is it normal for one side of cheek to be slightly more swollen than the other post buccal fat removal? (Photo)

Question

I'm 24 hour post op buccalectomy. I'm not in any pain to my surprise, just very mild tenderness when touched and some mild swelling. I can eat, open my mouth, smile etc... I noticed my left cheek is slight bigger than my right. I'm currently on medrol and antibiotics to prevent infection and swelling.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Buccal fat removal usually causes minimal swelling of the lower cheeks. However, if the removal of the fat in one side of the face is more "tough" thats the other side ( the fat doest come out as ease as the other side) most of the time, that side develops more swelling.
In my practice I recommend all the patients to apply ice packs to the cheeks in addition of wearing the compression bandage for at least 24 hours post procedure to minimize and decrease the post buccal fat removal surgery.

Andrea Jarchow Garcia, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is very, very common to have differences in swelling from one side to the other after surgery. It can be from a variety of factors including the need for more fat removal on one side, the removal of the fat from the right cheek may have been a little more tedious,  or you may have slept towards that side. Continue all your medications as instructed. Let your surgeon know your concerns for reassurance. This type of swelling usually works itself out over several weeks. Happy healing!

is it normal for one side of cheek to be slightly more swollen than the other post buccal fat removal? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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