Introduction to Buccal Fat Removal

“Chipmunk cheeks” may be considered cute when you’re a kid, but many individuals want a more sculpted facial appearance the older they get. Buccal fat refers to the extra fat on either side of the face in the lower cheeks, with excess buccal fat often resulting in a “baby face” for some patients, while perfectly complimenting others. If you feel that your face looks less mature, or a bit younger or rounder than you’d like it to, it’s quite likely that overly large buccal fat pads are contributing to that appearance and that buccal fat removal or reduction could be a great procedure for you. When patients desire to have a slimmer cheek region, Buccal Fat Removal in Miami from Dr. Michael Keyes can be a perfect solution. Learn more about this surgery and how it could help you below.

What is a Buccal Fat Removal?

A Buccal Fat Removal (sometimes called a cheek reduction or Bichectomy) is a surgical procedure that removes the buccal fat pad, a naturally occurring pad of fat in the hollow area between your cheekbones and jawbones that helps make up the shape of your face.

Patients love buccal fat removal surgery because they can achieve natural-looking facial contouring with no scars and minimal downtime. This procedure can be performed under both local and general anesthesia and uses small incisions made through the mouth (intra-oral) to completely remove the portion of the buccal fat pad residing in the cheek. This particular fat does not grow back regardless of weight fluctuations. The result is long-lasting lower facial contouring and no more “baby face.”

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What are the benefits of a Buccal Fat Removal?

Some of the major benefits our Miami Buccal Fat Removal patients have seen from their treatment include:

  • A more balanced overall facial shape: Sometimes, rounder faces can seem off-centered, so with buccal fat removal, Dr. Keyes can sculpt your cheeks for a more harmonious facial appearance.
  • Enhanced appearance of high cheekbones: High cheekbones are widely considered to be an attractive feature. Eliminating excess buccal fat can give the appearance of elevated cheekbones.
  • Improved definition of the cheeks and jawline: Removing excess buccal fat can help define the lower half of your face better.
  • No visible scarring: Since Dr. Keyes performs the surgery inside your mouth, there will be no visible scars.
  • Reduce excessive cheek fullness: “Chipmunk Cheeks” is a cute name as a kid, but it can be embarrassing as you get more mature. Buccal fat removal can make your cheeks look harmonious with your face.

By removing the buccal fat on your face through surgery, you will refine and define your appearance, giving it a slimmer overall look. Dr. Keyes is extremely careful not to over-resect the buccal fat pad, which would lead to a hollow, aged appearance.

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

The best candidates for Buccal Fat Removal in Miami are patients who have carefully thought through the procedure and made this decision for themselves. The best candidates for this procedure are people who are generally healthy, have a realistic goal in mind, and have a stable weight.

You may not be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if your face is narrow or if you’re over a certain age, as buccal fat naturally diminishes with age. 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.

Ultimately, it will be under Dr. Keyes’s discretion whether or not buccal fat removal is the right procedure for you. Depending on your needs, he may suggest Liposuction or Jawline Filler instead.

What’s the First Step?

The first step on the road to your Buccal fat removal surgery is to schedule a meeting with our Patient Care Coordinator, who will listen to your aesthetic goals and your eligibility. After this session, you will be able to meet with Dr. Keyes who will explain what buccal fat removal involves. He will assess your desired outcomes and determine whether you are the right candidate for this procedure. Your consultation session is also your opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you have. Upon completion of the assessment, our PCC will be able to confirm the price for your surgery.

What to expect on the day of Buccal Fat Removal surgery

Before arriving at our clinic, Dr. Keyes will give you specific pre-operative instructions to prepare you for the buccal fat removal surgery. It is important to follow these steps to ensure a successful procedure. On the day of your surgery, you will meet with Dr. Michael Keyes once more to review your procedure one more time. He will make the necessary marks that will help guide him throughout your surgery, as well as give you a better idea of what your results will look like. You will also meet with our Anesthesiologist who will administer your anesthesia so your Buccal Fat Removal is more tolerable.

The first step in buccal fat removal is to administer a type of anesthesia. Dr. Keyes can perform this procedure under intravenous sedation, local anesthesia, and general anesthesia, and will advise the best type for you. The second step is to make the incision, which was determined during your consultation where Dr. Keyes mapped out the exact area he will be working on. A buccal fat removal surgery requires an incision on the inside of the mouth, and the inner portion of your cheek.

