Chubby cheeks or chipmunk cheeks can result from a variety of conditions. Cheek reduction surgery or the buccal fat removal, offers a solution to those who want to reduce the size of their cheeks. This article provides information on this surgical treatment.
Some people are pleased with the appearance of their cheeks, while some are not, especially if the face is round. This facial appearance is due to the accumulation of fat called buccal fat or cheek fat. This appearance is caused due to obesity and genetic conditions. The chubby look is not preferred, as it makes a slim physique seem bigger than it is. This fat cannot be reduced by diet or exercise, thus a person would have to undergo a surgery, to achieve a chiseled look, which enhances the appearance and instills a feeling of self-confidence. However, prior to the treatment you would need to know, which appearances can be treated and which can’t be, along with the costs and risks associated with it.
Factors
Opt for a qualified surgeon for the treatment. Also, it is essential that the person considers the below factors, before undergoing the treatment:
Age: Undergoing the treatment and removing the buccal fat in the early 20s, might be risky. The aging process naturally dissolves fat, thus if too much fat is removed at an early age, there are chances that the person may get a gaunt look when he/she grows old. The surgeon would be able to advise, whether the person needs to undergo the treatment and also the amount of fat that can be extracted.
Medical conditions: The techniques and the risks associated with the procedure would be explained by the surgeon. At this stage, he/she should discuss the prevailing health conditions, medical history of the family, smoking habits, and any other medications. Accordingly, the surgeon would recommend the surgical procedure and the amount of fat to be extracted.
Cost: Ensure that the total estimate is known and agreed upon.
Testimony: The person should ensure that the photographs of people, who have undergone the treatment with the surgeon are checked, so that he/she is aware of the surgeon’s capability.
Procedure
Once the person has decided to opt for the treatment, he/she would be given a list of the dos and don’ts to be followed prior to the treatment. The consumption of medications containing ibuprofen or aspirin, should be avoided a week or couple of weeks, before the treatment. The person needs to undergo a blood test and a general physical examination, a week prior to the treatment.
The surgery would be performed in about an hour. Local anesthesia or oral sedative would be given before the surgical procedure, which means that the person would be awake, however insensitive to the pain. An incision would be made in the mouth (between the gums and the cheeks), of about 2 to 3 cm in length. It would be right above the second upper molar. The buccinator muscle is cut and the outer portion of the cheeks is pressed, thereby causing the buccal fat to come out, and it’s then removed with the help of forceps.
Once the required amount of fat is extracted, the incision is closed. A piece of antibiotic soaked in gauze may be applied, between the gums and the upper molars, so as to prevent any infection in the region. Ensure that the doctor’s instructions are strictly followed post surgery, so that the person can get well soon and get a perfect look. This treatment can cost anywhere between USD 1500 to USD 5000, and it may or may not include the cost of anesthesia, and the lab fees.
Since the results of a cosmetic surgery cannot be simply erased, the person needs to evaluate all the pros and cons before making a decision.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.