Buccal Fat Removal in Bellevue
Procedure Time
1-2 Hours
Recovery Time
1 Month
Some people have fuller, rounder cheeks, no matter how healthy or active their lifestyle may look. Even with a healthy diet and regular exercise, this type of facial fullness often remains the same for them. For those who want to define their facial shape, buccal fat removal may be an option.
Buccal fat removal, also called cheek reduction surgery in Bellevue, is a procedure that helps slim the face by removing all or part of the buccal fat pads in the cheeks. This facial contouring procedure has grown in popularity in the last decade because it is non-invasive and can sometimes be performed under local anesthesia. Buccal fat removal—when performed on the right patients—can benefit people of all ages. For the right candidates, it can provide balanced results regardless of age. The surgeons at Northwest Face & Body offer the best facial contouring in Bellevue.
How Does Buccal Fat Removal Help with Chubby Cheeks?
The buccal fat pad is a small portion of fat located in the lower cheek. The primary fullness of the cheeks is created by the malar fat pad which is higher on the cheeks and often helps accentuate the natural structure of the face. The buccal fat pad is most prominent in children and gives them the rounded, cute faces we associate with children. Over time, the buccal fat pad tends to slim down and become less prominent.
While this is true for nearly everyone, some people have larger buccal fat pads or do not experience the same level of slimming. As a result, they may continue to have a round or “baby-faced” appearance well into adulthood. Weight loss rarely affects this type of facial fullness and a person’s overall weight is usually not a determining factor when evaluating patients who may benefit from buccal fat removal. Reducing excess buccal fat can make the underlying cheekbones and jawline more visible. It contributes to overall face definition rather than simply making it look thinner.
In some cases, cheek reduction surgery in Bellevue may play a role in facial aging concerns. With age, fat can descend into the buccal fat pads or they can begin to become more prominent due to uneven facial fat loss. Therefore, performing a surgical cheek reduction can help maintain youthful facial contours.
If considering a cheek slimming procedure, it is important to find a surgeon skilled in such procedures. A facial plastic surgeon or a surgeon who specializes in facial contouring often performs buccal fat removal or similar procedures routinely. This allows them to identify the best option for you to obtain your desired facial contours.
Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Buccal fat removal is a cheek reduction procedure that is performed as an outpatient surgery. It takes about 30-60 minutes. Before surgery, your surgeon will analyze your facial anatomy and may make certain measurements and conduct tests to determine the right amount of fat to remove and the ideal way to do it. Sometimes, surgeons may determine that buccal fat removal is not the best procedure and may recommend an alternative such as cheek filler or a facelift.
During surgery, patients may be placed under either local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The only major difference is that patients are fully sedated under general anesthesia. However, because the procedure is quick and generally easy to manage pain, it is possible for a patient to not need full sedation. Regardless, patients are kept comfortable for a painless experience.
Incisions for buccal fat removal are made inside the mouth near your second molar. The fat pad is then exposed and the necessary amount of fat is removed. Your surgeon takes the time to carefully sculpt the cheek and remove only enough fat to obtain the ideal result. The process is repeated on the other side of the mouth. The procedure leaves no external scars and dissolvable sutures are used inside the mouth.
What Should You Expect After Buccal Fat Removal Surgery in Bellevue?
Right after the procedure, patients often see some changes to the contours of their face. Because of the swelling and post-op side effects, these changes might look a bit distorted. In the first few days, it is totally normal to experience tightness in the mouth, swelling, some tenderness, and general discomfort. Mild chewing discomfort is also expected due to the incision placement in the mouth.
Over the next few weeks, the contours of the face will keep getting refined. Most patients may see a major difference, but for those with slower healing responses, the recovery might take a little longer.
What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal comes with many possible benefits including:
- Slimmer face
- Enhanced definition of the cheeks and jaws
- Achieve a more mature appearance for adults with a round face
- Address aging concerns in those of advanced age
- Aesthetically pleasing facial contours
- Improved facial symmetry and balance
- Boost in confidence and self-esteem
- Safe and effective procedure
- Minimal pain or downtime
- Long-lasting results
- Full sedation not always necessary
- Complements several other surgical and non-surgical procedures
Achieving these outcomes largely depends on the expertise of your surgeon. At Northwest Face & Body, buccal fat removal is performed by skilled cosmetic surgeons who have extensive experience in facial contouring.
Who Are the Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal?
The right candidates for buccal fat removal are often adults who have fullness in their lower cheeks that does not change with weight loss or age. This may include those who have always had a round or “baby-faced” look, no matter how healthy their lifestyle is. It can also be suitable for people who may notice uneven fat or increased fullness in the lower cheeks with age.
Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that can sometimes be performed under local anesthesia. Candidates should be in good overall health and free of unmanaged medical conditions that could interfere with healing. A full medical history is required so the surgeon can properly assess safety and determine whether buccal fat removal is the most appropriate option.
It is important to understand that buccal fat removal in Bellevue is not appropriate for everyone. Those with very thin or naturally narrow faces may not be ideal candidates. For them, removing too much fat in this area can lead to a hollow or sunken appearance with age. That is why a detailed facial evaluation is an essential part of the process.
Additionally, not all patients who are concerned about cheek fullness require buccal fat removal. In some cases, treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, or other facial cosmetic procedures may provide more balanced results. Our surgeons determine suitability for the treatment on a case-by-case basis during consultation.
How Should You Prepare for Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
In the lead-up to surgery, patients will attend a pre-operative appointment where instructions are given on how to prepare for surgery. These can vary based on the patient, but may include:
- Starting or stopping certain medications or supplements
- Making arrangements for childcare, transportation, and caregiving
- Fill any prescriptions given by your surgeon
- Ensure any medical clearances or other requested records have been provided
- Eating well and exercising
What Are the Costs and Financing Options for Buccal Fat Removal in Bellevue?
