Buccal Fat Removal | Palm Beach, FL with Dr. Bellamy
Historically, sculpted cheekbones have been a highly desirable trait. Over the past year, buccal fat pad removal has been in the spotlight, due to many celebrities and influencers popularizing the procedure in search of the ultimate facial contours. Buccal fat removal is a unique procedure that aims to accentuate the cheekbones and jawline for a sculpted, defined appearance. For people who feel their faces are too round or who dislike their “chipmunk cheeks,” buccal fat removal can provide the optimal solution.
With utmost precision and elegant artistry, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Justin Bellamy aims to help you achieve your aesthetic goals through quality surgical care. Many patients from across the country seek Dr. Bellamy’s advice due to his extensive academic training and distinguished expertise. With a patient-first approach, Dr. Bellamy customizes each buccal fat removal procedure to help accomplish his patients’ aesthetic goals and enhance their natural beauty, making him your choice as the best buccal fat removal surgeon in Palm Beach.
Contact Dr. Justin Bellamy at (561) 705-0044 or complete our online form to schedule your buccal fat removal consultation today!
What Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
Buccal fat removal surgery, also known as buccal fat reduction or cheek reduction surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that aims at reducing the fullness of the cheeks to create accentuated cheekbones and a more contoured facial appearance. During a buccal fat removal procedure, the buccal fat pads, located in the lower portion of the cheeks, are significantly reduced. With the aim of creating a slimmer, more sculpted appearance, buccal fat removal surgically excises the excess buccal fat.
While naturally soft, rounder faces are typically deemed to look more youthful, some patients consider their facial appearance too full or their cheeks too chubby, even after weight loss. Buccal fat removal surgery aims to thin out the cheeks, especially in the hollows of the cheeks.
Buccal fat pad size varies by each individual patient, and the fat pads within each cheek may be different sizes. Typically, buccal fat removal is not performed on people who have naturally thin or narrow faces. As we age, naturally occurring volume loss in conjunction with buccal fat pad removal may cause a gaunt-looking appearance.
Accompanying Procedures
The aim of buccal fat removal procedures is to reduce the fullness of the cheeks for a more defined, sculpted facial appearance. However, some facial enhancement efforts rely on full facial rejuvenation to create a more polished look.
For dramatic facial transformation, other facial contouring procedures can be performed simultaneously, including: Facelift, Neck Lift, Fat Grafting, and Chin Implant.
Buccal fat removal can dramatically enhance the appearance of your cheeks, but improving the appearance of your skin is also crucial. Dr. Bellamy recommends laser skin resurfacing, Morpheus8 skin tightening, or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) skin rejuvenation treatments for optimal results.
Looking for the best plastic surgeon in Palm Beach?
Dr. Justin Bellamy uses his esteemed education, cutting-edge techniques, and state-of-the-art medical equipment to create customized treatment plans to meet his patients’ needs and expectations. He has published over thirty peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and is a thought-leader in the field of plastic surgery. Trust Dr. Bellamy for a comprehensive and modern plastic surgery experience.
Your Boca Raton Buccal Fat Removal Consultation
Dr. Bellamy will focus on your concerns about your facial features, goals, and what you visualize as your ideal outcome. Then, Dr. Bellamy will discuss the details, risks, and benefits of the buccal fat removal procedure, then will give his honest recommendations about anatomically accomplishable results.
Dr. Bellamy wants you to feel informed and comfortable when making decisions about your procedure. With high quality care and innovative techniques, Dr. Bellamy’s dedication to patient safety and outstanding results makes him your choice for the best buccal fat removal surgeon in Palm Beach.
Am I an Ideal Candidate for Palm Beach Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal procedures are non-smokers who are generally healthy and looking to reduce the fullness of their cheeks. They’re seeking long-lasting facial rejuvenation and a more sculpted facial appearance.
Dr. Bellamy recommends buccal fat removal candidates should:
- Live a healthy lifestyle
- Be at a healthy, stable weight
- Not have conditions that impair healing
- Have realistic expectations
What Can I Expect During Buccal Fat Removal?
While Palm Beach buccal fat removal procedures will be unique to each patient, Dr. Bellamy specifically customizes each procedure to accomplish optimal results for the patient. Here are some general steps to expect.
All surgeries are performed in our own facilities that have two state-of-the-art, fully certified AAAASF operating rooms.
On the day of surgery, you’ll be greeted by our nursing staff, then review your procedural plan with Dr. Bellamy. He will answer any last questions and make surgical makings. You’ll then receive local anesthesia and Dr. Bellamy will begin your Palm Beach buccal fat removal.
Preparing for Your Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
In the weeks prior to your surgery, Dr. Bellamy advises maintaining a healthy, high-protein, low-salt diet. During this time, you will need to stop medications that contain aspirin and most herbal supplements, especially those containing garlic, fish oil, or zinc, as these can cause additional bleeding or bruising.
