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Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Buccal fat pad removal can be instrumental in slimming and sculpting the lower face for a more chiseled aesthetic. Patients with pronounced buccal fat pads (“chipmunk cheeks”) often feel they look too young or too heavy.

Patients in and beyond Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest, and Mission Viejo trust Dr. Michael K. Lee for his precision-oriented approach, compassionate bedside manner, and tireless dedication to excellence. Dr. Lee focuses on natural-looking outcomes painstakingly tailored to the patient’s unique wishes and goals.

Why choose Dr. Lee?

Training background

Born in Oahu, Hawaii, Dr. Lee obtained his medical degree at the John A. Burns School of Medicine before pursuing additional in-depth training at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. He then completed a prestigious Fellowship in Plastic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine.

Dr. Lee is double-board-certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is the proud recipient of the Elvin L. Shelton Award for Excellence and the Dr. Frank and Mary McDowell Award for Excellence in Surgery.

Practice philosophy

Dr. Lee is dedicated to providing a concierge experience for each patient who walks through the door. He listens carefully to the patient’s goals and wishes, curating a one-of-a-kind treatment plan. Dr. Lee is known for taking an extra minute or an extra hour to ensure that patients feel completely educated and confident about moving forward. In terms of surgical results, Dr. Lee delivers nuanced, natural-looking outcomes that reflect his skill, artistry, and passion for excellence. He takes special care to minimize scarring for seamless, beautiful results.

What is buccal fat pad removal?

Buccal fat pad removal is performed to create a slimmer facial contour. Buccal fat pads are naturally occurring fat deposits situated in the lower part of the cheeks. Some patients may have larger buccal fat pads than others, which can give the appearance of a round or chubby face.

The procedure is carried out using local anesthesia and involves making a small incision inside the mouth. Dr. Lee removes a portion of the fat pads before closing the incision with dissolvable sutures. He is extremely careful not to over-operate, which could result in an overly gaunt appearance.

Recovery time is relatively rapid, with most patients able to resume normal activities within 3-5 days. Buccal fat pad removal is a highly individualized procedure that can be tailored to the specific needs and goals of each patient.

woman with black ornamental dress posing for picture

What are the benefits of the procedure?

Enhanced facial contours: Buccal fat pad removal can create more defined and sculpted facial contours, particularly in the cheeks.
Slimmer appearance: The procedure can create a more streamlined appearance to the face by reducing the volume of the cheeks.
Customizable: The procedure can be customized to the patient's individual goals and preferences, with the surgeon using various techniques to create the desired shape and size.
Safe and effective: When executed by a skilled, credentialed plastic surgeon such as Dr. Lee, buccal fat pad removal is a safe and effective option for facial sculpting.
Minimal scarring: Because the procedure uses small incisions inside the mouth, scarring is typically minimal and easily concealed.
Quick recovery: Recovery after buccal fat pad removal is typically rapid, with most patients returning to their normal activities within a few days.
Long-lasting results: The results of buccal fat pad removal are typically long-lasting, with many patients enjoying a more sculpted and defined facial appearance for years to come.
Improved self-confidence: Many patients report feeling more confident and attractive after buccal fat pad removal, which can have a positive impact on peace of mind and quality of life.
Natural-looking results: The procedure can create natural-looking results that enhance the patient's natural beauty and facial features.

Recovery after buccal fat pad removal in Ladera Ranch, Lake Forest, and Mission Viejo

After buccal fat pad removal, patients can expect an expedited recovery with minimal downtime. Minor swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the cheeks may be present, but these symptoms can be mitigated with ice packs and prescription pain medications provided by Dr. Lee. Patients are advised to avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for several days after surgery to prevent irritating the incision site.

While patients can resume work and normal activities within a few days after the procedure, they should avoid any strenuous activity or exercise for several weeks to allow their bodies to heal fully. Patients should also attend follow-up appointments with Dr. Lee to monitor their progress and ensure a safe and successful recovery.