Is Buccal Fat Removal a risky procedure?

Question

What are the risks and possible complications of buccal fat pad removal? What is the downtime? Also, what should I look for in a Doctor to have this procedure done?

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive surgery with little down time.  This procedure is commonly performed under IV sedation, and is usually associated with some swelling and mild bruising. The incisions made to access the buccal fat pad are created inside the mouth, so there are no external incisions or visible scars.  With all surgical procedures, there are risks such as lack of improvement, bleeding, and nerve injury.  Make sure you seek a facial plastic surgeon who is very familiar with buccal fat removal and they will discuss all the risks and benefits with you in detail.All the best,

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. Buccal fat pad removal is a great operation when performed in properly selected patients and not just utilized haphazardly to create enhanced definition in a face. If your lower cheeks or submalar area (the area below your cheekbones themselves) are somewhat thin or narrow, taking out the buccal fat will highlight your cheekbones but possibly, with a trade off-that, could a gaunt, older looking face. 
In regards to it being a risky procedure, it is relatively low risk . To get more customized approach to your concerns, it is best  to have an in person consultation for a board certified plastic surgeon.

Omar Lazos, MD · Answer

By its anatomical place in the deep facial structures, possible complications include: bleeding, hematoma/bruising, nerve injury (facial), salivary duct injury (Stensen´s Duct) and infection. The downtime is minimal, it can be down in an office setting with local anesthesia and discharge home immediately. You can go back to work the next day if you don't mind the swelling or bruising, usually patients take the weekend of to recover. The procedure is a surgical intervention so it has to be done by a certificated Plastic Surgeon... Hope this answer's your questions have an excelent day!

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Buccal fat removal is a plastic surgery procedure to correct chubby cheeks and achieve a chiseled face. Buccal fat removal like any other plastic surgery is associated with some risks. The risks of buccal fat removal are low and minimal and include:swellingbruisinginfectiontenternessBuccal fat removal removal recovery is usually minimal. Most of my patients tend to have mild selling and usually go back to work or school the next day.

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

buccal fat pad reduction is done under local anesthesia or sedation, and is same day surgery.  You can expect a little bit of swelling around the cheeks for a few days, similar to wisdom teeth extraction.  a little soreness, but not much pain.  Most patients feel as though one week is about right for the amount of time they need to be off work, to be quite honest.  You could probably go to work earlier, but most agree and say they would have preferred to take a week just to feel more comfortable.  Best of luck! I hope some of this helps.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

hi sd0007,We do this procedure quite regularly.  It can be done right in the office and the downtime is minimal. I often see people from California who come out for the day and head home that night.  Best of luck!

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Buccal Fat Pad Removal has about 2-3 days of down time. It is a pretty low risk procedure if the surgeon is well trained. However, like any procedure there are risks. For buccal fat pad removal the most common minor complications include: swelling, pain, bruising. 
There is a risk of injury to blood vessels, nerves or salivary ducts but these are rare and most surgeons wear magnifying glasses called loupes so they can clearly see every structure as they perform the surgery.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Chopra

Hussein Hashim, MD, FACS · Answer

Excision of buccal fat pad removes chubby cheeks gives a well defined cheek bones .It can be done under Local anesthesia with Intravenous sedation . Risks are  hematoma, infection , salivary duct injury ,&facial nerve damage . However if it is done by well trained surgeon these risks are  avoided.Post  op pain is minimal and swelling is moderate, patient can go back to work the day after the operation  . Final results  will be in 4- 6 wks .

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

Buccal fat reduction is a fairly simple procedure with minimal risks.  The risks include bleeding, infection, damage to salivary duct, asymmetry, over reduction and wound healing issues.  It can be done under local  anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.  Most swelling and bruising is resolved by a week but most patients can return to work in a couple of days.  It is most commonly done in full face patients.  Find a board certified surgeon for best results.  Good luck.  Donald R. Nunn MD DDS  Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Is Buccal Fat Removal a risky procedure?

Answers (9)

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