For at least four weeks prior to and following your procedure, smoking, vaping, or any other nicotine products are strictly prohibited. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and affects the body’s ability to heal itself, potentially impacting your recovery and results.
West Palm Beach Buccal Fat Removal Procedure and Recovery
Dr. Bellamy will begin your buccal fat removal surgery by making a small incision on the inside of the cheek to locate the fat pad within the cheek. After the excess fat is gently removed, the incision will be closed with absorbable sutures. Then, the process is repeated on the other cheek.
As buccal fat procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia, patients can go home directly following surgery.
Following buccal fat removal surgery, most patients experience very little pain. In fact, many patients require no prescription pain medication throughout their recovery period. Most patients experience a bit of swelling, but bruising is typically negligible.
After buccal fat pad removal, there is minimal downtime. Many patients feel well enough to resume normal activities, including working, the next day. However, be sure to take time and rest a bit following your procedure. For three to four weeks, you will need to avoid strenuous activities, including exercising or heavy lifting; however, Dr. Bellamy advises walking slowly as soon as you feel well enough.
Surgical Mastery Meets Aesthetic Artistry
How Soon Will I See My Buccal Fat Removal Results?
Following buccal fat removal surgery, your final outcome may be temporarily obscured by swelling. Gradually, swelling will resolve over the next three to six weeks, and your cheeks will adjust to their new contour and sculpted appearance. During this time, your cheeks will begin to appear less full or chubby.
As the incisions for buccal fat removal surgery are made inside of the cheeks, there are no visible scars following the healing process.
With optimal results and recommended follow up care, the best Palm Beach buccal fat removal can redefine your appearance with long-lasting results. To maintain your optimal results, you will need to sustain your ideal weight. Significant weight fluctuations will affect your buccal fat removal results.
Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Cost in Palm Beach, FL
Buccal fat removal surgery costs in Palm Beach, FL are greatly influenced by your individual needs, aesthetic goals, and the extent of your procedure. The average buccal fat removal cost in Palm Beach ranges from $3,000 to $6,500.
Following your consultation, Dr. Bellamy will provide an estimate for your buccal fat removal surgery cost in Palm Beach, FL.
Choosing Dr. Bellamy as Your Palm Beach Buccal Fat Removal Expert
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Justin Bellamy is considered one of the premiere facial plastic surgeons in Palm Beach. Employing innovative techniques and state-of-the-art medical equipment, Dr. Bellamy customizes treatment plans to address each patient’s needs and exceed their expectations, making him your choice as the best buccal fat removal surgeon in Palm Beach.
For Dr. Bellamy, the most fulfilling aspect of performing plastic surgery is using his skills to enhance and enrich the lives of his patients. Blending a mastery of surgery with artistic elegance, Dr. Bellamy’s goal is to help his patients accomplish their aesthetic goals with beautiful, natural-looking results to increase their confidence and self-esteem.
Contact Dr. Justin Bellamy at (561) 705-0044 or complete our online form to schedule your buccal fat removal consultation with Dr. Justin Bellamy today!
Palm Beach, FL
Buccal Fat Removal FAQs
Do you want to learn more about Buccal Fat Removal with Dr. Justin Bellamy? Read our FAQs and complete our online form to meet Dr. Bellamy today.
Immediately following your buccal fat removal surgery, it’s important to eat a diet of bland, soft foods, including applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies, or broth. This diet helps you avoid increasing discomfort and pain. Avoid eating foods that are sharp like tortilla chips or granular like rice.
Initial recovery from buccal fat removal surgery can take two to three weeks. Typically, you may resume your normal eating habits at this time.
While initial recovery from buccal fat removal can take two to three weeks, you should wait for Dr. Bellamy to clear you to return to your regular exercise routine, which is typically around three to four weeks. During your recovery, Dr. Bellamy encourages you to engage in light walking to promote circulation.
Buccal fat removal addresses a “chubby cheek” appearance by reducing fat and fullness from the lower portion of the face. It slims the jawline for a more sculpted look. As full, chubby cheeks are often associated with a very young look, for some people, buccal fat removal creates a more age-appropriate look.
However, it’s important to choose your buccal fat removal surgeon wisely as removing too much fat may impact your appearance negatively, creating a gaunt or older-looking appearance. Choosing an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bellamy ensures you’ve chosen a provider with extensive skills and education who will deliver the utmost care and optimal results.
Buccal fat removal recovery can take two to three weeks. Patients may need to take a week off work for initial healing. Typically, if dissolvable sutures are not used, sutures will be removed five to seven days following the procedure. Expect some discomfort during recovery; however, residual pain is easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medications.
It may take weeks to months after the incisions have healed for persistent swelling and inflammation to resolve and for skin to settle in the treated area. Final results are visible in three to six months, revealing slimmer cheeks, more prominent cheekbones, and a youthful facial appearance.
