A cheek reduction is done when the following conditions occur

• Chubby or chipmunk cheeks
• Round cheeks
• Facial fat occurring as a result of ageing, obesity, heredity

• Candidates with exceedingly round or chubby cheeks
• Candidates who wish to improve their external appearance
• Candidates who are physically healthy, psychologically healthy and have realistic expectations from the procedure
• Candidates who seek improvement rather than perfection
• Candidates preferably after their mid-20’s as facial fat is lost and face naturally thins out later on.

• Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic
• Asymmetry, dissatisfaction
• Haematoma, seroma
• Infection
• Permanent numbness
• Puckering of the skin
• Deep depressions
• Formation of excess scar tissue and lumps
• Permanent damage to a facial nerve

• During the initial consultation, a thorough discussion on the expectations of the patient is understood
• The dental history and x ray studies of the head and jaw are taken
• Photographs are taken for further comparison after procedure.
• The doctor discusses and advises on options of anaesthesia, surgery options, incisions (if any), type of facilities and cost with the patient.
• The doctor provides guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications
• The doctor will perform a physical examination to evaluate the general health, skin and facial structure
• Patients should stop smoking and discontinue all medications containing aspirin or NSAIDs for two weeks prior to surgery
• Patients scheduled for an intraoral approach should rinse the mouth with mouthwash three times a day for two days before surgery.
• The patient should not eat or drink anything for eight hours prior to the procedure.
• The patient must arrange for transportation and assistance to leave for home after the surgery

• The procedure is performed after administering local anaesthesia with light sedation, local anaesthesia and deep sedation, or general anaesthesia.
• An incision about 2 to 3 cm long is created between the cheek and gums, starting above the second upper molar towards the back of the mouth to expose the fascia and fibres of the main cheek muscle.
• The buccal fat is made to protrude through the incision by applying pressure externally under the cheek bone
• Sufficient fat is teased out with forceps or surgical tweezers and the incisions are closed.
• The area is dressed by wrapping a dressing around the top of the head to underneath the chin
• Surgeons may also perform facial liposuction to remove fat deposits from the cheek but it may leave visible scars and incisions.

The surgery is completed in one hour.

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.

• There is moderate pain than improves quickly.
• Swelling is moderate and peaks at three days then disappears rapidly.
• Patients can expect swelling and difficulty chewing for a few days, up to a week.
• Pain and discomfort last for several days following the procedure which can be eased by pain medication prescribed by the doctor
• Facial movements, such as talking and smiling, may be difficult for several days following the surgery
• The patient may feel a degree of numbness that should disappear within 1 to 3 months
• The sutures, if any, will be removed after 10 days
• The plastic surgeon will give instructions regarding dental hygiene, eating and any restrictions to activities after surgery.

• The patient can shower and wash the next day.
• The patient may apply cold compresses, or small ice packs will reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
• Patient must stay home for at least a week after surgery and take it easy for the first three weeks following surgery.
• The patient can expect to resume regular activities in about 1 to 2 weeks.
• The patient will be on a liquid or soft-food diet for several days.
• The patient must keep the head raised by using two to three pillows for 10-14 days.
• The patient should rinse the mouth with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm water two to three times daily
• The patient should avoid sleeping on the face and unnecessary touching of the cheek area
• The patient must not bend over or lift heavy objects for 3 weeks
• The patient must not do any activity that increases the blood pressure for 3 weeks
• The patient must not participate in contact sports for at least 6-8 weeks
• The patient must make sure that the fresh fruits and vegetables have been washed and not eat raw fish (sushi), very rare meat or other types of foods that may contain high amounts of bacteria
• The patient must not pick or tongue the incisions or sutures
• The patient must inform the doctor immediately if any of the following occur
• Temperature elevation greater than 101 degrees
• Sudden swelling or sudden discoloration
• Haemorrhage
• Increasing redness and tenderness of the wound edges indicating infection
• Allergic reaction to drugs