Buccal Fat Extraction FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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What is Buccal Fat Extraction?
When can Buccal Fat Extraction be performed?
What does a typical Buccal Fat Extraction consultation entail?
How is Buccal Fat Extraction performed?
What should I expect post-operatively?
When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?
When will I be able to see the results?
What are the risks of Buccal Fat Extraction?
What is Arnica montana or Bromelain, I have heard these homeopathics reduce swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take?
Are the results permanent?

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1. What is Buccal Fat Extraction?

Buccal Fat Extraction is the removal of a portion of the buccal fat pads which is located in the mid to lower cheeks and is what gives us that plump or round-faced appearance so often described as "baby fat" but may be hereditary facial fullness.

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2. When can a Buccal Fat Extraction be performed?

Buccal fat removal has been performed as early as 18 to 50. It is usually not recommended in persons younger than 23 to 27 due to the natural fat loss which occurs as we reach our mid to late 20's and beyond. It is usually not necessary in persons over 50 as excessive facial fat loss is very common.

Excessive removal or early removal can create a gaunt appearance although fortunately fat grafting is quite beneficial to persons who have experienced facial gauntness.

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3. What does a typical Buccal Fat Extraction consultation entail?

Your surgeon will go over your options that can realistically attain your goals. You will discuss the risks and complications as well as anesthesia choices and fees. As well as what to expect post-operatively. This is the time where you can ask questions regarding your concerns and determine if this surgeon is for you. Do not be afraid to inquire about anything. Please see our Buccal Fat Extraction Section for more information.

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4. How is Buccal Fat Extraction performed?

Your surgeon will give you the agreed upon anesthesia choice and two incision will be made between your upper molars and inner cheek. Your surgeon will exert pressure on the outside of the cheek and removed small bits of fatty tissue a little at a time. You will be sutured up and a pressure dressing possibly applied. This is, of course, very summarized so please see our Buccal Fat Extraction Section for more information.

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5. What should I expect post-operatively?

You can expect to be sore and swollen and tender. Abide by your surgeons postoperative instructions and refrain from raw meats, and ascertain that all raw vegetables and fruits are washed thoroughly. You are prone to infections with intr-aoral incisions so extra care must be taken. You may be instructed to rinse your mouth with Listerine or salt water. You will be groggy the first day or so don't fight it - it is often best to help you sleep and forget any pain you may experience. You may become depressed afterward due to a common lull seen after surgery but it will or at least it should subside.

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6. When will the stitches be removed and does this hurt?

The sutures will be removed in approximately 5 to10 (sometimes 3 to 5) days. Your face will be swollen for the first few days - this is normal. The suture removal should not hurt extensively although your surgeon may feel around and this may hurt a little. The swelling should very much dissipate after the first two weeks.

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7. When will I be able to see the results?

It may take anywhere from 2 to 4 months to see the results after your swelling goes down so patience is quite necessary.

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8. What are the risks of Buccal Fat Extraction?

Unfortunately, all surgery has risks and complications. With buccal fat extraction, these include allergic reaction to the anesthetic used and infection. There is the chance of asymmetry, dissatisfaction, hematoma, seroma, infection, infraorbital nerve and buccal branch dysfunction.

Numbness is possible, it usually subsides within the first few weeks but it may become a permanent issue. Puckering of the skin may occur and deeper than desired depressions may result. Excess scar tissue and lumps are possible as well.

Last but not least, it is possible to appear gaunt if too much was taken out, or the procedure was performed before you lost much of your facial fat. This fat decreases with age and you may notice that you appear hollow about the cheeks in later years. Please consider this before you commit. Although facial fat grafting is becoming very popular and proving to have quite wonderful results. Please see our Buccal Fat Extraction Section for more information.

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9. What is Arnica montana or Bromelain, I have heard that these homeopathics reduce swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take?

also known as: Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane and Sneezewort
plant family: Asteraceae
type: Herbaceous perennial
parts used: Roots and flowers
description: Arnica montana or Leopard's Bane is a perennial herb, growing close to the ground. The leaves form a flat rosette, from the center of which rises a flower stalk, 1 to 2 feet high, bearing orange-yellow flowers. The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.
habitat: Indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures, although it has been found in England and Southern Scotland.
warning: This herb should NEVER be taken in raw form. This plant, like many medicinal plants if ingested, can cause intestinal bleeding, abdominal cramping and sickness. Homeopathy is the medicinal use of tinctures and suspensions using herbs and other plants and should never be consumed without proper preparation. Only respectable homeopathic remedies and tinctures should be consumed.

Bromelain
from the plant of the: Pineapple
also known as: Ananas, Nanas, Pina
plant family: Bromeliaceae
type: herbaceous perennial
parts used: mostly in the stems of pineapples, but some fruit is used as well.
description: 2 1/2 to 5 ft. high with a spread of 3 to 4 ft. The plant is like a thick stem with a rosette of wide, waxy leaves. These pointed green, red, and white/off white striped leaves are approximately 18 - 70 inches long and graced with a spiny needle-like tip. The plant produces a sweet to tangy and sometimes sour fruit that is yellow to white in color. The unpeeled fruit is brownish with a hard, spiky covering and a large green sprout from it crown. The fruit is shaped like a coffee can with rounded ends and is about 10-12 inches long usually when considered prime and may even weigh up to 10 lbs.

habitat: Indigenous to southern Brazil and Paraguay, The fruit is now grown all over in green houses and in the fields of Spain, Guatemala, Hawaii and more. The pineapple is a tropical plant and thrives in hot, humid places. Although it can survive cold snaps, it is not recommended for the more northern areas if intended to be grown outdoors.

Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory formula containing the proteolytic enzyme from the stems of pineapples. Proteolytic enzymes are capable of dissolving proteins. It is most often used after sports injuries, to relive edema and after surgical procedures to help with swelling.

ALWAYS ASK YOUR SURGEON FIRST BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION.

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10. Are the results permanent?

It is permanent yes, although if you have marked fat gain you may notice your cheeks puff back up. Fat cells enlarge and are capable of enlarging very much. But usually without substantial fat gain the buccal fat pads do not return unless you reach 200% of your ideal body weight. After 200% of your ideal, new fat cells form. However, any remaining fat cells can and will expand if you gain weight.

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