Buccal Fat Removal
in McLean, VA
Buccal cheek fat removal is a procedure that benefits men and women who desire slimmer and smaller cheeks in Virginia including McLean, Falls Church, Tysons, Arlington plus the Washington DC area. It is performed by Dr. Vartan Mardirossian at the Mardirossian Facial Aesthetics fully licensed surgical suite in McLean, VA.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is the removal of the redundant fat that resides in the cheeks. The buccal fat is a normal anatomical structure that resides under the cheekbones and has projections in the temple, under the skin, and deep in the skull base. In some individuals, this naturally occurring fat deposit may create a full, oval face.
Am I a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
If you feel that your face is too full and round, then you are probably a candidate for buccal fat removal.
How is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?
Under local anesthesia, a small quarter- to half-inch incision is performed on the inside of both of your cheeks. Through that incision, we can access the undesired fat and tease it out with minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue. If performed correctly, there is minimal bleeding throughout the procedure. The wound is then closed with self-absorbing sutures that do not need to be removed.
Buccal fat removal can often be combined with other procedures like a facelift and a neck lift, as well as cheekbone reduction. The fat removed from the buccal deposit can then be used as grafting material to improve the appearance of other areas of the face.
Despite being performed through a small hidden incision, buccal fat removal involves manipulation of deep tissues important for your face, such as the parotid salivary gland duct, the branches of the facial nerve, and various blood vessels. Make sure you trust your face to an expert in the field like Dr. Mardirossian when considering this procedure.
Patient Reviews
“Dr. Mardirossian put me at ease with my very first visit. I knew I had chosen the right surgeon. He is highly skilled, professional, personable, and took the time to discuss and explain everything. I am thrilled with the results of my procedures, and the follow up care provided. Everyone in the office is friendly and professional as well. I highly recommend Dr. Mardirossian.”
– Michelle W.
What is Recovery Like After Buccal Fat Removal?
Swelling after buccal fat removal generally lasts one to two weeks. You may be advised to remain on a soft diet for three to seven days following your procedure to allow for proper wound healing.
Before you leave, you will be given instructions on when to follow up and how to properly care for the incision sites. Most of our patients go back to their everyday activities two to three days after the procedure. Strenuous physical activity can be resumed after two weeks.
How Long Will My Buccal Fat Removal Results Last?
Once the buccal fat is removed it does not come back, and therefore, the results are permanent. Patients find this procedure appealing because of its positive effect on cheek definition and the resulting slimming of the face, as well as the fact that it can be performed under local anesthesia with minimal downtime.
Contact Mardirossian Facial Aesthetics today to schedule a consultation with Vartan Mardirossian, M.D., F.A.C.S., to see if this procedure is the right solution for you. We offer buccal fat removal to patients in Virginia including McLean, Falls Church, Tysons, Arlington plus the Washington DC area.