202-301-8861
Facial structure plays a considerable role in how we see ourselves. The curves, angles, and fullness of the face can impact not only appearance but also confidence. When your reflection doesn’t make you feel fully like yourself, seeking options that align with your vision is normal. Buccal fat removal is one such option that we offer at CabinMD. If you’re thinking, “What is buccal fat removal?” then settle in and grab some popcorn because we’re excited to tell you!
What Is Buccal Fat?
Buccal fat is one of the many features that can add to the face’s character and shape. For some people, buccal fat adds a natural fullness to the cheeks, giving the face a soft, rounded appearance. Others might have less buccal fat, creating a more angled or defined look.
Benefits of Removing Buccal Fat
Buccal fat doesn’t change much with weight, and tends to be stable or grow larger with age, so buccal fat removal is popular with people looking for a bit more definition in their facial features. For those with fuller cheeks, this natural fat can sometimes give a rounder look that softens the angles of the face. Reducing buccal fat can create a more contoured lower face, leading to a discreet yet powerful and leaner look that highlights each person’s unique features.
But It’s Not Just About Looking Slim
As you age, buccal fat pads can become more prominent, through change in position or size, and sometimes create added fullness in areas that were once more defined. Gravity can cause these fat pads to shift downward over time, moving from the mid-cheek area to a lower position, which can change the shape of the face and add roundness and shadowing. This shift often softens the angles of the cheekbones and jawline, creating a heavier look in the lower face. Selectively reducing buccal fat makes subtle adjustments possible that restore or maintain your beauty by allowing the cheekbones and jawline to stand out.
The Buccal Fat Removal Process
Buccal fat removal is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that can reshape your cheeks with minimal downtime.
- Incisions Inside the Mouth: Dr. Cabin begins by making small, hidden incisions inside your mouth near the upper molars. This placement keeps any scarring out of sight, so you can enjoy your new look without any lasting evidence of surgery.
- Precise Fat Removal: Dr. Cabin carefully removes a controlled amount of buccal fat through these tiny incisions. This step is highly customized—only just enough fat is removed to enhance the contours of your face while still preserving a soft, elegant look. The goal is a slight refinement rather than an overly hollow or dramatic effect, allowing what makes you, you, to shine through.
- Closing the Incisions: The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. These stitches don’t require a follow-up appointment for removal, and they gradually disappear on their own, further simplifying your recovery process.
- Quick Recovery: Mild swelling and tenderness are typical in the first few days. However, most patients can return to their regular routines quickly. Full results appear as swelling subsides, which can take up to 6 weeks.
Can It Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes! Patients frequently combine buccal fat removal with other procedures to achieve a proportional, streamlined look. There are several reasons why doing multiple treatments at once might be appealing:
- Saving Money: Combining treatments can reduce overall costs since you’ll only pay for certain surgical fees (like anesthesia) once.
- Minimizing Downtime: By addressing multiple areas in one session, you go through a single recovery period instead of multiple rounds of healing.
- Saving Time: You can achieve your aesthetic goals with fewer visits for planning, procedures, and recovery follow-ups.
- Creating a Cohesive Look: Planning and coordinating various services at CabinMD allows for a more harmonious appearance, especially if you’re targeting areas that work together to define your face.
Popular Procedures To Pair With A Buccal Fat Removal
- Face or Neck Liposuction: Removing extra fat in the lower face or neck can accentuate the slimming effect of buccal fat removal, providing a more sculpted jawline and neck contour.
- Chin Augmentation: Adding volume or structure to the chin can balance out the face and highlight the definition created by buccal fat removal.
- Mini-Facelift or Full Facelift: These lift procedures target sagging in the mid-to-lower face, creating a youthful look that complements the contouring achieved through buccal fat reduction.
- Neck Lift: For those concerned about skin laxity or fullness around the neck, a neck lift can pair well with buccal fat removal, creating a smoother, more defined profile.
Find Out If Buccal Fat Is Right For You Today
At CabinMD, we deliver natural, personalized results that complement your unique features. If you’re considering buccal fat removal to achieve a more defined, contoured look, Dr. Jonathan Cabin and his expert team in Washington, DC, are here to help. Call (202) 301-8861 or fill out our online form here to take the first step to fall in love with your appearance again. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and learn how buccal fat removal can enhance your confidence today!