Buccal fat reduction Buccal fat pad
Buccal (pronounced BUCK-ull) fat reduction surgery removes excess fat from the cheeks to produce a more contoured and refined appearance.
The volume on the face in the cheek and jawline contributes significantly to the impression of a strong or defined set of features or fuller and softer, sometimes child-like facial appearance. Many people consider the facial definition to be an important part of their appearance and are looking at the adjustments of facial volumes as a mean to provide balance and aesthetic enhancement.
During the consultation regarding buccal fat reduction it is important to assess the general medical history and possible conditions that may increase the risks associated with surgery.
These points need to be highlighted to your surgeon in order to be incorporated in the treatment plan.
Buccal fat reduction is typically carried out either under a general anaesthetic, or local anaesthetic combined with intravenous sedation.
Simple local anaesthetic is also possible but in most instances the level of discomfort associated with the surgery is significant, making this approach rather unsuitable.
In the after-care period for buccal fat reduction, the primary concerns are to protecting the wounds from pressure of the food to avoid the wound breaking open and an associated infection.
To this effect, soft diet during the first week is important and it does not mean restriction to intake of fluids, but encompasses also food that does not need to be chewed, like the food that can be put through a mixer.
A general or local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation carries a small risk onto its own irrespective of the type of surgery for which it is used.
This risk is fortunately within the level of safety that we accept for many other things we do on a daily basis.
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