Buccal Fat Reduction (bichectomy)

Conveniently located to serve Washington DC, Arlington, Bethesda

What is buccal fat removal?

Some patients naturally have a round face which may cause them to look overweight. The cause is often an excess of fat in the buccal fat pad.  These are discrete pockets of fat that can be removed from inside the mouth with no external incision or scar.  This surgery thins the face and increases definition of the cheekbones.

Is buccal fat removal right for me?

Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal are patients who have unwanted fullness in the lower cheek area and desire a more V-shaped facial appearance and more defined cheekbones.

Because it is a surgical procedure, buccal fat removal candidates must be in good physical health, free from any underlying medical conditions that could pose risks during the surgery or recovery period. It is also best if candidates do not smoke, as smoking increases the risk of complications during and after surgery.

Candidates should be confident in their ability to maintain a stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations following this procedure can compromise its results.

Dr. Ramineni may recommend alternative facial sculpting procedures for patients with naturally thin or narrow faces. For these patients, removing the buccal fat pads could lead to sunken cheeks as they age, potentially resulting in unintended outcomes.

Older patients who are experiencing skin laxity and volume loss due to the natural aging process may be advised to pursue a facelift or other facial plastic surgery. As individuals naturally lose facial fat and skin elasticity with age, buccal fat removal may emphasize signs of aging, such as the development of jowls.

Dr. Ramineni considers many factors when determining if this procedure is the optimal approach for accomplishing a patient’s facial sculpting goals. Patients considering buccal fat removal are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramineni, to find out if the procedure is right for them.

How is this performed?

This procedure is done awake in the office and takes less than 30 minutes.  A small incision is made inside the mouth and the fat pad is identified.  This fat is teased out and has a different appearance from normal facial fat.  Once the fat pad is removed, the incision is usually closed or left to heal by itself.

Recovery

Recovery is very quick and only consists of some minor diet modifications for a few days, mouthwash. You can return to work the next day and generally swelling resolves quickly.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering buccal fat reduction in Washington, D.C., reach out to Dr. Praful Ramineni’s office today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Ramineni has the expertise and experience to provide remarkable, natural-looking facial enhancement with this procedure and looks forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Before & After