Once the fat has been removed and each side of your face is symmetrical, Dr. Keyes will move on to the final step, closing the incision. Sutures will be used to close the incisions inside your mouth. These sutures are made of a dissolvable material and will naturally be absorbed by your body over time.

Procedure Timeline

  • Contact

    The first step to getting your Bichectomy is to contact Celebrity Plastics and schedule a consultation. Before you consult with Dr. Keyes, you will need to meet our Patient Care Coordinator to discuss your aesthetic goals and eligibility.

    Contact

    The first step to getting your Bichectomy is to contact Celebrity Plastics and schedule a consultation. Before you consult with Dr. Keyes, you will need to meet our Patient Care Coordinator to discuss your aesthetic goals and eligibility.

  • Consultation

    When you come into Celebrity Plastics for your appointment with Dr. Keyes, he will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts. Once cleared by Dr. Keyes you will talk to our Patient Care Coordinator who will pick a surgery date with you after an initial deposit.

    Consultation

    When you come into Celebrity Plastics for your appointment with Dr. Keyes, he will evaluate your health and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts. Once cleared by Dr. Keyes you will talk to our Patient Care Coordinator who will pick a surgery date with you after an initial deposit.

  • Pre-operative preparation

    Before your surgery for buccal fat removal, Dr. Keyes and his team will go over a list of instructions to prepare you for the procedure. You will also be required to get some lab work performed, such as a blood test and an EKG, to ensure that there are no underlying health issues that create unnecessary risks. We do offer these tests at our facility for a small fee. You should also supplement your diet with high-protein shakes in the days leading up to your procedure. You are also strongly encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes quitting smoking and consuming alcohol. You will also need to have your prescriptions filled before your surgical day and bring them in with you.

    Pre-operative preparation

    Before your surgery for buccal fat removal, Dr. Keyes and his team will go over a list of instructions to prepare you for the procedure. You will also be required to get some lab work performed, such as a blood test and an EKG, to ensure that there are no underlying health issues that create unnecessary risks. We do offer these tests at our facility for a small fee. You should also supplement your diet with high-protein shakes in the days leading up to your procedure. You are also strongly encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes quitting smoking and consuming alcohol. You will also need to have your prescriptions filled before your surgical day and bring them in with you.

  • Surgery

    When you arrive, Dr. Keyes and our Anesthesiologist will speak with you to go over the details with you and answer any lingering questions you may have. Dr. Keyes will also take this time to make any markings he will use as a guide for your procedure before sending you to the Operating Room. The buccal fat removal surgery begins with the administration of local or general anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort. Dr. Keyes will make small incisions inside the cheeks, remove the buccal fat pads, and then close the incision using a type of suture. The buccal fat removal surgery typically takes up to an hour in total.

    Surgery

    When you arrive, Dr. Keyes and our Anesthesiologist will speak with you to go over the details with you and answer any lingering questions you may have. Dr. Keyes will also take this time to make any markings he will use as a guide for your procedure before sending you to the Operating Room. The buccal fat removal surgery begins with the administration of local or general anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort. Dr. Keyes will make small incisions inside the cheeks, remove the buccal fat pads, and then close the incision using a type of suture. The buccal fat removal surgery typically takes up to an hour in total.

  • Recovery

    The recovery period after your buccal fat removal surgery is very important. It is normal to experience side effects such as bruising, swelling, and discomfort for a few days or up to a week after your surgery. You will be advised to refrain from eating solid foods for a while and be on a soft diet until the incision and sutures are completely healed. Dr. Keyes will also prescribe you a medicated mouthwash that you will need to continue to use until the bottle is empty.

    Recovery

    The recovery period after your buccal fat removal surgery is very important. It is normal to experience side effects such as bruising, swelling, and discomfort for a few days or up to a week after your surgery. You will be advised to refrain from eating solid foods for a while and be on a soft diet until the incision and sutures are completely healed. Dr. Keyes will also prescribe you a medicated mouthwash that you will need to continue to use until the bottle is empty.

  • Post-operative appointments

    The day after your Buccal Fat Removal, you will need to return so a nurse can observe your initial healing and change any bandages if needed. Dr. Keyes will then have you return about a week post-surgery so he can monitor your recovery and remove any stitches and bandages. You can expect another appointment about a month or two later, followed by another one three months post-surgery, then again six months later.

