Is hardness after buccal fat removal normal?

Question

I had a buccal fat removal 9 days ago. The swelling is slowly going away and the stitches are dissolving slowly, however I can feet hardness on the side of my lips where the buccal fat was removed. Is this normal? When will this go away?

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

Experiencing hardness at the operation sites after a buccal fat removal procedure is not uncommon. The pockets where the fat pads are removed from can be filled with edema and feel hard to touch. Sometimes gentle massage may be recommended. You should follow up with your surgeon and address any issues you may have to them if you feel concerned.Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Patients with questions and concerns about their buccal fat removal healing process should follow with he plastic surgeon that performed the operation.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  Inflammation and swelling after the surgery can cause the feel of firmness where the fat pads were removed.  This is all normal and may take a few months or sooner go fully subside.
Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

This is some scar tissue that occurs during the healing process. This is the hardness you feel. Give it a few months and it will soften. Some people have fat pads that are harder to find and the more time spent looking...the more scarring and swelling you will have. Hope that helps!

Is hardness after buccal fat removal normal?

Answers (4)