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Celebrity Lea Michelle has recently caused the internet to buzz and here’s why. After a picture of Michelle was posted on Instagram, the media rumored that the star received Buccal Fat Removal surgery due to her change in facial appearance. Whether or not this stands true, we decided to get the inside scoop from Haute Beauty expert Dr. Ira Savetsky on the details surrounding the procedure and what it really means to remove your buccal fat pads; here’s what he shared.

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal Fat Removal is typically designed for patients seeking a thinner lower face appearance and a more prominent jawline. An ideal candidate is someone who has an excess of buccal fat leading to a fuller than typical anterior lower face.

Are there long-term consequences of the procedure?

Overzealous removal of the buccal fat pad may lead to an overly hollow appearance and premature facial aging. Unfortunately, this procedure is very difficult to reverse which is why precise surgical technique in the right candidate is critical.

 

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Are there other procedures that can provide similar results?

There isn’t anything else that can specifically target anterior lower face fullness. However, oftentimes patients think they have an excess of buccal fat but are actually found to have an enlarged masseter muscle instead. This muscle is located just behind the buccal fat pad. These patients will achieve their goal of a more angulated appearance with a neurotoxin to the masseter muscle.

Is there downtime associated with the procedure?

The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes and is performed using local anesthesia. For most patients, pain and swelling subside in approximately 1 week.