When Will Swelling from Buccal Pad Removal Go Down?

Question

I got a chin implant, buccal pad removal, and neck lipo the 25th. My cheeks are huge & look aweful as well as my neck. Ive been taking arnica and keeping ice packs inside of my head garment but theyre still so swollen. When will they start to look a bit better? Will the swelling look at least a little better by July 18th?? i have an important day that day and need to at least look OK. My lip is also crooked when i smile (dr warned me of this).

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Swelling post buccal fat removal generally last between 2 and 6 days. Most of the patients only have 1-2 days of swelling. However, when patients undergo several plastic surgery procedures of the face at the same time of buccal fat removal (eg. chin implant surgery, neck Lipo) then the swelling is very like to last longer than a week ( 2-3 weeks). The more procedures done at the same time in the face, the more swelling on the face.

Benjamin Caughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling after buccal fat pad removal or sculpting is normal. It can be significant particularly if there is a collection of blood or fluid so see your surgeon ASAP. You should plan on at least a week of swelling though some patients have more persistent edema.  As for the lip, that should come back but can also take some time. I would speak to your surgeon to get more specific guidance on that as well because the technique used is important. Hope this helps.Best of luck,DrC

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Hi @Blondie Congratulations on the recent procedure. 
After buccal fat pad removal, the swelling peaks at about the third day and then continues to fade over the next 7-10 days. 
Combining plastic surgery procedures of the face can lead to a slightly longer period of swelling or recovery. For instance combining buccal fat pad removal with chin implant or neck liposuction can add a few days to the recovery.

Leonard T. Yu, MD · Answer

Buccal fat removal is a procedure that involves a lot of hand holding post op.  Most patients get very swollen after surgery and feel that they cannot see a difference or look worse early after surgery.  It takes several months before you see the desired cheek contours and our patients are generally pleased with the results after the swelling resolves.  Be patient....warm compresses and massage may also be helpful after a few more days to help remove the swelling that has occurred.

When Will Swelling from Buccal Pad Removal Go Down?

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Answer: Swelling after buccal fat removal

Answer: Swelling after buccal fat removal

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When Will Swelling from Buccal Pad Removal Go Down?

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Answer: Swelling after buccal fat removal

Answer: Swelling after buccal fat removal

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