Buccal Fat Removal

This document gives a summary of buccal fat removal (cheek fat pad extraction): headings + essential information only, no external links or images.

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

• Procedure to thin the cheeks by removing the buccal fat pad in the hollow of the cheek.
• Some people feel their face is overly full—even when facial shape is otherwise balanced.
• Not recommended for those with naturally narrow or thin faces, because removal may lead to a gaunt appearance over time.

Candidates

• Individuals bothered by round or overly full cheeks.
• Good general health and realistic expectations.
• Facial fat fullness stable; ideal if weight is stable.
• Not ideal for those with very thin face structure or skin that already shows aging.

Cost

• Cost depends on surgeon, facility, geographic location, anesthesia, etc.
• Additional costs may include pre-op tests, recovery supplies, and postoperative care.

Consultation

• Discuss your goals: how much cheek fullness you want reduced.
• Review medical history, skin quality, face shape.
• Surgeon evaluates how much buccal fat can be safely removed without creating a hollowed look.

Questions to Ask

• How much fat will be removed—full pad, or partial?
• What anesthesia will be used?
• What scars or incisions are involved and where?
• What is the recovery timeline?
• What are possible risks or complications?
• How will results change with aging or weight changes?

Risks and Safety

• Anesthesia risks.
• Asymmetry between cheeks.
• Bleeding, infection or poor healing of incision.
• Damage to nerves or salivary ducts, with temporary or possibly permanent effects.
• Numbness or altered sensation of cheek area.
• Poor aesthetic result (e.g. removing too much fat, face looking hollow).

Preparation

• Medical evaluation and any lab tests as required.
• Avoid medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk.
• Stop smoking.
• Plan for postoperative care and time off, and arrange help if needed.

Procedure Steps

• Anesthesia is given (local or sedation).
• Small incision made inside the mouth of each cheek to access the fat pad.
• Fat pad identified, gently removed (full or partial depending on desired contour).
• Incisions closed with sutures (often dissolvable). Internal placement to hide visible scars.

Recovery

• Swelling and possibly bruising are expected; discomfort may occur.
• Soft diet or liquid food may be recommended initially to avoid irritation.
• Oral hygiene care is important to prevent infection.
• Most swelling subsides in the first few weeks; final results more evident over several months.

Results

• More defined cheeks, enhanced cheekbone visibility.
• Sculpted midface and refined facial contour.
• Results are largely permanent, though aging and weight changes affect overall appearance.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

• Select a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in facial anatomy.
• Ensure surgical facility is accredited and follow-up/aftercare support is available.
• Review before/after images of similar cases to get a sense of outcome.