Buccal fat removal at Northwest Face & Body starts at $6,950. However, the finalized cost may vary based on anesthesia needs, other combined procedures, and specifics of the surgery. Northwest Face & Body accepts financing from Care Credit, Alphaeon, and United Medical Credit. We also accept all major credit cards.
At Northwest Face & Body, final pricing is determined based on an in-person assessment in which our surgeons thoroughly evaluate your anatomy and specific goals.
What Is the Recovery Process Like for Buccal Fat Removal?
When recovering from buccal fat removal surgery, patients can expect a fairly mild recovery. Side effects such as swelling, bruising, and discomfort may arise within a few days but typically resolve on their own within a few weeks. Prescription pain medications are not always needed, but your surgeon may provide them if necessary. Generally, patients do not need them for more than three days. Instructions for your cheek reduction surgery in Bellevue may include:
- Follow a liquid diet
- Do not suck through a straw or similar actions
- Avoid strenuous activity for about one week
- Apply ice packs externally
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Have a good understanding of when you can expect to see results
While early changes may be visible within weeks, refinement continues over time. Final results are often settled over 9-12 months.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Buccal Fat Removal?
As a surgical procedure, buccal fat removal does come with some risks and side effects. Overall, it is a low-risk procedure with mild side effects, but patients do need to understand all of the possibilities before surgery. Possible risks or side effects include:
- Infection
- Numbness (generally around the incisions)
- Asymmetry
- Redness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Prolonged or severe side effects
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Opening or issues with the incisions
Most side effects and minor complications will resolve on their own or with limited intervention. Major complications are exceptionally rare.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Yes, buccal fat removal can be combined with other procedures, including surgical and non-surgical procedures. Combining cosmetic surgeries offers many benefits including reduced recovery time, cost, and need for multiple anaesthesia sessions. It does so by addressing multiple concerns in a single surgical plan. Common surgeries that buccal fat removal is combined with include:
What Happens During a Consultation for Buccal Fat Removal in Bellevue?
During a consultation, your surgeon will discuss your goals with you as well as your medical history. They will then examine your face. This will allow them to conclude whether you are a good candidate for buccal fat removal surgery or if you may better benefit from another procedure. Patients will also receive important information concerning the risks of the procedure. Finally, patients can expect to get a finalized price for their surgery and financing information.
Why Choose Northwest Face & Body for Buccal Fat Removal?
At Northwest Face & Body, we have built our reputation over decades by creating an environment where safety, expertise, and exceptional results are prioritised. Here are a few reasons why patients choose us:
Uncompromising Safety
We uphold the most rigorous safety standards and operate within a Medicare-certified surgical facility. Our state-of-the-art operating rooms are equipped with the latest technology. But our true strength lies in our people: our team includes a certified anesthesiologist and highly experienced OR and recovery nurses.
Surgical Leadership
Our surgeons are recognized leaders in their field. They maintain active affiliations with prestigious organizations like the American College of Surgeons and are committed to lifelong education.
Patient Satisfaction
Our greatest source of new patients is often referrals from our prior patients. This loyalty is a testament to the positive experiences and results we consistently deliver. It’s why we’ve formalized a patient referral program. Our providers are also regularly featured on local and national television, radio, and in print.
A Patient-Centered Experience
We handle every detail within our practice, prioritising clear communication and continuity of care. Our staff focuses on keeping you informed, comfortable, and confident at every step. We combine surgical skill with compassionate support because we believe achieving your aesthetic goals should be a positive and transformative experience.
Schedule a Consultation for Buccal Fat Removal in Bellevue
Northwest Face & Body is the culmination of hundreds of years of combined experience among our surgeons, injectors, and master estheticians. Having served the Eastside for over thirty years, Northwest Face & Body helps patients look and feel their best through high-quality cosmetic procedures.
To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-576-1700. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, and Price Simulator.
FAQ
How does buccal fat removal affect your face shape?
Buccal fat removal helps to slim the overall appearance of the face. It creates a small shadowy area between the cheeks and jaw which helps enhance the definition of both features.
Does buccal fat removal look bad as you age?
Not if performed on an ideal candidate. Patients who are not good candidates for the procedure may see their results not age well. This is why it is important to go to an experienced surgeon who can gauge whether buccal fat removal is ideal for you in the long term.
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Essentially, yes, once fat is removed from the cheeks it cannot come back. However, facial fat from other areas can expand or descend into the area with age. Generally though, some result of cheek slimming will always be present.
Can buccal fat removal be reversed?
Potentially, but it depends on the situation. If a patient was not a good candidate or too much fat was removed, there is a possibility of restoring some volume through facial fat transfer or dermal filler injections. However, this is not viable for all patients, and patients should understand the permanence of the procedure.
Can you get buccal fat removal more than once?
Yes, if the entire fat pad was not removed during the initial surgery, it is possible to get buccal fat pad removal more than once.
How much fat is typically removed?
Only a small, carefully measured portion of the buccal fat pad is removed. The amount is tailored to each patient’s facial structure and aesthetic goals.
Can buccal fat removal make the face look too hollow over time?
Yes, in patients with thin or narrow faces, removing too much buccal fat can lead to a hollowed appearance as the face naturally loses volume with age. This is why careful patient selection is important.
What age is best for buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal is typically best suited for adults whose facial growth is complete and whose cheek fullness has remained stable over time. It mainly depends on individual anatomy and goals.
Contact Northwest Face & Body for Buccal Fat Removal
For the facial definition you desire, we hope to assist! Call us at 425.576.1700 to schedule a consultation. You also connect with us online via chat, Price Simulator™, or our contact us page. We look forward to helping you live your best life!