Is Buccal Fat Removal Painful?

The general anesthesia applied at the time of surgery should ensure every patient is comfortable and sedated without feeling any pain. Afterward, patients may feel tired and sore with associated swelling and tenderness, which can be soothed with an ice pack or approved pain medication.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Your buccal fat removal surgery will need several appointments, from the surgery to the follow-up post-operative appointments, to ensure your surgery yields the desired results. The overall number of appointments will vary by individual patient health and the extent of surgery required. Our patient care coordinator will be able to provide you with an overview of appointments necessary per your individualized surgical treatment plan at the time of your consultation.

How Long Until I See Results?

Dr. Motykie cautions his patients that their first week of recovery will likely involve swelling and bruising, which will obscure the initial results of their buccal fat removal surgery. Patients may even feel their faces seem “rounder.” This is normal! The swelling will reduce over the week following the procedure. All patients vary in their ability and speed to recover after surgery, but on average, most patients see their final results a few months after their procedure.

Can I Combine Buccal Fat Removal With Other Procedures?

Buccal fat removal is noninvasive and quick, making it suitable for combining with other facial reshaping procedures. Dr. Motykie often performs neck liposuction and facial fat grafting to the upper face in combination with buccal fat removals to create a more noticeable “facial reshaping.” The results from this combined approach can be impressive and beautiful when performed by a surgeon who possesses expertise and a strong aesthetic sensibility. In your consultation, please let Dr. Motykie know your preference for additional facial reshaping procedures. He will be happy to safely incorporate your desired procedures into your customized surgical treatment plan.

What Are the Risks Associated With Buccal Fat Removal?

Although buccal fat removal poses few risks when performed by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon, the surgery is still associated with the following hazards: Swelling Tenderness Infection Excessive bleeding Risks of anesthesia Asymmetrical or misshapen appearance in results Changes in sensitivity in the treatment area Nerve injury that may cause facial sagging Salivary gland or duct injury

Beverly Hills, CA

Buccal Fat Removal

Introduction to Buccal Fat Removal

“Baby faces” look adorable in baby photos, but as we grow older, our round, chubby cheeks of childhood usually transform into the more sculpted appearance of the adult face with cheekbone highlights and a distinct jawline. However, some people may never lose the childhood “chubby” look on their cheeks. This can make them appear “overweight” and less attractive in adulthood.

Dr. Gary Motykie can help. Based in the Beverly Hills & West Hollywood, CA, area Dr. Motykie offers Buccal Fat Removal for patients struggling with their adult appearance. Read on to learn more about buccal fat removal and how you can achieve a symmetrical, subtly changed facial appearance that will have your friends and family asking: “Have you lost weight?”

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What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal, also known as cheek fat removal or a buccal lipectomy, is a minimally invasive, scarless surgical procedure that reduces the amount of the buccal fat pads located in the lower portion of the face. During buccal fat pad extraction, these oversized buccal fat pads are removed in order to give the patient a more elegant, sculpted facial appearance with improved contour of the lower face and enhancement of the cheek hollow. The overall look is of a patient who appears to have lost weight and has a more chiseled face with higher-appearing cheekbones.

Patient Testimonial

I had buccal fat pad removal with Dr. Motykie. I’m almost one year out and I have to say that I’m satisfied! The results are natural and contoured, not overly “done.” It’s seriously one of those situations where “everyone will notice and no one will know,” lol. I also did some Botox to my eyebrows for a slight cat eye lift. It all turned out perfect, but I’m due for a touch up for my Botox. Hoping I can schedule something next time I visit LA.

— D.G. – Realself

What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?

Dr. Motykie’s patients in Beverly Hills, CA, request buccal fat removal for the following advantages:

Minimally-invasive surgical procedure
Elegant, mature appearance
Improved symmetry in facial structure
Defined jawline and cheekbones

Who Are the Best Candidates For Buccal Fat Removal?

Dr. Motykie recommends patients pursue buccal fat removal if they meet the following characteristics:

Discomfort with their “baby face”
Inability to be taken seriously or treated as a mature adult as a result of their appearance
Stabilized in their weight loss but still have a rounded face
Non-smoker
Maintain realistic expectations for what a buccal fat removal can achieve

Your Buccal Fat Removal Journey with Dr. GARY MOTYKIE

What’s the First Step?

If you are interested in exploring whether buccal fat removal surgery could assist in your facial aesthetic goals, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Motykie at his practice in Beverly Hills, CA. Dr. Motykie will better understand how the surgery may best meet your needs and expectations and answer any questions regarding buccal fat removal and its possible benefits for your particular case.

You are encouraged to bring photos that demonstrate the desired look you wish to achieve with your surgery. Dr. Motykie will also provide you with reference photos showcasing different results from surgery to help you determine which look you find most attractive and what surgical techniques would help to make it possible.

Dr. Motykie may also take photos and use computer imaging to demonstrate the most likely results of your buccal fat removal. Should you want to proceed with the surgery, Dr. Motykie will then develop a personalized surgical treatment plan designed to address your particular buccal fat removal needs. A member of our patient care team will then help you schedule your procedure at a time convenient for you.

What to Expect on the Day of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Prior to your surgery, you will have the opportunity to speak with Dr. Motykie about any part of your surgical procedure and/or the recovery process. Dr. Motykie wants all his patients to feel relaxed and fully informed before proceeding with any surgical procedure. When you are ready, Dr. Motykie will place surgical markings on your face to highlight the areas targeted by the surgery. A board-certified anesthesiologist will then administer general anesthesia and monitor your safety during the surgery.

