How Long Does It Take to See the Results of Buccal Fat Removal?

Question

I had buccal fat removal 5 weeks ago but I do not see a difference. Is this normal? Am I swollen? When will I see the results? I also had rhinoplasty and chin implant.

Benjamin Caughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

Buccal Fat Pad removal has a significant recovery time until results are seen. This is because edema (swelling) is inevitable whenever you remove tissue and create a potential space. I would agree with most other MDs that it is around the 3 month mark where you will see the true results. The bodies cells fill this area and start the healing process. This is a surgery and will take time to heal. Once it heals it is this potential space that becomes scarred down and then gives that narrowed look that was sought after.

Best of lock with your recovery,

DrC

Best of lock with your recovery,

DrC

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Sharpie,

	 

	Buccal fat pad removal produces swelling that requires time to subside and 5 weeks is not enough. Final results could take up to 9 months post surgery to show if no complications and normal healing took place.

	 

	If accompanying surgeries were performed, a general swollen face should be anticipated and slower healing rate could happen.

	 

	It could be a positive indicator if results are not readily prominent after the surgery as the surgeon could have proceeded with the buccal fat removal conservatively.

	 

	If excessive buccal fat is removed, hollow face will form as the patient ages.

	 

	Best of luck to you.

	Dr. Sajjadian

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Most patients see noticeable changes within few weeks after surgery. Initially, the reduction in cheek fullness may be less noticeable. However, as the swelling subsides, the results become more apparent. For many, the most significant changes are visible around the 3 month mark.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

The final results after buccal fat removal are seeing once all the swelling in the face is resolved. This is in 12 weeks (3 months) after this plastic surgery procedure.

Charles K. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

Results from buccal fat removal may take several weeks to months.  It is good to know how much fat was removed.  I typically show my patients how much was removed  so that they can have an idea of the volume reduction.  At 5 weeks, there may still be some swelling, but by 8-12 weeks, you should have a good sense of where the reduction is going.  Good luck!

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

Some swelling is expected after a buccal fat removal procedure. It can take up to 6 months to see the full results of this surgery.

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

Jordan Cain, MD · Answer

Every patient heals differently, but in general it can take about 3 months to see the full effect after buccal fat pad reduction. In someone like yourself who had other facial procedures, this may take even longer due to natural swelling that occurs with all of the procedures you listed. As the surgical site from buccal fat pad reduction heals it often contracts in slightly, improving the visible result. As always, if you have any concerns in the postoperative period it is advisable to check in with your surgeon to make sure they feel that you are healing appropriately. 
Best wishes,

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

You usually see results from buccal fat removal around 1 month.  But if you had all of those surgeries performed at the same time, you may have a longer recovery time.  I would say you should see 80% of your results by 3 months.My best,Dr. N

Omar Lazos, MD · Answer

Initially the patient is swollen, has even bigger round face then before the procedure with maximal inflammation at the 2-3rd day. Patients feel and get better at the 5-7th day, pain and swelling starts to go away. To the end of the month patients have a good idea of how they will look. Usually patients tell me that the most noticeable result is in the 3RD MONTH. This is because healing process also retracts the skin in the hollow area where the buccal fat pad was remove and gives a more sharp looking face. Hope this helps you with your question. Best regards!

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I find buccal fat pad reduction to be a great procedure in the properly selected patient. Fullness in the lower cheeks or "chipmunk cheeks" can be treated this way. Liposuction or skin tightening technologies will not be the right choice when buccal fullness is apparent. The buccal fat pad sits deeper in the lower cheek area under muscle. This is different from skin fat that can be liposuctioned. Proper diagnosis is important to understand how to treat. Also, this fat pad may get smaller when we are elderly possibly giving a hollow look in this area.  Performed properly in the right patient buccal fat reduction is easily performed and gives a slimmer lower face that is difficult to achiever otherwise. I have many happy patients with this procedure. Careful selection and counseling are key. Results evolve nicely over a period of weeks to months.