Buccal Fat Removal

Offered at our convenient location in San Antonio, TX

Buccal Fat Removal Dr. Wendie Grunberg, D.O. Dr. Edward Gronet of Alluring Aesthetics

Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the fat pads that can make your cheeks appear chubby. Although these pads provide cushioning and protection for muscles and nerves, some people with too much facial fat feel that they would look better with a slimmer, more contoured look. If you think that you would look better with a less rounded face, buccal fat removal may be the solution you’re looking for.

The combined facial cosmetic expertise of Dr. Wendie Grunberg, D.O., and Dr. Edward Gronet of Alluring Aesthetics in San Antonio, TX can grant you results that you can be satisfied with permanently. Our services ensure that every patient receives thorough care, comprehensive knowledge of the procedure of their choice, and follow-up recovery for the best results possible. Call our location at (210) 714-5390 or schedule a virtual consultation to voice your aesthetic desires.

About Buccal Fat

Buccal fat pads are present on both sides of the face. Each pad lies in between the buccinator muscle (the facial muscle that aids in sucking, blowing, and swallowing) and the masseter, the muscle that runs from the corner of the jaw to just below the cheekbone and is used during chewing. Several other smaller muscles surround the pads as well. These fat pads facilitate muscular function, so only a portion is removed during buccal fat removal. This portion lies below the parotid duct– the structure that releases saliva. (1)

It’s been well understood that buccal fat is unlikely to change with weight fluctuations, so the amount of fat in your face remains constant. The pads become less prominent as you mature and your face grows, so it loses “relative volume”. (2) For some, however, this fullness doesn’t go away, making this procedure a good idea for those who want more cheekbone definition. These fat cells don’t regenerate in adults, so buccal fat removal can provide lasting results.

The procedure to remove buccal fat for cosmetic purposes was first published by Dr. Leonard Epstein in 1980. His study found that no patients had no complications. (3) In recent years, it has taken over the mainstream as an extremely popular treatment among celebrities and models alike. Many patients swear that it has drastically transformed their confidence and highlighted their natural bone structure to the fullest.

Procedure Steps

Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation. Once you’ve been properly anesthetized, Dr. Grunberg or Dr. Gronet will make half-inch incisions on the inside of each cheek. Then, they will carefully navigate around the buccinator muscle until the buccal fat pad is visible. They will gently cut out part of this fad pad and cauterize the incision. This method of closing the incision uses a precise amount of heat to help prevent unwanted bleeding and infection. They will then close the incisions with dissolvable sutures that won’t require removal at a secondary appointment.

Alongside being a simple procedure, buccal fat pad removal is considered very safe for healthy adults who want to change their facial appearance. Dr. Grunberg and Dr. Gronet are both trained in techniques that allow them to skillfully work around the muscular and nervous structures of the face, as well as prevent damage to the parotid ducts and glands. You can completely transform your face and improve its symmetry in just one hour of operating time.

Preparation

To prepare for a buccal fat removal procedure, Dr. Grunberg or Dr. Gronet will require that you make some lifestyle changes and health evaluations. Taking these steps will help you get the amazing results you want:

  • Get blood tests done to ensure that you’re healthy enough to withstand an invasive procedure.
  • Pick up the antibiotic medication that they’ve prescribed.
  • Have the approved over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs on hand for your recovery. Most patients don’t require prescription medication, but your doctor may order it if you are concerned about the discomfort you’ll experience.
  • Stop taking anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning medications for the 2 weeks leading up to your procedure. These can increase your chance of unwanted bleeding, swelling, and bruising.
  • If you are a smoker, plan on quitting 4-6 weeks before your surgery date. Cigarettes can negatively affect your circulation and healing processes.
  • Abstain from drinking alcohol for 48 hours beforehand; alcohol is considered a blood thinner.
  • Plan on at least 3-4 days of downtime.