Once you have been fully sedated, Dr. Motykie will create a very small incision inside your mouth opposite the upper molar teeth on both sides. The buccal fat pads are then simply and quickly removed from inside the mouth, and the tiny incision used to remove the fat pads is closed with a single dissolvable suture. Because the entire procedure is performed inside the mouth, there is no resulting facial scarring, and there is no need for bandages following the procedure. The surgery takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

After your buccal fat removal surgery, you will be brought to the recovery area, where you will be allowed to rest and completely recover from anesthesia. Our nurses on staff will monitor your recovery and provide you with any pain medication or amenities while the anesthesia wears off.

You may stay overnight in an outpatient recovery retreat or be released home the same day, provided you arrange for a trusted friend or family member to transport you from the recovery center.

You will be provided with a list of post-operative instructions to assist in your recovery process and reach the optimal results for your surgery. In general, Dr. Motykie recommends the following:

Diet: Most patients will start with a liquid diet the night after surgery and may resume a normal diet by the next day.
Medications: Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal immediately following surgery, and they are typically controlled with your prescription pain medication. Do not take any other pain medication, including Tylenol, aspirin, or ibuprofen, in combination with your pain medications unless Dr. Motykie gives you permission.
Bathing: Showering and bathing are permitted the very next day after surgery.
Activity: Light activity is allowed and encouraged, including moving about your house and walking outside to aid circulation in your lower extremities. However, no heavy lifting or strenuous activity should be attempted during the first 72 hours after surgery. Aerobic and impact cardio exercises should be avoided for one-week post-operation. The amount of physical or athletic activity should be guided by the level of your discomfort, with “pain” being the ultimate guide.

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How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost in Beverly Hills, CA?

The cost of buccal fat removal in Beverly Hills and the greater Los Angeles area will consider the surgeon’s fee, surgical facility fees, anesthesia fees, and the extent of treatment required to address the patient’s aesthetic goals adequately. Our patient care coordinators will also be able to provide you with an estimated cost breakdown at the time of your consultation. Dr. Motykie wants all his patients to be fully informed and educated before proceeding with any surgical decisions.

Why Choose Dr. Motykie?

Dr. Gary Motykie is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who is highly skilled in breast surgery, body contouring, rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation, and numerous other cosmetic surgical procedures. With about 50% of his practice consisting of revising surgeries from elsewhere, Dr. Motykie believes in performing safe, effective plastic surgery that focuses on “doing it right the first time.”

Dr. Motykie studied Medicine at Northwestern University and Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas, where he performed surgery at one of the world’s top cancer and burn reconstruction facilities. He subsequently completed an Advanced Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship in Beverly Hills, California, in 2004. Since then, he has spent the past ten years dedicated to designing an integrative approach to health, wellness, nutrition, and surgery to evolve his practice beyond the current standards.

Dr. Motykie has been featured in articles in the New York Times, LA Times, and Wall Street Journal and has appeared as a regular surgeon on the E! Channel’s Dr. 90201, Celebrity Plastic Surgery, The Doctors, Marie Show, Dr. Phil, MTV, VH1, EXTRA, ACCESS Hollywood, Inside Edition, and the Discovery Channel’s Plastic Surgery: Before & After. Dr. Motykie continues to present his work around the world, appearing on numerous televised programs to discuss a wide variety of plastic surgical topics.

Dr. Motykie strongly believes that the best plastic surgery results are beautiful, natural, and undetectable. He cares about educating and empowering his patients to make truly informed decisions about having safe, smart, and effective plastic surgery.

Dr. Motykie is certified and licensed by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (FASPS), the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the Los Angeles Society of Plastic Surgeons (LASPS), the International College of Surgeons, United States Section (FICS), the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS), and the International Confederation for Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS).

Buccal Fat Removal FAQ’S

Your buccal fat removal surgery will need several appointments, from the surgery to the follow-up post-operative appointments, to ensure your surgery yields the desired results. The overall number of appointments will vary by individual patient health and the extent of surgery required. Our patient care coordinator will be able to provide you with an overview of appointments necessary per your individualized surgical treatment plan at the time of your consultation.
Dr. Motykie cautions his patients that their first week of recovery will likely involve swelling and bruising, which will obscure the initial results of their buccal fat removal surgery. Patients may even feel their faces seem “rounder.” This is normal! The swelling will reduce over the week following the procedure.

All patients vary in their ability and speed to recover after surgery, but on average, most patients see their final results a few months after their procedure.
Buccal fat removal is noninvasive and quick, making it suitable for combining with other facial reshaping procedures. Dr. Motykie often performs neck liposuction and facial fat grafting to the upper face in combination with buccal fat removals to create a more noticeable “facial reshaping.”

The results from this combined approach can be impressive and beautiful when performed by a surgeon who possesses expertise and a strong aesthetic sensibility. In your consultation, please let Dr. Motykie know your preference for additional facial reshaping procedures. He will be happy to safely incorporate your desired procedures into your customized surgical treatment plan.
Although buccal fat removal poses few risks when performed by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon, the surgery is still associated with the following hazards:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Risks of anesthesia
- Asymmetrical or misshapen appearance in results
- Changes in sensitivity in the treatment area
- Nerve injury that may cause facial sagging
- Salivary gland or duct injury

Book Your Personalized Appointment Today

Schedule a Consultation

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