Buccal Fat Removal Post‑Op Instructions

Post-operative instructions: buccal fat removal. Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure that removes part of the buccal fat pads in the lower cheeks to create a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance. Recovery is generally straightforward, but swelling takes time to fully resolve.

Recovery timeline. First 24 to 72 hours: swelling and mild discomfort are expected. Bruising is usually minimal, but can occur. Apply cold compresses to the outside of the cheeks for the first 24 to 48 hours as directed by your surgeon. Sleep with your head elevated to help reduce swelling. Use the prescribed antiseptic mouth rinse and take medications as directed.

Days 3 to 7: swelling typically peaks around days 2 to 3 and then gradually begins to improve. Most patients can return to desk work within 3 to 5 days, depending on how they feel. Stick to soft foods and maintain excellent oral hygiene.

Weeks 2 to 4: most swelling has significantly improved. You can usually resume normal exercise after your surgeon clears you, often around 2 to 3 weeks. The cheeks may still feel firm or slightly swollen. 1 to 3 months: swelling continues to resolve. Facial contours become more noticeable. Most patients see a good preview of their results by 6 to 8 weeks. 3 to 6 months: final results are typically visible once all swelling is resolved and the tissues have settled.

Diet after surgery. Days 1 to 3: liquids and very soft foods, smoothies, yogurt, soup, mashed potatoes. Days 4 to 7: soft foods, scrambled eggs, pasta, oatmeal, fish. After 1 to 2 weeks, gradually return to your normal diet as tolerated.

Sleep with your head elevated for at least 1 week. Avoid smoking and vaping as they can delay healing. Avoid alcohol for several days or as instructed by your surgeon. Do not use straws for the first few days if your surgeon advises against them. Gently rinse your mouth after eating with the prescribed mouthwash or warm salt water if recommended. Avoid strenuous exercise until your surgeon clears you.

Call your surgeon if you experience increasing swelling after the first several days, fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees C), pus or foul-smelling drainage from the incision, severe pain that is not relieved by medication, difficulty swallowing or breathing. Most patients are comfortable returning to social activities within 1 to 2 weeks, but the final slimming effect develops gradually over 3 to 6 months as the remaining swelling resolves.

Multimodal therapy medications. Tylenol Extra Strength, 500 mg. Take 2 every 6 hours for 5 days. Do not wait for pain. Tylenol makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed. Ibuprofen, 600 mg. Take 1 every 6 hours scheduled for 3 days. Do not wait for pain. Ibuprofen makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed. Gabapentin, 100 mg. Take 1 every 8 hours for 14 days. Do not wait for pain. Gabapentin makes up the foundation of your pain management and will decrease the number of narcotics needed.

Tramadol, 50 mg. Take 1 every 6 hours as needed for pain. If you use antidepressants, this will be exchanged for oxycodone 5 mg. It is okay to wait until you have pain. Tramadol is a long-acting narcotic that will begin to work in about 30 minutes and can last up to 6 hours. Oxycodone is a fast-acting strong medication that can exacerbate nausea and/or make patients feel loopy. Zofran (ondansetron), 4 mg. Take 1 every 8 hours. The dissolvable tabs can be placed under your tongue if you are feeling nauseous from the anesthesia.

Medications for other: Scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop), 1 milligram. This patch is a preventative for nausea prior to surgery. You will place this patch behind your ear the night before surgery. Singulair (capsular contracture), 10 mg. Take 1 daily for 90 days. A study was performed that showed a reduction in the already low rate of capsular contracture in women that took Singulair daily for the first 90 days after surgery.

Doxycycline or Bactrim antibiotic, 100 mg. Take 1 twice a day for 7 days. You will take an antibiotic for the first week after surgery. Cyclobenzaprine muscle relaxant, 10 milligrams. Take 1 every 8 hours PRN. It is okay to wait until you have pain. The pressure you feel after surgery is due to the pec major muscle getting tight and/or stretched. This can lead to spasms and pain. A muscle relaxant will help to break that spasm and can help you sleep better.