Buccal fat pad reduction (also called Bichat’s fat pad) is a common cosmetic facial surgery procedure that is performed to slim the cheeks or face. I never recommend removing all the fat, Dr. Nabil Fakih only reduce it.
The buccal fat pads (buccal refers to the Latin word Bucca meaning cheek) are walnut sized fat deposits deep in the cheeks. These fat masses are located in the cheek between the nostril and corner of the mouth. Their function is to assist nursing in infants or to provide a smooth gliding plane for the jaw muscles. It is the large buccal fat pads that give infants and young children the cheeks that grandma likes to pinch. It is also the atrophy of these areas that cause the gaunt faces of anorexia, HIV or starvation.
Need more information?
If you would like to learn more about having a buccal fat pad reduction that will suit you best, we invite you to meet with Dr. Nabil Fakih for a private consultation at our office.
Please contact us to schedule an initial consultation with Dr.Nabil Fakih to make an appointment.
It is designed to create a more sculpted facial contour or chiseled look. The cheek bones are highlighted by buccal fat pad removal reducing the cherubic, soft and round, appearance. Excess buccal fat is usually a hereditary condition that will not respond to weight loss.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
• Very full and round face
• Large Buccal Fat Pads
FAT REDUCTION ADVANTAGES
• Better well-shaped face
* Slim face
* Enhanced cheek area
FAT REDUCTION TECHNIQUES
• Classical Technique
• New Modified Technique
LIPOSUCTION STATS
• Length: 20 minutes
• Back to Work:
1 to 5 days
• Return to Exercise:
7 days (light cardio),
2 weeks (more strenuous)
Who is a candidate for Buccal Fat Pad Reduction?
Some patients have a very full and round face, in part from large buccal fat pads. The buccal fat pad is a large unit with mass in the temple region, the cheek region and the pterygoid region (back of the upper jaw). There is no indication to remove the entire buccal fat pad and it is the cheek region that is most frequently reduced. I always warn about total removal as it will slim the face, but a decade later can lead to a very gaunt and unhealthy appearance. I most commonly see patients requesting buccal fat reduction that have chubby faces in relation to the rest of their body. It is frequently hereditary.
What should I expect from my consultation?
During your consultation, you will learn about the surgery and discuss your needs and concerns. Dr. Nabil Fakih will carefully examine your face to assess the shape and detect asymmetries and determine what type of procedure would best maximize your result. After your consultation we will take photographs for your medical record and we will discuss the surgery fees and scheduling dates. You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. Also provide information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take.
Buccal Fat Pad Reduction Technique
Dr. Nabil Fakih does the new modified technique of buccal fat pad surgery which is safer and better to remove the buccal fat pad with incision inside the mouth. The fat is located by making a small incisions on the inside of the mouth. The surgeon then locates the buccal extension of the fat pad which is generally very plentiful and protrudes into the mouth. The amount of fat to be removed is determined and the fat pad is removed using a radiofrequency laser device. After the fat is removed the small incisions are closed with dissolving sutures.
What to avoid before surgery?
It is vitally important to avoid all blood thinning medications/supplements for 2 weeks prior to surgery. This includes any aspirin or aspirin-containing products as well as any anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen. It is generally fine to be take Tylenol (Acetaminophen). Avoid supplements such as Vitamin E including multi vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids such as fish oil and flax seed oil. You will be given a complete list of medications/supplements to avoid at your pre op. All these medications can contribute to bleeding problems following surgery and can increase the amount of bruising.
Recovery
The recovery is generally 7 days and some patients swell significantly while others don’t. Although the result is immediately noticeable, the final result won’t be evident for several weeks when all swelling is gone. This procedure will generally produce a slimming of the buccal area. The procedure takes about 10 minutes per side and is performed with IV anesthesia or local anesthesia. This procedure may be performed with other cosmetic facial procedures such as facial implants, liposuction, or facelift surgery.
Why Dr. Nabil Fakih?
Make sure a qualified doctor is performing your surgery. In addition to Dr. Nabil Fakih 's expertise, we offer an integrated pre-surgical, intra-surgical and post-surgical care, so as to optimize healing, we offer several technologies to our patients for an enhanced optimum recovery. We have implemented a specific-low-bruise-anesthesia during surgery to guarantee less bruising post-surgery, detailed suturing under 2.5x Loop vision for optimal aesthetic effect, toxin injection for the incision for better scar healing, Aerolase Neo to reduce bruising & incision redness, Aerolase EraPeel to blur any visible scar in case is needed, and finally Vitamindrip Boosterheal for a faster recovery.
