Dr. Porchia  James

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This procedure is also known as buccal lipectomy, or cheek fat reduction surgery. The surgical procedure involves removing the buccal fat pads from the lower cheek, creating a slimmer facial appearance in patients who feel that their cheeks are disproportionate to their face. This will help achieve a contoured look without contouring!

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WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

Dr. James will conduct a pre-operative consultation with you to determine the best surgical approach. Typically, she will follow these steps during buccal fat removal surgery:

• Administer an anesthetic- the procedure is generally done under local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation.

• Make a small incision from the inside of your cheek

• Remove your buccal fat pads with great care and precision

• Close the incision with dissolvable stitches.

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It is normal to experience minor swelling of the cheeks after the surgery. This will subside within a week or two. Bruising is not typically experienced with this procedure. Pain is not a significant factor in recovery from buccal fat removal and patients typically do not need much in the way of pain management.