Buccal Fat Removal in Shreveport
If you feel that your face appears rounder or fuller than you would like, despite maintaining a healthy weight, the buccal fat pads may be contributing to that appearance. Buccal fat removal is a targeted facial plastic surgery procedure designed to reduce volume in the lower cheek area and bring greater definition to the mid-face, cheekbones, and jawline. At our Shreveport practice, Dr. Lindsey Pennington performs buccal fat pad removal surgery with the precision and anatomical understanding that come from fellowship training devoted exclusively to the face.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
The buccal fat pad is a deep pocket of fat below the malar eminence (cheek) and behind the buccinator muscle that can produce a more rounded and full face. Everyone has buccal fat pads, but their size varies considerably from person to person. When these fat pads are naturally larger, they can obscure the natural contour between the cheekbone and the jaw, creating a softer or wider facial shape.
During buccal fat pad removal surgery, Dr. Pennington accesses each fat pad through a small incision on the inside of the cheek. This procedure is performed through an incision to the inside of each cheek and gently removing the fat pad from each side providing a "thinning" effect of the lower cheek region. Because the incisions are placed entirely inside the mouth, there are no visible scars on the face. The result is a subtle but noticeable slimming of the lower cheeks that enhances overall facial balance.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Cheek Fat Removal?
Buccal fat pad removal is best suited for patients who have naturally full or rounded lower cheeks and want a more sculpted facial contour. Good candidates are typically adults who are at or near a stable weight and feel that their cheek fullness is disproportionate to the rest of their facial structure.
During your consultation, Dr. Pennington evaluates your facial anatomy, skin quality, and overall proportions to determine whether cheek fat removal will produce the improvement you are looking for. In some cases, she may recommend combining buccal fat removal with submental and jawline liposuction or other contouring procedures to achieve a more comprehensive result. Patients who are significantly underweight or who have naturally thin faces may not be ideal candidates, as further volume reduction could lead to a gaunt appearance over time.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Buccal fat removal is typically performed under local anesthesia with optional sedation at our surgical center in Shreveport. The procedure generally takes less than an hour. Dr. Pennington makes a small incision inside each cheek, carefully isolates the buccal fat pad, and removes the appropriate amount based on the surgical plan discussed during your consultation.
Because the incisions are intraoral, there is no external scarring. Each incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. Most patients describe the experience as straightforward and more comfortable than they expected. You can review our pre-op and post-op instructions ahead of time so you feel fully prepared on the day of your procedure.
Recovery After Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Recovery from buccal fat removal is generally mild compared to many other facial procedures. Swelling in the cheek area is expected during the first week and gradually subsides over the following weeks. Some patients also experience temporary tightness or limited jaw movement in the early days, which resolves as healing progresses.
Most patients return to work and normal daily activities within a few days, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for approximately two weeks. You will be given detailed aftercare instructions and have follow-up appointments so Dr. Pennington can monitor your healing. Our practice is known for its concierge-level patient support, and that care extends well beyond the day of surgery. You can read more about what to expect as a patient at our office.
While some improvement is visible relatively early, the final results of cheek reduction typically become apparent over two to three months as residual swelling resolves and the tissues settle into their new contour.
Why Choose Dr. Pennington for Buccal Fat Removal in Shreveport?
Dr. Lindsey Pennington is an excellent choice for buccal fat removal in Shreveport, offering a unique blend of surgical expertise and personalized care. As the first female double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Louisiana in private practice, she provides both surgical and non-invasive facial rejuvenation services.
After earning an undergraduate degree from Tulane University, Dr. Pennington graduated medical school, with research honors. This was followed by a rigorous residency in otolaryngology and head and neck surgery and followed by an additional year of specialized training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Her fellowship training focused entirely on the anatomy and aesthetics of the face, which is exactly the level of specialization that a procedure like buccal fat pad removal demands.
Internationally recognized for her expertise in face and neck lift surgery, Dr. Pennington lectures around the world on facial aging, surgical innovation, and evidence-based recovery. Patients from across the United States and around the globe seek out her Louisiana-based practice for results that reflect advanced surgical skill and meticulous, science-driven recovery protocols.
Her practice offers a concierge-level experience, ensuring that patients feel supported every step of the way. This includes comprehensive patient support, transportation assistance, and chef-prepared meals tailored to promote optimal healing.
Dr. Pennington treats each patient with the same care and compassion she would extend to her own family; if she wouldn't perform a procedure on her mother, she wouldn't consider it for a patient. This commitment to personalized care, combined with her meticulous surgical technique and artistic eye, results in natural, refreshed outcomes with minimal downtime.
Schedule Your Buccal Fat Removal Consultation in Shreveport
If you are considering buccal fat removal and want to understand how it could refine your facial contour, we invite you to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Pennington. During your visit, she will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals, and help you decide whether this procedure is the right fit for you. Call our Shreveport office at (318) 216-5366 or request a consultation online to get started.
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