Chubby cheeks may be desirable during childhood, but they can be bothersome when they remain into adulthood. Full cheeks are caused by pockets of fat in the face called buccal fat. Some people lose this fat as they grow into adults, but many don’t. Thankfully, buccal fat is simple to remove.
What to expect during buccal fat removal
Buccal fat removal is an hour-long procedure that requires a delicate, practiced touch. Local anesthesia is injected into the target area, along with a solution that numbs the area and restricts blood flow. Patients are awake and completely comfortable the entire time. If, however, a patient desires a sedative or prefers to go under general anesthesia, that can be arranged. Next, a small incision is made inside the mouth in the oral mucosa, which is the smooth, moist membrane that lines the mouth. The incision is made between the parotid duct (which transports saliva) and the bite line. Dr. Miller takes care to stay in the superficial layers only, so as not to distort any underlying buccal tissue. Dr. Miller then locates the part of the mouth that holds the yellow buccal fat. He teases out the pocket of fat as a whole piece, taking care to be gentle to reduce bruising and bleeding. Once the fat is removed, the incision is closed with dissolving sutures.
