With buccal fat pad removal, Dr. Kotis removes excess fat deep within the cheeks — creating a slimmer appearance, defining your bone structure, and highlighting your facial features.
What is Buccal Fat?
The buccal fat pads are fatty deposits that are located deep within the cheeks. These pads are what give young children their signature, adorable cheeks.
In some patients, the buccal fat pads remain enlarged well into adulthood, creating the appearance of a round, chubby face that is disproportionate to the rest of their features. Because the amount of buccal fat present is a hereditary issue, it cannot be addressed through diet and exercise. In order to successfully minimize “chipmunk cheeks” as an adult, some of the buccal fat must be surgically removed.
The Benefits
Reduce lower facial fullness
Create a slender facial contour
Achieve a universally attractive heart-shaped face
Highlight your cheekbones and bone structure
Minimize “chipmunk cheeks”
Sculpt a more mature appearance
Kotis
the Procedure: What to expect
Buccal fat pad removal is done under local anesthesia and takes about 40 minutes to complete, from start to finish. After numbing the treatment area with an anesthetic, Dr. Kotis will make several small incisions inside the cheeks. Through those openings, he will locate the buccal fat pads and remove a precise portion of them.
During this process, Dr. Kotis will be conservative in his approach. Because this area naturally loses volume with age, he will be sure that enough fat remains to ensure a healthy, youthful look in the future.
Once your new cheeks have been sculpted, Dr. Kotis will close the incisions with dissolvable sutures and you will be free to return home immediately to begin the recovery process.
Quick Fact
Significant post-surgical swelling is very common with buccal fat pad removal. As such, we recommend scheduling your surgery a full month before a major event.
Your Recovery
The recovery period associated with buccal fat pad removal is about three to five days.
Here’s what to expect as you heal:
Swelling is common and can be minimized by applying ice packs to the area
Some soreness is normal and can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication
You will need to avoid strenuous exercise following the procedure to optimize healing
You can return to sedentary work as soon as you feel comfortable being in public
Your Cheeks
Slender and Defined
You will notice an immediate improvement in your cheek contour after surgery, though these results are just the beginning. Your facial definition will continue to progress and refine over time as any residual swelling dissipates.
ScheduleA Consultation
Minimize round cheeks and achieve a slender, sculpted facial contour. Contact our Arlington Heights office today to schedule a consultation and discover if buccal fat pad removal is right for you.
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