Destin Plastic Surgery
4485 Furling Lane
Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 654-1194
Monday–Thursday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
Anti Aging Skincare Clinic
4485 Furling Lane
Destin, FL 32541
Phone: (850) 654-8015
Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cheek Contouring
Buccal (pronounced “buckle”) fat extraction is a procedure to remove the fat pads that augment the lower part of the cheeks. Some patients from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, Niceville, and Panama City refer to themselves as having “chipmunk cheeks” or a “baby face.” It is typically a genetic predisposition and not a result of being fat or overweight.
The excision of these fat pads achieves a slenderizing, subtle thinning of the cheeks that creates a more definitive cheek contour. At Destin Plastic Surgery, Dr. William Burden uses his expertise to carefully extract facial fat for his Florida patients. Face fat is different from jowl fat, which causes sagging more commonly seen below and along the jawline.
For more information about buccal fat extraction, request a consultation online to meet with Dr. Burden, or call our office at (850) 654-1194. We provide first-class services for patients choosing facial surgery in Destin, Florida, and surrounding areas, such as Panama City, Pensacola, and neighboring states.
Dr. Burden is a renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon skilled in face, breast, and body procedures. An innovator and educator in aesthetics for over 25 years, Dr. Burden pioneered “No Scar on the Breast” augmentation. His expertise and compassionate presence provide a rewarding treatment experience from the initial consultation to the final results.
Meet Dr. Burden
Buccal Fat Pads
These fat pads are thought to help a human suckle as an infant. As we age, they slide down into the jowl, giving the appearance of chipmunk cheeks, hence the name “sliding buccal fat pads.” This can be demonstrated by pushing up on the jowl; after you let go, the fat pad can be seen slowly sliding back down into the jowl during the 2 to 3 seconds that follow.
Dr. Burden often sees patients who have previously had a face lift elsewhere in Florida but continue to complain of residual “jowling” that was not corrected by the facelift. This is usually caused by the previous surgeon overlooking the “sliding buccal fat pad.”
Buccal Fat Extraction
Buccal fat extraction is an extremely technical procedure and takes very special expertise to accurately identify if the fat pad is involved, and secondly, to carefully remove it. Dr. Burden has the experience it takes to perform such a complex surgery while preserving a natural look through conservative buccal fat removal.
During the procedure, a small incision is made inside the mouth to remove the pocket of fat, so there is no scar on the face.
Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal
You will potentially have some mild bruising and mild to moderate swelling for 1 or 2 weeks. Discomfort is usually minimal and is easily controlled with oral medication. Final results become apparent in about 3 months when all internal swelling has gone away.
Dr. William R. Burden, MD, FACS is known for his experience and dedication to staying in the forefront of leading technology in plastic surgery. Dr. Burden not only treats many patients from Florida and Alabama but also from around the world. Many people travel from Europe, South America, and Asia to Destin to seek out his services.
