Getting rid of excess fat in the body is never easy, especially if it is in the face. So, when diet and exercise do not seem enough to make your face somewhat slimmer, it is time to book an appointment for a cheek reduction surgery in Singapore. Cheek reduction is exactly what it sounds – the removal of fat in the cheek hollow area to define facial angles and achieve a slimmer silhouette. To remove fatty cheek, a person needs to undergo plastic surgery. To learn more about this procedure, this article will discuss the following:
- What is cheek reduction surgery?
- Who is an ideal candidate for this procedure?
- How is cheek reduction surgery performed?
- What happens after the surgery?
- What are the risks involved?
What is cheek reduction surgery?
Round, full cheeks make a person look youthful. The soft contours and delicate curves of the cheeks are reminiscent of childhood, hence the term “baby face”. But some people prefer having an oval-shaped, sculpted face over full and prominent cheeks. This is where cheek reduction, also known as buccal fat removal, comes to help.
The buccal fat pad is the round mass of fat located between the hollow area of the cheekbones and jaw bones. Every person has buccal fat pads and the size of it varies from one person to the next. People who have large buccal fat pads may feel like their face is too round or full and may opt to have theirs reduced through cheek reduction surgery or buccal fat removal.
Who is an ideal candidate for this procedure?
Cheek reduction surgery in Singapore is designed to make round faces appear slimmer and more chiseled. For this reason, the procedure is not recommended in people with narrow and thin faces as removal of the fat pads may result in the cheeks looking sunken and the face too gaunt. A person may be an ideal candidate for cheek reduction if they are physically fit and have a stable body weight, are a non-smoker, and if they are not satisfied with the appearance of their cheeks. The procedure will greatly benefit those who have a round, full face, wide and protruding cheeks and/or an angular face. It is also important to have realistic expectations about the procedure – cheek reduction is not for everyone, especially those who are older, because we lose fat in the face naturally as we age. And because of that, the procedure may highlight the file lines, wrinkles, and other signs of facial aging.
Consulting with a licensed plastic surgeon will help determine if you are an ideal candidate for a cheek reduction surgery in Singapore. The surgeon will explain how factors such as facial shape, age, and anatomy will affect the outcome of the procedure.
How is cheek reduction surgery performed?
Prior to the surgery, the plastic surgeon will examine your face and take photographs to compare the before-and-after results. You will be asked questions about your general well-being as well as your family health history, current medications that you are taking, and past surgeries you have had. If you have any questions about the surgery – what happens before, during, and after – this is the perfect time to ask your surgeon. They will discuss what you should expect, the risks and the recovery outcome for the procedure.
During a cheek reduction surgery in Singapore, a local anesthetic will be applied on the patient’s face so that they will not feel any pain and minimize discomfort. If multiple procedures are carried out at the same time (cheek reduction surgery with lip augmentation, facelift, chin implants, or rhinoplasty, for example), a general anesthesia may be used.
The plastic surgeon will create a tiny incision – about 2 to 4 centimeters long – on the inside of the cheek on both sides of the face to expose the fat pads. The buccal fat pad will be cut and then removed, and the surgeon will close the wound with sutures that will be dissolved in a week’s time. And since the incisions are done from inside the mouth, there is no need to worry about visible scars. However, there is one downside to it: the incision can exacerbate the appearance of facial sagging. In this case, it is best to get a facelift to lift the sagging facial tissues.
What happens after the surgery?
After the procedure, a set of instructions on how to care for your incision will be provided. This includes:
- Using a special mouthwash to prevent infection and taking medication to manage pain and discomfort.
- Eating a liquid diet for the first two to three days after the surgery then progressing to soft foods before returning to your usual diet.
- Avoiding consumption of acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes.
- Sleeping on your back to avoid putting pressure on the cheeks.
- Following up with the plastic surgeon to assess the condition of the incision during the recovery period.
You will experience some bruising and mild swelling for a few days, both of which should diminish as the incision heals. It will not take too long – just three weeks up to a month to achieve full recovery. Remember, it is essential to follow the post-surgery care instructions to promote faster healing and avoid complications.
What are the risks involved?
Overall, cheek reduction or buccal fat removal surgery is considered safe. But like any other surgical procedures, there are possible risks and complications, too. Some of these are infection, allergic reaction to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, hematoma or bruising, excess fat removal, lockjaw, facial asymmetry, damage to facial nerves and salivary glands, and unsatisfactory results. To rectify some of these issues, another (separate) surgery may be needed.
If you notice any unusual symptoms such as severe pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, and signs of infection, you should seek medical attention immediately.
A final word of advice
In order to achieve optimal results, make sure that you work with a licensed and certified plastic surgeon who has extensive cheek reduction surgery. If you need more information or would like to schedule an initial consultation for a procedure, Nassim Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics Clinic is home to one of the most trusted plastic surgeons in Singapore – so you can be rest assured that you are in good hands.
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Nassim Plastic Surgery
1 Orchard Blvd
#11-02 Camden Medical Centre
Singapore 248649
(65) 6517 9890
(65) 9267 7469