    Post-operative appointments

    The day after your Buccal Fat Removal, you will need to return so a nurse can observe your initial healing and change any bandages if needed. Dr. Keyes will then have you return about a week post-surgery so he can monitor your recovery and remove any stitches and bandages. You can expect another appointment about a month or two later, followed by another one three months post-surgery, then again six months later.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

Before leaving our clinic, you will be given a list of post-operative instructions designed to make your recovery smooth and pain-free. The first advice Dr. Keyes will give you is to avoid interfering with the sutures on the inside of your mouth and the cheek with your tongue. Therefore, you will be instructed to stay on a soft diet for several days or longer. Dr. Keyes will also instruct you on special medicated mouth rinses 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 — usually several months — before you’ll see the final results.

Visit Celebrity Plastics E-Store to view recommended Buccal Fat Removal recovery products.

How much does a Buccal Fat Removal cost in Miami, FL?

The cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Miami, FL, ranges between $3,499 and $6,599. The total price can vary based on factors such as the patient’s individual goals and medical needs. We recommend scheduling a consultation with Buccal Fat Removal expert Dr. Michael Keyes for a personalized cost estimate and detailed information about the procedure. During your consultation, our patient coordinator will provide a customized quote and answer any questions you may have regarding breast augmentation. We offer financing options for all our patients, to make this procedure more affordable and accessible. The procedure itself lasts about 1-1.5 hours.

The price range and procedure durations are only estimates; the final quote is provided after the consultation with Dr. Keyes. The price does not include anesthesia or facility fees. Fill out the short application below for a FREE Surgical Financing Consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Keyes?

People come to see Dr. Keyes for his skill as a plastic and cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Keyes is a master at giving all his patients the body they desire with techniques and procedures that allow you to feel like a million dollars. Our calm and elegant clinic design will make you feel at home, as we know getting surgery is a big decision. Dr. Keyes and his staff treat every patient like family and work to ensure you feel comfortable and happy with your results.

Buccal Fat Removal FAQs

YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED BY THE BEST IN MIAMI

Is Buccal Fat Removal Painful?

This procedure is performed using either intravenous sedation, local anesthesia, 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 to feel some discomfort as the sutures heal. For your recovery period, Dr. Keyes will recommend medication that will aid in your healing, and advise on how to take care of your sutures. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases. By following Dr. Keyes’ post-operative instructions, you will be able to minimize pain and aid in your recovery.Dr. Keyes and his team follow the ERAS protocol with every one of our procedures to provide our patients with the most comfortable and successful experience possible. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are proven to help with physical recovery after surgical procedures by maintaining organ function and reducing the profound stress response following surgery. The primary components of ERAS include:Pain controlNausea preventionRegional anesthesiaAnti-inflammatory medicinesReducing surgical infectionsActivity after surgery

How many appointments will I need?

A Buccal Fat Removal is completed in one appointment. You will need to come in the next day for a follow-up with one of our nurses who will assess your initial recovery and change out bandages if need be. A week following this appointment, you will meet with Dr. Keyes so he can observe your progress and ensure you are healing as expected. You can expect a few more follow-ups over the next year to ensure you are satisfied with your results and have healed healthily.

Can Buccal Fat Removal be reversed?

A Buccal Fat Removal procedure is permanent, as the fat removed from the lower cheek areas does not typically regenerate. If anything, they reduce in size and volume over time due to age and natural body development. To reverse a buccal fat removal procedure, would require another invasive surgery. Fat would need to be grafted from another area in the body and surgically placed in the lower cheek area. Dr. Keyes is very careful to avoid over-resecting (removal) the buccal fat and keeping your appearance natural.

Surgery is a major decision and it is very personal. For this reason, and to prevent any possible regrets, we recommend thoroughly discussing the buccal fat removal with Dr. Keyes and weighing up the long-term results, so that you can make an informed decision before going under the knife.

Can I combine a 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. Keyes during your consultation. Some patients have combined buccal fat removal with afaceliftor a facial fat transfer. Each combination is carefully determined by Dr. Keyes 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 as well as the actual time required for surgery.

What are the risks associated with a Buccal Fat Removal?

With any surgical procedure, there are risks associated. It is important to take the time to think through these and discuss them with Dr. Keyes, before making your final decisions. While complications with Buccal Fat Removal are exceedingly rare, some of the risks may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Injury to a salivary duct
  • Injury 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 fully discussed before your consent. You must address all your questions directly with Dr. Keyes before deciding on a buccal fat removal procedure.