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What is Buccal Fat?
Before we debunk some of the rumours surrounding Buccal Fat Removal, here’s our quick guide to this procedure.
Natural fats which play important and protective roles, such as cushioning your vital organs, insulating and giving energy to your body, where these fats also help control growth, immune function, reproduction and other aspects of basic metabolism. However, too much fat can lead to high cholesterol and disease, which is why fat removal surgery becomes a more attractive, immediate option (see our other Vaser and Liposuction procedures too), especially as people of all ages can be self-conscious about the appearance of their cheeks.
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How does it work?
Face fat removal surgery works by revealing the buccal fat pads in the skin and removing them to re-contour and reduce volume in the face. Unlike superficial fat that can be removed elsewhere on the body using liposuction, buccal fat cannot be removed in this way. This is because buccal fat lies in a deeper pocket, tucked between the cheekbones and jawline meaning liposuction is not an appropriate procedure to perform, and making Buccal Fat a specialist procedure performed by a Plastic Surgeon.
During the procedure you can expect Dr Yannis, our resident Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and Founder of 111 Harley St. to administer local anaesthetic – similar to those used in dental operations. This involves two numbing injections in the mouth region. Dr Yannis will then cover your eyes to help you feel more relaxed and will begin preparing for the procedure.
Once the anaesthetic starts to work, Dr Yannis will then make a small incision on the inside your mouth (which will maximise discretion and help minimise any visible scarring). The incision will then be made above the molar which will allow Dr Yannis access to the fascia and fibres of the buccinator muscle, through which he’ll then be able to extract the buccal fat. Once the unwanted fat has been removed, absorbable sutures will be used to close the incision.
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Dr Yannis Alexandrides MD FACS
“This is an operation I have been performing for twenty years, the key to this surgery is patient selection. The right patient needs to have the right facial structure, and also to have some type of visible fullness to have a good, natural-looking result.”
“So, to reiterate, selecting the right patient is key and this way we avoid gauntness, or droopiness that is often associated with Buccal Fat Removal.”
“This analysis will take place during your consultation.”
RUMOUR 1
“Buccal Fat Removal makes you look gaunt.”
Buccal Fat Removal has received some bad press as people assume that it causes patients’ to look ‘gaunt’. Dr Yannis says, “Hollowness, and resolving it, is something I see in my clinic a lot. It naturally occurs as we age, however, in regards to Buccal Fat Removal, when too much buccal fat is removed this can be amplified in later years. That’s why it is crucial to visit an experienced doctor that can safely identify the optimal amount of fat to extract.” He explains.
Contrary to what the name may suggest, Buccal Fat Removal does not rid the skin entirely of buccal fat, but reduces it rather than removing it completely.
RUMOUR 2
“It’s a long procedure.”
Due to Dr Yannis’ expertise, this is a minimally-invasive surgery that can be performed under local anaesthesia. One of the best things about Buccal Fat Removal is that it is thought of as an minor procedure. So expect your sculpted cheeks to be achieved quickly! Dr Yannis has been performing this procedure for years and has expertly finessed the precision and accuracy required.
RUMOUR 3
“There will be scars and a long recovery.”
Amongst the benefits of this procedure are the facts that it doesn’t leave scars and has a quick recovery. On the scale of surgeries, Buccal Fat Removal is on the minimally-invasive end of the scale and has a much faster recovery compared to more invasive procedures such as Facelifts or Liposuction. Many of Dr Yannis’ patients return to work (or work from home) the next day and although swelling may occur initially, there will be no visible scarring or signs of surgery. This is because any incisions made will be inside the mouth to maximise discretion.
RUMOUR 4
“It makes you look old.”
If there’s one thing Buccal Fat Removal does do, it is slim the face – not age it. As droopier or heavier cheeks often sag over time the weight may worsen an actively ageing complexion, so technically Buccal Fat Removal may help improve your youthfulness.
Dr Yannis’ results speak for themselves and there is no denying this procedure’s ability to improve the appearance of fuller cheeks. Look at the below photographs, do you think these patients look older?
Our Quick Guide to Buccal Fat Removal
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Treatment Time: 15-45 minutes
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Downtime: Full Recovery in 3-4 weeks
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Lasting Effects: Indefinitely – Depending on Lifestyle and Diet
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Anaesthetic: Local
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Age Restrictions: 18+
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Hospital Stay: None
BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL RESULTS
Next steps?
The best place to start is by calling our Patient Advisors, Sahreen and Marie on 0344 692 1111. They can give you more information regarding all things buccal fat, and help you arrange a consultation with Dr Yannis. This initial consultation will be an opportunity for you to outline your concerns and expectations, and as each surgery is highly individualised, having this first conversation will ensure good communication throughout the whole process. After Dr Yannis has evaluated both your health and face, he’ll give you all the information you’ll need regarding next steps and aftercare.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
To request a surgical consultation with Dr Yannis please complete this form.
Alternatively, Call Us On 0344 692 1111
To book and enquire about buccal fat removal cost, our Patient Advisors are contactable via phone Monday to Friday from the hours of 10:00 – 18:00.
