Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgery that thins the cheeks to create a more defined facial appearance. After the procedure, taking care of yourself is crucial for healing and getting the best results. It can make a huge difference in how quickly and well you recover.
Dr. Kirk Lozada, a specialist in this surgery, emphasizes how important aftercare is. He advises you on what to do from the beginning of recovery until you are completely healed. By following these detailed aftercare instructions, you can help ensure your buccal fat removal gives you the look you want without complications.
Recover Smoothly from Buccal Fat Removal
- Closely following your surgeon’s postoperative guidance can help ensure suitable recovery following buccal fat reduction.
- Common side effects following the procedure are edema and discomfort; cold compresses tend to minimize these effects.
- Maintaining a soft or watery diet for a few days after surgery helps to ease pain and avoid issues.
- Keeping your head up even during sleep will help reduce swelling following facial surgery.
- Avoid intense exercise and activities for the recommended period to prevent bleeding or further edema after surgery.
Immediate Post-Operative Care for Buccal Fat Removal
Following buccal fat removal surgery, it is important to start the recovery process right away. Within the first few hours of surgery, using ice packs can significantly minimize swelling.
Inflammation is your body’s innate reaction post-surgery. To control it:
- To reduce swelling, apply cold compresses within the first 48 hours.
- For greater effectiveness, repeat this step regularly during the initial days after surgery.
Pain relief medication is essential in managing discomfort. Ensure to:
- Take prescribed medications as instructed right after the operation.
- Do so with food to decrease any stomach upset.
To avoid difficulties and safeguard the result of the operation, remain alert for any possible indicators of infection. Look for unusual changes at the surgery site; if symptoms including fever or extra redness develop, see your doctor.
Days before and following this outpatient operation should be spent properly in terms of care. Following recommendations from your surgeon, replace bandages following surgery; also, make sure you show up for all advised follow-up visits.
Follow a Modified Diet
After a buccal fat removal operation, a soft food diet is advised to help with pain and speed healing. Cut your intake to soft foods you can eat fast without much chewing. These foods help to decrease edema and protect the surgical site.
Here are some foods you can eat:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Smooth oatmeal
Make sure your choices support a balanced diet, therefore supplying the nutrients required for healing. Follow any other dietary advice your surgeon provides, especially in relation to the reintroduction of supplements and drugs.
Key to recovery is hydration, which also helps the body mend and facilitates the return to a regular diet. Get plenty of calming fluids for your system:
- Water
- Broth
- Decaffeinated tea
- Non-citrus juices
Stay clear of meals that could irritate you or cause problems by being rough or crunchy. As your body lets you, gradually add solid foods; follow the recommendations of your doctor. A careful soft diet enables you to move boldly toward picking up regular exercise.
Care for Incisions as Directed
Mildly wash the area of a cut to stop bacterial development and encourage healing. As recommended, use a sterilizing solution; treat the area gently to save the sutures.
Any prescription medication will help absorbable suture healing and reduce irritation. Use these topicals as indicated after surgery; stay clear of non-prescription drugs that may impede recovery.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene is very important following buccal fat reduction surgery. Use these home care guidelines:
- Go for a soft-bristled brush.
- Move in circles and with light pressure.
- Add a specific mouth rinse to your regimen to aid in disinfection.
Before and After Buccal Fat Removal Photos
* All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
Adapt Your Physical Activities
Limit Strenuous Exercise
Post-operative vigorous exercise should be avoided if a good recovery is sought. Spend some days relaxing to help with healing effectiveness. During this crucial moment, stick to low-key activities that won’t too tax your body.
Sidestep High-Impact Activities
Your rehabilitation depends on temporarily avoiding high-impact sports. Activities involving strong motions such as jumping or running ought to be stopped. Giving your body time to mend free from such activity’s stress is essential. To find out when it’s okay to resume more vigorous activity, always ask your doctor.
Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Maintaining all follow-up sessions during your buccal fat pad removal recovery is crucial. These visits enable the tracking of the healing process and ensure that everything is proceeding as anticipated.
Use each consultation to discuss your recovery development with your surgeon if you have concerns. Over your patient journey, these post-operative visits will provide you with professional advice and support.
Protect the Surgical Area from Pressure
Healing of buccal fat requires sleeping on your back. It reduces further pressure on the cheeks during the weeks following surgery, so facilitating a faster healing time.
Pillow Arrangement
Proper use of pillows ensures added support during the healing time:
- Raise your head to lessen swelling.
- Place pillows on each side to keep from rolling over.
- A travel pillow can help you stay on your back.
Managing pressure post-operation is vital to support healing time.
Philadelphia’s Premier Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon & Rhinoplasty Specialist.
Dr. Lozada is a facial sculpting expert who can help you achieve your desired aesthetic results.
Watch for and Report Any Unusual Symptoms
After your buccal fat removal, it is important to monitor for any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms during the initial weeks of surgery. Alertness during this time is critical as the risk of complications can be higher.
Monitor Changes in Your Face
- Look for strange feelings or numbness.
- Note whether the edema doesn’t go down following the early healing phase following surgery.
These symptoms would point to fluid accumulation or nerve problems that call for medical treatment.
Inspect Incision Sites Regularly
Regular checks of your incision sites are key:
- Look for redness, additional swelling, or warmth—indices of infection.
- Tell your doctor about any unusual discharge or too heavy bleeding; often a symptom of an infection and can raise risk.
A healthy healing period depends on fast identification and treatment.
Be Patient with the Healing Process
Reduction of buccal fat calls for time for a full recovery. Though it can take several months before all minor alterations show up, most healing occurs in the first few weeks. Give your body the time it needs to heal.
Initially masking the ultimate outlines after surgery, swelling following the operation may temporarily distort your facial cosmetic surgery outcomes. Swelling reduces and the improved facial structure will show as the buccal fat removal healing time progresses.
Use Sun Protection
It’s important to avoid direct sunlight after cheek reduction surgery to protect healing skin and prevent pigmentation problems. Staying in the shade can aid the recovery process.
Following plastic surgery procedures like cheek reduction, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial. It wards off UVA and UVB rays that can disrupt healing processes. Choose a product with a minimum SPF 30 and reapply as needed.
Consult with a Skilled Surgeon
If you’re looking for expert advice on recovering from buccal fat removal, Dr. Kirk Lozada is here to help. With a dedication to safe, natural results and minimal downtime, inspired by the successful practice of his father, he offers personalized treatment plans to ensure the best outcome.
To discuss your post-operative care or any other concerns related to facial aesthetics, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lozada in Philadelphia. Contact our office today to set up your personalized consultation and take the first step toward a smooth recovery with a trusted board-certified facial plastic surgeon.