Buccal Fat Extraction

Buccal (pronounced "buckle") fat extraction is the technical term for removal of excess fat from the cheeks. While not a very complicated or invasive procedure, it can make a subtle and unique difference in the look of your face.

The buccal fat extraction procedure focuses on pads of fat in the lower half of the face that can give a bottom-heavy, unbalanced, or "puffy" look. Excess fat in this area can make your face look overweight even if you are slim and fit.

Procedure

Some people who prefer a more chiseled look, with distinct cheekbones, will opt for a buccal fat extraction, also sometimes called a cheek reduction. In this procedure, Dr. Placik makes a small incision in the inside of the cheek to remove the pad of fat. Surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general IV anesthesia, depending Dr. Placik's recommendation. Since the incision is made on the inside of the cheek, there is no visible scar, and often there is only minor swelling and bruising. In most cases, you will be able to go home the same day.

Factors to Consider

A preliminary consultation with Dr. Placik is particularly important for a buccal fat extraction procedure. Many factors need to be considered before making a decision about whether this procedure is right for you.

One important factor to keep in mind is your age. While your face might seem overly full or rounded now, if you are under twenty-five, you might not want to pursue surgery. Most people's faces naturally become thinner and more refined in their twenties and early thirties, so if you decide on a buccal fat extraction when you're younger, the natural changes in your facial contours as you get older could make you appear far thinner than you intended.

A comprehensive consultation with Dr. Placik can help you determine if the shape of your face is likely to change, or if your more rounded look is hereditary and thus will likely stay with you even as you get older. If the latter is the case, then you might choose to go ahead with the buccal fat extraction.

To schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Otto J. Placik, M.D., please contact our Arlington Heights or Chicago offices. We will be happy to discuss this procedure in detail and help you decide if it's right for you.