Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Aftercare

It is normal to have some bruising and swelling after buccal fat removal surgery. Bruising gets better in about 2 weeks. Much of the swelling improves by 2-3 weeks, but you will continue to have some swelling for up to 3 months after surgery.

• Call the office immediately if you experience any of the following:
  • Sudden excessive pain, excessive bleeding, sudden swelling or firmness of your face or cheeks
• Sleep slightly elevated to help bruising and swelling to resolve more quickly. Use 2-3 extra pillows under the head, neck, and upper body to achieve a 30 degree angle.
• You may use ice on the cheeks to help with bruising and swelling. This should be on the skin for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Be sure to use a barrier between the ice and your skin. A paper towel works well.
• Arnica Montana is a homeopathic anti-inflammatory that can help swelling and bruising to resolve more quickly. It is available over the counter at most pharmacies in oral tablets or topical forms (gel, cream). You can apply to the skin where there is bruising and swelling but not directly over incisions. You can start the oral tablet 1-2 days before surgery or use the tablets or topicals after surgery.
• You may use over the counter Tylenol and Ibuprofen for pain relief as long as you have no allergies or medical conditions that prevent you from taking these drugs. These medications may be taken together for maximum relief or staggered for more continuous pain control.
  • Tylenol (acetaminophen) 1000 mg: take every 6 hours or as needed for pain
  • Motrin (ibuprofen) 600 mg: take every 6 hours or as needed for pain
• Avoid vigorous chewing and eat a soft diet for 3 to 4 days after surgery.
• Makeup may be applied the next day after surgery. Be very gentle when removing makeup.
• Avoid sun exposure to the face for 6 weeks after surgery. Use sunscreen thereafter.
• Driving is typically OK the day after your procedure, as long as you did not undergo general anesthesia. If you did have general anesthesia, we recommend waiting 2-3 days before driving.
• Do not lift/push/pull anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the first week. After the first week, you may gradually increase lifting and activity including exercise as tolerated.