Buccal Fat Removal Surgery, also known as the chubby cheek reduction procedure, is the answer to a sculpted facial profile that you’ve always dreamed of.
You likely have seen many before-and-after pictures of celebrities and others showing their amazing results over the years. But you are asking yourself, what is the secret to successful slim face surgery?
If you’re looking for an incredible result, your first step should be to find an experienced cosmetic surgeon such as Dr. Perfect Celebrity. A triple-fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeon, he has helped thousands of people get defined cheekbones.
But just as important as getting the best results, according to Dr. Perfect Celebrity, is proper aftercare. But we’ve rounded up the best recovery tips and the schedule you can expect for buccal fat surgery to give you a helping hand.
Buccal Fat Removal In Dubai
Buccal fat removal in Dubai is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to slim and contour the face by removing excess fat pads from the lower cheeks, known as buccal fat. This treatment is popular among individuals who want a more defined facial structure, especially enhanced cheekbones and a sharper jawline. The procedure is performed through small incisions inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars. Recovery is usually quick, with mild swelling that subsides over time. Results are long-lasting and help create a more sculpted, balanced, and aesthetically refined facial appearance.
What To Expect Immediately After Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
With so much attention given to the procedure itself, what do patients have to look forward to after the surgery is over? Every patient’s experience is different, but let’s take a look at what you can expect right after buccal fat removal.
Your Facial Appearance
This procedure removes a part of the fatty tissue between your cheekbones and jawline called the buccal fat pads. While you may be tempted to snap your “after” photos now, it would not be the best time because:
Swollen Cheeks
While the incisions inside the mouth are small (one to two cm), you may have swollen cheeks after the surgery. This is a normal physiologic response to tissue injury from surgery and is part of the body’s natural healing process. That’s the body sending immune cells and proteins to the site of the surgery so it can start to repair the tissue around it.
Some patients get alarmed at the swelling and ask if the face slimming surgery worked. But be aware that the puffiness you notice soon after surgery is not your permanent appearance. The amount of swelling will be different at first, but it should start to go down as you continue your journey to get better. Soon, the cheeks will look thinner and more sculpted.
Bruising
Patients may also notice mild bruising of the cheek area, although this is extremely rare. This simply means that small blood vessels (called capillaries) were damaged during the buccal fat removal process. When this happens, blood leaks into the surrounding tissue, pools under the skin, and causes the discoloration we know as a bruise.
Bruising is very common and usually begins to resolve within one to two weeks after surgery.
Potential Sensations
It is not uncommon for patients to be nervous about how they will feel after their surgery. Fortunately, when you choose buccal fat removal in Dubai with Dr. Perfect Celebrity, you can rest assured that comfort is his top priority before, during, and after your procedure. He is well-trained in local anesthesia, so you may be awake and free of pain during your facial contouring surgery.
You will then be somewhat numb at the site of the surgery for a few hours. You may notice some tightness and/or tingling in your cheeks once the numbness wears off. That’s normal as well. There is some discomfort at the sites of the incisions, but this can be alleviated by the use of ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications.
You may also notice some “oozing” (bleeding) from inside your mouth after your procedure. But don’t worry, it usually only lasts a few days.
Days One to Three: Important Aftercare Tips and Recommendations
The buccal fat removal procedure is minimally invasive, takes only 46 minutes, and means you can go home the same day. In fact, you can drive yourself as it is carried out under local anaesthetic. Some of our patients even fly in from Dubai to have surgery and fly home just hours after buccal fat removal under the guidance of our staff.
However, you need to remember that the first 3 days after buccal fat surgery are a crucial period in your healing journey. You can expect swelling and some discomfort on days two and three, but don’t do anything to make it worse.
To ensure you are on the right track to achieve the best facial contouring results, make sure to follow the suggestions shared below.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
- During this period of recovery, it is important to avoid activities that are intense and that elevate the heart rate and cause rapid breathing.
- Some examples of such activities could be swimming laps, running, lifting heavy weights, shoveling snow, or moving furniture.
- Doing these things may cause more blood to flow to your face. This can make the swelling and pain worse.
- You also risk reopening the wound and excessive bleeding, so it’s best to take it easy until your surgeon gives you the “okay”.
- Most patients can engage in light exercise and activity without difficulty by day two or three. This could be food preparation, making your bed, washing dishes, and gentle stretching.
Stay Away From Certain Activities
You’ll want to steer clear of the following during the first few days of healing:
- Alcohol consumption: May increase your risk of complications, including infection, impaired cardiac function, and prolonged wound healing.
