Buccal Fat Removal

If you are unhappy with the appearance of overly round, cherub-like cheeks or have been teased about having a “baby face,” a buccal fat removal procedure can help restore a slimmer facial structure and enhanced self-confidence. Dr. Vila is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with a multifaceted understanding of facial anatomy who can customize your treatment plan, delivering the attractive contours you seek.

Buccal Fat Removal in Portland Before & After Photos by Dr. Vila

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Why is a V-shaped face considered a benchmark of universal beauty?

Scientific studies have been performed to analyze why the V-shaped face is considered most attractive across genders and cultures worldwide. A V-shaped face has a narrow chin and well-defined jawline. It directs the gaze to the eyes and the smile, typically a person’s best features. Yet not everyone is lucky enough to receive the genes for this facial shape. If you inherited an overly round facial design and you desire a more chiseled, sculpted look, buccal fat removal in Portland may be an ideal solution for your goals.

What is a buccal fat pad?

The buccal fat pad sits inside your cheeks and is sized differently from person to person. If it is too large, it can significantly impact your overall appearance, making you look chubby even when you are slim and fit. By removing the fat pad, the face will look more streamlined and elegant.

What is buccal fat pad removal?

Buccal fat pad removal is a minimally invasive procedure to enhance definition in the mid and lower face. It is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, with the incisions placed inside the mouth. Once the fat pad has been surgically extracted through this simple surgery, the face will appear more slender and inviting.

How do I prepare for my surgery?

Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bruising. These may include aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, fish oil, and certain multivitamins. Check with your doctor to know exactly what supplements you need to avoid prior to surgery.

Fill your prescriptions the day before surgery to reduce stress.

Use medical-grade mouthwash every day for one week to minimize the risk of infection after surgery.

Make sure you are well-hydrated before your treatment.

Beautiful Women Smiling With Her Hand on Her Head

How is the procedure performed?

Buccal fat removal in Portland typically takes less than an hour to perform. Dr. Vila will place a device in your mouth to limit movement so that he can create a small incision near your inner cheek. Through this opening, he will gently extract the buccal fat pad from between the masseter muscle and the cheek’s soft tissue. The process is exceptionally easy and quick. Dr. Vila is always careful to act conservatively, however, in order to ensure a balanced and natural-looking outcome. Dissolvable sutures are used to maximize the oral healing process. Any scars are completely unseen within the inner folds of the cheeks.

What are the benefits?

Enhanced self-confidence, both socially and professionally
Helps make a more favorable first impression
Help you look your age
Improves definition in the facial structure
Slims and sculpts the cheeks
Balances and harmonizes the profile
Scarring is well-hidden inside the mouth

Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

Ideal candidates are struggling with rounded, fatty cheeks, often referred to as “chipmunk cheeks.” They desire a more sculpted, refined midface appearance that helps them to look their true age.

Clients should be mentally and physically healthy non-smokers in order to undergo surgery, and they should be free from any major uncontrolled medical issues such as hypertension or bleeding disorders. Lastly, patients should possess positive, realistic attitudes towards their outcomes based on their private meetings with Dr. Vila.

What will my recovery entail?

One of the nicest things about buccal fat pad removal is that it is performed using only local anesthesia and comes with minimal downtime. Minor swelling is common in the cheeks for several days after the procedure, however. This can be confusing at first, as it may appear like the cheeks have gotten larger rather than smaller! But rest assured, once the swelling subsides, your face will appear more sculpted and streamlined.

Most clients can expect to resume work or school by the next day. Within about 4 weeks, the cheeks will look thinner and more refined. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for 1-2 weeks.

Why choose us?

Dr. Vila is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is passionate about delivering outstanding client care and aesthetically superior results. Through a combination of rigorous training, precision-based skill, and a seasoned eye for artistry, Dr. Vila crafts a treatment plan that gets to the heart of your cosmetic concerns and materializes your vision for improvement.

After graduating from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, Dr. Vila pursued a residency in Head and Neck Surgery at the world-renowned Washington University in St. Louis, one of the most elite training institutions in the country. He was then chosen for a prestigious fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Northwestern University.

Buccal Fat Removal