Facial surgery & treatments
Buccal Fat Reduction
Services in Chesterfield, Kirkwood, and O’Fallon, Missouri
About the treatment
Buccal Fat Reduction
Buccal Fat Reduction removes excess fat from the lower cheeks, an area known as the buccal fat pad. Dr. Cristel performs this procedure to reduce cheek fullness and define facial contours.
- Care type
- Surgical procedure
- Provider
- Robert Cristel, MD, FACS
- Planning
- Consultation
Common questions
Buccal Fat Reduction FAQ
Who is an ideal candidate for Buccal Fat Reduction?
Ideal candidates are individuals with fullness in the lower cheek area seeking a more defined facial contour. Dr. Cristel evaluates each patient during a consultation to determine their suitability for the procedure.
What does the Buccal Fat Reduction procedure involve?
Dr. Cristel performs the surgery as an outpatient procedure, possible under local anesthesia. Small incisions are made inside the mouth to access and remove excess buccal fat. These incisions are carefully closed, leaving no visible external scarring.
How long does the procedure take?
The duration varies but typically takes around 1 hour. Dr. Cristel will provide a personalized estimate during your consultation based on individual factors.
Is Buccal Fat Reduction painful?
Dr. Cristel prioritizes patient comfort and uses local or general anesthesia during the procedure. Some discomfort may be experienced during the initial recovery period.
What is the recovery process like?
Recovery varies, with most patients experiencing swelling and bruising that gradually subsides within a week. Dr. Cristel provides detailed post-operative care instructions to facilitate optimal healing.
Are there risks or complications associated with Buccal Fat Reduction?
While complications are rare, as with any surgery, potential risks include infection, bleeding, or asymmetry. Dr. Cristel, an experienced surgeon, takes every precaution to ensure a safe procedure.
When will I see the results?
Initial results become visible once swelling diminishes, typically within a few weeks. The final, refined outcome continues to improve over several months as the tissues fully heal.
Can Buccal Fat Reduction be combined with other procedures?
Depending on individual goals, Dr. Cristel may recommend combining Buccal Fat Reduction with other cosmetic procedures like facelift or liposuction for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
How long do the results last?
Results are generally long-lasting, though factors such as aging and lifestyle can impact facial appearance over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle contributes to sustained results.
Why choose Dr. Cristel for Buccal Fat Reduction?
Dr. Cristel specializes in facial plastic surgery. During your consultation, he will assess the fullness of your lower cheeks and whether buccal fat reduction is suitable for your facial structure and goals. Schedule a consultation at Synergi Facial Surgery to discuss the procedure.
Contact us
Request a consultation
Our team is here to answer questions and help you take the next step in your care. To request a consultation, call us at (314) 907-1841 or complete the form below. Availability will vary depending on your request, and a member of our staff will call you to confirm your appointment.
For cosmetic surgery consultations, a $100 non-refundable consultation fee is due at the time of scheduling. This fee is applied toward the cost of your surgery.
Surgical quotes provided during your consultation are honored for six months and may be subject to change after that time.
Please use this form for general inquiries and appointment requests only. Do not send personal health information through this form. Questions regarding your specific medical care should be addressed during your appointment.
Please complete the form below to request an appointment. Thank you!
If you prefer to schedule by phone or need assistance, call our team.
(314) 907-1841