Patients who want to highlight their facial bone structure or achieve a slimmer face may want to consider buccal fat pad removal. This simple surgery removes fat from the cheeks to slim the face. Dr. Larry C. Leverett offers this and other facial surgery procedures to the men and women living in Chandler, Gilbert, Ahwatukee and the surrounding areas of Phoenix, AZ.
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal fat pad removal, also known as cheek reduction or bichectomy, is a straightforward surgical procedure to remove fat in the cheeks. The buccal fat pad is a mass of fat stored in the cheeks, which directly affects the shape of the face. By removing these pads, the face becomes slimmer and the underlying bone structure becomes more visible.
How Much Does Buccal Fat Pad Removal Cost?
The cost of buccal fat pad removal varies depending on the extent of surgery needed. As an elective procedure, the cost of buccal fat pad removal is typically not covered by health insurance. To help make cheek reduction surgery more affordable to patients, Dr. Leverett offers financing through CareCredit® and Prosper Healthcare Lending. Our office also accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, cash and cashier’s checks.
What are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal fat pad removal can enhance the shape of the face, producing a slimmer appearance. Benefits can include:
- Reduced fullness in the face
- Enhanced appearance of cheekbones and jawline
- Improved overall facial balance
- Slimmer appearance
Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal fat pads are present throughout our lives, and aren’t necessarily a symptom of aging. Instead, patients who naturally have rounder faces may be interested in buccal fat pad removal to reduce fullness in the cheeks. This means that buccal fat pad removal can be a reasonable solution for patients of nearly all ages. However, the best way to determine your candidacy for buccal fat pad removal is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leverett. After discussing your treatment goals, Dr. Leverett can help you determine if buccal fat pad removal is the best solution for you, and if so, how to move forward with treatment.
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal Surgery Like?
The buccal fat pad removal surgery is fairly simple, and is performed with local anesthesia. During the procedure, incisions are made inside the mouth, near the molars. Through these incisions, the buccal fat pads are removed. The incisions are then closed and the treatment is complete. The full procedure takes about one hour to perform.
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal Recovery Like?
Buccal fat pad removal involves a fairly quick recovery, at least compared to other facial surgeries. You can expect some short-term bruising and swelling in the cheeks, and will likely need to follow a liquid diet for a few days as the incisions heal. Over the following weeks, these side effects will heal and you can resume your usual diet and other activities. Most patients experience a full recovery within a month, although it can take a few more months for the final results of treatment to become visible. Once visible, your results will be permanent, as the fat pads are completely removed from the cheeks. Keep in mind that diet and exercise are essential components to preventing weight gain, which can alter your results over time.
If you are seeking buccal fat pad removal in Phoenix, Arizona, contact us today to schedule your consultation at Body by Leverett. Dr. Larry C. Leverett is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is proud to serve the Greater Phoenix area, including those in Chandler, Gilbert and Ahwatukee. We offer cheek reduction and other facial surgeries to help you reach your cosmetic goals.