Buccal Fat Removal
Boston, MA
Introduction to Buccal Fat Pad Reduction
The buccal fat pad fills in the deep tissue spaces to help pad the area between your chewing muscles (the masticatory and mimetic muscles). While they are important to have, some people’s pads are larger than what is natural for the size of their face, which creates the term widely heard of as “chipmunk cheeks”, which may cause self-image issues in certain people. Buccal Fat Removal from Vickram Tandon, MD offers our Boston patients an opportunity for a change if they wish their cheeks were more proportionate to their faces. Below, we have included some information regarding this cosmetic procedure.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal Fat Removal, also referred to as Cheek Fat Reduction surgery or Bichectomy is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that can accentuate the contours of your face by reducing the fullness of your mid-cheek area. This causes your face to look slimmer and makes your cheekbones appear more defined. While the surgery is fairly simple, it does take a skilled hand and artistic eye to achieve optimal results.
What Are The Benefits Of Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?
Some of the major benefits our Boston Buccal Fat Removal patients have seen from their treatment include:
- A more balanced overall facial shape
- Create a more slender, v-shaped lower facial contour
- Enhance the appearance of high cheekbones
- Improve definition of the cheeks and jawline
- No visible scarring
- Reduce excessive cheek fullness
Who Are The Best Candidates For Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?
You could be a great candidate for Buccal Fat Removal in the Boston area if you have the following characteristics:
- At a healthy and stable weight
- Currently seeking facial feminization surgery
- Dislike the fullness of your cheeks
- Have a round, fuller face
- Overall good physical health
- You have pseudo herniation (small rounded fat mass in the cheek due to weak buccal fat pad)
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
The first step to getting Buccal Fat Removal surgery in Boston is to have an evaluation and consultation with Dr. Tandon to see if this procedure will give you the results you desire. During your appointment, you’ll be able to explain your goals for surgery and ask questions about the procedure and your options. Dr. Tandon will evaluate your face and cheeks to make his suggestions and come up with a surgical plan. You will be asked questions about your medical history, so it’s important to be upfront and honest when having your discussion. Remember, good communication always leads to the best results and reduces unnecessary risks.
If you are satisfied with the plan Dr. Tandon creates for you and you would like to pursue the procedure, our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule your surgical date and provide you with some directions to follow.
Although your individual, full pre-op instructions will be reviewed during the consultation, the following is a general outline:
- Avoid any medications or supplements that can increase bleeding for 1- 2 weeks before surgery.
- Make sure you do not have any oral/dental infections, wounds, or active cold sores.
- No alcohol for at least 4 days before surgery.
How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost In Boston, MA
On the day of your surgery, it will be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on your preferences. We can also provide you with some pain and anxiety medication pills are given to help patients relax. Once sedated, Dr. Tandon will inject a numbing solution on the inside of each cheek, which is a very quick stick and burning sensation, at which point your entire cheek is numb.
Your mouth will be propped open at a comfortable level and your cheek is gently pulled back. Dr. Tandon will make a very small incision is then made inside the cheek and the buccal fat pad is identified. He will then gently tease the fat out of its pocket to remove it. Once the fat is removed, Dr. Tandon will place two or three dissolvable stitches to close the incision.
The entire surgery should take under one hour but will vary from patient to patient.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
You will be monitored in our recovery room after your surgery, but once you are cleared to leave, you will be able to return home to recover in peace. You are encouraged to have a friend or relative provide you with a ride home as you may still be under the influence of sedation.
Most patients find recovery to be generally easy and take about one or two days. You can expect to experience some mild pain/ soreness, which will subside after a few days. Your cheeks will appear slightly fuller during the first week but should return to their normal appearance within a week or so.
Swelling will continue to subside with your results starting to be seen as early as four weeks post-surgery, and then progressively improving for several months thereafter.
During recovery, it’s important to be careful not to bite down on the cheek area, so the incision can properly heal and sutures can dissolve. Pain medication can be prescribed and ice packs will help with swelling and discomfort.
How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost In Boston, MA
The cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Boston will depend on multiple factors, including the techniques used, anesthesia fees, and surgeon fees. The best way to learn how much your procedure will cost is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Tandon. After making your procedure plan, our Patient Coordinator will be able to provide you with a complete breakdown of the total price.
Why Choose Dr. Tandon?
Dr. Vickram Tandon is a highly skilled plastic surgeon who has dedicated his career to helping patients enhance their appearance and improve their self-confidence through the art of plastic surgery. After receiving his medical degree from Brown University, Dr. Tandon was selected to participate in a prestigious year-long fellowship program in Aesthetic Surgery through Harvard Plastic Surgery. During this fellowship training, he worked with surgeons throughout Boston and beyond to hone his skills in the most advanced techniques for cosmetic plastic surgery. Dr. Tandon is known for his compassionate and caring approach to patient care, taking the time to listen to each patient’s concerns and goals, while working closely with them to create a personalized treatment plan that achieves the best results.
Buccal Fat Removal FAQS
The short answer is No. The only pain you should feel during your procedure will be a quick prick of the needle insertion. After your surgery, you may feel some minor pain and soreness which will heal on its own over time but can be alleviated with some over-the-counter pain medication and some ice packs.
You will only require one surgical appointment, however, you will be needed to return to our office for a check-up with Dr. Tandon so that he can monitor your recovery process and remove any bandages. While every patient will have a different recovery, you can expect a few more check-up appointments over the next few months at Dr. Tandon’s discretion.
There may be a visible change after your surgery, but you will be swollen and bruised. Your final results should become evident after two to four months as the swelling subsides and the buccal space contracts.
Yes! Many of our Boston Buccal Fat Removal patients will combine their treatment with other facial contouring procedures, such as a Facelift or even BOTOX. To find out which procedure will be best for you, no matter if it’s surgical or non-surgical, for your face or body, please mention your aesthetic goals to Dr. Tandon and he will be happy to provide his expert opinions.
Due to the nature of this procedure, you may experience a combination of any of the following risks:
- Anesthesia risks
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Cardiac/ Pulmonary complications
- Deep Vein
- Thrombosis
- Fluid Accumulation (seroma)
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Injury to branches of the facial nerve (temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness)
- Numbness or other changes in sensation
- Persistent pain
- Poor healing of incisions
- Possible revisional surgery
- Prolonged swelling
- Salivary Duct Injury
- Suboptimal aesthetic results and/or minimal changes
If there is any point during your recovery when you are concerned or worried about your experience, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
Dr. Tandon Understood What I Wanted
I saw Dr. Tandon for Botox and lip filler and couldn’t be happier with my results. I was looking for a skilled doctor who would give me a natural look, and Dr. Tandon understood exactly what I wanted. He took a lot of care and time with my consult, it’s very clear that he cares so much about the quality of his work. I was also happily surprised that procedure was practically painless. I highly recommend working with Dr. Tandon!
I Highly Recommended Him
Dr. Tandon was truly one of the most personable and professionals doctors I hvae been treated by! He took the time to carefully understand the procedure I wanted and what I felt my problem areas are, then adjusted to address those. He both asked insightful questions to understand my needs and answered all my questions with patience to make me feel comfortable and confident. My results demonstrated all of that care and I could not be more pleased. I highly recommend him!
I Am Very Pleased With My Results
Dr. Tandon is a compassionate, personable and highly skilled plastic surgeon. irecently had an appointment with Dr. Tandon to get Botox.
