When will I see the final result of buccal fat removal?

Question

I had buccal fat removal a month ago with rhinoplasty. My cheeks are chubbier than it used to be. I started to worry about it. Is it normal? When can I see the exact result?

Omar Lazos, MD · Answer

Factors that influence results are: amount of buccal fat pad removed (average amount is 3 cc, the size of a chestnut), healing process, wound retraction, overall tissue (amount of facial muscle and skin). The results start to show after the swelling begins to fade away, usually at1-month post op and the end results at 3 months postop.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Treatment of ‘chubby cheeks’ cannot be achieved alone with buccal fat pad removal; a fact that I encounter time and time again when seeing patients in consultation for lower facial sculpting. My approach is to use a combined protocol that redefines aesthetic contours of the face. This includes the following: 
  
 
  
Buccal Fat Pad Removal 
  Non-surgical Muscle-Fascia Tightening
  Venus Legacy or Venus Viva
  Ultherapy
  Submental Liposuction or Coolsculpting
   
  
The combined approach is ideal. Buccal fat pad removal is a exceptional procedure that can remove excess fat from the cheek pads. Using an intraoral approach, a small incision is carried through the mucosa to remove a small fat pad within the cheek. Closure of the incisions is minimal with an absorbable suture and patients will experience some swelling post-operatively. We use SwellX tablets post treatment. Once healed, the contour of the cheek is improved and we begin Non-invasive tissue tightening to further enhance results. 
  
 
  
Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian
  
Realself100 Surgeon

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Buccal fat removal is usually associated with some post surgical swelling. The initial more pronounce swelling happens during the first days / week after surgery. Then there is a mild swelling that lasts several months.The final results of buccal fat removal are seen once all the swelling disappears. This is usually in 12 weeks or 3 months after surgery. However, after 3-4 weeks, patient are usually able to start seeing the results

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Final results after buccal fat removal take place between 3-6 months.  Residual swelling takes longer than other areas to dissipate in the central portion of the face.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

It is normal that your cheeks may be appearing chubbier than they used to be. Your cheeks will swell up after a buccal fat removal. Around this time, the swelling should be subsiding. Also since you had a rhinoplasty along with your buccal fat removal, this may have caused an overall more swelling in the face. Final results of your buccal fat removal should be evident within 6 months.

Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! It usually takes 2-3 months to get to about 90-95% of your end result.  Depending on how much was removed and thickness of the muscle, it may take up to 6 months to see end result.  at one month, hang in there! Not uncommon to still be swollen, specially when you had it done concurrently with a rhinoplasty.  Best of luck with the healing process!

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello misseveline,
It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! One month is too short of a time to evaluate your buccal fat removal with rhinoplasty final outcome. Maximum results will take up to six months to show. Swelling is a common, temporary side effect after these procedures. I would recommend to be patient and wait at least 4 more weeks. If you are still dissatisfied with the outcome after the swelling recedes, consult with your aesthetic plastic surgeon about your particular concerns and improvements’ options. Best regards! Dr. De La Cruz.

When will I see the final result of buccal fat removal?

Answers (7)

More Buccal Fat Removal Questions

What products should I use to keep my mouth clean after my buccal fat removal?

I just got buccal fat removal Friday and I'm really swollen and in a lot of pain—what can I do? (Photos)

Am I good a good candidate for buccal fat pad reduction surgery? I am looking to achieve a more defined appearance (25 male)

My face looks fat when I smile, would buccal fat removal help? What could be done to improve my whole face shape?

What procedure should I have if my cheeks are still big after the buccal fat removal? My cheeks look bigger when I smile (Photo)

Will buccal fat removal help give me defined cheekbones? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS