Transform and Refine Your Facial Appearance.
Buccal fat removal can be one of the most transformative facial plastic surgeries. Babies and children with chubby cheeks are considered adorable. But most adults prefer a defined facial appearance that’s affected when fat pads remain in the cheeks.
Patients requesting cheek reduction surgery typically feel self-conscious about excess “chubbiness” in their facial appearance. The innovative surgical procedure that’s available provides a more angular, sculpted appearance, highlighting your natural beauty. It’s performed from the inside, so there’s no scarring, discomfort is generally minimal, and it’s done on an outpatient basis. Dr. Susan Tan of Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery is one of the top-rated providers of buccal fat removal Honolulu offers.
Cheek fat reduction and sculpting highlight and beautify your face.
Specifically, buccal fat removal enhances and improves your facial definition. It improves cheekbone definition and gives contour to your jawline. They are noticeable changes that refine and improve your appearance without scarring. It’s a wonderful way to give yourself a self-confidence boost.
If you look in the mirror and want to improve what you see, it’s a great idea to make an appointment with Dr. Tan for an initial consultation. Whether you want to have cheek fat reduction surgery or any other cosmetic procedure, learning more about your options is the first step.
Once you remove buccal fat, you’ll enjoy long-term improvement as long as you maintain a steady weight. Ask to see before and after images of others who have had the procedure to understand the potential appearance enhancement better. Dr. Tan is always careful to produce natural-looking results.
The surgery is an excellent way to improve your facial appearance and may be performed with other cosmetic procedures. Results are unique to each patient and depend on your needs.
Cheek reduction surgery requires only small incisions inside your mouth, so there is no scarring, and stitches are generally dissolvable. During the procedure, Dr. Tan identifies and targets specific fat pads for removal – the ones that will most improve your appearance.
During your initial consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals that lead to a personalized treatment plan. Because the buccal fat removal procedure is quick and relatively painful, most patients elect to have it performed under local anesthesia.
The fat deposits removed in a buccal lipectomy are located below the cheekbones and next to your mouth. They are encapsulated fat masses that naturally occur between your cheek muscles. There are three lobes, each containing fatty deposits.
Because chubby cheeks are associated with babies and children, some people wonder if removing buccal fat will age their appearance. The answer is no because more contoured and refined cheeks enhance your facial appearance making you look younger and more beautiful.
Customarily, candidates for cheek fat reduction are between 18 and 35, but the procedure is available to other people based on individual needs. Dr. Tan is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Oahu and can explain your options; she provides the most effective buccal fat removal Honolulu offers.
Some people like the shape of their cheeks and its impact on their facial appearance, but others would prefer they appear slimmer – and they can be candidates for the procedure. Excess fullness in your lower cheeks can make you appear heavier, something many people want to change.
While aging does not increase buccal fat deposits, it can intensify the look – as your skin begins to sag, it makes your face appear even wider.
Patients with round, full cheeks who want them slimmed and contoured may be candidates for buccal fat removal. Not everyone with a round face is helped by cheek fat reduction surgery; the best way to find out is to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Tan to find out.
Chubby cheeks are caused by deep fat pockets that rarely go away with weight loss. Also, they are not reliably reduced by aging. Some people’s cheeks may thin as they age, but it may not happen. The best way to get rid of buccal fat is to have it removed in a procedure performed by a plastic surgeon.
Once you’ve had cheek fat removed, nonsurgical enhancements may assist in re-contouring your face. For example, injectable fillers can add volume to the cheekbone and upper facial area, giving many patients a more striking appearance.
A Changed Facial Contour is Flattering
All plastic surgery aims to produce flattering results without being obvious – you want to look better without looking like you’ve had “work” done. Dr. Tan can reduce the size of your lower cheeks and improve your appearance with natural-looking results.
If you’re a younger person with “chipmunk cheeks,” buccal fat removal may be something you’re strongly considering. Like many other things today, some social media influencers have talked about undergoing the procedure and promoted the results they’ve enjoyed.
As some people age, they can lose facial volume and want more present in their faces. There is a sweet spot in removing just enough cheek fat to improve your look without taking out too much. Dr. Tan is careful in her approach. She will discuss the short and long-term prognosis in your consultation. You want to be cautious about being overly aggressive in the event of later-in-life facial volume loss.
Selecting a plastic surgeon for facial contouring is a significant one. Dr. Tan has outstanding aesthetic and medical skills and is experienced in performing buccal fat reduction surgery in Honolulu. Our Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery offices are conveniently located where you can meet her for an initial consultation.
Dr. Tan is a double-board-certified female plastic surgeon with advanced aesthetic abilities. Her commitment to natural-looking results is unwavering, and patients appreciate her approach. She’ll ensure your cheek fat reduction surgery enhances your look while preserving your unique identity.
Susan Tan, MD, is a leading plastic surgeon on Oahu.
If you choose to undergo a procedure, it all begins with a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Tan believes strongly in patient education, and you’ll understand your options and have helpful information before you make a decision. In many cases, you’ll have a range of options to consider.
What Happens During Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal lipectomy, or cheek reduction surgery, involves small incisions inside the mouth to access fat pads. They exist in compartments between the cheek muscles, where they are dissected and removed carefully. The procedure takes less than one hour.
Because the incisions are made inside the mouth, there is no scarring on the face. The operation is typically not painful and can be done under local anesthesia.
How Do I Get Ready for Cheek Surgery?
If you’re having buccal fat removal as a single procedure under local anesthetic, very little preparation is required. If you have a general anesthetic or combine it with other procedures, Dr. Tan’s office will give you more information.
You’ll also be given information about over-the-counter pain medications should you need them.
What is the Recovery Process Like After Buccal Fat Removal?
Post-procedure discomfort is minimal for most people. Recovery is generally quick, with minimal bruising or pain. You may experience light swelling, and there are no sutures to remove.
Aftercare highlights:
For two days after surgery – Rinse your mouth frequently with ice water; also ice your cheeks; eat a diet of soft foods; avoid drinking through straws.
First week after surgery – Sleep on your back with your head elevated; clean your face gently in the affected area – wash softly and avoid scrubbing or exfoliating.
One to two weeks after surgery – Surgical follow-up visit with Dr. Tan.
Two weeks after surgery – Avoid strenuous exercise.
Four months after surgery – You will see the final, permanent results; incremental improvement will occur sooner.
Where Can I Get Buccal Fat Removal in Honolulu?
See Dr. Tan at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery easily from all Oahu locations. We’re at 1150 S. King St., Suite 504, Honolulu, HI 96814.
The following pre-operative instructions cover important things to remember before your buccal fat removal surgery. Follow them carefully, and please call the office if you have questions.
Shopping/Pick-Up List from Your Pharmacy
Night Before Surgery
The Day of Your Surgery
Most patients can return to work or school in 24 to 48 hours, but you’ll need to be careful with talking, eating, drinking, and oral hygiene routines as described below.
First Day and Night After Surgery
The First Week After Surgery
For Two Weeks After Surgery