Can buccal fat removal and a lip lift procedure be performed at the same time since both are under a local anesthetic?

Question

I am interested in both a lip lift and buccal fat pad removal in my cheeks. I would prefer to get both done at the same trip to the doctor's office, given that I found a surgeon specializing in both procedures. Is this safe? What are your thoughts? Thank you!

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Yes, both buccal fat removal and lip lift can be done at the same time under local anesthesia. 
In my office I routinely perform combo procedures with buccal fat removal under local anesthesia like: buccal fat removal and chin lipo, buccal fat removal and FaceTite or NeckTite, etc. 
I love to perform these procedures under local anesthesia since the recovery is faster and patients can come in and out from the procedure by themselves since no sedation is given .

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Yes, both of these procedures can be performed at the same time.  This is a nice way to perform these types of procedures, because patients are able to recover from both at the same time. In most cases, I would recommend IV sedation to keep patients comfortable during these combined procedures.  I always recommend speaking with the surgeon who is performing your surgery with any specific questions or concerns.All the best,

Ali Gurlek, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question 
The buccal fat pad is a rounded mass of fat in the middle of your cheek. It’s located between facial muscles, in the hollow area beneath your cheekbone. The size of your buccal fat pads affects your face shape.
Everyone has buccal fat pads. However, the size of buccal fat pads can vary greatly.
If you have larger buccal fat pads, you might feel like your face is too round or full.
You can be a candidate for a Buccal Pad removal surgery.
both surgeries can be done at the same timeBest of Luck

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Hi Savannah

Yes this is totally safe. I would recommend doing them together to avoid having to recover twice. Make sure you do not have a "gummy smile" because a lip lift is not recommended in such patients. The ideal nose to lip distance is 12-15 mm based on your unique anatomy. You can read more below. Goodluck!

Warren J. Katz, MD (retired) · Answer

Certainly a lip lift and buccal fat removal can easily be performed at the same time under local anesthesia. The recuperation is fairly quick for both procedures, and they often complement each other. You should do well.

Can buccal fat removal and a lip lift procedure be performed at the same time since both are under a local anesthetic?

Answers (5)