Cost of Buccal Fat Removal

Price Exclusions

When planning your procedure, it is essential to note that there are additional costs that you need to account for, which include:

• Consultation fees
• Expenses needed for travel (if you need to travel to a different city)
• Unpaid time off work
• Additional supplies for your healing period

If you need any preoperative care

Does Insurance Cover Cheek Reduction Surgery?

It is unusual for insurance plans to cover the cost of this surgery; however, some insurers will cover it if it falls under reconstructive surgery.

Below is an explanation of the terms used for coverage:

• Reconstructive Surgery

Surgery to correct abnormal body tissues resulting from defects, trauma, disease, infection, or tumors.

• Cosmetic Surgery

This surgery corrects or reshapes people’s body issues, improves their appearance, and boosts self-esteem. 

Few insurers will cover cosmetic surgeries; however, some might cover reconstructive procedures. Before this procedure, check with your insurance to see if they cover all or some of the costs.

Alternative Payment Options

If you cannot afford to pay the total cost of your surgery all at once, speak to your specialist to see if they offer a payment plan. That will allow you to pay off your procedure in smaller installments each month.

Another option is to seek out plastic surgery financing options, like a loan where you pay back the money in installments with interest. 

Are you a Suitable Candidate for bichectomy surgery?

The most suitable candidates for buccal fat removal:

• Are you in good health
• Have fuller faces
• Not overweight
• Unhappy with the puffiness of their cheeks
• Have pseudogenization
• If you are transitioning and want to achieve a more feminine appearance
• Non-smokers

Unsuitable Candidates include:

• People with naturally thin faces
• Patients that have Parry-Romberg syndrome
• Older patients have naturally lost fat on their faces.

If you are still unsure whether you are a good candidate, schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon for a thorough examination.

The Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

When you have decided that you want to go ahead with cheek reduction surgery, you need to speak to your specialist about factors like:

• Expectations and desired results
• Medical history and conditions
• Medications which include multi-vitamins and supplements
• Whether you smoke, drink, or use drugs
• Any allergies you might have
• If you have had any previous surgeries

Your doctor needs all this information to determine the best surgery for your specific situation, risk factors, and recovery period.

There is a chance that you will need to stop taking certain medications or have additional blood tests before your surgery. Your doctor will find the best treatment plan for your specific needs and what you want to achieve.

The Surgery

Firstly your plastic surgeon will decide whether the surgery will take place in-office or at a hospital. Next, your plastic surgeon will administer a local or general anesthetic, depending on where the procedure occurs. 

Your specialist will make a minute incision on the inside of your cheek; once done, your doctor will place pressure on the outer part of the cheek, which makes the buccal fat pad more accessible. Lastly, your surgeon will remove the fat and stitch up the incision.

Read Also: Thread Lift: Revolutionary Non-Surgical Face Lift

Aftercare

Your doctor will provide you with an antibacterial mouthwash to ensure no infection. You will also have to consume a liquid diet for two days after the procedure. 

Once your wound has a few days to heal, you can move to soft foods like porridge and jelly. After 7-14 days, you can start to eat normally again.

You might experience some swelling or bruise after your surgery, but it will subside after a few days, and you should be completely healed after 21 days. 

Your plastic surgeon will advise you about any follow-up appointments to monitor your wound healing and ensure no infection. Although you heal in a few weeks, achieving your desired results can take several months.