It is incredible what removing a walnut-sized amount of buccal fat can do to make a person’s face appear more balanced and cosmetically appealing. For those with wide cheeks caused by excess buccal fat, a simple outpatient procedure that leaves no scars is an attractive solution.
Board-certified Atlanta plastic surgeon Michael Mirzabeigi, MD, is a master of aesthetic surgical procedures, allowing his patients to refine their faces and bodies so they feel more satisfied with what they see in the mirror. His buccal fat removal techniques are truly second to none and he strives to deliver the best buccal fat removal Atlanta has to offer.
The buccal fat pad is a deep facial fat pad that sits between your cheekbone and jawbone, closest to the inner aspect of the cheek. Some of our Atlanta buccal fat removal patients have overly developed buccal fat that lends the face a wide, cherubic appearance that they feel detracts from their looks. To make wide cheeks slimmer and more in proportion with the rest of the face, a surgeon may perform a quick outpatient surgery known as buccal fat removal, which decreases the size of the buccal fat pad.
If you are tired of living with perpetually chubby cheeks, removing the buccal fat can result in a more svelte, age-appropriate appearance. After the procedure, most of our Atlanta buccal fat removal patients experience a resurgence of confidence and feel happier with their general appearance. A well-proportioned face can also make a person more photogenic. For those that once felt self-conscious by excessively round cheeks, having the surgery can make all the difference in their quality of life.
Here are some of the benefits patients often experience with buccal fat removal:
Prime candidates for Atlanta buccal fat removal are healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations. Those with naturally high cheekbones are best suited to the procedure, although anyone with an overabundance of buccal fat may be considered.
Dr. Mirzabeigi will not suggest removing buccal fat if you have a slim face to begin with, as this can contribute to a gaunt or prematurely aged appearance. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not suitable for elective surgery, as are those with medical issues such as cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled diabetes.
To determine if buccal fat removal is right for you, you will need to come in for a consultation. During your initial appointment, Dr. Mirzabeigi will take ample time to learn about your aesthetic goals and answer all your questions.
After examining your face, he will let you know if buccal fat removal or another procedure will achieve the look you want. For example, some patients with wide cheeks may simply have strong masseter muscles—an issue better addressed with neuromodulators such as Botox. Preparing for surgery is typically as simple as avoiding nicotine products, alcohol, medications, or dietary supplements that can thin the blood. You will receive a detailed list of pre-operative instructions and a consent form to sign.
Here are some points to keep in mind for what to expect with buccal fat removal surgery:
While you will not have to undergo general anesthesia, rest assured buccal fat removal is a virtually painless experience.
Most people equate it to having a dental procedure. Dr. Mirzabeigi or his nurse will apply a topical numbing agent inside your cheeks before administering a lidocaine injection. Once numb, he will make a tiny incision on the inside of each cheek, usually about a half-inch long, through which he will gently tease out the appropriate amount of buccal fat before closing the incisions with dissolving sutures.
Initial results from buccal fat removal are not immediately visible due to temporary swelling and bruising. You should see a preview of your results after three weeks, and as the swelling gradually subsides, results become more refined, with the final outcome typically visible around three to six months post-procedure.
The results of buccal fat removal are long-lasting, as the buccal fat pads do not regenerate after removal. With stable weight management, the contoured look achieved from the procedure can remain a permanent enhancement to your facial appearance.
You should feel well enough to drive home yourself unless you opted for twilight sedation. Swelling and soreness are peak in the first few days. It is safe to eat or drink once the local anesthetic wears off a few hours later. Light socializing and returning to work can happen after four days, although some buccal fat removal patients prefer to take up to a week off.
You will need to wear a chin strap at night for 14 days and should take the prescribed antibiotic as directed. Discomfort is usually mild, and most patients do well with Tylenol. Dr. Mirzabeigi will tell you when and how often to use a special medicated mouthwash to lower the risk of infection.
Voted Top Doctor 2023 in Atlanta Magazine, Michael Mirzabeigi, MD, is renowned for his bedside manner and exceptional skills in everything from aesthetic injections to facial surgery and complex breast revision cases. He performs surgery with the utmost precision to bring his patients the most refined cosmetic and reconstructive surgical outcomes possible.
Call (404) 705-2779 or contact us to learn if buccal fat removal in Atlanta is right for you.
Nationally, the average cost of buccal fat removal surgery ranges from $1,000 to $9,999, varying depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, location, and the specific needs of the patient. Because buccal fat removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is generally not covered by insurance. However, many practices, including ours, offer financing options to help make the procedure more accessible for those interested in enhancing their facial contours.
If you’d like a personalized cost estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation. During this time, we can discuss your goals, answer questions, and provide details on pricing and any financing options that may be available to you.
When performed by a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Mirzabeigi, buccal fat removal is a reasonably safe procedure with a straightforward recovery. Risks such as infection, scarring, hemorrhages, lockjaw, facial nerve damage, and partial facial paralysis are exceedingly rare.
Dr. Mirzabeigi stresses that buccal fat removal isn’t suitable for everyone since it can contribute to an unnatural or aged appearance. Patient selection is a critical part of his process, as this procedure is not reversible.
With a 91 percent worth it rating on RealSelf, the majority of buccal fat removal patients are thrilled with their surgical results.
Schedule a consultation today
Dr. Michael Mirzabeigi delivers exceptional plastic surgery results with a compassionate touch that makes sure you feel comfortable and confident throughout your journey. Start that journey today with a consultation.
975 Johnson Ferry Road NE, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30342
