Columbia, MD

Buccal Fat Removal

 

Introduction to Buccal Fat Removal

Our features, soft or sharp, big or small, contribute to the face’s overall balance. Buccal fat is one of these features that affects our public perception. Having a “baby face” as a grown adult can be a hindrance to being taken seriously in the workplace and in life. With buccal fat removal, we can help our patients emphasize their natural bone structure and achieve a more symmetrical face, helping them make strides in their personal and professional lives. At Prime Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jigar Sitapara serves Baltimore and Howard County patients. He matches his advanced surgical techniques with a patient-first approach to deliver quality results.

Based in Columbia, M.D., Dr. Sitapara and his team pride themselves on high-caliber service to help patients from Columbia, Baltimore, and the surrounding Howard County areas look and feel refined.

Woman with long hair in a thoughtful pose, resting her chin on her hand, looking to the side, in a softly lit indoor setting - Buccal Fat Removal in Bethesda, MD

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal, or cheek fat removal surgery, reduces the fat pads between the cheekbones and jawbones in the face. Reducing bulk in the lower face can create a more contoured appearance. The buccal fat pad can contribute to the heaviness of the jowls and can be trimmed from inside the mouth via a scarless approach or during a facelift.

Do the Buccal Fat Pads grow or shrink with age?

In comparison to superficial fat pads, which decrease in size as we age, the buccal fat pad is a deep facial fat pad that tends to grow larger as we age. By removing or reducing the buccal fat, we can define the appearance of the face by creating a sharper contrast between the cheekbones and the jaw.

Dr.Sitapara touches a womans face at Prime Plastic Surgery in Bethesda, MD

Dr. Sitapara’s Personalized Approach

Dr. Sitapara will carefully evaluate the amount of your buccal fat that is suitable for removal based on your overall facial structure, age, and health needs. During consultations, it is common for Dr. Sitapara to advise patients against buccal fat removal if it would negatively impact their facial balance. His patients appreciate his honesty and precise eye for detail during his evaluation of your candidacy for the procedure.

Buccal fat removal is a permanent procedure, so he wants to ensure that you will be completely satisfied with your results for years to come. For those with abundant buccal fat, he will create a treatment plan to gradually reduce your fat to highlight your particular underlying bone structure while also leaving room for age-related natural fat loss to occur.

What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal can help create a chiseled, contoured appearance. Our Columbia and Baltimore patients seek buccal fat removal for the following benefits:

  • Defined cheekbones and jawline
  • Sculpted facial appearance
  • Improved symmetry in facial features 

Who Are the Best Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal?

If you are a patient in Columbia or Baltimore, you may be a strong candidate for buccal fat removal if you:

  • Have stabilized in any weight loss or gain but retain a fuller face
  • Retain a round face well into adulthood
  • Do not smoke
  • Maintain realistic expectations for results
  • Dr. Sitapara is so professional, personable, and knowledgeable! During my consult visit, he listened carefully to my concerns and gave great advice on treatment options for the best results! It was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at a medical practice! Following the consult, I had a procedure and was so happy with the results.

  • “My journey with Dr. Sitapara has been the best surgical experience I’ve had so far. He’s very kind, caring, and a true professional in his line of work. Dr. Sitapara fixed my face and gave me back my confidence. I absolutely love taking pictures now, and I truly smile with joy and confidence. Thank you, Dr. Sitapara. The world needs more honest and amazing doctors like you!!!”

    Dr. Sitapara with a patient Bethesda, MD

    Let’s Get Started

    What’s the
    first step?

    If you believe a buccal fat removal procedure is right for you, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Sitapara at Prime Facial Plastic Surgery. During your consultation, we will evaluate your medical history and your reasons for electing this surgery. Dr. Sitapara will assess the buccal fat in your face and your underlying facial structure to determine whether you are a strong candidate for a buccal fat removal procedure and any other procedures that may help you reach your aesthetic goals.

    Dr. Sitapara will then take photos and use a surgical simulator to help you understand what your new facial profile will look like after removing buccal fat. This will help both of you develop a customized surgical plan to help deliver the best results. The Prime Facial team will then help you schedule your procedure, review pricing, and provide you with instructions to prepare for your surgery.

