Buccal Fat Removal
Cheek to Chic
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, CA.
When it comes to refining your facial contours, precision and artistic vision are crucial. At Plastic Surgery Associates, we excel in buccal fat removal, a sophisticated procedure that can dramatically enhance your facial aesthetics. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Francisco Canales, Dr. Heather Furnas, and Dr. Culbertson, bring unparalleled expertise to this delicate procedure. They understand that subtle changes can make a significant impact on your overall appearance.
Schedule an Appointment
Say goodbye to chipmunk cheeks with buccal fat pad removal at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa. Dr. Canales and Dr. Furnas are excited to offer patients a minimally invasive option for addressing their unwanted cheek fat. If you want to learn more, schedule a consultation at our office in Santa Rosa, California.
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Buccal Fat Before & Afters
Buccal Fat Removal at a Glance
- Procedure: Removes excess fat from the cheeks to contour and define facial features
- Benefits: Creates a slimmer, more sculpted face shape; enhances cheekbone prominence
- Downtime: Typically 1-2 weeks for initial recovery; full results visible in 1-3 months
- Duration: Results are generally long-lasting, as removed fat cells do not regenerate
- Candidacy: Ideal for adults with naturally full or "chubby" cheeks seeking facial refinement
Refine Your Facial Contours
What is buccal fat removal?
Are you wondering if the fullness of your cheeks detracts from your appearance? A minimally invasive approach to attaining a slimmer look is buccal fat pad removal, which could be an ideal option for you.
The goal of buccal fat removal is to thin the face, specifically in the area of the cheek hollows or the lower third of the face. This process reduces the appearance of chipmunk-looking cheeks.
Seasoned plastic surgeons, Drs. Francisco Canales and Heather Furnas are excited to offer this procedure to accentuate the cheekbones and create a more sculpted appearance. Call Plastic Surgery Associates in Santa Rosa, California to learn more.
Learn why a buccal fat removal in North California could be right for you.
How It Works — Surgical Technique
What is the buccal fat removal procedure like?
Buccal fat pad removal surgery carefully eliminates the naturally occurring section of fat tissue within the cheek’s hollows. The amount of fat that is present will be different for every patient but is generally about the size of a large grape. Although this is a surgical procedure, it is relatively simple and is considered an outpatient treatment.
The removal process consists of Dr. Canales, Dr Culbertson, or Dr. Furnas making a tiny incision inside the mouth. Since the targeted fat is located inside the mouth and can be easily accessed, there are no exterior excisions associated with this procedure. Once the sutures are placed, you will be free to return home and will be provided with specific aftercare instructions.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Here’s what to expect with buccal fat pad removal in Northern California.
TREATMENT
Most patients do not experience any extreme discomfort with this surgery, but prescription pain medication can be provided, if necessary.
AFTER YOUR TREATMENT
Generally, over-the-counter painkillers are enough to ease any pain. You can expect to experience some swelling, but this is normal and should subside in the days that follow. Typically, a follow-up appointment is scheduled 10 – 14 days after your surgery so we can make sure you are healing properly. It’s also important to follow all aftercare instructions provided by our office to aid in optimal recovery.
FOLLOW-UP
Typically, a follow-up appointment is scheduled 10 – 14 days after your surgery so we can make sure you are healing properly. It’s also important to follow all aftercare instructions provided by our office to aid in optimal recovery.
Sculpt Your Perfect Profile
What conditions does buccal fat removal address?
Our expert surgeons tailor each buccal fat removal procedure to address your specific concerns. We focus on creating harmonious, natural-looking results that enhance your unique facial features and boost your confidence.
Chubby or Full Cheeks
- Condition: Naturally round or full cheeks that create a "baby face" appearance
- Treatment: Removes excess buccal fat pads to slim and contour the cheeks
Facial Asymmetry
- Condition: Uneven fullness in the cheeks
- Treatment: Selectively removes buccal fat to balance facial proportions
Undefined Cheekbones
- Condition: Lack of visible cheekbone definition due to excess fat
- Treatment: Reduces cheek volume to enhance natural bone structure
Disproportionate Lower Face
- Condition: Lower face appears heavy or wide compared to upper face
- Treatment: Slims the cheek area to create a more balanced facial profile
Age-Related Facial Fullness
- Condition: Persistent facial roundness that doesn't respond to weight loss
- Treatment: Removes buccal fat to create a more mature, sculpted appearance
Double Chin Appearance
- Condition: Fullness in cheeks that contributes to the appearance of a double chin
- Treatment: Reduces cheek volume to better define the jawline and chin area
Facial Feminization or Masculinization
- Condition: Desire to alter facial characteristics to appear more feminine or masculine
- Treatment: Strategically removes buccal fat to enhance gender-specific facial features
Dissatisfaction with Facial Shape
- Condition: Unhappiness with overall facial shape due to full cheeks
- Treatment: Contours the mid-face area to create a more oval or heart-shaped appearance
Farewell, Baby Face
What are the benefits of buccal fat removal?