- Smoking: Studies have demonstrated that smoking cigarettes can result in poor wound healing, a higher risk of infection, and pulmonary complications after surgery. Therefore, we recommend not smoking for at least one week.
- Blood-thinning Medications: Taking anticoagulants such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen (brand names Aleve, Advil, and Excedrin) makes it harder for blood to clot. This can make bleeding easier, but can also lead to excessive bleeding at the incision site.
- Taking Certain Supplements and Foods: Blood thinning can be affected by some herbal supplements, such as vitamin E, turmeric, ginger, and fish oil. If you are not sure which supplements to avoid before surgery, tell your surgeon about any supplements you take.
Stay Hydrated and Follow Dietary Suggestions
- Dehydration can make it hard for your body to deliver oxygen and important nutrients to the incision site. This can ultimately delay your tissue healing and results. So, be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Also, watch out for straws, as the suction can impact the surgery site.
- When it comes to eating, Dr. Perfect Celebrity tells his patients they can eat pretty much anything they want. But on the day of surgery, you should avoid hot temperature foods and beverages, such as soup, tea, and coffee.
Sleep Carefully After Surgery
- The cuts are inside your cheeks, but your sleeping position is important. We suggest that patients lie on their backs with their heads elevated to help reduce swelling. It also protects your cuts as you won’t be putting unnecessary pressure on the area.
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Days Four to Seven: Improved Healing and Subtle Facial Changes
You should be able to go back to work on day three or four, depending on what your normal work duties are. Depending on what you do for a living, especially if you work from home, you could be back to work the next day.
Your surgeon will tell you when you can safely return to work based on your normal duties. Bear in mind that people who work from home typically require less recovery time than someone whose job is physically demanding.
Decreased Cheek Swelling and Bruising
- You should be able to see some cheek swelling and minor bruising by now, but neither should be very noticeable. Many patients will even have noticed a change in their facial appearance by the end of the first week. Their cheeks won’t be as puffy, so they can see some of the contouring effects of the procedure.”
- In reality, most patients at this stage are not comfortable going out in public because of the amount of swelling and bruising.
Continue Following Prescribed Medications and Instructions
- Patients may experience some discomfort during this time, which we consider a normal part of the process. Over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen can help ease soreness.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
- If you have been told to use a special mouth rinse, continue to use it. And don’t forget to brush your teeth gently. A soft-bristled toothbrush used along with the rinse keeps the mouth clean, cuts down on the possibility of irritation to the incision, and decreases the chance of infection in the wound.
Attend Your Follow-up Appointments
- Dr. Perfect Celebrity likes to see his patients at ten weeks after surgery to check their healing. These appointments can be virtual or face-to-face. Missing these appointments can impact your outcomes.
Two to Three Weeks After Surgery: Enjoy Your Amazing Before and After
Most of the swelling and bruising has gone down at this stage of buccal fat removal healing. There may be some residual swelling for a few months as the new contours settle into place, but it’s nothing that will look noticeable to others.
Most of the patients are back to almost all of their normal routines by this time and can begin to enjoy their brand new sculpted facial profile that is starting to show. You will begin to notice the final results of buccal fat removal approximately three to four months after the procedure.
Downtime For Desk Jobs After Buccal Fat Removal
Most patients can return to desk jobs within three to five days after buccal fat removal, depending on swelling and comfort levels. Light work is manageable early, but facial tightness may persist briefly. At Perfect Doctors Clinic, patients receive expert guidance to ensure a smooth transition back to work while maintaining optimal healing and facial contour results.
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Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Dos and Don’ts
Do follow a soft diet, maintain oral hygiene, and attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing. Do keep your head elevated and stay hydrated. Don’t smoke, consume alcohol, or engage in intense activities during early recovery. At Perfect Doctors Clinic, personalized aftercare ensures safer healing, reduced swelling, and faster results for a well-defined facial appearance.
Best Plastic Surgeon In Dubai For Buccal Fat Removal
Best Plastic Surgeon in Dubai for Buccal Fat Removal offers advanced facial contouring techniques designed to create a slimmer, more sculpted appearance with natural-looking results. The procedure is performed with precision, focusing on enhancing cheekbone definition while maintaining overall facial balance and harmony. Dr. Perfect Celebrity offers expert care using modern surgical methods and personalized treatment planning to ensure safe procedures, minimal downtime, and refined outcomes that align perfectly with each patient’s aesthetic goals.