Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is a procedure that reduces fullness in the lower cheeks by surgically removing fat. Buccal fat removal can achieve more defined, slimmer cheeks, and restores a more youthful and balanced appearance. Our Las Vegas Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons have extensive experience in facial contouring and rejuvenation techniques like buccal fat removal and are dedicated to delivering each patient with beautiful and natural-looking results.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal, also referred to as buccal lipectomy or cheek reduction surgery, is a facial augmentation procedure designed to reduce facial fat, thin out the cheeks, and reduce volume in the cheek area, specifically the hollows. While a soft face is often considered youthful, for many, a baby face that is too full or even chubby isn’t their ideal aesthetic. This cosmetic procedure eliminates a naturally-occurring pad called the buccal fat pad located in the hollow of the cheek.1 The buccal fat pad can vary in size from patient to patient, and the pads in the same patient’s cheeks can vary from side to side.
Is Buccal Fat Removal Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if you have concerns with excess fullness in the midface and/or cheeks.2 Extracting the buccal fat pads is typically not a good solution for individuals with narrow or thin faces as removing the fat in this area may cause a gaunt look as the face begins to age. Our plastic surgeons look forward to detailing the buccal fat pad removal process, exploring your candidacy for this procedure, and if appropriate for your cosmetic goals, providing you with a customized treatment plan.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat pad removal is typically sought after to reduce the appearance of chubby cheeks and has many benefits, including:
- Reduces excess fullness in the cheeks
- Eliminates the appearance of “chipmunk cheeks”
- Improves facial balance
- Enhances the cheekbones
- Sculpts definition in the jawline and cheeks
- Creates a v-shaped contour to the lower face
- Thins out the face
The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
In general, removing the buccal fat is a relatively fast and easy surgery that can be performed under intravenous sedation with local anesthesia or general anesthesia. The procedure will begin with a small incision inside the mouth, on the interior part of your cheek, and from this incision, the buccal fat pad will be excised and extracted.3 If the buccal fat pad is removed during a facelift, the incision inside the mouth may not be necessary. The final step in this procedure is closing the incisions with absorbable sutures.
Recovery Following Buccal Fat Removal
In general, patients recovering from buccal fat removal surgery are instructed to be on a liquid diet for two or three days following the procedure. To reduce the risk of infection, we’ll also provide you with medicated mouth rinses to use for one week as well as detailed post-op instructions that include how to care for your incisions as they heal, any medications to take or apply, as well as when to come in for your follow-up appointment with your plastic surgeon.
Buccal Fat Removal Results
Although every patient is different, healing from buccal fat removal generally takes a few weeks and results become visible as swelling decreases with final results apparent at approximately four months.4 Buccal fat removal can result in a more contoured and slimmer cheek in the cheek hollows.
FAQs About Buccal Fat Removal
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Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes, buccal fat removal provides permanent results.
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Does the buccal fat removal procedure hurt?
Most patients find that buccal fat removal is virtually painless, and any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications.
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When can I return to work after buccal fat removal?
Most patients can return to work a few days to one week following surgery.
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Does buccal fat removal have any risks?
Buccal fat removal is considered safe when performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, but like any surgical procedure does have some risks. These include bleeding, infection, swelling, and asymmetry.5
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Can I combine any other procedures or treatments with buccal fat removal?
Yes, many of our patients choose to combine buccal fat removal with other facial rejuvenation treatments such as wrinkle reducing neurotoxin injections like Botox and Dysport, dermal fillers, and laser skin resurfacing and tightening treatments.
Schedule Your Buccal Fat Removal Consultation
Dr. Hankins and Dr. Sohn are considered some of the best plastic surgeons in Las Vegas for their ability to emphasize natural beauty with surgical facial procedures like facial contouring with buccal fat removal. Please contact our office in Las Vegas at (702) 948-7595 to schedule your appointment.
1 ASPS. What is buccal fat removal? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal. Accessed April 6, 2022.
2 ASPS. Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/candidates. Accessed April 6, 2022.
3 ASPS. What a the steps of a buccal fat removal procedure? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/procedure. Accessed April 6, 2022.
4 ASPS. What should I expect during my buccal fat removal recovery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/recovery. Accessed April 6, 2022.
5 ASPS. What are the risks of buccal fat removal? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/safety. Accessed April 6, 2022.
This content has either been authored or reviewed and approved by the doctors at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates.