Is Buccal Fat Removal Painful?

During the surgery, you will be pain-free as you will be under anesthesia. After surgery, you may experience some minor pain and soreness. Pain medication can be prescribed, and applying ice packs can help alleviate swelling and discomfort.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You will be asked to return to the practice one week after surgery to monitor your recovery. Beyond that, your surgeon will let you know when they would like to see you next.

How Long Until I See Results?

You will be asked to return to the practice one week after surgery to monitor your recovery. Beyond that, your surgeon will let you know when they would like to see you next.

Can I Combine Buccal Fat Removal With Other Procedures?

Yes, you can! Many of our patients who have received buccal fat removal in Virginia Beach have combined it with other facial contouring procedures, such as a facelift . Patients are recommended to share these ideas with their surgeon during their initial consultation so that they can be incorporated into the surgical plan as it is being developed.

What Are the Risks Associated With Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal, like any other surgical procedure, carries some associated risks. Please read below for some of these: 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 you experience any of these symptoms and are concerned, please contact us at The Carney Center immediately so that we can assist you.

Virginia Beach

Buccal Fat Removal

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Introduction

Introduction to Buccal Fat Removal

Some people end up having round faces despite being at a healthy weight due to oversized buccal fat pads in their cheeks. The buccal fat pad is a deep fat deposit located in the cheeks that helps define the facial structure and contour. Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes or trims this fat pad to achieve a chiseled, high-cheekbone look. If you are interested in buccal fat removal in Newport News and the surrounding areas, consider scheduling an in-person consultation at The Carney Center. Please read below for more information.

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal, also known as buccal lipectomy or cheek fat removal, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce or completely remove the “buccal fat pad,” a naturally occurring fat deposit in the cheek that is meant to provide a safety cushion as well as volume and structure. The procedure reduces the size of the cheeks, causing them to sink inwards and give the impression of high cheekbones. The size and shape of buccal pads vary, which is why this procedure is not ideal for individuals with thin, narrow faces, as the removal of fat may cause the face to appear hollower over time.

What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?

Patients who have undergone buccal fat removal in Virginia Beach & Newport News have enjoyed the immediate, visible impact and a boost in their self-confidence. Other commonly shared benefits include:

Balanced facial anatomy
Long-lasting results
More chiseled jawline
More defined cheekbones
No more “baby face”
No visible scarring
V-shaped lower face

Who Are the Best Candidates For Buccal Fat Removal?

The best candidates for buccal fat removal are those who have chubby cheeks and a rounder face, regardless of their overall body weight. Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal in Virginia Beach & Newport News will have some of the following characteristics:

Have large buccal fat pads
Low self-esteem due to roundness in their face
Maintain realistic expectations
No underlying medical conditions
Want a chiseled face

What’s the
first step?

The first step in getting buccal fat removal in Virginia Beach is to schedule a consultation with one of our expert surgeons at The Carney Center. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your health history, aesthetic goals, concerns, and expectations from the procedure. They will examine your face to check the size and placement of your buccal fat pads, discussing potential incision sites with you while outlining the procedure, its associated risks, benefits, results, and recovery profile. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and share any ideas for combined procedures.

If you both decide to proceed with the procedure, your surgeon will design a surgical plan for you. You can take this plan to our patient concierge for scheduling and pricing, and receive any pre-operative instructions to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery.

What to Expect on the Day of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

On the day of your buccal fat removal in Virginia Beach & Newport News, your surgeon and their staff will welcome you and get you settled in the state-of-the-art surgical suite at The Carney Center. A member of the staff will review the surgical plan. Once you are ready to get into surgery, a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) will administer anesthesia.

Once sedated, your surgeon will carefully begin creating the incision on the inside of your cheek to access the target tissue. Once they have access to the buccal fat pad, they will either trim it or completely remove it. This procedure can sometimes be achieved through liposuction, where a cannula attached to a suction device is inserted through a small incision. Once the surgeon has attained your desired facial contour and symmetry, they will seal the incisions with dissolvable sutures.

Buccal fat removal typically takes an average of 30 minutes to an hour, provided there are no complications.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

After your buccal fat removal surgery in Virginia Beach, you will be monitored by our staff in the recovery room to make sure your sedation wears off. Patients are encouraged to have a friend or relative drive them back home.

Patients should expect minor swelling, discomfort, and bruising for a few days to a week. During this time, they are recommended to avoid any strenuous activity and minimize their use of the mouth area. Most patients will take time off from work.

How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost in Virginia Beach, VA?

The cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Newport News and Virginia Beach depends on the complexity of your case and your surgeon’s fees, among other factors. To obtain an accurate estimate of the price, patients are advised to schedule their initial consultation as soon as possible, allowing their surgeon to create a customized surgical plan that can then be priced accordingly.

Why Choose the Carney Center?

The Carney Center is a family-founded and run surgical institute that offers a wide range of aesthetic surgery with a particular focus on the face. Our surgeons strive for perfection in all aspects of their cosmetic practice to help patients achieve their goals. Patients in Virginia Beach would be in safe and expert hands for buccal fat removal.

For over 30 years, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder Dr. Martin J. Carney has provided high-quality cosmetic surgery. He founded The Carney Center to deliver supreme patient satisfaction and care. Dr. Carney trained at some of the finest medical universities in the country and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify plastic surgeons. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Board-eligible plastic surgeon, Dr. Martin Carney III joined his father in the practice to serve the community. He has published over 35 peer-reviewed articles and multiple book chapters and presented across the country at national aesthetic and plastic surgery meetings. He serves as a peer reviewer for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Staying up to date with the literature, Dr. Carney III brings the newest and most innovative techniques in plastic surgery to his practice.

Both Dr. Carney and Dr. Carney III have hospital privileges in Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital.

Buccal Fat Removal FAQ’S

Buccal fat removal, like any other surgical procedure, carries some associated risks. Please read below for some of these:
- 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 you experience any of these symptoms and are concerned, please contact us at The Carney Center immediately so that we can assist you.

Patient Reviews

Outstanding Care

Received outstanding care at the Carney Center beginning at the front desk, to the nurse and especially Dr. Carney. Everyone is very professional and they are so efficient; never had to wait more than 5 minutes to be taken to a treatment room. I highly recommend this practice!!!

Patient Reviews -W.M.
Results I always wanted

I’ve had lip filler and two breast augmentations done by Dr Carney III, after seeing another surgeon. Dr Carney III was able to give me the results that I have always wanted! Dr Carney is a perfectionist, he took the time to listen and answer all of my questions no matter how repetitive they were.

Patient Reviews -H.P.
You won’t find better

I have been a patient at The Carney Center for over 25 years. You will not find a better plastic surgeon in our area. From facial rejuvenation to skin care they do it all and do it well!

Patient Reviews -R.B.
Natural Look

Dr Carney and his staff are excellent. Dr. Carney’s surgical skill creates a natural look for his patients. You look better but not overdone! Great care is taken for your comfort, and his nurses are exceptional.

Patient Reviews -C.M.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are conscious of your baby face and round cheeks, consider learning more about buccal fat removal in Virginia Beach. Schedule a consultation with one of our expert surgeons at The Carney Center and let their expertise and experience guide you to a new, chiseled face.

Contact

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