Buccal Fat Removal
The buccal fat pad is a special pocket of fat located within the cheek. Excess fat results in a very full, cheeky appearance – a “chipmunk look”. Cheek fat is a continuation of a deep fat pad on both sides of the face, located between the facial muscles. It is easily separated from the other structures of the face, and a perfect target for removal to help reduce lower face fullness. It is very distinct from the upper cheek/cheekbone fat pad, which is commonly enhanced to give the face a more defined appearance. 
Why Choose Buccal Fat Removal?
Excess facial fat is a feature that very commonly gives the face an appearance of being chubby or that of a “baby-face.” Many people with an excess of buccal or lower facial fat are unhappy about the appearance associated with this abundance. Unfortunately, in many cases, this lower fat excess is quite resistant to the effects of diet and exercise, resulting in a full appearance even in those who are slender everywhere else in their body. Cheek fat removal in Beverly Hills is a simple and effective way of reducing lower facial fullness, resulting in a more slender contour. The procedure transforms the facial shape from a square or boxy appearance to a more chiseled and attractive “V” or “heart” shape.
About The Procedure
Buccal fat removal is a very simple and quick procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation or general anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia and approach to surgery are made based on patient preference and if other procedures are being done at the same time. Cheek fat reduction is a simple procedure that takes less than 30 minutes. It can be performed by itself or done at the same time as any other procedure. In experienced hands, fat removal is very straightforward.
After numbing the area with local anesthetic, Dr. Gabbay will make a small incision in the cheek inside the mouth, and very quickly locate and tease out the buccal fat pad. Once isolated, the cheek fat “pops out” of the cheek, as it had minimal connection to the other structures around it. Because it is so isolated from the other cheek structures, the cheek fat is easily removed with no involvement of other structures in the face. Dr. Gabbay takes great care to ensure that the perfect amount of fat is removed: enough to give a refined and svelte appearance, but not too much to make the face look hollow. After the fat is removed, the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures the procedure is complete.
Recovering from Surgery
Recovery from a buccal fat reduction procedure is very easy, with minimal impact on your daily life. There may be a small degree of swelling and a minimum of soreness in the cheek that is easily treated with over the counter medications. You will see an improvement of the cheek contour almost immediately after the procedure, but the result will only continue to improve over the following days and weeks as the swelling subsides. After the first few days, there are no dietary or activity restrictions, and all patients return to their normal routine.
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