Scottsdale buccal fat pad removal

Many people desire their face to look sleek and sophisticated. However, some people find themselves with round, chubby cheeks instead. This can lead to a childlike appearance, with some of our clients even reporting that they’re called names like “babyface.” It can be frustrating to find that people aren’t taking you seriously because of your round cheeks.

The size and shape of your cheeks is largely determined by the buccal fat pads, which are areas of fatty tissue located in the cheeks underneath the skin. Unfortunately, the characteristics of your buccal fat pads are determined by genetics. If your buccal fat pads are larger or protrude more, there are no exercises you can do to change this. Although makeup techniques can help to make your face look a little slimmer, they can’t fully address the problem.

However, a surgical procedure can be used to alter the size and shape of your buccal fat pads, to sculpt a more sleek and refined-looking face. This is known as buccal fat pad removal. 

How does buccal fat pad removal work?

To perform this procedure, the incisions are made on the inside of the cheeks. This means that the scars will be completely hidden afterwards. 

Through the incision, your surgeon can access the buccal fat pads. A precise amount of tissue will be removed from specific places, in order to sculpt the facial appearance that you desire. It’s important that you go to a plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience, because removing too much tissue can lead to a “sunken” appearance to the face, and can even prematurely age you. It’s important to remove just the right amount, and in just the right places. If this is done well, then the tissue that’s left in your cheeks will create a refined and sleek facial appearance, but one that still looks healthy and youthful.

Is buccal fat pad removal permanent?

In general, fat cells do not divide. This means that new fat cells are not generated, and fat tissue that’s removed will generally not grow back. As long as your weight remains relatively stable overall, then the results of buccal fat pad removal will be permanent. You won’t need any touch-up procedures in the future to maintain your results.

However, your fat cells can change size. If you gain a lot of weight overall, then some of that weight will go into the fat tissue that’s left in your cheeks, and you may find yourself with a somewhat rounder face. Your face will still be less round than if you hadn’t had the procedure, but your results may be compromised. After any type of plastic surgery, you’ll get the best results if you put effort into leading a healthy lifestyle, so that you can maintain a relatively stable weight.

Scottsdale buccal fat pad removal

If you’re bothered by your chubby cheeks, then you may be considering buccal fat pad removal. Your next step is a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. After evaluating your facial structure, including your bone structure as well as your soft tissues, your surgeon will be able to let you know what results you could likely expect from buccal fat pad removal, and whether they’d recommend it for you. You can then make a decision about whether this procedure is right for you. 

As a specialist in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Henderson is extremely well-qualified to advise you about this procedure. If you decide to proceed with the surgery, she also has the skills to get the best possible results for you. To schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Henderson, please contact our front desk staff.