Buccal Fat Removal in Atlanta

During buccal fat removal, you will be under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during or immediately after surgery. Once the effects of anesthesia subside, most patients report only mild discomfort, swelling, and tenderness in the cheeks, all of which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. The recovery process is straightforward, with most swelling resolving in a few weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure you heal smoothly and return to your busy schedule as soon as possible—with beautifully contoured results.

Buccal fat removal from Artisan Plastic Surgery in Atlanta takes 1 hour from start to finish.

No, buccal fat removal is an outpatient procedure, so you can return home the same day. However, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you, as you won’t be able to operate a vehicle after surgery. Be sure to arrange transportation ahead of time for a smooth and stress-free experience.

There are a few things you can do to prepare for buccal fat removal surgery:

• Because you will be under general anesthesia for buccal fat removal surgery, you will be required to refrain from eating anything after midnight the night before.
• You must abstain from using blood-thinning drugs or supplements for at least two weeks prior to the surgery.
• Arrange for a friend to drop you at home after your surgery.
• You will also likely require assistance during the initial night post-surgery.

There are a few things you can do to optimize your recovery after buccal fat removal surgery:

• You must have a responsible adult drive you home from surgery. You will not be allowed to drive yourself or be released to a rideshare or taxi. You may drive after anesthesia only after you have discontinued the pain medication.
• You must have a responsible adult stay with you for a minimum of 24 hours after surgery. It is not recommended that you be left alone during this period.
• The effects of anesthesia can persist for around 24 hours. Please exercise extreme caution before engaging in activities that could be harmful to yourself or others.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help rid the body of the drugs used in surgery.
• Eating foods that are bland and soft for the first few days after surgery may be best tolerated; preferably foods with protein, which helps promote healing.
• Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages at minimum for 24 hrs after surgery and for as long as pain medications are being used.
• Do not smoke for at least the first 14 days post-op to avoid complications with healing.
• Take only medications that have been prescribed to you by our physicians for your post-operative care and take them as directed. Remember to take post-operative medications with food to avoid nausea. Your pain medication may make you feel dizzy; this is normal.
• Bruising and swelling are normal after buccal fat removal.
• Plan to take 2 to 3 days away from work and normal activities.
• It may feel more comfortable to stick to softer foods during the first day or two. The incisions in your mouth may be painful as they heal, and the numbness in that area could last for a few weeks.
• It is typical to experience pain at the incision sites, which can be eased with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs placed on the jaw’s exterior.

Please note: after buccal fat removal, the sutures will dissolve inside your mouth. We advise you to call the office if you experience any of the following:

• If you have severe pain that doesn’t respond to pain medication
• If your incisions are red or hot to the touch
• If you have a fever above 100.4 degrees
• If you experience any rash or hives on your skin, wheezing or tightness in the throat or chest, stop taking all medications and call the office immediately, as this may be a sign of a serious drug allergy.

After buccal fat removal in Atlanta from Artisan Plastic Surgery, you should be able to see the initial results in 1 week once swelling subsides, but you should still account for between 1 and 3 weeks of recovery time. The outcome of your buccal fat removal in Atlanta will be permanent, so long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, if you experience weight gain in the future, any remaining fat cells may expand into the originally treated area.