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What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat resides between the bones of your jaw and the bones of your cheeks, and some people have more buccal fat than others do. This surgical procedure lets us take out some of this buccal fat, giving you a contoured look and enhancing your facial features, particularly the cheekbones. In some cases, buccal fat removal is referred to as a cheek reduction. Rather than placing an implant, this procedure relies on the removal of fat to give you your dream look.
Brittany K. Eidson, DDS, FACS
Double-Board Certified Facial Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Brittany Eidson, DDS, FACS, is a highly accomplished Double-Board Certified Facial Cosmetic Surgeon and Fellowship-trained Cosmetic Surgeon. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Eidson co-founded TruForm Surgery.
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Who Is a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Unfortunately, buccal fat removal won’t be a good fit for everyone. This procedure is a good option for people who are frustrated with roundness of the face. Good candidates are generally healthy and are willing to be open about expectations. We’ll also consult with you and go over your medical history to make sure that you don’t have any conditions that could complicate the procedure or the healing process. This procedure might not also be a good option for people who are older and are experiencing a natural reduction in buccal fat. We’ll go over any risks with you so you can decide if this is the right fit.
What to Expect During a Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
We’ll tell you everything you need to know about how to prepare so you can enter the surgery feeling comfortable and confident. We’ll need to examine and take pictures of your face beforehand to make sure that we give you the best results possible. You might need to stop taking certain medications, like blood thinners, before the procedure. It’s also a good idea to have someone drive you home afterward. You’ll be able to go home the same day.
This procedure usually requires a local anesthetic, so you’ll be conscious but comfortable. Once you’re situated, we’ll make precise cuts on the inside of the mouth, one on each side of the face. This allows us to access the buccal fat, which we’ll then remove after cutting them away from the structure of your face. After the fat has been removed, we’ll close up your wounds, and you can begin your healing journey.
Buccal Fat Removal Aftercare
We’ll give you a detailed care plan, so don’t worry–you’ll know exactly how to take care of yourself at home. We’ll give you a special rinse that you can use to make sure that infection doesn’t occur where we made the incisions. You might need to keep from eating solid foods for a couple of days. Some swelling and bruising is normal during the process, and it might take a few weeks for these symptoms to go away. In a few months, you’ll be able to enjoy your full results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a facial implant used for?
Do facial implants appear natural?
Do cheek implants lift sagging jowls?
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Buccal fat removal is one of the many procedures that we’re trained to deliver, and we’re always overjoyed at the happiness of our patients after they see their full results. If buccal fat removal sounds like it’s a good option for you, contact us at our office in Brighton, MI to start the conversation.
Dr. Brittany Eidson, DDS, FACS realized her passion for oral and facial cosmetic surgery while studying at the University of Michigan. It was during this time she also uncovered her strong desire to serve her country and community. Dr. Eidson completed her residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the Army at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She was commissioned as an officer in the US Army earning the rank of Major, and continued serving her country for 13 years. Her last duty station was in Fort Hood Texas, where she was the staff surgeon at Carl R Darnall Army Medical Center. While at Fort Hood, Dr. Eidson performed numerous rhinoplasties, jaw reconstructive, TMJ, and Orthognathic surgeries on hundreds of soldiers during active duty. After finishing her service to the Army, she completed a one-year fellowship in Facial Cosmetic Surgery through the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Her practice is now focused on esthetic surgery of the face.