Buccal Fat Reduction

Buccal fat reduction is generally associated with minimal discomfort, and most patients tolerate the procedure very well. Any post-operative soreness, tightness, or swelling is mild and can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.

The procedure is most commonly performed using local anesthesia, sometimes combined with oral or intravenous sedation for additional comfort. Because the incisions are made inside the mouth, patients often report that recovery is easier than expected, with discomfort decreasing steadily over the first several days.

Patients undergoing buccal fat reduction can expect a straightforward treatment process with relatively few appointments. The first visit is a comprehensive consultation, during which Dr. Batniji evaluates facial structure, discusses goals, and determines whether buccal fat removal is appropriate.

The second appointment is the surgical procedure itself. One or more follow-up visits will be scheduled afterward to monitor healing, ensure proper incision recovery, and assess early results.

After all swelling has faded and recovery is complete, the results of this fat removal surgery will be noticeable. The cheeks will have lost their excess volume and gained new definition. The cheekbones will become more prominent, and the face will appear more contoured and more youthful.

Patients in Newport Beach who undergo buccal fat removal can typically see results in one to three weeks, as cheek swelling begins to decrease during this period. In two to four months, full results are typically apparent.

Yes, common complementary treatments include chin augmentation, jawline contouring, facelift procedures, and non-surgical options such as dermal fillers or Botox.

Combining procedures can create a more cohesive facial transformation while minimizing overall downtime. During your consultation, Dr. Batniji will determine whether a combined approach is appropriate based on your facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and long-term aging considerations.

As with any surgical procedure, buccal fat reduction carries certain risks, although complications are uncommon when performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon. Potential risks may include swelling, infection, asymmetry, prolonged numbness, or excessive fat removal, which can lead to hollowing.

Beginning in the 20s and 30s, tissue in the underlying facial fat layer gradually disappears. Removing buccal fat before this can give the cheeks a gaunt or hollow appearance. Because of this, it can be helpful to wait on buccal fat reduction until after this natural fat loss has occurred. However, the procedure can generally be performed in patients of almost any age.

After a buccal fat reduction in Newport Beach, patients experience permanent results. The fat that has been extracted is permanently removed and cannot regrow. It’s important to remember that fat cells that aren’t removed can still expand, as can those in the face’s other fat deposits. Because of this, it’s best to stay at a stable weight after your procedure.