Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Colorado
Chubby cheeks may be cute when they appear in children but are not considered an attractive feature in adults. Shading cheek hollows and highlighting the cheekbones can help give the cheeks a more defined, sculpted appearance. However, in very round, full faces, no amount of makeup is effective. Buccal fat pad removal is a popular cosmetic surgery in Denver to correct cheeks with too much fat volume in proportion to the other facial features. At Colorado Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Nick Slenkovich performs buccal fat pad removal with artistry and dedication to surgical excellence. Dr. Slenkovich is double board-certified in both plastic surgery and Ear, Throat, and Nose surgery. He is a warm and caring doctor who takes a personal approach to each patient and listens attentively to their individual goals.
What Is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal fat pad removal is a surgical procedure to remove the naturally occurring pad of fat in the hollow area of the cheeks. Buccal fat is distinct from the cheekbone fat pad, which gives the face a more defined look. Excess buccal fat, on the other hand, can give the face a “chubby cheeked” or “chipmunk” appearance.
The goal of buccal fat removal surgery is to slim the cheeks in the area of the hollows. This simple procedure is effective for reducing fullness in the lower face, creating slimmer contours, and transforming a boxy or square-shaped face into a more attractive V-shaped appearance.
How Is Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Denver Performed?
This quick, simple surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. It can be done as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with other facial cosmetic treatments. The buccal fat pad removal procedure typically takes 30 minutes or less to perform. After numbing the area (when the procedure is performed with la ocal anesthetic), Dr. Slenkovich will make a small incision on the inside of the cheek, then locate and gently remove the buccal fat pad. The fat pad is easily removed, as it has minimal connection to surrounding structures. After removing the right amount of fat to create more defined cheek contours, Dr. Slenkovich closes the incisions with absorbable sutures.
What Is Recovery Like After Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Denver?
Patients can expect a quick, easy recovery after buccal fat pad removal performed at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center in Denver. There may be slight swelling and tenderness in the cheeks, which can be controlled with over-the-counter medications. Within a few days after the procedure, most patients return to their normal routines and activities with no dietary or activity restrictions.
How Soon Do Results Become Visible After Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Patients typically see improvement in the cheek contours immediately after a buccal fat pad removal procedure. Results will continue to improve over the next few weeks as the post-surgical swelling subsides.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
This highly individualized procedure is performed to address the concerns of patients who want to correct overly-full cheeks. It can create a more defined appearance of the cheeks and improve and enhance facial appearance. Women and men who have excess fat in the cheek area may be good candidates for buccal fat pad removal.
If you are wondering if this surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nick Slenkovich at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center in Denver. After a friendly discussion of your personal aesthetic goals and careful evaluation of your facial anatomy, Dr. Slenkovich can tell you if buccal fat pad removal is the appropriate facial sculpting treatment for you.