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Buccal Fat Removal in Los Angeles & Brentwood

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Achieving a Defined Look in Los Angeles

While a naturally full face is often associated with youth, some might find their cheeks appear fuller or "chubby" than desired. Buccal fat removal in Los Angeles targets the buccal fat pad, a natural deposit of fat located within the cheek hollows. This minimally invasive procedure aims to refine facial contours by removing excess fat, potentially resulting in a more sculpted and defined look.

The size of the buccal fat pad varies from person to person and even between cheeks. This is why our buccal fat removal procedure prioritizes a personalized approach. We work closely with patients in Los Angeles to understand their aesthetic goals and determine if this procedure aligns with their desired outcome.

Brentwood Buccal Fat Removal model with blonde hair

Benefits

Buccal fat removal refines your facial contours, highlighting your cheekbones and defining your jawline for a more striking appearance. This procedure also improves facial proportions, creating a rejuvenated, refreshed look. The results are subtle yet impactful, creating balanced facial proportions and a refreshed, youthful appearance.

Because buccal fat removal is minimally invasive, it involves a short recovery period, allowing you to resume your daily activities quickly. By achieving their desired facial shape, many patients experience a boost in self-esteem and feel more comfortable with the face they see in the mirror.

Key Benefits:

  • Enhances cheekbone definition and jawline contour
  • Creates a more balanced, proportionate facial appearance
  • Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time
  • Subtle, natural-looking results that highlight your unique features
  • Boosts self-esteem and confidence

Ideal Candidates

Buccal fat removal is ideal for individuals with a full or round face seeking a more sculpted look. Good health with realistic expectations of natural enhancement is essential. Non-smokers (or those willing to quit) experience optimal healing. This procedure is also excellent for people bothered by "chubby cheeks" desiring a permanent solution for a more sculpted facial appearance.

You may be a good Buccal Fat Removal candidate if:

  • You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
  • You have realistic expectations
  • You are a nonsmoker
  • You are bothered by the appearance of your chubby cheeks

Preparing for Buccal Fat Removal in Los Angeles

Brentwood Buccal Fat Removal model with black hair

To undergo Buccal Fat Removal Los Angeles patients require some pre-operative preparation to ensure a smooth and successful procedure. Here's what you might expect:

Consultation and Pre-operative Planning:

  • Medical Evaluation: Dr. Rizvi may recommend lab tests or a medical evaluation to assess your overall health and suitability for the procedure.
  • Medication Adjustments: Certain medications or supplements might need to be adjusted or discontinued before surgery, particularly those that can increase bleeding risk (aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, herbal supplements).

Day of Surgery:

  • Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity of the procedure, local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia might be used. If general anesthesia is chosen, arrange for a ride home and someone to stay with you for the first night post-surgery.
  • Surgical Setting: Buccal fat removal can be performed in a hospital, a licensed ambulatory surgical center, or even an in-office procedure room, depending on the surgeon's preference and the complexity of the case.

The Procedure

Dr. Rizvi begins with a comprehensive consultation to ensure a successful outcome that meets your unique aesthetic goals. He will carefully evaluate your facial structure and discuss your desired results. This personalized approach allows Dr. Rizvi to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

On the day of the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort throughout the 30 to 60-minute process. Dr. Rizvi then makes tiny incisions discreetly inside your mouth, providing access to the buccal fat pads. He removes the excess fat with meticulous care, sculpting your cheeks to achieve a natural-looking, defined appearance. Finally, dissolvable sutures close the incisions, minimizing scarring and promoting a smooth recovery.

What Are the Steps of a Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?

Buccal Fat Removal Procedure

Buccal fat removal involves a few simple steps to help you achieve a more defined facial shape::

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Anesthesia is provided to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Depending on your needs, Dr. Rizvi may recommend intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. This helps you stay relaxed and pain-free throughout the surgery.

Step 2 – The Incision

A small incision is made inside your mouth, specifically on the inner side of your cheek, so there are no visible scars. Through this incision, the buccal fat pads are carefully removed to slim down the lower cheek area. In some cases, if you're having a facelift at the same time, the fat can be removed without making an incision inside the mouth.

Step 3 – Closing the Incisions

Once the fat is removed, dissolvable sutures are used to close the incision inside your mouth. These stitches will naturally dissolve as you heal, so there's no need to have them removed. Just be sure to avoid touching them with your tongue until Dr. Rizvi gives the all-clear.

Step 4 – See the Results

After the surgery, your cheek hollows will appear slimmer and more contoured. While some swelling is normal, the final results will gradually reveal themselves over the coming weeks.

Buccal Fat Removal Results

Results from buccal fat removal are not immediate, as initial swelling may obscure the full effect. However, within a few weeks, as the swelling decreases, you'll start to notice a more defined and contoured facial shape. The final results typically settle in around 3 to 6 months, revealing a slimmer, more sculpted appearance that highlights your cheekbones and jawline.

Once the results are fully visible, they are generally permanent. The removed fat does not return, making buccal fat removal a long-lasting solution for achieving a more refined facial profile. While the natural aging process will continue, you'll continue to see results from this procedure for years to come.

