Suitable Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal
Suitable candidates for buccal fat removal surgery should meet the following criteria:
- Physical Health: Be in good overall health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with the wound healing process.
- Emotional Well-being: Have realistic expectations and a positive mindset regarding the outcomes of breast implant surgery. As of 1st of July 2023, patients are required to have a psychological evaluation to ensure they are suitable to proceed with surgery.
- Stable Weight: It is recommended to be near your target weight before undergoing the procedure, as weight fluctuations can affect the cosmetic results.
- Non-smoker: Smoking or vaping dramatically interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Therefore, candidates are required to cease smoking for a minimum 6 weeks before and after the surgery.
Buccal fat pad removal can help address these concerns:
- Enhanced Facial Contours: Reduces fullness in the lower cheeks, creating a more defined appearance.
- Improved Facial Balance: Accentuates the cheekbones and jawline, contributing to a more harmonious facial profile.
- Minimal Scarring: Incisions are made inside the mouth, resulting in no visible external scars.
How Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Performed?
Buccal fat pad surgery is performed under sedation or general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. The procedure general takes 1 hour, and generally you are discharged the same day.
Dr Turner starts the procedure by making a small incision on the inside the cheeks, near the upper molars, which avoids any external scarring. Through this incision, gentle pressure is applied externally to expose the buccal fat pads. Dr Turner then carefully removes the appropriate amount of fat based on your facial structure and desired outcome.
Once the fat removal is complete, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures that will heal over a few weeks. Because the incisions are inside the mouth, the risk of visible scarring is avoided, and the recovery process tends to be straightforward.
Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
Recovering from a buccal fat removal involves several stages and requires careful attention to the post-operative instructions provided by Dr Turner to ensure the best results.
- Rest & Elevation: Rest is crucial. It is important for the first week after your procedure to keeping your head and back elevated on a few pillows while sleeping.
- Oral Hygiene: Maintaining cleanliness is crucial. Rinse gently with an antiseptic mouthwash as directed to prevent infection.
- Cold Compresses: Bruising, swelling and discomfort in your check region is expected. The use of cold compress to your check area in the first few days is a simple and effective measure to assist your healing.
- Medications: The anaesthetist will provide you with antibiotics and prescription pain medication that you can take at home over the first week.
- Normal Activities & Exercise: You can gradually return to normal activities over the first week. However, high intensity exercise needs to be avoided in the first month.
- Follow Up Appointments: Dr Turner recommends frequent follow to monitor your healing progress. It is highly advisable that these reviews are in person at our Sydney clinic at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year.
Risks and Complications of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
As with any surgery, it is important that you are fully informed of the potential risks associated with buccal fat removal. While all care is taken to minimize these complications, they may and do occur despite the best medical care.
It is important that you carefully read and understand the potential risks and they will be discussed in further detail when you have your consultation with Dr Turner.
- Infection: Proper oral hygiene and antibiotics minimizes the risk of infection, however in rare cases it can happen and require further treatment.
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding may occur but usually resolves. In rare cases, this may require additional surgery.
- Facial Nerve Injury: Rarely, there can be damage to facial nerves, leading to temporary or permanent muscle weakness.
- Asymmetry: Uneven fat removal can result in facial asymmetry, which require additional reconstructive surgery to correct this.
- Unsatisfactory Results: In some cases, the outcome may not meet expectations, necessitating revision surgery.