Enhanced Facial Definition
- Creates more pronounced cheekbones and jawline
- Provides a more sculpted, mature facial appearance
Improved Facial Proportions
- Balances the relationship between upper, middle, and lower face
- Achieves a more harmonious overall facial structure
Customizable Results
- Can be tailored to achieve desired level of cheek slimming
- Allows for asymmetry correction if needed
Long-Lasting Outcomes
- Results are typically permanent as removed fat cells don't regenerate
- Provides a long-term solution for facial contouring
Minimal Scarring
- Incisions are made inside the mouth, leaving no visible external scars
- Preserves natural-looking results without telltale signs of surgery
Quick Recovery
- Generally allows for return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks
- Minimal downtime compared to more invasive facial procedures
At Plastic Surgery Associates, we're committed to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals safely and effectively. Our expert surgeons will guide you through the process, ensuring you understand all the benefits and can make an informed decision about buccal fat removal.
Navigating Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
Remember, everyone's recovery is unique. Our team will provide you with personalized instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.
Immediate Post-Surgery (1-3 days):
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
- Eat soft, cool foods to avoid irritating the surgical sites
- Rinse with saltwater solution after meals to keep the area clean
- Take prescribed pain medication as needed
First Week:
- Continue a soft food diet
- Avoid strenuous activities and exercise
- Sleep with your head elevated to minimize swelling
- Attend your follow-up appointment for suture removal (if necessary)
Weeks 2-3:
- Gradually return to normal diet as comfort allows
- Resume light activities, but continue to avoid strenuous exercise
- Continue oral hygiene routine as instructed
Week 4 and Beyond:
- Resume all normal activities, including exercise
- Continue to attend follow-up appointments as scheduled
Long-Term Care:
- Maintain a stable weight to preserve your results
- Practice good oral hygiene to prevent infection
Unveiling Your New Look
Buccal Fat Removal Results
- Initial Changes: You may notice some difference immediately after surgery, but swelling will obscure full results.
- 2-3 Weeks: As swelling subsides, you'll begin to see more definition in your cheeks.
- 1-3 Months: Final results become apparent as all swelling resolves.
How long do the results last?
- Permanent Change: Buccal fat removal results are typically long-lasting as the removed fat cells do not regenerate.
- Aging Considerations: Natural aging processes may affect your facial appearance over time, but the sculpted look from the procedure generally remains.
What results can I expect?
- Enhanced Cheekbone Definition: • More pronounced cheekbones and facial contours • A slimmer, more sculpted mid-face area
- Improved Facial Proportions: • Better balance between different areas of the face • A more mature, refined facial appearance
- Personalized Outcome: • Results tailored to your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals • Natural-looking enhancement that complements your features
- Potential Boost in Confidence: • Many patients report feeling more satisfied with their appearance • Can lead to improved self-esteem and social confidence
At Plastic Surgery Associates, we're committed to helping you achieve your desired look. Our expert surgeons will work closely with you to ensure your buccal fat removal results meet your expectations, enhancing your natural beauty and facial harmony.
Slimmer Cheeks
Am I an ideal candidate for buccal fat removal?
Men and women of all ages are ideal candidates for buccal fat pad removal surgery. If you are interested in undergoing this procedure, we encourage you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Canales or Dr. Furnas to see if you are a good candidate. During this visit, they will examine your profile and review all your cosmetic goals to see if this is the best option for you.
"The results have been huge for my self-esteem and my self-image. I can now move my body in ways I couldn’t before with the loose skin I had after my weight loss. I love my body now. I love myself. Before I’d wear baggy clothes, and now I wear clothes that fit. For the first time in 20 years, I have a flat stomach. I’m so proud of the results. I do yoga, and my recovery was so easy, nothing like what I was expecting."
Testimonials
Buccal Fat Removal
Frequently Asked Questions
The needs and concerns of every patient are different, which is why the cost will vary from person to person, but generally count on $5,000-$7,000. When you visit our office for a consultation, we will take our time to listen to your specific goals and help answer all of your questions. From there, we will build a treatment plan that is unique to you and discuss all the necessary costs and payment.
Many patients experience minimal to no pain during their procedure. In many cases, patients compare it to feeling like a dental exam.
Typically, patients tend to notice a difference 2 – 3 days after their procedure, once the swelling has gone down. Optimal results are usually seen at 1 – 3 months after the surgery. The healing time will be different for every patient.
Since the incisions for this procedure are created inside the mouth, there are no visible scars. Patients should also follow all post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing.
On average, individuals who undergo this procedure will only need one surgery to achieve their desired goals. Results are long-lasting, but Dr. Canales and Dr. Furnas can discuss the longevity of buccal fat pad removal during your consultation.
Interested to find out which treatment is right for you?
