Is Buccal Fat Removal Painful?

You will be pain-free during the procedure as you will be under anesthesia. After your surgery, you may feel some minor pain and soreness. Pain medication can be prescribed, and ice packs will help with swelling and discomfort.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You will be requested to return to the practice a week after surgery to monitor recovery. You can expect a few more check-up appointments over the next few months at Dr. Ogilvie’s discretion.

Can I Combine a Buccal Fat Removal with Other Procedures?

Absolutely! Many of our patients who have received Buccal Fat Removal in Chicago have looked to combine their treatment with other facial contouring procedures, such as a Facelift , Chin Implant, or even BOTOX . We recommend you share your desires for these combined procedures with Dr. Ogilvie at the initial consultation so that he can consider them while making your surgical plan and advise you for or against the combined procedures you seek.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal, like any other surgery, has 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 and are concerned, please contact our office immediately.

Chicago, Il

Buccal Fat Removal

Name: Ogilvie Plastic Surgery
Brand: Ogilvie Plastic Surgery
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)

Introduction to Buccal Fat Removal

Some body areas can be difficult to sculpt through diet and exercise alone. Your cheeks are one of those areas. That’s why some patients request a procedure known as buccal fat removal, an aesthetic surgery designed to make the cheeks appear slimmer. If you are interested in buccal fat removal in Chicago, consider scheduling an in-person consultation with dual board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Ogilvie at this highly sought-after Ogilvie Plastic Surgery practice.

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What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal, also known as buccal lipectomy or cheek fat removal, is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat in the lower cheek, the “buccal pad,” emphasizing the cheekbones and the jawline. Most patients interested in a buccal fat removal procedure feel self-conscious about cheeks that appear overly chubby compared to the other features of the face. The results of buccal fat removal can make patients’ faces appear slimmer, more proportional, and more athletic.

What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?

Some of the major benefits our patients who have received a buccal fat removal in Chicago are reported as follows:

Balanced facial anatomy
Boost in self-esteem
Higher cheekbones
Long-lasting
More chiseled jawline
No more “baby face”
No visible scarring

Who Are the Best Candidates For Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal procedures are usually not a good fit for patients with little fat around their cheeks or who already exhibit hollow-looking cheeks. A good candidate for buccal fat removal will typically:

Be able to maintain a relatively steady body weight
Be generally healthy enough for a surgical procedure
Feel self-conscious about the size or shape of their cheeks
Have realistic expectations about what your buccal fat removal results may look like.
Present significant amounts of fat in their cheeks.

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Plan your Visit

What’s the first step?

Every plastic surgery procedure with Dr. Ogilvie begins with a thorough consultation. During your consultation, you’ll be able to ask questions about the procedure, your results, and any surgical concerns you might have. At the same time, Dr. Ogilvie will be able to determine what approaches might achieve the best possible results for your unique physiology. During your consultation with Dr. Ogilvie, you’ll talk about what you can expect from your buccal fat removal procedure, from preparation to recovery. You’ll be able to talk about the changes you want to see, and Dr. Ogilvie will recommend the best ways to achieve your goals.

A buccal fat removal is typically a popular option in two circumstances. In the first, buccal fat is removed as part of an overall facelift procedure. In the second, buccal fat is the primary target because the patient wants a slimmer, more toned facial appearance.

What to Expect on the Day of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

A buccal fat removal procedure is most often performed on an outpatient basis. Patients arrive slightly before their scheduled operation time and are allowed to return home once the initial effects of the anesthesia have worn off.

Anesthesia — Buccal fat removal can be performed under general anesthesia or by combining local anesthesia with a sedative element.
Incisions — Dr. Ogilvie will make a small incision inside your mouth. This will allow Dr. Ogilvie access to the buccal fat pad without creating any noticeable scarring. If you are undergoing buccal fat removal as part of a facelift procedure, an incision inside the mouth may not be necessary. Once the incision is made, Dr. Ogilvie will trim the buccal fat pad (sometimes assisted by liposuction techniques).
Closing the Incision — Once the buccal fat pad has been reduced, sutures are used to close the incisions. These sutures are often designed to dissolve independently, but this can vary from patient to patient.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

You will be monitored in our recovery room after your surgery, but once you are cleared to leave, you will be able to return home to recover in peace. You are encouraged to have a friend or relative provide you with a ride home, as you may still be under the influence of sedation.

Most patients find recovery to be generally easy and take about one or two days. Your initial swelling and soreness will subside in the first week. Swelling will continue to subside, with your results starting to be seen as early as four weeks post-surgery and then progressively improving for several months thereafter.

Be very careful not to bite on the cheek area so the incision can heal properly, and the sutures can dissolve.

Buccal Fat Removal Cost

How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost in Chicago, IL?

The cost of buccal fat removal in Chicago varies depending on the complexity of your case and the surgeon’s fees, among many factors. To get an accurate estimate of the price, you should schedule your consultation with Dr. Ogilvie so that he can create the best surgical plan for you. Our Patient Coordinator will then be able to provide you with the cost after your plan is developed.

Why Choose Dr. Ogilvie?

Michael P. Ogilvie, M.D., M.B.A., is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is double board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A native Chicagoan, he was born and raised in Hyde Park and is proud to serve the community he loves. Dr. Ogilvie prides himself on providing his patients with the highest levels of care founded on surgical expertise and artistic vision to give the most natural results possible.

With his highly personalized approach and meticulous attention to detail, Dr. Ogilvie should be your choice for your buccal fat removal in Chicago because he strives to fully understand his patients’ goals to provide realistic expectations and expert care. He fully complements cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures to meet every patient’s individualized needs. Dr. Ogilvie’s dedication throughout his career allows him to provide the absolute best results possible with understanding, kindness, and compassion. He is an affiliate of the American Board of Surgery (ABS), the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the Illinois Society of Plastic Surgeons (ISPS).

Buccal Fat Removal FAQ’S

Absolutely! Many of our patients who have received Buccal Fat Removal in Chicago have looked to combine their treatment with other facial contouring procedures, such as a Facelift, Chin Implant, or even BOTOX. We recommend you share your desires for these combined procedures with Dr. Ogilvie at the initial consultation so that he can consider them while making your surgical plan and advise you for or against the combined procedures you seek.
Buccal fat removal, like any other surgery, has 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 and are concerned, please contact our office immediately.

Schedule a consultation

If you want to know more about how buccal fat removal works or whether it’s a good fit for you on an individual level, contact our offices to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ogilvie. As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Ogilvie has years of experience working with patients on precisely this type of procedure. Dr. Ogilvie can help you determine the best steps forward if you want your cheeks to look slimmer and more athletic. If you want to know more about buccal fat removal, contact our office today to schedule an appointment and get started on your cheek transformation.

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