Buccal Fat Removal Mexico

Benefits, Cost and Procedure

Buccal fat removal, also known as bichat surgery is a procedure that aims to improve the contours of the face. In other words, it thins the area of the cheek hollows which helps the patient achieve greater symmetry and a more defined facial appearance. This procedure is great for patients who are looking to enhance the contours of their cheeks, balance their overall facial features and boost their self-esteem.

To clarify, buccal fat is the fat located in the cheek between the nostril and the corner of the mouth. In addition, the entire area of the buccal fat must not be removed because it will lead to a very gaunt look which is one of the few downsides of this procedure.

It’s important to take into consideration that the size of the buccal fat pad changes depending on the patient, the size may also vary on each cheek. In addition, buccal fat removal surgery is not recommended for patients with thin and narrow faces because it’ll cause their face to look extremely thin.

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Buccal Fat Removal Procedure

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The buccal fat removal surgery is in fact a very simple and relatively quick procedure. First, a local or general anesthesia will be administered according to what the surgeon considers is better for the patient. After, the surgeon will make a small incision on the inside of the patient's cheek. Subsequently, the surgeon will cut and remove the fat through the incision made. Finally, the incision is closed and sutured.

The procedure has a duration of around 45 minutes.

The patient will experience swelling during the first week of recovery and will be able to go back to their daily activities after 1 or 2 days post surgery. They will start noticing visible and significant changes after 1 or 2 months.

It’s important that the patient follows the instructions that their surgeon recommends so that they can have a quick and easy recovery. The patient might have to follow a liquid diet for a couple of days and use special mouth rinses to reduce the risk of infection. As stated before, it’s imperative that the patient follows the post operative care given by their surgeon.

Benefits and Risks of Buccal Fat Removal

Benefits Risks
Facial appearance enhancement Possible asymmetry if not done correctly
No visible scarring Swelling for a couple of weeks
Results are permanent
Relatively short procedure
Relatively quick healing time

Cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Mexico

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The price of buccal fat removal in the United States ranges from $2000 to $5000 while in Mexico the price ranges from $1,100 to $2,500. In addition, the cost of buccal fat removal only covers the surgery and doesn’t include any possible additional fees such as the recovery expenses. On the other hand the cost of buccal fat removal in Mexico doesn’t only cover the surgery but also the hospital or clinic fees, among other expenses which are usually not covered in the United States or Canada.

The reason as to why there is a price difference is because the cost of living in the United States is lower than that of the one in Mexico. In addition, the staff wages, rent and other overheads are lower in Mexico and surgeons in Mexico do not have to pay for malpractice insurance, unlike their American counterparts.

Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal

Patients interested in going through with a buccal fat removal surgery are good candidates if :

  1. They are physically healthy
  2. They don’t smoke
  3. They are at a stable weight
  4. They have reasonable expectations

It’s crucial that patients who are interested in getting a buccal fat removal surgery do their research on a surgeon in Mexico that fits their specific needs, read reviews made by other patients who traveled to Mexico for this kind of procedure and have an online consultation with their desired surgeon who will guide them during the whole process. It’s also important that the patient has realistic expectations and follows their surgeons instructions and recommendations for an easy and safe recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take to see the results from the buccal fat removal surgery?

    Although patient’s see an improvement in the swelling after the second week, results will be visible after 2 months at the earliest, it might take longer depending on each individual case.

  • Can buccal fat come back?

    No, once it is removed it can’t come back.

  • Can buccal fat removal surgery be combined with others?

    Yes, it can. It’s important to consult with your surgeon first and see whether they offer other facial procedures that can be combined with the buccal fat removal surgery.

  • At what age can patients get buccal fat removal?

    It can be done at almost any age. However, many people begin to lose facial fat between the age of 20 and 40.