What to Expect When Having a Buccal Fat Pad Excision

Anesthesia: General. You will sleep through the entire procedure.

Location of Operation: Hospital, outpatient surgery center or an office-based surgical suite.

Length of Surgery: 45 minutes.

Length of Stay: Normally this is performed as an outpatient procedure, but if done in conjunction with a facelift or other procedures, it may require an overnight short stay.

Discomfort: Mild to moderate. Any discomfort should be relieved by medications prescribed by the physician. Some patients are comfortable after taking Tylenol or Motrin.

Antibiotics: Should be taken for 7-10 days after procedure. It is very important you finish all of this medication.

Swelling and Bruising: Both can be expected, but will improve within 10-14 days.

Bandages: None are needed.

Stitches: All sutures are on the inside of the cheek and are dissolvable.

Work: You may feel capable of returning within 5 days, but your appearance will be the deciding factor.

Exercise: May begin 2 weeks after surgery.

Final Result: Are evident after swelling is gone, about 10-14 days.

Special Care: Smoking is not advised; especially if doing in conjunction with a facelift (Smoking is prohibited 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery).

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