1VIC

Removal of buccal fat pad

Treatment Effect

Typically, a single buccal fat removal procedure yields noticeable results. After the postoperative swelling subsides, the cheeks gradually appear slimmer, the facial contour becomes more refined, and there is a visible slimming effect, with results that are generally long-lasting.

Is this suitable for me?

Suitable for the following groups:

  1. Individuals with overly full cheeks, round or oval face shapes, and a desire for a slimmer face.
  2. Those with indistinct facial contours who wish to enhance facial three-dimensionality by reducing cheek fat.
  3. Healthy individuals without serious underlying diseases, with stable mental states and realistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes.

The following groups are not suitable candidates:

  1. Individuals with severe systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes that make them unfit for surgery.
  2. Those with active infections in the oral cavity or facial region.
  3. Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  4. Individuals with psychiatric disorders or unrealistic expectations about surgical results.

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Selecting Equipment

The primary surgical instruments used in buccal fat pad removal surgery include scalpels, hemostatic forceps, and forceps. In general, the surgical instruments used by legitimate medical institutions undergo rigorous sterilization and quality inspections. High-quality surgical instruments enable more precise and stable manipulation, helping to reduce surgical trauma and the occurrence of complications. When making a selection, it is important to verify whether the medical institution has a comprehensive sterilization and management process for its equipment.

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Select Equipment

The surgical instruments primarily used for buccal fat pad removal include scalpels, hemostatic forceps, and tweezers. Generally, in reputable medical institutions, all surgical instruments undergo rigorous sterilization and quality control testing. High-quality instruments enable more precise and stable operations, helping to minimize surgical trauma and the risk of complications. When choosing a facility, pay attention to whether it has a comprehensive system for instrument sterilization and management.

Price

Price

The cost of buccal fat pad removal varies due to multiple factors. Typically, it ranges from approximately 1,500 to 7,500 South Korean Won (KRW). Factors influencing the price include:

1. Region: Prices are generally higher in first-tier cities and economically developed areas.

2. Hospital Level and Surgeon Qualifications: Large tertiary hospitals and experienced surgeons tend to charge more.

3. Surgical Technique and Complexity: If the procedure is more complex, such as when the buccal fat pad is in an unusual location, the price may increase accordingly.

Expected Outcome

Expected Results

Some swelling is expected shortly after surgery, which typically subsides within 1 to 2 weeks, while results generally stabilize within 3 to 6 months. The anticipated outcome includes slimmer cheeks and a more defined, three-dimensional facial contour. However, individual results may vary, and it cannot be guaranteed that outcomes will be identical to those of others. Additionally, the procedure addresses excess fat in the cheeks but may not resolve other facial concerns such as skin laxity.

Combination Therapy

Buccal fat removal can be combined with the following procedures:

  1. Botox injections for slimming: For individuals with hypertrophic masseter muscles, combining Botox injections with buccal fat removal can simultaneously reduce the volume of both the masseter muscles and buccal fat pads, achieving a more effective facial slimming result.
  2. Facial liposuction: If there is significant fat accumulation in other areas of the face, facial liposuction can be performed concurrently to comprehensively improve facial contours.
  3. Hyaluronic acid filler: After buccal fat removal, hyaluronic acid fillers can be appropriately administered based on facial conditions to further adjust sunken or uneven areas, resulting in a fuller and more natural facial appearance.

Adverse Effects and Complications

Side Effects and Complications

1. Swelling and Bruising: Noticeable swelling and bruising may occur on the cheeks after surgery, typically subsiding gradually within 1 to 2 weeks.

2. Infection: If sterilization during the procedure is inadequate or postoperative care is improper, infection may develop, manifesting as localized redness, swelling, pain, and fever.

3. Hematoma: Incomplete hemostasis during surgery can lead to hematoma formation, requiring prompt medical intervention.

4. Facial Asymmetry: Due to surgical technique or individual anatomical differences, asymmetry between the cheeks may occur; in severe cases, corrective revision surgery may be necessary.

5. Nerve Damage: There is a risk of facial nerve injury during the procedure, which may result in abnormal facial sensation or unnatural facial expressions, although this is relatively rare.

Select Instrument

Selecting Instruments

The buccal fat pad removal procedure primarily relies on the surgeon's technical skill, with instruments serving mainly as auxiliary tools for lighting and hemostasis. For instance, an electrocautery device used during surgery can effectively control bleeding and minimize intraoperative blood loss. When selecting equipment, prioritize instrument performance and safety; reputable medical facilities will be equipped with high-quality, reliable devices.

Project Contraindications

Contraindications for the Procedure

1. Individuals with severe systemic conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes that are not effectively controlled.

2. Individuals with untreated oral diseases, including oral inflammation and periodontitis.

3. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications who cannot discontinue use, as this increases the risk of surgical bleeding.

4. Individuals with unrealistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes and poor psychological resilience.

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Contraindications for the Procedure

1. Individuals with uncontrolled systemic diseases such as severe heart disease, hypertension, or diabetes.

2. Individuals with untreated oral conditions such as stomatitis or periodontitis.

3. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications who cannot discontinue them, as this increases the risk of surgical bleeding.

4. Individuals with unrealistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes or poor psychological resilience.

Side effects

Side Effects

In addition to the swelling, bruising, infection, hematoma, facial asymmetry, and nerve damage mentioned above, hypertrophic scarring (although the surgical incision is inside the mouth and scars are generally not visible, a very small number of cases may still develop them) and localized skin numbness may also occur.

Self-Symptom Check

Self-Diagnosis of Symptoms

If you notice that your cheeks are overly full, particularly with prominent cheeks when viewed from the front and an indistinct facial contour, and you have ruled out other factors such as obesity, you may consider buccal fat removal surgery. However, whether you are a suitable candidate should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional.

Select treatment plan

Select a Treatment Plan

Doctors will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient's facial condition, overall health, and specific needs. Patients should communicate thoroughly with their doctor to understand the pros and cons of various options, such as the choice of surgical incisions and the amount of buccal fat to be removed. Additionally, patients are advised to follow the doctor's recommendations to choose the plan that best suits them.