Following your buccal fat removal procedure, you may need to wear a chin strap for at least two weeks to provide support for your new contours and facial skin as you heal. You may also be prescribed antibiotics or an antiseptic mouthwash to encourage healing and prevent infection of the incision sites.
As a standalone procedure, buccal fat removal is relatively quick. Depending on your unique anatomy and anesthesia needs, the procedure may take 30 to 45 minutes. However, buccal fat removal is often combined with other procedures for full facial rejuvenation. Procedures that can be combined with buccal fat removal may include facial fat grafting, chin implant, rhinoplasty, or lip lift.
Like any surgery, buccal fat removal has potential risks, including bleeding, infection, facial nerve injury, or salivary gland injury. To safely perform buccal fat removal, your surgeon should have extensive anatomical knowledge and training. You can significantly reduce your risks by trusting your buccal fat removal procedure with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bellamy.
No, buccal fat does not reduce with age. In fact, patients can develop a significant amount of buccal fat as they age.
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Internal bras such as Galaflex or DuraSorb meshes can be helpful to prevent unwanted stretching of the lower pole of your breast and implant descent. They are not required for all patients, so this will be a discussion with Dr. Bellamy during your consultation.
This technique utilizes the Keller Funnel to insert the breast implant into the breast pocket without any direct contact between the surgeon and the implant. The implant never touches any other surface than the funnel which minimizes exposure to bacteria, reducing the risk of capsular contracture.
Recovery after breast augmentation is generally well tolerated. You will be maintained in a soft supportive bra. You will be given both pain medication as well as muscle relaxants to help during the immediate recovery period. Most patients return to life as usual after about a week, cardiovascular exercise at 3 weeks after surgery, and can lift weights by 4 weeks. In general you should avoid direct push-up or chest exercises after surgery if your implants were placed under the muscle.
Both saline and silicone breast implants can look and feel natural. However, the “gummy-bear” highly cohesive modern silicone implants are touted to have the most natural feel.
Following surgery, sensation may be temporarily affected, however in 90-95% of patients this sensation returns to normal.
Dr. Bellamy does not typically use drains when performing breast augmentation.
Dr. Bellamy typically uses dissolvable sutures when performing breast augmentation. These do not need to be removed.
Typically 5 days, however this depends on the type of work you perform. Desk jobs may allow sooner return to work, while more labor intensive work may require longer. Everyone’s recovery timeline is a little different.
Complications after breast augmentation are uncommon, however the most common complications include hematoma (collection of blood in the implant pocket), infection requiring antibiotics, implant rupture, and capsular contracture. The risk of these complications are reduced by ensuring good blood pressure control after surgery, completing a short course of antibiotics around surgery, and by utilization of the No-Touch Technique with a Keller Funnel.
Dr. Bellamy will review sizing with you extensively, including taking accurate measurements of your natural breast dimensions and assessing your goal size. Bringing photos of breasts that fit your goals with you to your consultation can also help guide the discussion. Finally, virtual photo planning may also give a preview of what a given size would look like on your chest.
All surgical incisions result in some amount of scar, however the scar is carefully placed to conceal it either under your breast or along the natural color change of your areolas. Scars take a year to mature and continue to lighten over time.
Rarely, implants can rupture. If a saline implant ruptures, you will know immediately because the implant will deflate completely within hours. Modern silicone implants, also known as gummy bear implants, use highly cohesive gels that adheres to itself. It therefore acts more like Jell-o than a normal gel, meaning it will hold its form within your breasts. Usually, imaging like ultrasound or MRI is required to identify a leak from a silicone implant. If a leak is identified, we do advise getting the implant replaced.
Yes, in fact patients are encouraged to get mammograms before and after surgery. The mammographer will simply position your breasts such that the implant does not interfere with the visualization of your breast tissue.
While it is a good idea to take it easy after surgery, normal activity will not harm anything. In fact, being normally active after surgery is important to your healing process.
Yes, a surgical bra will be provided for after surgery. Dr. Bellamy asks patients to wear a soft, front-clasp bra without underwire for 6 weeks following the procedure.
Breast augmentation is typically performed under IV sedation (“twilight”) anesthesia.
We recommend you have someone stay with you the first night after surgery for your comfort in the early recovery process.
There is no requirement for implant replacement or an expiration date! However, breast implants are for life – your breasts will continue to change throughout time and there is always a possibility you may want to make changes in the future to your breasts or the implant.
Dr. Bellamy is extensively trained in cutting-edge breast augmentation techniques. He will work one-on-one with you to create a customized treatment plan to attain your aesthetic goals.
It is important to seek a board-certified PLASTIC surgeon. Reviewing before-and-after results is equally important to ensure that your surgeon will deliver the results you deserve.
