Can Buccal Fat Removal Refine Your Look?

In recent years, we’ve seen contouring kits become a popular item. These makeup products are made to shade and highlight the midface in such a way that enhances the appearance of hallows and cheekbones. As interesting as contour kits are, they are limited in how much change they can create without looking obviously “made-up.” If facial contouring is a problem you’d like to address, you may want to learn more about buccal fat removal.

Buccal fat is present in the form of two pads on the lower face, in close proximity to the cheek hollows. These pads are situated deep inside the cheek, close to the inside of the mouth. They are surrounded by muscle tissue that extends along the mid-cheek.  In many cases, these cushions of fat are large enough to obstruct facial contours. This is where buccal fat removal comes in.

Buccal fat pad removal is actually not a new surgery; it’s been conducted for many years. However, it has only recently become popular. This could be because we have become increasingly aware of appearance in the age of Selfie and social media. For whatever reason, men and women of all ages are now expressing interest in enhanced facial contouring that centralizes on the permanent removal of unwanted and unnecessary fat.

The removal of buccal fat is straightforward. Unlike other forms of fat, buccal fat is contained in dense pads. Therefore, removal does not involve liposuction. To remove buccal fat, Dr. Altamira makes a small incision on each side of the mouth where buccal fat pads are situated. The pads are then carefully removed and incisions are closed. Because of the consistency of tightly-wound fat cells, there is no guesswork in how much fat to remove or where to remove it from.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The ideal candidate for buccal fat removal is a person who would be described as having a round face. Some people have a relatively slim face but obvious bulking in the mid-cheek area. People with buccal fat prominence may be told they have “chipmunk cheeks” or a baby face. This heaviness and roundness in the face is not related to overall weight and does not change with diet and exercise.

Buccal fat removal continues to gain popularity and enjoys a 92% Real Self rating. However, this procedure may not be right for everyone. The best way to know if buccal fat is the culprit affecting your ideal facial contours, call 713.271.9000. Here, we’ll schedule a consultation for you in our Sugar Land or Houston office.

Posted in: Buccal Fat Removal

Leave a response