Buccal Fat Pad Reduction Surgery with Dr Kernohan in Sydney
Buccal fat pad refers to the rounded collection of fat in the middle of the cheek. It is located in the area between your cheekbones and your jawbone. Some individuals have larger buccal fat pads, often depending on genetics. A Buccal fat removal procedure (also called bichectomy) surgically removes the fatty tissue from the buccal fat pads.
Dr Michael Kernohan is a specialist plastic surgeon in Southwest Sydney. Find out more about what the procedure involves, the range of recovery time, the potential benefits and risks of surgery.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves the removal of fat pads located in the lower cheeks, known as buccal fat pads. The procedure surgically removes fat to reduce the volume of the cheeks and increase the appearance of the cheekbones. It is typically performed through small incisions made inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars. Buccal fat removal is often chosen by individuals who desire a more contoured, sculpted facial appearance.
Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
You may be a good candidate for the procedure if you:
- Are in good health with no serious illnesses
- Are at a healthy and stable weight
- Realistic expectations from the treatment
- Do not smoke or can quit it for the specified time
Consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine whether buccal fat removal is appropriate based on the individual’s unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Your Buccal Fat Pad Removal consultation with Dr Kernohan Plastic Surgeon
Ensure your consultation is with an accredited plastic surgeon who is registered with AHPRA as a specialist in plastic surgery. Dr Kernohan will ask you about your general health and examine you as required.
If, after careful assessment, you are a suitable candidate for buccal fat pad removal, expect to discuss the procedure, preparation, likely outcomes, and potential risks of surgery.
Key points to discuss at the consultation include:
- Your expectations and the expected outcomes of surgery
- What you can achieve with the surgery
- Any concerns about surgery risks, complications, or limitations – please see below.
Buccal Fat Removal Photo Gallery
You can see pictures of Dr Kernohan’s past patients during your consultation.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Procedure
Before the Procedure
Before Buccal fat removal, discuss your expectations and goals in regards to the procedure. If you have any medical conditions or take certain medicines, including vitamins and supplements, it is important to let Dr Kernohan know about them in advance. Make sure to inform the medical team about any allergies you might have or past surgeries.
If you use alcohol, tobacco, or any other drugs, make sure your anaesthetist and Dr Kernohan know about it. Presenting all this information helps take the best surgical approach as well as steps to minimise potential risks associated with the surgery.
Dr Kernohan may also ask you to get the blood tests done and adjust certain medications a few weeks prior to the procedure.
During the Procedure
The procedure is performed in a hospital theatre. Here’s what it typically involves:
The surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia. You will not experience pain during the procedure. If you are getting the procedure done with any other surgery, you may need general anaesthesia.
Once the area is numb, Dr Kernohan will make an incision on the inside of your cheek. Then, he will put pressure on the outside of the cheek to expose the buccal fat pad.
Then the fat pad will be cut and removed. Dr Kernohan will close the incision with the help of dissolvable stitches.
After the Procedure
Before going home, you will receive a list of post-surgical instructions to ensure proper healing. You will also be given a mouth wash to prevent infection.
It is important to stay on a liquid diet for a couple of days post-surgery and then switch to soft foods before returning to a normal diet.
After the surgery, expect to experience swelling and bruising for at least a week. With complete recovery taking around three weeks. Make sure to adhere to your doctor’s instructions when it comes to incision care, self-care, and eating.
Risks and Complications of Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal like all surgical procedures carries potential complications that could occur when getting this procedure or during recovery. Complications could include; infection, bleeding, hematoma, asymmetry, nerve damage, post-op bleeding, prolonged swelling, fluid or blood accumulation at the incisions site and anesthesia risks.
Make sure to check the plastic surgery risks page for more details.
How much is Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Sydney?
The cost of Buccal fat removal in Sydney ranges from $5000 to $10,000
The variation in the price can be attributed to factors like:
- Qualification and experience of the surgeon
- Type of anaesthesia used
- Prescription medications
Have a look at Dr Kernohan’s prices page to get an idea about the costs of plastic surgery. Contact Dr Kernohan’s team for a cost estimate or to schedule a consultation.
Does Medicare Cover Buccal Fad Pad Surgery?
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure that is NOT covered by health insurance. Find out more info about other Medicare item numbers here.
Check out payment plans options available to help you pay your surgery.
How to Choose the Right Buccal Fat Removal Surgeon in Sydney
Here are the four important qualities you need to look for in a top plastic surgeon for buccal fat removal surgery:
Experience – Choose a surgeon based on experience and qualification. An experienced surgeon that has performed more facial procedures compared to someone with less experience.
Results – Always ask a surgeon to show you before and after pictures of past patients who have had a similar facial profile to yours. This will give you a rough idea of how your results will look and what your surgeon is capable of.
Hospital privileges – Make sure that your surgeon has accredited hospital privileges to perform the procedure. It demonstrates a good reputation in the medical community and says a lot about your surgeon’s capabilities and qualities.
Personal attention – A consultation will tell you a lot about the surgeon. You will have an idea of whether you want to proceed with the surgeon or not. Make sure the surgeon answers all your questions, and you feel comfortable going forward with them.
Buccal Fad Pad Removal Surgery FAQs
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about buccal fat removal:
