Buccal Fat Removal

Woman touching face - Buccal Fat Removal in Columbus by Smith Facial Plastics

When you look in the mirror, there may be aspects of your appearance that have often been the cause of insecurity. Buccal fat, the lower part of your cheek above your jawline, can sometimes give the face a more padded look. If you are concerned about this and desire a more sculpted cheek and jawline, a Buccal Fat Removal procedure could be the route to achieve this. There is nowhere else in Columbus, OH, that will take better care of your cosmetic and plastic surgery needs than brothers Dr. Stephen P. Smith, Jr. and Dr. Scott Smith, double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons who can deliver world-class results, allowing you to look and feel your best.


What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat is fat between your cheekbones and jawbones in your face. These fat pads help make up the shape of your face. Everyone has buccal fat, but some people have more than others. Buccal fat removal is a surgery to remove the fat in this area of your face. This can highlight the bone structure in your face, especially your cheekbones and the hollowed-out areas between your cheeks and jawline. The procedure is also sometimes called a cheek reduction. Buccal fat removal surgery is a type of plastic surgery.


What are the benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?

  • Better facial symmetry
  • Creates a more slender, v-shaped contour in the lower portion of your face
  • Enhances the appearance of high cheekbones
  • Improved cheek and jawline definition
  • Less excessive fullness in the cheeks
  • No visible scarring

Who are the best candidates for the Buccal Fat Removal procedure?

The best candidates for a Columbus Buccal Fat Removal from Smith Facial Plastics are patients who have carefully thought through the procedure and made this decision alongside one of our surgeons. The best candidates for this procedure are people who are generally healthy, have a realistic goal in mind, and have a stable weight. Several factors may make you a poor candidate for Buccal Fat Removal, so it’s best to book a consultation with our surgeons. If you’re considering having a buccal fat removal, spend some time reviewing surgery photos and learning about what to expect during recovery. Preparation ahead of time helps patients have reasonable expectations and a smoother recovery.


Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

Before leaving, you will be given a list of post-operative instructions designed to make your recovery smooth and pain-free. Patients are advised to avoid interfering with the sutures inside their mouth and cheek with their tongue. Therefore, you may be instructed to stay on a liquid diet for several days. Dr. Smith may also prescribe you a mouth rinse to reduce the risk of infection. Some things you can expect after surgery:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Numbness at the incision sites

These should gradually fade as your body heals. Healing time is usually about three weeks. It will take time β€” typically several months β€” before you’ll see the final results.


How much does Buccal Fat Removal cost in Columbus, OH?

The cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Columbus varies based on several factors:

  • Amount of fat being removed
  • The time estimated for the procedure
  • The type of anesthesia being administered

When you discuss your options during your consultation, our team will individually assess your procedure to determine your cost. We offer financing options for all our patients to make this procedure more affordable and accessible.


What’s the first step?

The first step to getting a Buccal Fat Removal procedure is to call our clinic in Columbus, OH, and book a consultation with Dr. Stephen Smith or Dr. Scott Smith. Our patient coordinator will take your details and guide you through the process. During your consultation, it will be explained what a buccal fat removal procedure is, what it does, and how it can benefit you. The benefits and risks will be discussed, allowing you to ask questions to make an informed decision.


Why choose Smith Facial Plastics?

Smith Facial Plastics is owned and operated by brothers Stephen P. Smith, Jr., M.D., and Scott Smith, M.D. As fourth-generation, double-board-certified Central Ohio surgeons, they are committed to providing the highest quality results paired with personalized care. Dr. Scott Smith and Dr. Stephen Smith are members of AAFPRS (American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery). They are committed to helping patients achieve their desired overall appearance and confidence.


Schedule your consultation

To schedule your consultation for buccal fat removal, call our clinic today at 614-245-4263. You can also get in touch by visiting the Contact Form on our website. When you reach the practice, our patient coordinator will book your consultation and give you all the information you need before your appointment. Visit Smith Facial Plastics to start your journey to achieving your best look yet.


Buccal Fat Removal FAQs

Your Buccal Fat Removal Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Is Buccal Fat Removal painful?

This procedure is performed using either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia to ensure you do not feel pain during the surgery. After it is completed and the anesthesia wears off, you can expect discomfort as the sutures heal. For your recovery period, medication will be prescribed, and you will be advised on how to take care of your sutures. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases. By following our post-operative instructions, you can minimize pain and aid in your recovery.

How many appointments will I need?

A Buccal Fat Removal is typically completed in one appointment if it is not being combined with another procedure. We usually schedule a follow-up appointment after a few weeks for Dr. Smith to check your progress and ensure you are healing properly.

How long until I see results?

The final results of Buccal Fat Removal in Columbus may be initially obscured by swelling. You may take several months to see the final results as your cheeks gradually contour to their new appearance. The cheeks should appear less full or chubby in postop results. Following post-operative instructions will also aid in your ability to see results faster.

Can I combine Buccal Fat Removal with other procedures?

Yes, you can combine a Buccal Fat Removal with another procedure, and we recommend discussing your options with Dr. Smith during your consultation. Some patients have combined buccal fat removal with a Facelift or a Facial Fat Transfer. Dr. Smith carefully determines each combination by assessing what will yield the most effective results for you safely. Be advised that combining a buccal fat removal with another procedure will adjust your final cost and the time required for surgery.

What are the risks associated with Buccal Fat Removal?

With any surgical procedure, there are risks associated. It is essential to take the time to think through these and discuss them with Dr. Smith before making your final decisions. Some of the risks may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Injury to a salivary duct
  • Damage to branches of the facial nerve, resulting in temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness
  • Numbness or other changes in sensation
  • Persistent pain
  • Poor healing of incisions
  • Possibility of revisional surgery
  • Prolonged swelling
  • Less than satisfactory aesthetic results

These risks and others will be thoroughly discussed before your consent. You must address all your questions directly with Dr. Smith so that you can make an informed decision.

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