Facial Slimming

The First Step!
Choose a Surgeon You Can Trust

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures safe and successful outcomes. Look for a surgeon certified by the Mexican Council of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and a full member of the Mexican Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. These qualifications demonstrate the surgeon’s expertise and commitment to the latest advancements in the field.

About Facial Slimming or Buccal Fat Removal

A wide or round face may result from excess fat in the cheeks. The Bichat fat pad is a natural accumulation of fat located between the masseter muscle and the buccinator muscle on both sides of the face. These two muscles, which are responsible for chewing movements, are cushioned by the Bichat fat pad.

While everyone has these fat pads, they can sometimes become excessively developed, resulting in a round, full appearance. This may warrant a procedure to reduce the size of the Bichat fat pads for a more contoured facial appearance.

The volume of this fat is not necessarily related to overall body weight, meaning even slender individuals can have a round, full face. Facial slimming through buccal fat removal reduces the volume of the cheeks, providing a more defined, youthful, and natural look.

Who Is a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

If you feel you exhibit any of the characteristics described above, buccal fat removal might be a suitable option for you. However, only a qualified plastic surgeon can determine the most appropriate procedures to meet your specific needs.

During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss which aspects of your face you’d like to enhance. A detailed photographic analysis can help evaluate potential changes.

Based on this initial evaluation, I will recommend the technique best suited to your particular circumstances. A thorough visual examination will determine whether facial slimming is necessary and if additional procedures could optimize the results. Any facial modification must be carefully planned to maintain your natural expressions.

Procedure and Anesthesia

1. Surgical Technique:

   Buccal fat removal is performed through two small intraoral incisions (inside the mouth), leaving no visible scars.

2. Ambulatory Procedure:

   The surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis. For standalone procedures, local anesthesia is usually sufficient. If combined with other treatments, general anesthesia may be recommended.

3. Anesthesia Options:

   Modern anesthetic methods, such as intravenous sedation, allow the patient to remain awake, pain-free, and completely relaxed during the procedure.

   The choice of anesthesia will depend on your specific needs, as determined during a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.

Both local and general anesthesia are equally safe and are administered under the supervision and monitoring of a professional anesthesiologist throughout the procedure. Regardless of the method, the patient will feel no discomfort during the surgery and will wake up immediately after the procedure, feeling well and pain-free.