Buccal fat removal is performed independently or during a facelift procedure at our private, accredited surgery center. If performed on its own, Dr. Sadati will begin the buccal fat removal procedure with local anesthesia and sometimes oral sedation.
Once the inside of the mouth is numb, Dr. Sadati will make small incisions near the second molars to access the buccal fat pad and separate the muscle that covers the fat pad. Once these fibers are separated, Dr. Sadati removes the buccal fat pad using forceps and gentle pressure and cauterizes the area to prevent bleeding.
Dr. Sadati will then close the incisions with a couple of absorbable sutures. The whole procedure takes just 30 minutes. No general anesthesia is required, and patients can drive themselves home afterward if they opt-out of taking an oral sedative. The entire experience is typically no more traumatic than a visit to the dentist.