Having full cheeks can create a youthful appearance, but for some, excess buccal fat can make the face look rounder than desired. While weight loss may slim other areas, it often doesn’t reduce cheek fullness. Buccal fat removal is a specialized procedure designed to sculpt and refine the face, creating a more defined look. At J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery in Dallas, we offer personalized buccal fat removal to help patients achieve their ideal facial contours.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure that enhances facial contours by reducing fullness in the lower cheeks. The buccal fat pads, which are naturally occurring pockets of fat in the midface, contribute to a rounder or “baby-faced” appearance. By removing or reducing these fat pads, the cheeks appear more sculpted, leading to a more defined facial structure.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Jeffrey D. Hopkins specializes in buccal fat removal and is skilled in helping patients in Dallas achieve a slimmer, more contoured look.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
Many patients choose buccal fat removal for its ability to create a more defined and elegant facial shape. Some of the key benefits include:
- Enhanced Facial Contours: The procedure helps sculpt the cheeks and create a more refined appearance.
- Long-Lasting Results: Once the buccal fat is removed, it does not regenerate, making the results permanent.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is performed through small incisions inside the mouth, and possibly behind the ears leaving no visible scars.
- Boosted confidence: Patients often feel more confident in their appearance after achieving a slimmer, more sculpted facial profile.
In Dallas, where aesthetic trends often favor sharp and defined facial features, buccal fat removal is an excellent option, and patients trust triple-board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hopkins.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Buccal fat removal is ideal for individuals who:
- Feel self-conscious about overly full or rounded cheeks
- Are at a stable weight and in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome
- Prefer a permanent solution to enhance facial contours
It may not be the best option for individuals who have naturally thin faces, as removing too much fat can lead to a gaunt or shrunken appearance over time.
During your consultation with Dr. Hopkins, he will assess your facial structure and discuss whether buccal fat removal is right for you.
The Buccal Fat Removal Process Explained
A relatively quick and straightforward procedure, Dr. Hopkins performs this cosmetic surgery at a state-of-the-art outpatient surgical facility in Dallas, striving for the highest standards of comfort and safety.
Here is what to expect:
Step 1: Consultation
Your journey begins with a one-on-one consultation, where Dr. Hopkins will evaluate your facial anatomy and seek to understand your aesthetic goals. He will explain the procedure and help you determine if buccal fat removal aligns with your desired results.
Step 2: Anesthesia
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort level and the extent of the surgery.
Step 3: Incisions
Dr. Hopkins makes small incisions inside the mouth, near the inner cheeks. This approach ensures that there are no visible scars on the face.
Step 4: Fat Removal
Through these incisions, Dr. Hopkins carefully removes a precise amount of buccal fat to achieve balanced, natural-looking results. The amount removed is customized to each patient’s facial structure.
Step 5: Closure
The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, allowing for a smooth recovery. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, downtime is typically short, and you can get back to your daily activities quickly.
Buccal Fat Removal Results—Before and After
Patients usually notice a more sculpted and contoured facial appearance within a few weeks after surgery. The full results become more apparent as swelling subsides, revealing a defined and sleek facial structure.
What Is the Recovery Like?
Recovery from buccal fat removal is relatively easy and minimal pain. Dallas patients can expect the following:
- Mild swelling and discomfort for the first few days.
- A liquid or soft-food diet for about a week to promote healing.
- Most individuals return to normal activities within a few days.
- Full results become visible within three to six months.
The J. Hopkins Plastic Surgery team provides comprehensive post-operative care instructions to promote a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Why Choose Dr. Hopkins for Buccal Fat Removal?
Dr. Hopkins is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon in Dallas with a reputation for delivering exceptional results. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in both Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery, as well as the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Additionally, patient satisfaction is Dr. Hopkins’ top priority. Our team provides outstanding care, from the initial consultation to post-operative recovery, confirming that every patient feels confident and supported throughout their aesthetic journey.
If you’re considering buccal fat removal and want a more sculpted look, schedule a consultation with Dr. Hopkins in Dallas today to explore your options.
