccal fat may accentuate an overly gaunt appearance, especially as natural aging processes reduce facial fat.

Before deciding on buccal fat removal, a consultation with a professional specializing in permanent aesthetic procedures is recommended to ensure that it aligns with your long-term goals for your facial appearance.

Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Explained

Here’s what patients need to know about this procedure:

• Experienced Surgeons: The procedure is carried out by skilled professionals who are well-versed in facial anatomy and surgical techniques.
• Surgical Procedure: A meticulous technique involving small incisions inside the mouth.
• Fat Pad Removal: Through the incisions, the buccal fat pad is gently removed, reducing cheek volume.
• Safe Procedure: Rigorous standards are followed to ensure patient safety during and after the surgery.
• Outpatient Procedure: Patients have the convenience of returning home the same day as the surgery.
• Incisions: Strategically placed to remain concealed inside the mouth, reducing visibility.
• Minimal Scarring: The incision placement promotes healing with little to no visible scarring.
• End Results: A more refined facial profile with lasting effects and a swift recovery period.

Factors Influencing the Longevity of Buccal Fat Removal Results

When considering buccal fat removal, patients often question how long they can expect the results to last. There are several key factors that influence the endurance of this procedure’s benefits:

• Weight Management:
  • It’s crucial to keep a stable weight after surgery; significant weight gain can alter the face’s shape, which may reduce the aesthetic effects of the procedure.
• Consistent Weight:
  • Maintaining a consistent weight helps preserve the results.
• Physical Health:
  • Physical health impacts how the face ages and affects the long-term effects of the surgery. Good health may help sustain the outcomes.
• Aging:
  • The ongoing aging process will naturally cause changes in facial structure.
• Patient’s Role:
  • To ensure the long-term success of buccal fat removal, the patient must be committed to managing their weight and caring for their health.

The ability to keep a stable weight is pivotal not only for maintaining the desired look post-surgery but also for overall health. Factors such as the skin’s elasticity and facial volume, influenced by the patient’s health, can impact the long-term effects of this cosmetic procedure.

Comparing Buccal Fat Removal to Other Facial Aesthetic Procedures

Buccal fat removal is distinct from other facial aesthetic procedures. This cheek reduction surgery is performed by a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in enhancing the face’s contour. It specifically focuses on the lower cheeks to ensure a sharper appearance, unlike cheek liposuction, which targets a broader area of the face. By customizing results to the individual’s face shape, buccal fat removal offers a tailored outcome.

On the other hand, cheek augmentation uses implants or fillers to add volume and provide a lifting effect, creating a different aesthetic compared to the subtractive technique of buccal fat removal. Both procedures aim to achieve facial balance and symmetry. A board-certified plastic surgeon is equipped to determine the most appropriate approach for a patient, whether the goal is to add or reduce volume.

For those considering cosmetic surgeries for facial enhancements, consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is imperative. Such a surgeon excels in evaluating various cosmetic options, always prioritizing patient safety and the achievement of desired outcomes. In the realm of facial surgeries, buccal fat removal stands out due to its permanent reduction of cheek size, offering the possibility of enduring aesthetic modifications.

Considerations for Buccal Fat Removal

Choosing to have a buccal fat removal procedure is an important decision that involves careful thinking about what you want to change about your facial volume and contours. This procedure is often sought by individuals with chubby cheeks who want to achieve specific aesthetic goals, such as a more youthful appearance.

Realistic Expectations: Understand the likely outcomes and that aspects like age, weight changes, and genetics can influence results. Patients who are near their ideal weight and have excess cheek fat—often described as chipmunk cheeks—are typically ideal candidates for this procedure.

Alignment with Body Image and Personal Goals: Evaluate how the procedure fits into your self-perception and objectives. The goal is often to enhance facial contours and achieve a more defined appearance, which could complement other treatments like jawline filler or dermal fillers. Reducing cheek fat can improve overall facial symmetry, aligning with one’s cosmetic goals.

Selection of an Experienced Provider: Work with a professional who can guide you before, during, and after the procedure, ensuring support at every step, including the follow-up appointment. A skilled surgeon will develop a surgical plan that considers the unique structure of your face, including the masseter muscle and buccinator muscle, ensuring the removal of fat leads to a natural and balanced look.

Buccal fat reduction is not merely a cosmetic change; it’s a thought-out decision that can alter your natural contours. Consequently, a comprehensive and informed decision-making process is crucial for a satisfying outcome with buccal fat removal.

Dr. Steinbrech’s meticulous education at New York University in both General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery means that you will be in skilled and safe hands. Dr. Steinbrech stays abreast of the latest developments and techniques through regular continuing education, and participating in ever-evolving research. Choose Dr. Steinbrech for your buccal fat removal to ensure the best results in the hands of an extremely capable professional.