Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure where the buccal fat pad is removed either partially or completely, so giving rise to permanent results which may be noticed immediately. With the removal of significant collections of fat from the lower face, it is possible to achieve a more slender and defined lower facial shape with particular emphasis on the jawline. It is also a very popular trend on social media and several celebrities have had the procedure.
Like many trends on social media, this procedure is not to be taken lightly. It is invasive and requires sedation and a local anaesthesia as well as a very skilled pair of surgical hands to achieve.
The Buccal fat pad is a mass of tissue located deep within the cheek and is removed by making an incision either side of the inside of the mouth. The aim is to produce more sculpted, defined cheekbones.
- The results are permanent so any over-correction or if there is any dissatisfaction with the results is pretty much impossible to correct.
- The procedure can cause hollow cheeks with the onset of age if over-done. That such is the case, would not be revealed until much later in life.
- There is a risk of cheek asymmetry
- Other risks include damage to the salivary ducts and (rarely) facial nerve damage.
Ideally, those who may (that's "may") be suitable are aged between mid 20's and 40 and wish to get rid of things such as "chipmunk cheeks"and the procedure helps produce a more chiselled appearance.
After the procedure, it is common to experience a mild discomfort and associated swelling of the face though this should settle within 2 weeks. The appearance of the cheeks will start to look thinner and have more definition once the swelling has settled and there will be no visible scarring as the incisions are made inside the mouth. Final results should start to appear after about 4 weeks to 12 weeks and will continue to improve with time as the swelling fully settles. The incisions inside the mouth require about 7-10 days to fully heal.
Cost? Between £3,000 and £5,000. This is also a procedure which requires very, very skilled hands so check the qualifications and background of any surgeon. Remember, it is permanent and realistically, mistakes cannot be rectified!
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