Silk Touch Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa - Blog

Buccal fat pad removal is one of the new procedures we are excited to announce at Silk Touch Cosmetic Surgery and Medspa. With this procedure also being relatively new to the Boise area, there is a lot to learn about what buccal fat pad removal is and what to expect from the surgery—more specifically what you can expect from the recovery process.

Post-op Instructions 

The buccal fat pad removal procedure takes about an hour to complete. Due to the use of anesthesia, you should arrange to have someone drive you home following your procedure. Though there may be swelling and bruising, you should be able to return to most activities within a day, and all activities after 5 to 7 days. Patients may experience mild to moderate pain following the procedure which may be treated with prescribed medication from the doctor. A diet of soft foods and liquid shakes high in protein is recommended for the first week of recovery.

Procedure Downtime

Compared to some of our other surgeries, buccal fat pad removal has little downtime. Most of the swelling should subside within 2-4 weeks, and patients will see continued sharpening of facial contour for up to a year after receiving buccal fat pad removal. Patients may also experience some muscle tightness in the jaw following their procedure. Because the incisions are made on the inside of the cheeks, there are no visible scars.

If you are interested in learning more about buccal fat pad removal visit our website or call us at 208-939-3110 to schedule your complementary consultation.

Have you ever noticed that some people naturally have more contour to their face while others have more of a rounder shape? Those with naturally round cheeks may benefit from the contouring effects of buccal fat pad removal. 

What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal 

Buccal fat pad removal surgery is the removal of the mass of fat that is located in the hollows of the cheeks. This fat is naturally-occurring and can impact the shape of the face. The size of the buccal fat pad varies from person to person, and is typically not removed from individuals with thin or narrow faces. This procedure can be especially beneficial to those who feel their faces have a too full, or chubby look to them.

To remove the buccal fat pads, incisions are made on the inside of the mouth. The fat is then removed and sutures are used to close the incisions. Liposuction does not work to remove this kind of fat due to the buccal fat pad being located underneath the muscle. Because the incisions are made on the inside of the mouth, there are no visible scars. The results of the procedure leave the patient with a more contoured and youthful face shape.

Non surgical treatment alternatives would be facial contouring using fillers, though not everyone is a candidate for contouring with fillers - as sometimes this can make the face look rounder. We suggest scheduling a consultation with our injectors if you are interested in this treatment to determine candidacy. 

Do you think you can benefit from buccal fat pad removal? Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Nealy today!

Check out our website to learn more or give us a call at 208-939-3110 to schedule your free consultation.