Buccal Fat Removal

Before Your Surgery

• Pick up your prescriptions well ahead of surgery. We send them to your pharmacy at least 2 weeks in advance. Open the bag well ahead of your surgery and make sure nothing is missing. Call us right away if your antibiotics or pain medication are missing.

• Purchase MiraLAX (stool softener), Tylenol (for pain), and cool compress supplies.
• Get Arnica tablets. Start them the day after surgery and take as directed.
• If you are having sedation or general anesthesia: nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.
• Prepare your recovery area at home with fluids, appropriate foods, and assistance.
• Starting 2 weeks before surgery, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, alcohol, and blood-thinning supplements. Check with your prescribing doctor before stopping any prescription blood thinner.
• Stop all nicotine (smoking, vaping, patches, gum) at least 2 weeks before surgery; 4 weeks is preferred.
• Moderate caffeine is fine; one cup of coffee or tea is acceptable.

The Night Before & Day of Surgery

• Take two showers: one the night before surgery and one the morning of surgery. Each time, wash your hair well and use antibacterial soap on your face and body.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that buttons or zips in the front.
• Arrive without makeup, lotions, skin products, sunblock, deodorant, or hair products.
• Remove jewelry and piercings. Do not wear contact lenses; wear your glasses instead.
• Remove hair extensions, weaves, braids, and lash extensions if possible. They can harbor bacteria.
• Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you initially. You will not be released to an Uber or taxi.

The First Week

• Sleep on your back with your upper body elevated about 45° (recliner, wedge pillow, or several pillows).
• Use cool compresses or frozen peas wrapped in cloth on your cheeks for 15–20 minutes about every hour while awake for the first 3 days.
• Never place ice or frozen materials directly on the skin. Numb skin can get frostbite.
• Rest, hydrate, and walk gently and regularly to promote circulation. Rise slowly and have assistance at first; you may feel weak.
• Avoid bending, straining, or lifting.
• Eat fresh pineapple, including the center core, or drink cold-pressed pineapple juice. Its bromelain helps reduce swelling.
• You may shower 48 hours after surgery. Use lukewarm water and gentle pressure, and be careful of falling.

Medications

• Start your antibiotics the evening of surgery, once your nausea has passed and you can keep food down. Take them as prescribed until finished, and tell us if you have any reaction.
• Use your prescribed pain medication, or Tylenol if pain is mild. Do not take the two together; most prescription pain medications already contain Tylenol.
• Do not exceed 4,000 mg of Tylenol (acetaminophen) in 24 hours.
• Use your nausea medication as needed, if prescribed.
• Begin a stool softener when you start narcotic pain medication. Do not strain during bowel movements.
• Start your Medrol steroid dose pack the day after surgery: 6 pills on the first day, then 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 on the days that follow, until finished. If your pharmacy gives you the pills loose in a bottle, follow the same schedule.

Mouth and Incision Care

• Rinse your mouth gently 3 times a day with diluted hydrogen peroxide.
  • Mix half peroxide and half water in a small cup.
  • You may use a salt-water rinse instead: 1 teaspoon of kosher salt in one cup of room-temperature water.
• All of your sutures are dissolvable.
• Do not pick or pull at the incisions, and do not play with the sutures with your tongue.
• Use a small child’s toothbrush.
• Avoid opening your mouth more than 1 inch. Use a small spoon or fork and take small bites.
• Soft foods and liquids are easier in the beginning.
• Avoid hard foods and seeds, which can irritate the incision or get stuck in it.

Activity and Recovery

• Do not lift more than 20 pounds for the first month.
• No exercise for the first month. You may then gradually resume and build back slowly, with the goal of returning to full activity by about 3 months.
• Most patients return to work in 1 week or sooner.
• Do not drive while taking narcotic pain medication or while you feel impaired.
• Do not fly for 7–10 days after surgery. Flying can increase swelling for the first few months, so avoid unnecessary flights during that time.

What Is Normal

• Swelling and bruising
• Mild bleeding
• Tightness, numbness, or mild itching around the area
• Mild asymmetries of the face or smile

If you are ever unsure, Dr. Naderi and our team are always available. Take a few clear, well-lit photos and email them to Surgery@NaderiCenter.com. For anything more urgent, please call the office so we get your message quickly.