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What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Fat can accumulate in the cheeks due to weight gain, genetics, or lifestyle factors. This may result in a 'chubby cheek,' 'baby face,' or 'chipmunk cheek' look that makes you feel more self-conscious about your facial appearance. Buccal fat removal is a plastic surgery procedure to eliminate unwanted fat in the buccal pad (hollow area of the cheek), revealing more sculpted cheekbones and a balanced facial profile. If you're interested in receiving some of the best buccal fat removal in Houston, please reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.

Am I an Ideal Candidate for
Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal – also referred to as cheek fat reduction – is a cosmetic procedure that aims to alleviate a ‘chipmunk’ cheek appearance by removing excess fat from the cheek hollows. You may be best suited for buccal fat pad removal in Houston if you:

  • You are bothered by the appearance of your chubby or puffy cheeks
  • You wish to have a slimmer and better-defined face
  • You have a stable weight and overall good health
  • You have realistic expectations about the outcome of this procedure.

Cheek fat removal may be performed on both men and women at any age. Some people may choose to lose facial fat while in their 20’s while others may have this procedure in their 50’s. It all depends on the cause of your buccal fat accumulation and your personal preferences. During your consultation for buccal fat removal in Houston, Dr. Arroyo will listen to your concern and develop a treatment plan to help reach your aesthetic goals.

Houston Buccal Fat Removal
Patient Before & After

Before and After Buccal Fat Removal in Houston
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What are the Benefits of
Cheek Fat Reduction Surgery?

Improved facial profile – This cosmetic procedure’s fundamental goal is to enhance your facial contour through reshaping and resculpting. Many patients feel more comfortable and satisfied with their new-found facial appearance after undergoing this treatment.

  • Permanent results – cheek fat reduction surgery is a permanent procedure. Once the fat is gone, it’s gone. Dr. Arroyo recommends that you are close to your ideal weight goal before undergoing this treatment for the best results.
  • Quick procedure – this is a relatively short procedure that can be completed in 30 minutes at Dr. Arroyo’s in-office operating room.
  • There is minimal downtime as well – you will be able to resume regular activities almost right away. 
  • No visible scars – during surgery to remove cheek fat, incisions are placed from inside the mouth. This means there will be no visible scars from the cosmetic treatment.
  • Increased self-esteem – excess buccal fat can give you a ‘chubby’ and even child-like facial appearance. Buccal fat removal at Arroyo Plastic Surgery alleviates this concern to feel more confident about yourself and improve your social interactions.

How Much Will My Buccal Fat Removal in Houston Cost?

Buccal fat removal in Houston costs between $2,000 and $4,000 based on the procedure’s extensiveness and the type of anesthesia used. Health insurers typically do not pay for cheek reduction surgery because it is considered an elective procedure. Dr. Arroyo’s staff will provide an all-inclusive quote that includes the surgeon’s fees, facility fee, anesthesia costs, and any supplies that may be needed. To learn even more about financing your buccal fat removal procedure visit our financing page.

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What causes buccal fat pads? 

Most people lose the baby fat in their cheeks as they get older. However, some people keep the roundness of their cheeks, giving the face a more childlike appearance. This condition, sometimes called a “babyface,” is usually inherited and caused by genetics. However, it can also come about due to obesity.

Combining other facial procedures with buccal fat removal

Buccal fat removal is a relatively simple surgery that can be combined with other procedures. For patients who would like to combine facial procedures, such as a brow lift, blepharoplasty, laser resurfacing treatments, and others, Dr. Arroyo will create a custom surgical plan to perform these for you as a combination treatment. 

The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure

Performed at Dr. Arroyo's office or an accredited surgical facility, buccal fat pad removal in Houston is done as an outpatient procedure. His anesthesiologist will apply local anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety during the treatment. Dr. Arroyo will then make an incision inside your cheek and apply pressure to the outside of your cheek to expose the buccal fat pad. He will remove the entire buccal fat pads, or at least part of them, to maintain symmetry. Incisions will then be closed using dissolvable stitches. You will be monitored in Dr. Arroyo’s observation room before you are allowed to go home to continue with your recovery.

Your consultation 

During your consultation with Dr. Arroyo, he will examine your face and cheeks and understand your concerns and goals. He will advise you on whether having a buccal fat removal procedure is best for you. He will discuss the details thoroughly with you and ensure you are having the right treatment to achieve your goals. 

Based on your consultation, Dr. Arroyo will create a surgical plan for your buccal fat removal in Houston, which he will share with you so that you’re prepared and know what to expect.

Preparing for Surgery

Preparation for buccal fat removal usually consists of:

  • A medical assessment and lab testing
  • Being new medications or changing the use of current ones
  • Refraining from smoking
  • Refraining from taking blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements

Your Recovery

Shortly after your buccal fat removal at Houston's Arroyo Plastic Surgery, you will be given a special mouthwash that helps prevent infections. Dr. Arroyo will also provide post-operative care instructions and prescribe pain medication. Mild discomfort, pain, swelling, and slight bruising are common within the first few days but usually disappear with time. Cold packs may be used to improve the soreness. If you have stitches in your mouth, they typically dissolve within ten days. Most people can return to their routine schedule within seven days based on their work. It may be up to 4 months before you are fully recovered, depending on your body’s healing ability. Dr. Arroyo’s office will be available throughout the recovery process to answer your questions and provide the support you need.

Buccal fat removal results

It will take about three weeks before you’re recovered, but the remaining swelling subsidies slowly over a period of months. Final results won’t be visible until the swelling is gone and your cheeks have time to fully settle into their slimmer, contoured shape. Once this final settling period is complete, you will see more defined cheekbones, more sculpted cheeks, and a more attractive facial shape-–no more “babyface.”  

Why choose Dr. Arroyo for Buccal fat removal in Houston?

Dr. Christian Arroyo is achieving his patients’ ideal results, and he prioritizes their individuality every step of the way. With an extensive educational background, including the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Connecticut, and the Mayo Clinic of Rochester, Minnesota, his remarkable skills ensure his patients leave his office with the sculpted, contoured, and defined look after buccal fat removal in Houston.

Having completed a plastic surgery residency at Houston Methodist Hospital and been voted Houston’s Best of the Best Plastic Surgeon 2022 by the Houston Chronicle, he has developed a reputation as one of Houston’s most respected and trustworthy cosmetic practitioners. Call his office today for a consultation.

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Buccal Fat Removal FAQs

Is buccal fat removal right for me?

When will I see results?

How will buccal fat pad removal surgery affect how my face ages?

What are the causes of buccal fat?

Is it safe?

How long does the procedure take?

Is buccal fat removal right for me?

While buccal fat removal is not recommended for patients with a narrow face or those with progressive hemifacial atrophy, cheek reduction surgery can be performed on individuals of any age.

When will I see results?

While it can take months for the permanent outcome to manifest, results are usually visible immediately following the surgery.

How will buccal fat pad removal surgery affect how my face ages?

When performed conservatively by a skilled surgeon, buccal fat removal will account for potential future fat loss, ensuring that the face ages gracefully in the future.

What are the causes of buccal fat?

Being overweight and genetics are the two main causes of stubborn buccal fat, which is usually unresponsive to diet and exercise.

Is it safe?

While buccal fat removal is generally a safe procedure, excess bleeding, signs of infection, or abnormal healing should be taken seriously and reported to the physician right away.

How long does the procedure take?

With an experienced surgeon, this procedure can be completed in a manner of minutes.

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