Buccal Fat Removal: a Month Post Op Later--have Some Discomfort, Normal?

Question

I'm almost exactly a month post op, after 2 weeks my face looked normal, there was no pain and my external sutures fell off. It's felt like it's been 100% for the past 2 weeks. Last night through today, I do feel discomfort. It feels as though one side is bruised with some minimal swelling. The tenderness can be felt around the incision points and at the base of my cheekbone, next to my nose. Is this normal? Should I be worried? What complications can occur this late?

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Downtowngal,

	 

	I am sorry that you had to go through discomfort one month after your operation.

	What you have described is an acute change especially that one month has already past. Indeed, what you are experiencing is not usual.

	Post-surgical complications tend to take place but the delayed manifestations should not be disregarded.

	Therefore, I encourage you to consult with your surgeon. Only through physical examination that a diagnosis could be made.

	 

	I wish you all the best and thank you for sharing.

	Dr. Sajjadian

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Healing after buccal fat removal could last several weeks to months. Like any other plastic surgery procedure, the healing process takes about 3 months or 12 weeks.
If somebody was fine for the first 2-4 weeks after buccal fat removal and then suddenly they start having discomfort in the tissues around the surgical area, he/she should make a consultation for a checkup ( physical exam) with the surgeon that performed the procedure.

Edmund Fisher, MD · Answer

Having symptoms like this are unusual, especially a month after surgery. It concerns me that your having the sensation of swelling and tenderness on one side. The first thing to rule out is a post op infection or hematoma. Again, this is uncommon but can only be diagnosed by your surgeon, so be sure to schedule an appointment. Best wishes, Dr. Fisher

Buccal Fat Removal: a Month Post Op Later--have Some Discomfort, Normal?

Answers (3)