Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure that reduces fat pads in the lower cheeks, creating a more sculpted and defined facial appearance. The recovery period after Buccal Fat Removal in Abu Dhabi is essential for achieving the best results, and certain habits or actions should be avoided to ensure proper healing. Understanding what to avoid can help the cheeks settle into their new contours smoothly and safely.
Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity
One of the most important precautions after buccal fat removal is avoiding strenuous physical activity. High-impact exercises or activities that increase heart rate significantly can temporarily increase swelling in the cheeks.
During the first week, it is best to stick to gentle movements and light activity. Allowing the tissues to heal without additional stress supports smooth recovery and helps the cheeks maintain the desired shape.
Avoid Excessive Facial Pressure
Applying pressure to the cheeks, either by resting your hands on the face or sleeping in positions that compress the cheeks, can interfere with the healing process. Gentle care is crucial to ensure the cheeks adapt naturally to the reduced fat volume.
Using a soft pillow and avoiding leaning on the face while sleeping or resting helps prevent unwanted compression of the delicate tissues.
Avoid Aggressive Chewing or Hard Foods
The incision sites for buccal fat removal are inside the mouth, and excessive chewing can strain these areas. Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods may increase discomfort and temporarily affect the healing of the internal tissues.
Opting for softer foods in the first few days allows the mouth to heal naturally and reduces unnecessary tension on the cheeks.
Avoid Extreme Facial Movements
While gentle smiling, talking, and normal expressions are encouraged, exaggerated facial movements such as wide yawning, laughing, or puckering may create tension on the incision sites.
Limiting extreme movements in the initial recovery period helps the cheeks settle and minimizes the risk of temporary irregularities in the contours.
Avoid Smoking or Exposure to Smoke
Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can affect tissue healing and overall recovery. Proper oxygenation and circulation support natural healing, so avoiding activities that may reduce blood flow or increase irritation is beneficial.
Maintaining a clean and healthy environment around the healing cheeks helps them adjust to the reduced volume more efficiently.
Avoid Excessive Heat or Cold Exposure
Extreme temperatures, such as very hot or cold foods and drinks, may irritate the mouth and cheeks. For the first few days, it is better to consume lukewarm foods and beverages to minimize discomfort.
Protecting the cheeks from temperature extremes allows the tissues to remain stable while they adjust to the new contours.
Avoid Neglecting Oral Hygiene
Maintaining oral hygiene is important to prevent irritation or infection at the incision sites inside the mouth. While aggressive brushing should be avoided, gentle cleaning and rinsing as advised helps keep the mouth clean and supports proper healing.
Neglecting oral care can prolong recovery and affect the comfort and appearance of the cheeks.
Avoid Impatience With Swelling
Swelling is a natural part of the recovery process. Avoid worrying if the cheeks appear fuller or slightly uneven in the first few days. Patience is essential, as the tissues gradually adapt to the reduced fat and swelling subsides over time.
Allowing the cheeks to settle naturally ensures that the final contouring results appear balanced and smooth.
Focus on Recovery-Friendly Habits
While avoiding certain actions is important, supporting recovery with gentle care also enhances results. Relaxed facial movements, soft foods, proper hydration, and gentle oral hygiene all contribute to a smoother adjustment of the cheeks.
Being mindful of these habits helps prevent unnecessary stress on the tissues and promotes natural settling of the facial contours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exercise immediately after buccal fat removal?
No, strenuous activity should be avoided during the first week to prevent increased swelling and strain on the cheeks.
Is it okay to chew hard foods?
Hard or chewy foods should be avoided initially. Soft foods reduce tension on the incision sites and support healing.
Can I sleep on my side or stomach?
Avoid putting pressure on the cheeks while sleeping. Sleeping on your back with a soft pillow is recommended to protect the healing tissues.
Will my cheeks feel different if I move my face a lot?
Excessive facial movements may create temporary tightness or affect the settling of the cheeks. Gentle movements are sufficient.
Is it okay to be around smoke?
Exposure to smoke can hinder healing, so it is best to avoid smoking and secondhand smoke during recovery.
When can I resume normal activities?
Light daily activities are generally fine after a few days, but full activity should be reintroduced gradually as the cheeks settle.