Recovery

Following recovery steps carefully is just as important as the procedure itself. Right after your procedure, you’ll notice that your face actually looks larger, but this swelling is a normal part of the healing process.

To speed up the process, you should apply an ice pack to your face for the first day. You should keep the ice on for 10-15 minutes at a time, with a 15-minute break in between each application. If needed, you may take over-the-counter medication that has been approved by Dr. Gronet or Dr. Grunberg. Most patients don’t require prescription medication, but they may order it for you if you are concerned about the discomfort.

For the first few days, you will have to eat very soft, non-acidic, low-sodium foods. A low-sodium diet is often recommended after almost any invasive procedure because it helps the body get rid of swelling quicker. The swelling will completely subside within 3 weeks. Depending on your job, you’ll be able to return to work after just a day or two.

Candidates

In order to qualify for buccal fat removal, you should be at least 20 years old, have a BMI within the healthy range, be in overall good health, and have an abundance of buccal fat. Those with smaller amounts of fat in their face are at risk of looking gaunt as they get older.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

If you’re interested in improving other aspects of your facial appearance, Alluring Aesthetics offers non-surgical options:

FaceTite

With the power of radio-frequency energy (RF), this FDA-approved device can melt away fat cells while stimulating collagen production in the dermis layer of the skin. In addition, it contracts existing collagen fibers, so that the skin appears tighter and smoother.

Voluma

Voluma is a Juvederm dermal filler that can provide volume to the upper cheeks, and increase the appearance of their definition. It is made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally produced by the body to maintain its moisture in the skin. Voluma can also be used to add volume to the chin and other areas of the face.

Restylane Lyft

Restylane Lyft is another HA filler that is similar to Voluma. Restylane Lyft volumizes the cheeks and can restore fullness to the back of the hands.

With proper guidance from our staff at Alluring Aesthetics, we can help you make the right non-surgical choice to complete your new look.

Cost of Buccal Fat Removal in San Antonio, TX

The cost of your buccal fat removal will depend on the details of your treatment plan. Our team at Alluring Aesthetics can assist you in scheduling a consultation so that pricing can be determined.

Personal Consultation

Buccal Fat Removal Dr. Wendie Grunberg, D.O. Dr. Edward Gronet of Alluring Aesthetics

During your consultation with Dr. Grunberg or Dr. Gronet, you will be able to share your aesthetic and medical concerns. They will be able to work alongside you to come up with a treatment and recovery plan that suits your needs best. Schedule a consultation today at Alluring Aesthetics in San Antonio, TX through our online form or call us at (210) 714-5390.

FAQ

What should I eat during recovery from buccal fat removal?

After a buccal fat removal surgery, you should eat soft, low-sodium, non-acidic foods for the first week. This diet will ensure that you don’t irritate the incisions.

Can buccal fat come back after buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat can’t come back after the procedure; fat cells cannot regenerate.

Can buccal fat removal make me look older?

Buccal fat removal won’t make you appear older, but it will give you a face that appears more mature and slender. It will not affect your skin quality or elasticity.

Can buccal fat removal reduce the appearance of jowls?

Although buccal fat removal can reduce jowls, it is not the primary goal of the procedure. If you are looking to get rid of sagging jowls, consider another treatment such as a facelift or a mini-facelift.

What is the best age to get buccal fat removal?

Since every face is different, there is no optimal age to get buccal fat removal. A responsible doctor will require that you be at least 20 years old. (1)

References

  1. Davis B, Serra M. Buccal Fat Pad Reduction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576413/
  2. Weniger FG, Weidman AA. The Buccal Fat Pad. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(7):e2328. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002328
  3. Moura LB, Spin JR, Spin-Neto R, Pereira-Filho VA. Buccal fat pad removal to improve facial aesthetics: an established technique? Medicina Oral, Patología Oral y Cirugía Bucal. 2018;23(4):e478-e484. doi:https://doi.org/10.4317/medoral.22449