Buccal Fat Removal
Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA
While high upper cheekbones are a sign of a youthful and attractive face, lower cheeks are often too full. If this sounds like you, you can benefit from buccal fat removal for a slimmer, more proportionate facial appearance. The goal of buccal fat removal is to thin the lower cheeks, sculpt the midface, specifically in the area of the cheek hollows adjacent to the corners of your mouth, and accentuate your cheekbones as well as jawline. Although a naturally soft and full face is considered youthful, some people find that their face feels too full, even chubby, especially in the lower third. As a double board-certified plastic facial surgeon, you can count on Dr. Walker to provide you with the beautiful, natural-looking results you desire. Our office is conveniently located 12 minutes from Brookhaven and 15 minutes from Buckhead.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal eliminates a portion of the buccal fat pad, which is a pad of fat that naturally occurs in the lower cheek hollow area. The size of the buccal fat pad is different for each individual, and the fat pad in each cheek may vary in size as well. This procedure can help to balance out the lower third of your face, as well as accentuate your cheekbones and jawline for a more refined look. Buccal fat pad removal is typically performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure so that you can return to your busy routine fairly quickly. However, it can be performed under general anesthesia as well, especially when in conjunction with other procedures such as facelift, necklift, etc.
What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal with Dr. Walker in Atlanta offers a wide range of impressive advantages, including the following:
- Slims, streamlines, and sculpts the midface
- Creates the coveted V-shaped jawline
- Created highlights and shadows for a refined facial appearance
- Helps define and refine the cheekbones and jawline
- Improves definition, balance, and proportion
- Increases symmetry
- Enhances harmony among the features
- Scars are hidden within the mouth
- Boosts self-confidence
Who Are the Best Candidates For Buccal Fat Removal?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of full or chubby cheeks, you may benefit from this customized procedure to reduce the fullness in your lower cheeks and accentuate your cheekbones. In general, individuals who are physically healthy, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure are good candidates. A buccal fat removal is not often performed for people who have narrow, thin faces, as the face can appear more gaunt with age. A consultation with Dr. Walker is the best way to determine if this procedure is right for you.
You may be a good buccal fat removal candidate if:
- You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- You have realistic expectations
- You are a non-smoker
- You are bothered by the appearance of your chubby lower cheeks
- You have a round face and desire more definition
- You have never lost the chunky cheeks from childhood
- You are seeking more refined and defined facial features
What’s the First Step?
To begin your cosmetic journey with Dr. Walker in Atlanta, you will undergo a private consultation and physical/medical review. Dr. Walker will listen carefully to your goals for improvement, answer any questions, and go over the risks, costs, and downtime associated with buccal fat removal. If you decide to proceed, we will then schedule you for surgery and provide perioperative instructions to help you make the most of your visit.
What to Expect on the Day of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
Buccal fat removal is usually performed under local anesthesia with or without IV sedation in the office. However, it may also be performed under general anesthesia in the operating room if the client prefers, especially when performed in conjunction with other procedures necessitating deep sedation. An incision will be created inside your mouth on the inner portion of the cheeks. No external incisions are made, so there will be no external scarring. Once Dr. Walker removes the proper amount of fat from each side, which may be different on the two sides, the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures that dissolve within 14 days. Buccal fat removal surgery usually takes one hour to complete.
Before & After Results
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
Following your procedure, you may be instructed to follow a soft diet for several days. You may also be given special mouth rinses to reduce the risk of infection. Swelling and discomfort to varying degrees in the lower cheeks are to be expected and may feel similar to recovery after wisdom tooth removal. The swelling will subside over the next few days. Be sure to follow Dr. Walker’s specific recovery instructions to ensure that your incisions heal properly. Once the swelling subsides, you will be able to enjoy your slimmer, more contoured cheek appearance.
How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost in Atlanta, GA?
The cost of buccal fat removal in Atlanta varies and depends on multiple factors, including the surgeon’s fee, location of surgery (office vs. operating room), type of anesthesia, prescriptions for medications, and possible medical tests. When your treatment plan has been decided during your consultation, Dr. Walker’s team will go over estimated costs with you. Although finances are important, you should focus on finding a skilled and caring surgeon you trust rather than on the cost associated with your procedure. Dr. Walker’s team will be happy to go over financing options with you.
Why Choose Dr. Walker?
Dr. Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS, is a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon who emphasizes safety and excellence at every juncture of the treatment process, with no shortcuts. His artistry and meticulous attention to detail have led to a stellar reputation that draws patients not just from Atlanta but from all over the country and the globe. Dr. Walker utilizes today’s most innovative and advanced techniques to minimize downtime, discomfort, and risks.
Dr. Walker began his career with a demanding five-year residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery accredited by the ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) at the University of Miami. He was chosen as Chief Resident during his final year. Dr. Walker was subsequently among 40 surgeons annually chosen for a highly competitive, one-year fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery accredited by the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) at the University of Illinois – Chicago under the mentorship of world-renowned Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Dean Toriumi. During this time, Dr. Walker also served as a clinical instructor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Illinois – Chicago, where he taught the ENT residents at UIC. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), a member of the esteemed Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) medical honor society, and is affiliated with the American Medical Association (AMA).
Schedule Your
Consultation
Buccal fat removal can subtly refine your facial contours, creating a more sculpted, defined look. To explore whether this procedure is right for you, contact our office today to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Walker. During your visit, you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals and receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to enhance your natural beauty with precision and care.
WalkerMD Facial Plastic Surgery is conveniently located 10 minutes from Buckhead, 12 minutes from Brookhaven, 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta, and 30 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport – the world’s busiest airport by passenger count.
Buccal Fat Removal FAQ’S
Schedule a Consultation
To discuss your facial plastic surgery options with Dr. Walker, please schedule a consultation. For your comfort and safety, if you are unable to meet in out Atlanta office, we are currently offering secure telehealth appointments.