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Looking to contour and slim down your face for a more sculpted look? Buccal fat removal, also known as cheek reduction surgery, might be the answer. This cosmetic procedure targets the pockets of fat in the lower cheeks, removing some of it for a slimmer, more defined facial profile.
As with any cosmetic surgery, buccal fat removal on its own is not enough for an ideal outcome. Your recovery is crucial for both the safety and the beauty of your results. Recovery protocol, lifestyle factors, and your surgeon’s advice all play a part in post-operative healing and long-term appearance.
Understanding Buccal Fat Removal
The buccal fat pad is the naturally-occurring pad of fat that is present in your lower cheeks. In some people, this area is minimal, while others have fuller, chubby cheeks that stay this way even with changes in diet or weight.
- Procedure time: Typically 30–60 minutes.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or sedation.
- Incision site: Inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scars.
- Candidates: Individuals with naturally fuller cheeks, not primarily due to weight fluctuations.
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What to Expect After Buccal Fat Removal
Immediate Post-Surgery
- Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal in the first few days after buccal fat removal.
- Inside your mouth may also feel sore for a few days post-surgery.
- Most surgeons use dissolvable stitches, so no suture removal is needed.
First Week
- Expect swelling to peak in the first 3–5 days following surgery.
- Soft or liquid diet is usually recommended for a few days.
- Antiseptic oral rinse is usually prescribed to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
Weeks 2–4
- Swelling should gradually subside in the second week.
- You will likely be able to return to work 5–7 days after surgery.
- Some initial improvements in facial contours should be visible.
Final Results
- Most of the swelling will be gone within 4–6 weeks, but the full appearance of your new look may take time to be revealed.
- Complete healing takes 3–6 months as the tissues fully settle down.
Recovery Tips for Optimal Results
If you are serious about achieving the best and safest possible outcome from your buccal fat removal surgery, you’ll need to follow some key recovery guidelines. Experienced plastic surgeons usually recommend:
1. Follow a Soft or Liquid Diet
Because your surgeon made incisions inside your mouth, you’ll need to avoid chewing hard, crunchy foods that irritate the healing incision site. This means:
- Soups, smoothies, protein shakes, and yogurt are good options for the first few days.
- Soft solids such as mashed potatoes, eggs, oatmeal, and pasta can be slowly reintroduced after a few days.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or very hot/cold foods or drinks that may irritate the incision.
2. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
As the incision site is inside your mouth, it is also exposed to more bacteria. To reduce the risk of infection, you should:
- Rinse with the prescribed antiseptic mouth rinse after each meal or snack.
- Brush your teeth normally, but be careful to avoid direct contact with the stitches.
- Warm salt water rinses are natural and have antibacterial properties.
3. Manage Swelling and Discomfort
- Cold compresses applied to the outer part of your cheeks are useful for the first 48 hours post-surgery.
- Keep your head elevated when resting or sleeping to minimize swelling.
- Take pain relief medication as directed by your surgeon.
4. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Both smoking and alcohol slow down healing by:
- Slow down your healing process by reducing blood flow to the tissues.
- Increase the risk of infection.
- Impair overall recovery.
For best results, avoid them for at least 2–4 weeks post-surgery.
5. Limit Strenuous Activities
Light walking to keep your circulation up is encouraged, but avoid heavy exercise, bending, or lifting for at least 1–2 weeks after surgery. Vigorous physical activity can increase your blood pressure and lead to worse swelling or bleeding.
6. Be Patient with Results
Changes to your facial contours take time. You should not form an opinion about your new look during the first few weeks after surgery, when swelling will still be obscuring your new contours. Results become increasingly visible over several months.
7. Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Your surgeon will schedule follow-ups to:
- Assess the progress of your healing.
- Monitor for any signs of infection or other complications.
- Give you additional, personalized aftercare advice and instructions.
Skipping follow-ups can lead to unnoticed complications that may affect results.
8. Support Healing with a Healthy Lifestyle
- Eat a well-balanced diet that is high in protein, vitamins C and E, and zinc for tissue repair.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support recovery.
- Get adequate sleep and rest for the body to heal optimally.
Potential Risks and How to Avoid Them
Buccal fat removal is a very safe cosmetic surgery procedure when done by a qualified plastic surgeon. However, all patients should be aware of the following potential risks:
- Infection – maintain excellent oral hygiene as instructed by your surgeon.
- Excessive fat removal – beware of “copycat surgeons” who remove too much fat and create hollow cheeks.
- Asymmetry – choose an experienced and skilled surgeon to minimize this risk.
- Nerve injury (rare) – with expert surgical care, this risk is very low.
Why Choosing the Right Surgeon Matters
The success of your buccal fat removal and the ease of your recovery period both depend on your surgeon’s skill and experience. When looking for a surgeon, consider the following:
- A board-certified plastic surgeon with demonstrable experience in facial contouring.
- A clinic with high patient safety and quality standards and all the necessary facilities.
- A consultation that is informative, honest, and explains both benefits and potential risks.
- Real patient before-and-after photos to give you an idea of the results you can expect.
When to Contact Your Surgeon Immediately
In addition to the normal swelling, tenderness, and bruising in and around your cheeks that occur after buccal fat removal, you should contact your doctor immediately if you notice:
- Severe or increasing pain.
- Symptoms of infection, including fever, pus, or foul odor coming from the incision.
- Persistent or increasing bleeding.
- Pain or difficulty when opening the mouth.
- Uneven swelling or numbness in the cheek area.
Prompt medical attention prevents complications and ensures proper healing.
Expert Care at Shobhit Aesthetics
If you are interested in getting buccal fat removal to enhance the definition of your face, you should find a surgeon who has both the extensive training and the proven experience that demonstrates his surgical skills and care for the patient. Dr. Shobhit Gupta, founder and director of Shobhit Aesthetics in Karol Bagh, New Delhi, is one of the most trusted names in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in India.
About Dr. Shobhit Gupta
- Gold Medalist Senior Consultant Plastic Surgeon
- MCh – Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (Dr. RML Hospital, 2018) – Gold Medalist in Burn, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery
- MS – General Surgery (RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata, 2014)
- MBBS (North Bengal Medical College, Darjeeling, 2010)
Professional Roles
- Founder and Director, Shobhit Aesthetics, a center specializing in plastic surgery and women’s health care.
- Head of Unit, Department of Plastic Surgery, Saroj Superspeciality Hospital, New Delhi.
- Head of Department, Plastic Surgery, Jeewanmala Hospital, New Delhi.
- Visiting Consultant at BLK Hospital, Apollo Spectra Hospital, NKS Hospital, and Kapoor Hospital.
Memberships
- National Academy of Burns
- National Medical Association
- Delhi Medical Association
- Association of Plastic Surgeons of India
Dr. Shobhit Gupta has many national and international publications to his credit. His expertise and skill are at the highest level, and are complemented by his patient-centric approach to care and recovery.
Achieving a more sculpted, contoured look through buccal fat removal can be a great option for your cosmetic goals. Remember that recovery is an essential aspect of the process as well. Following your surgeon’s instructions, eating a soft diet, caring for the incision site with excellent oral hygiene, and avoiding smoking, drinking, and strenuous activity will all give you the best chance of safe, long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Keep in mind, every patient will heal at their own pace, so patience and diligent care is rewarded with the facial look you want. For safe and expert-led care, find a surgeon who has the necessary qualifications and experience, like Dr. Shobhit Gupta of Shobhit Aesthetics.
