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Buccal Fat Removal

Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery/Buccal Fat Removal

Creates a contoured appearance to the cheekbones and jawbone

Many patients choose to have unwanted fat removed to slim their faces and gain greater definition. With buccal fat removal, patients can achieve a more contoured appearance in their face, accentuating the cheekbones and jawbone, and this creates a more aesthetically desirable complexion.

What is buccal fat?

Buccal fat is the fat found between the cheekbones and jawbones. Due to different anatomies, everyone has a different amount of buccal fat in this area. The procedure of buccal fat removal removes some excess fat in individuals who are not happy with their natural amount.

Who should not undergo a buccal fat removal?

For those with an already very defined and narrow face, the procedure may not be advised as it is important to retain some fat within your face, and it should not be completely removed. It is also not usually recommended solely for older patients. However, it may be used in conjunction with other procedures, for example, during a facelift.

Why should I have buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal is a very successful and effective treatment to enforce a greater contour and definition to the face. Many patients are unhappy with the amount of fat deposited between their cheek and jawbone and therefore, look for this treatment to reduce this fat and have a more defined appearance. Also, the results of this procedure are permanent and will remain the same if there is no significant weight gain.

Procedure Overview 

  • Cosmetic procedure to remove fat between the cheekbones and jawbone, giving a more defined and contoured look to the face
  • Allows patients to feel more confident in their complexion due to the appearance of a slimmer and more defined facial structure
  • Fat is removed from the face through an incision inside the cheek
  • Typical procedure takes around 1 and a half hour
  • Results are permanent
  • Any pain and discomfort post-surgery should begin to ease after 1 to 2 weeks
  • Typical procedure costs between £2000 and £4000
  • You will have a consultation with an expert specialist in this area

What happens during the buccal fat removal procedure?

During buccal fat removal, an incision is made in the inner cheek. Through this incision, your surgeon will remove the buccal fat. Following this, the incision will be closed using dissolvable sutures.

What’s the recovery for buccal fat removal?

Following buccal fat removal, patients should have significant rest for a few days. Light activity and driving can resume after this time. Physical activity should be avoided for 4 weeks. Patients should just be cautious, allowing the wounds to heal and achieve optimal results. Soft food is also advised for the first week to not disrupt the healing process.

Following buccal fat removal there are also some potential complications to be aware of such as bleeding, scarring problems, infection, under-correction, over-correction and injury to the facial nerve & parotid duct.

Is buccal fat removal very painful?

During buccal fat removal you will receive local anaesthetic, so no pain or discomfort will be felt. Following the procedure, you may feel some discomfort for the first week as your wounds begin to heal. However, this should begin to ease after 1-2 weeks.

How long does the buccal fat removal procedure take?

A typical buccal fat removal procedure takes 1 and a half hours to complete.

How long do results last from buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal produces permanent results. However, it is important for patients to remember that significant weight gain can lead to increased fat over the whole body and could lead to some buccal fat returning.

How much does buccal fat removal cost in the UK?

The price for buccal fat removal starts from approximately £2,200 which includes both consultant and facility fees. The total cost will be confirmed following the initial consultation.

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