    A woman with natural beauty, clear skin, and a slight smile poses against a light background, highlighting her youthful features - Neck Lift in Bethesda, MD

    Can buccal fat removal be done under local anesthesia?

    Buccal fat removal can be done very comfortably under local anesthesia. Numbing injections on the inside of the mouth allow Dr. Sitapara to gently reduce the size of the buccal fat pads with minimal discomfort. If desired, Dr. Sitapara can also perform this procedure under sedation in our private operating room.

    What to Expect on the Day of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

    On the day of your buccal fat removal surgery, our patient coordinators will warmly greet you to ensure your comfort. Dr. Sitapara will then meet with you once more to review the procedure and answer any outstanding questions or concerns. Once you feel ready, local anesthesia will be injected to numb the inside of the mouth.

    Dr. Sitapara will make small incisions inside your mouth so as to leave no scars on the face. He will then gradually reduce the adipose fat tissue on both cheeks to contour the face until the desired result is achieved. Once he has removed enough buccal fat, he will suture the incisions closed with dissolvable stitches to complete the procedure.

    The entire procedure will take about an hour. Once our post-surgical team has discharged patients who receive anesthesia, they will be instructed to have a close friend or family member take them home to recover.

    Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

    Dr. Sitapara will give you post-operative instructions to follow to ensure a smooth and safe recovery. You will be advised to rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to prevent infection as your incisions heal, and you will have to follow a soft diet for one week to prevent excess tension on your incisions.

    You may experience mild swelling at the site of your incisions and in the cheeks. These symptoms are temporary and should be reduced in the weeks following your procedure. Most of our patients feel recovered around three to four weeks after their buccal fat removal surgery, but every patient’s healing timeline will vary. The results of the procedure are evident at that point but will continue to improve for several months before stabilizing. Please touch base with Dr. Sitapara for any questions or concerns during your recovery period.

    Fair & Transparent Pricing

    How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost in Baltimore, MD?

    The cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Columbia, Howard County, and the greater Baltimore area will vary depending on several factors, such as the extent of surgery needed to achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals, the number of surgeries required for optimal results, and surgical facility fees. Dr. Sitapara will be able to provide you with a full estimate and cost breakdown in your individual consultation.

    Please refer to our dedicated Pricing Page for estimated amounts for all our procedures. 

    Why Choose Dr. Sitapara?

    Prime Facial Plastic Surgery delivers quality surgical results with a focus on patient experience and comfort. Jigar Sitapara, M.D., specializes in facial plastic surgery, offering his patients singular expertise, carefully curated technology, and premier surgical instruments.

    Dr. Sitapara is double board-certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS). He completed one of the most rigorous and prestigious fellowships in Facial Plastic Surgery in the country, placing him among the foremost experts in facial plastic surgery and technique. He designed his operating suite to center around the patient experience, so every procedure feels like being catered to in a spa rather than a surgical facility.

    Dr. Sitapara and the Prime Facial team want you to feel confident that you are making the best decisions for yourself. Please let us know how we can help you today!

    Prime Facial Plastic Surgery In Bethesda, MD

    Buccal Fat Removal FAQ’S

    Discover Restoration & Balance

    Schedule your consultation

    If you would like defined facial features and a sharper, contoured appearance, please let Dr. Sitapara know how he can assist you with buccal fat removal. Please schedule your initial consultation by contacting Prime Facial Plastic Surgery in Columbia, M.D., at (301) 302-7272 or by filling out our consultation request form on our website.

    Contact Us

    Financing

    Don’t let finances stand in the way of uncovering your best you. Financing is an excellent option for many of our patients.

    Financing

    Current Promotions

    Stay up to date with our latest specials, including discounts on non-surgical treatments and other aesthetic procedures.

    View specials

    Patient Resources

    Complete our brief patient forms to expedite your upcoming appointment. Your input helps us provide personalized care.

    Resources

    Call Text Email Results