Surgical Procedure Insight: Buccal Fat Elimination Surgery
In the world of cosmetic surgeries, one procedure that has gained popularity is buccal fat removal. This elective surgery, also known as cheek reduction, buccal lipectomy, or cheek fat removal, targets the buccal fat pads located between each cheekbone and jaw.
Devin McSween, a psychology graduate and staff writer, has contributed to several manuscripts on this topic. He sheds light on the pros and cons of this surgery, its ideal candidates, and the long-term effects on facial structure.
For those considering the procedure, it's crucial to research board-certified plastic surgeons, schedule a consultation, and go prepared to discuss health history, surgical history, and medications. Good candidates are healthy, at a stable weight, and have full cheeks, while those with narrow, slim faces with little cheek fat may not be good candidates.
The benefits of buccal fat removal are numerous. The surgery can slim down the face, highlight bone structure, and provide a fast procedure with no visible scars. It's worth noting that buccal fat can naturally decrease as you age or lose weight, but the extent varies from person to person.
However, the procedure also comes with potential drawbacks. The risk of asymmetry or a prematurely aged appearance is possible, as it's possible for your surgeon to remove a different amount of buccal fat from both cheeks or remove an excessive amount.
The surgery itself involves receiving local anesthesia and a small incision in the mouth, typically taking 30 to 40 minutes to complete. Recovery is relatively quick, with swelling and discomfort resolving in days to weeks, and final cheek contour results visible after swelling subsides.
Long-term effects of buccal fat removal on facial structure generally include a permanent reduction of cheek fullness, leading to a slimmer, more sculpted, and defined appearance with more prominent cheekbones. However, natural aging can lead to concerns, as the buccal fat provides youthful facial volume. Over time, as the face naturally loses volume and skin elasticity decreases, the absence of buccal fat can contribute to a hollowed, gaunt, or prematurely aged look in some individuals.
Prospective patients should weigh the desire for a slimmer face with the possible risk of a gaunt appearance later in life and discuss these factors with an experienced surgeon. It's essential to remember that everyone's body responds differently to surgery and ageing, and results may vary.
The cost of buccal fat removal typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, not including other associated costs like anesthesia and facility fees. Other ways to achieve a slimmer face include contouring and highlighting your cheekbones with makeup, losing excess fat through diet and exercise, or opting for a different cosmetic procedure like fillers, cheekbone and jawbone implants, or a midface lift/cheek lift.
In conclusion, while buccal fat removal provides permanent facial slimming and enhanced cheek definition, over the long term, it may accentuate facial hollowing and aging signs due to the natural volume loss in the face that occurs with age. It's crucial for potential patients to consider these factors before making a decision and to discuss their concerns with an experienced surgeon.
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[The article was co-authored by Devin McSween, a staff writer at a specific website.]
- Education in the field of health and wellness should include understanding the benefits and drawbacks of cosmetic procedures like buccal fat removal, an elective surgery for facial slimming.
- Science has shown that buccal fat removal can lead to a more sculpted appearance with permanent cheek slimming, but it's important to consider the long-term effects on facial structure, such as potential facial hollowing and aging signs.
- Good health, a stable weight, and full cheeks are ideal criteria for candidates considering buccal fat removal, a procedure involving a small incision in the mouth and local anesthesia, with recovery lasting days to weeks.
- For those seeking a slimmer face, home solutions like contouring makeup or weight loss through diet and exercise can be considered alternative methods, while more extensive cosmetic procedures like fillers, implants, or lifts might also be explored with professional advice.