Brentwood Buccal Fat Removal model with dark hair

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

Recovery from buccal fat removal is relatively quick and straightforward. Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common for a few days, but these symptoms typically subside within a week. Dr. Rizvi will provide you with personalized post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process. Most patients can return to work and normal daily activities within 5 to 7 days, though it's best to avoid strenuous exercise for about two weeks.

What to Expect During Recovery:

  • Dietary Adjustments: Initially, a soft or liquid diet is recommended for a few days to minimize discomfort and aid in healing.
  • Oral Hygiene: Dr. Rizvi will suggest specific mouth rinses to reduce the risk of infection and promote faster healing.
  • Monitoring: You'll receive guidance on any signs of concern, such as excessive swelling or unusual pain, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled to track your healing.

Buccal Fat Removal Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential for achieving optimal, long-lasting results. Dr. Rizvi will give you detailed instructions, but here are some general tips to help maintain and extend the benefits of your buccal fat removal:

  • Oral Hygiene: Continue practicing good oral hygiene to prevent any potential infection at the incision sites. Follow your surgeon's recommendations for mouth rinses and care.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: Attending follow-up visits with Dr. Rizvi is crucial to monitor your healing progress and ensure you're satisfied with your results.
  • Lifestyle: While the results are long-lasting, maintaining a stable weight can help preserve your facial contour. Significant weight fluctuations may affect the outcome over time.
  • Sun Protection: Protect your skin from sun exposure to avoid premature aging. Healthy skin enhances the overall appearance of your results.

Remember, this is a general guide. During your consultation, Dr. Rizvi will answer your specific questions about recovery, including:

  • Recovery Location: Where you'll be taken after surgery.
  • Medications: Specific medications prescribed or administered post-surgery.
  • Dressings/Bandages: Whether bandages are used and when they will be removed.
  • Resuming Activity: When you can gradually return to normal activities and exercise.
  • Follow-Up Care: Schedule follow-up appointments to ensure optimal results.

Following these aftercare recommendations will help ensure that your new look will last for years to come.

Why Choose West Empire Aesthetics for Buccal Fat Removal in Los Angeles, CA?

At West Empire Aesthetics, Dr. Mort Rizvi's surgical team combines over 35 years of experience in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery with advanced facial contouring techniques. With specialized training in microsurgery and craniofacial surgery from top institutions, Dr. Rizvi is a leading expert in achieving natural, beautifully sculpted results. His personalized approach ensures that every procedure is tailored to meet your unique aesthetic goals, with a strong focus on patient safety and comfort.

The team at West Empire Aesthetics is committed to using the latest minimally invasive techniques to deliver stunning, long-lasting results while minimizing recovery time. From your initial consultation through post-operative care, you'll receive the highest standard of care in a supportive and luxurious environment. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit West Empire Aesthetics or contact us at (424) 273-9732. Achieve the contoured, sculpted look you've always desired with buccal fat removal in Los Angeles, CA at West Empire Aesthetics.

Brentwood Buccal Fat Removal model with dark hair

Buccal Fat RemovalFrequently Asked Questions

Buccal fat removal is typically performed with a minimally invasive approach, minimizing the risk of nerve damage that could affect facial expressions. However, a detailed consultation with Dr. Rizvi is crucial to discuss your specific anatomy and any potential concerns.

While buccal fat removal offers a permanent solution, some individuals in Los Angeles might explore non-surgical options like:

  • Facial Fillers: Strategic injections can add volume and definition to areas surrounding the cheeks, potentially creating a more sculpted look.
  • Botox: By relaxing specific muscles, Botox can subtly enhance jawline definition in some cases.

However, these options are temporary and require repeat treatments for lasting results.

Buccal fat removal can often be combined with other procedures for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Rizvi can discuss options like facelift, liposuction, or eyelid surgery to address additional concerns and achieve your desired aesthetic outcome.

While generally safe, buccal fat removal, like any surgery, carries some potential downsides. These might include:

  • Uneven results: Asymmetry can occur, though Dr. Rizvi's meticulous technique minimizes this risk.
  • Nerve sensitivity: Temporary numbness in the cheek area might be experienced in some cases.
  • Unrealistic expectations: It's crucial to understand that buccal fat removal enhances natural features, not creates a completely new facial structure.

Choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Rizvi in Los Angeles is paramount. Look for someone with extensive experience in buccal fat removal and a focus on natural-looking results. During your consultation, openly discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns to ensure you're a good candidate and make an informed decision.

Yes, buccal fat removal has become increasingly popular for those seeking a more defined and contoured facial appearance. It's a safe, minimally invasive procedure with a growing demand due to its subtle yet impactful results.

Buccal fat removal is generally not painful. Patients may feel mild discomfort during recovery, such as swelling or tenderness, but this typically subsides within a few days. Most describe the sensation as mild pressure rather than pain.

Schedule your Los Angeles plastic surgery and med spa consultation with West Empire Aesthetics.

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