If you’re unhappy with the volume or contour of your cheeks, you may be considering buccal fat reduction.
Buccal fat reduction is performed by making incisions on the inside of the cheeks and removing the buccal fat pad from the area between your jaw and cheekbones  before gently sculpting the internal tissues to produce the optimal contour.
Typically performed as an outpatient procedure in as little as one hour, the procedure is a fast and effective way to achieve a more pleasing facial profile. However, as it is a surgical procedure, it’s important to be aware of what to expect during the recovery period.
Here, we answer some common questions about what to expect during your recovery following buccal fat removal.
What should I expect following buccal fat removal?
As buccal fat removal is a moderately invasive procedure, it’s normal for patients to experience some pain and discomfort in the cheeks, as well as some mild facial bruising and swelling.
Your doctor may prescribe pain relief medication to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. They should also provide you with a mouth rinse, which you need to use several times a day during the week following the procedure to minimize the likelihood of infection.
Your doctor may also recommend you sleep in a slightly elevated position for a couple of days. You’ll also need to stick to a liquid diet for a few days, slowly reintroducing soft foods once your doctor says it’s safe to.
How much buccal fat removal healing time will I need?
It’s only normal to want to know how much buccal fat removal healing time you’ll need to allow for. While the length of the buccal fat removal healing process can vary, most patients will need to allow for a couple of days of downtime before resuming most of their usual activities.
Many patients feel like they’re back to normal after around one week, however, it usually takes two to three weeks to make a complete recovery. It may take several more weeks for any residual swelling to subside. If you combine your buccal fat removal with other facial procedures, your recovery may take slightly longer.
It’s important to attend any post-operative appointments with your surgeon who will monitor your recovery and ensure a smooth recovery.
Can I brush my teeth after buccal fat removal?
It’s best to avoid brushing your teeth in the week following your procedure to avoid placing pressure on your incisions. Using the mouthwash provided by your doctor will allow you to maintain good oral hygiene until it’s safe to brush again.
Can I drink coffee after buccal fat removal?
It’s important to avoid drinking any hot beverages immediately following your procedure while the anesthesia subsides. Caffeine has also been shown to slow the skin’s healing processes. For this reason, it’s best to avoid drinking coffee entirely throughout your recovery, if possible.
Considering buccal fat removal in Los Angeles?
If you’re considering buccal fat removal, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacob Sedgh at Sedgh Plastic Surgery.
A double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sedgh also holds specialist credentials in facial plastic surgery, ensuring you’ll be in the best possible hands.
Find out more about Dr. Sedgh or contact us if you have any more questions.
Posted on behalf of Sedgh Plastic Surgery
