Facial shape plays an important role in overall appearance, and naturally fuller cheeks can sometimes make the face appear rounder or less defined than a person prefers. Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce excess fat from the cheek area and create a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance. Buccal fat removal surgery in Mumbai can be considered by suitable adults who have prominent buccal fat pads and want a more defined facial profile.
At Shah Superspeciality Clinic, Dr. Amiti Shah takes a personalised approach to facial cosmetic procedures. Her focus is on maintaining facial proportion and creating natural-looking results rather than removing excessive facial volume. The procedure involves removing a carefully selected amount of buccal fat through a small incision inside the mouth, which means there is generally no visible external scar.
Buccal Fat Removal Surgery in Mumbai: What Does the Procedure Involve?
Buccal fat is a naturally occurring pad of fat located in the cheek, beneath the cheekbone. It contributes to the fullness and youthful appearance of the face. However, some individuals naturally have larger buccal fat pads, resulting in a rounder or fuller cheek appearance.
During Buccal fat removal surgery in Mumbai, the surgeon makes a small incision inside the cheek. The buccal fat pad is carefully identified and gently separated from surrounding tissues before the selected amount is removed. The incision is then closed using dissolvable sutures. Because the surgical access is inside the mouth, there is generally no visible facial scar.
The amount of fat removed is important. Excessive removal may make the face appear overly hollow, particularly as natural facial volume changes with age. Therefore, an experienced plastic surgeon evaluates the patient’s facial structure, cheek fullness, skin characteristics and aesthetic goals before deciding whether the procedure is appropriate.
Who May Be a Suitable Candidate?
Buccal fat removal may be suitable for adults who:
- Have naturally prominent or full cheeks
- Feel their face appears disproportionately round
- Want a more sculpted facial contour
- Are generally healthy and have realistic expectations
- Have stable body weight
- Prefer a long-lasting reduction in cheek fullness
Not everyone with a round face needs buccal fat removal. Facial fullness may also be influenced by overall body weight, bone structure, muscle development, skin laxity and genetics. A consultation is therefore essential before deciding on surgery.
Patients with naturally thin faces or significant facial volume loss may not be ideal candidates because removing cheek fat could make the face look excessively hollow over time.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
One of the primary advantages of buccal fat removal is the potential to create a more defined transition between the cheek and lower face.
Potential benefits include:
- More defined facial contours: Reducing prominent cheek fullness can make the face appear slimmer.
- Natural-looking facial shaping: Carefully planned removal can improve facial proportions.
- No visible external scar: The incision is made inside the mouth.
- Long-lasting results: The removed buccal fat does not simply grow back in the same way.
- Relatively short recovery: Many patients can resume normal activities within a few days, depending on their recovery and surgeon’s instructions.
The procedure is primarily cosmetic and should be undertaken only after understanding both its benefits and limitations.
How Is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?
The procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s requirements and the surgical plan. After appropriate preparation, the surgeon creates a small incision inside the mouth near the cheek.
The buccal fat pad is then carefully accessed. The surgeon removes an appropriate amount of fat while protecting surrounding anatomical structures. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.
Because facial anatomy differs between individuals, the procedure is not simply about removing as much fat as possible. The surgeon needs to consider the patient’s existing cheekbones, facial width, skin quality and overall facial balance.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following buccal fat removal, some swelling and discomfort around the cheeks and inside the mouth can be expected. The recovery experience varies between individuals.
Patients should follow their surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions. These may include maintaining oral hygiene, following dietary recommendations for the initial recovery period and avoiding activities that could irritate the surgical area.
Swelling may temporarily make the face appear fuller immediately after surgery. The final contour becomes more apparent as the swelling gradually decreases.
Good aftercare is important because the incision is located inside the mouth. Patients should maintain appropriate oral hygiene and follow all instructions provided by the surgical team.
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgical procedure, buccal fat removal has potential risks. These may include infection, bleeding, swelling, asymmetry, injury to nearby structures, changes in facial contour or dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome.
The procedure is generally considered safe when performed on an appropriately selected patient by a qualified plastic surgeon, but no surgery is completely risk-free.
Patients should also understand that facial ageing continues after surgery. Since facial volume naturally changes with age, removing too much fat can potentially contribute to a hollow appearance later. This is one reason conservative and proportionate treatment planning is important.
Why Choose Dr. Amiti Shah?
Dr. Amiti Shah is a qualified Plastic Surgeon in Mumbai with specialised training in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Her qualifications include MBBS from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, DNB in General Surgery from the National Board of Examinations and DNB in Plastic Surgery. She also completed a Fellowship in Breast Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery in the UK.
Dr. Amiti Shah has extensive experience in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery and follows a patient-focused approach. Her profile highlights her belief that plastic surgery should address both physical appearance and overall well-being. She also regularly visits premier institutes worldwide to update her knowledge and refine her surgical techniques.
Her expertise includes body-shaping procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, breast reduction and body contouring, as well as cosmetic gynaecological procedures. Her broader facial surgery practice includes procedures such as facial fat transfer, scar revision and buccal fat removal.
Dr. Amiti Shah is affiliated with several hospitals in South and West Mumbai, including Bhatia Hospital, Wockhardt Hospital, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Apollo Spectra Clinic and Namaha Hospital. She is also associated with K. J. Somaiya Medical College, where she performs reconstructive surgeries for underprivileged patients and lectures postgraduate students. Her work has included participation in surgical camps supporting burn rehabilitation.
A Patient-Centred Clinic Environment
Shah Superspeciality Clinic is located at Room No. 719, Panchshil Plaza, B-Wing, 7th Floor, Gamdevi, Mumbai. The clinic provides consultations for plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, with an emphasis on personalised treatment planning. The clinic lists consultation hours from 4 PM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday, with broader clinic hours from 12 PM to 8 PM.
Dr. Amiti Shah’s approach focuses on understanding each patient’s expectations and considering the face or body as a whole rather than treating an individual feature in isolation. This is particularly relevant for facial procedures, where maintaining harmony between the cheeks, jawline and other facial features is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is buccal fat removal permanent?
The fat removed during the procedure is not expected to return in the same manner. However, overall facial appearance can change with ageing, weight fluctuations and natural changes in facial tissues.
2. Does buccal fat removal leave a scar?
The incision is made inside the mouth, so there is generally no visible scar on the outside of the face.
3. How long does it take to recover from buccal fat removal?
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Swelling and discomfort are common initially, and many patients can return to normal activities within a few days. Your surgeon will provide personalised recovery and aftercare instructions.
4. Is buccal fat removal suitable for everyone with chubby cheeks?
No. Facial fullness can have several causes, and removing buccal fat may not be appropriate for people with naturally thin faces or certain facial characteristics. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is necessary to determine suitability.
Consult Dr. Amiti Shah for Facial Contouring
Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is an important part of planning any facial cosmetic procedure. Buccal fat removal surgery in Mumbai should be approached with careful assessment, realistic expectations and an emphasis on facial balance.
Dr. Amiti Shah combines specialised plastic-surgery training, aesthetic expertise and a personalised approach to help suitable patients explore facial contouring options.
For a consultation regarding buccal fat removal, contact Shah Superspeciality Clinic:
87795 36240 | 022 2367 7234
info@dramitishah.com
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