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What is Buccal Fat?
Natural fats which play important and protective roles: such as cushioning your vital organs, insulating and giving energy to your body, where these fats also help control growth, immune function, reproduction and other aspects of basic metabolism. However, too much fat can lead to high cholesterol and disease, which is why fat removal surgery becomes a more attractive, immediate option (see our other Vaser and Liposuction procedures too), especially as many people of all ages are self-conscious about the appearance of their cheeks.
Before we highlight our top five facts and it, here’s a quick guide to Buccal Fat Removal
How does it work?
Face fat removal surgery works by revealing the buccal fat pads in the skin and removing them to re-contour and reduce volume in the face. Unlike superficial fat that can be removed elsewhere on the body using liposuction, buccal fat cannot be removed this way. This is because buccal fat lies in a deeper pocket, tucked between the cheekbones and jawline meaning liposuction is not an appropriate procedure to perform and making Buccal Fat a specialist procedure we perform at out Harley Street clinic.
During the procedure you can expect Dr Yannis, our resident Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, to administer local anaesthetic – similar to those used in dental operations. This involves two numbing injections in the mouth region. Dr Yannis will then cover your eyes to help you feel more relaxed and will begin preparing for the procedure.
Once the anaesthetic starts to you work, Dr Yannis will then make a small incision on the inside your mouth (which will maximise discretion and help minimise any visible scarring). The incision will then be made above the molar which will allow Dr Yannis excess to the fascia and fibres of the buccinator muscle which he’ll then be able to extract the buccal fat through. Once the unwanted fat has been removed, absorbable sutures will be used to close the incision.
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MYTH
Buccal Fat Removal makes you look gaunt.
Buccal Fat Removal has received some bad press recently as people assume that it causes patients’ to look ‘gaunt’, but the truth is, hollowness naturally occurs as we age, however, this can be amplified if too much buccal fat is removed from a previous surgery. That’s why it is crucial to visit an experienced doctor that can safely identify the optimal amount of fat to extract.
Contrary to what the name may suggest, Buccal Fat Removal does not rid the skin entirely of buccal fat, but reduces it rather than removing it completely.
FACT
It takes around 30 minutes
This is true! One of the best things about Buccal Fat Removal is that it is thought of as an ‘in-and-out’ procedure. So expect your sculpted cheeks achieved in anywhere between 30-45 minutes. As Dr Yannis has been performing this procedure for years, he has expertly finessed the precision and accuracy required.
FACT
No scars and quick recovery!
Buccal Fat Removal is quite a minor procedure, one that is usually performed under local aesthetic which is why recovery is much quicker than a more invasive operation. Many of Dr Yannis’ patients return to work in 5-7 days and although swelling may occur initially, there will be no visible scarring or signs of surgery.
This is because any incisions made will be inside the mouth to maximise discretion.
MYTH
It makes you look old
If there’s one thing Buccal Fat Removal does do, it is slim the face – not age it. As droopier or heavier cheeks often sag over time the weight may worsen an actively ageing complexion, so technically Buccal Fat Removal may help improve your youthfulness.
Dr Yannis’ results speak for themselves and there is no denying this procedure’s ability to improve the appearance of fuller cheeks. Do you think these patients look older?
Our Quick Guide to Buccal Fat Removal
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Treatment Time: 15-45 minutes
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Downtime: Full recovery in 3-4 weeks
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Lasting Effects: Indefinitely – depending on lifestyle and diet
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Anaesthetic: Local
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Age Restrictions: 18+
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Hospital Stay: Usually performed in-clinic
BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL RESULTS
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Next steps?
The best place to start is by calling our Patient Advisors, Sahreen and Marie on 0344 692 1111. They can give you more information regarding all things buccal fat, and help you arrange a consultation with Dr Yannis. This initial consultation will be an opportunity for you to outline your concerns and expectations, and as each surgery is highly individualised, having this first conversation will ensure good communication throughout the whole process. After Dr Yannis has evaluated both your health and face, he’ll give you all the information you’ll need regarding next steps and aftercare.
Request a Consultation
Please note, all consultations are subject to the applicable consultation change or deposit.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
To request a surgical consultation with Dr Yannis please complete this form.
Alternatively, Call Us On 0344 692 1111
To book and enquire about buccal fat removal cost, our Patient Advisors are contactable via phone Monday to Friday from the hours of 10:00 – 18:00.
To request a consultation, please complete this form.
Alternatively call our specialist patient advisors 0344 692 1111
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
To request a surgical consultation with Dr Yannis please complete this form.
Alternatively, Call Us On 0344 692 1111
To book and enquire about buccal fat removal cost, our Patient Advisors are contactable via phone Monday to Friday from the hours of 10:00 – 18:00.
