Everything You Need to Know About Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

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Learn how this surgery can slim down your cheeks & face
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Buccal fat is a small pad of fat that rests under each cheekbone, adding shape and fullness to your cheeks and face. Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that’s gotten popular in recent years, which removes the fat and helps slim down the face. While there’s nothing wrong with having full cheeks or a round face (and in fact, it can benefit you as you age!), it’s also okay if you’re interested in achieving a slimmer, more defined look. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about buccal fat removal surgery, including how to choose a surgeon, procedure details , risks , cost , and who can get it . We also spoke with makeup artists, plastic surgeons, and personal trainers to learn other ways to make your face appear less full .

A Complete Guide to Buccal Fat Removal

According to board-certified plastic surgeon Asif Pirani, MD, buccal fat removal is an elective surgery that removes the pads of fat under your cheekbones and above your jaw, called buccal fat. The procedure can slim the face and highlight bone structure. People with large, full cheeks are good candidates for this surgery.

Section 1 of 11:

What is buccal fat?

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  1. According to Dr. Pirani, “Buccal fat is a pocket of fatty tissue that sits deep within each cheek, between the cheekbone (zygoma) and the jaw. A large fat pad can make the face appear more round. A smaller fat pad typically results in a more hollow cheek appearance.” [1]

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Asif Pirani, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of the Toronto Plastic Surgery Center based in Toronto, Canada.

    Yuly Gorodisky, DO, FACOS is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Oxnard, CA with over 17 years of experience.

    Nini Efia Yang is a makeup artist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.

    Danny Gordon is a certified personal trainer with over 20 years of experience in the industry.

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Section 2 of 11:

What is buccal fat removal?

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  1. Dr. Pirani says, “Buccal fat removal—sometimes called cheek reduction surgery—is a short, outpatient procedure in which a portion of the buccal fat pad is carefully teased out through a small incision inside the mouth. The goal is to sculpt a more contoured lower face and accentuate the transition between the cheekbones and the jawline (the coveted “model cheek” look).” [2]
    • We’ll go over the buccal fat removal procedure in the section below, including what happens before, during, and after the surgery.
    • People may be interested in getting buccal fat removal if they have large cheeks and a more rounded face. We’ll explain who’s a good candidate for buccal fat removal in the sections below.
    • Buccal fat removal surgery has other common names, including cheek reduction, buccal lipectomy, and cheek fat removal.
Section 3 of 11:

About Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

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  1. Find a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience performing buccal fat removal surgery and is well-reviewed by their patients. Then, schedule a consultation with them to discuss your goals. They’ll examine your face to determine if you’re a good candidate for the surgery, go over their proposed treatment plan, and take photos of your face. Your surgeon will discuss any surgery risks, too. [3]
    • Come prepared to go over your health history, surgical history, and any medications or supplements you take.
    • Ask questions at your consultation to ensure your surgeon is qualified and the surgery is right for you. Some great questions to ask include: [4]
      • What training do you have in buccal fat removal?
      • Do you have before-and-after photos I can see?
      • What are the risks? How are complications handled?
      • What is the expected recovery time?
      • What is expected of me to get the best results?
      • What can I expect buccal fat removal to look like over time?
      • What are my options if I’m unhappy with my results?
    • Find plastic surgeons on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ website . Then, check if they’re board-certified on The American Board of Plastic Surgery’s website .
  2. Buccal fat removal is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you’re still awake but don’t feel any pain. Dr. Pirani explains, “Most surgeons use local anesthetic with intravenous sedation; some prefer light general anesthesia. You’re comfortable but breathing on your own.” [5] Then, Dr. Pirani continues, “A 1–1.5 cm cut is made on the inside of each cheek. No external scars are typically required. [The surgeon applies] gentle pressure on the cheek [to] bring the buccal fat pad into view. The surgeon removes part of the fat pad, then cauterizes or ties off the small feeding vessels.” [6] [7]
    • According to Dr. Pirani, the surgery typically takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete. [8]
    • Most surgeons use dissolvable sutures, which means they don’t need to be taken out by your doctor. They’ll come out on their own as the incision heals. Dr. Pirani says, “Dissolving stitches close the incision; they typically dissolve over 1-2 weeks.” [9]
    • Buccal fat removal can be completed alongside other facial surgeries. If you’re getting multiple surgeries at a time, your surgeon typically places you under general anesthesia.
  3. After surgery, your surgeon will go over their aftercare instructions. This often includes cleaning your mouth with a special mouth rinse and going on a liquid diet for 1 to 2 days. [10] Dr. Pirani explains, “Patients usually go home the same day, eat a soft diet for a few days, and most swelling settles within 1–2 weeks.” [11]
    • Dr. Pirani says, “Most people can return to work or school after 5 to 10 days.” [12]
    • If you received general anesthesia, plan to have a friend or family member pick you up, as you cannot drive yourself home after the surgery.
    • Your surgeon will also schedule follow-up appointments with you to check how your surgery is healing and how your results are looking.
  4. Dr. Pirani says that swelling, bruising, and numbness are common after surgery, and usually go away as you heal. [13] Most people make a full recovery after 3 to 4 weeks. However, you typically don’t see your final results until a few months post-surgery. [14]
    • Dr. Pirani says, “Improved cheek definition emerges over 3–6 months with final results typically becoming apparent by 12 months.” [15]
    • How painful is buccal fat removal? Some pain and soreness are normal, though many patients report experiencing very little discomfort.
    • Your aftercare instructions will explain how to deal with swelling and any potential pain, which typically includes taking over-the-counter pain relievers or applying a cold compress.
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Section 4 of 11:

Buccal Fat Removal Risks

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  1. Dr. Pirani notes, “Any surgery carries risk. Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial surgeon who performs this operation regularly, and follow all pre- and post-op instructions carefully.” [16] While buccal fat removal is generally considered a safe surgery, it can come with some risks and complications. According to Dr. Pirani, “less common but important risks” include:
    • Infection or bleeding (hematoma)
    • Injury to a facial nerve branch causing weakness of the smile (rare)
    • Small saliva gland duct injury (rare)
    • Over-resection leading to a gaunt, aged look
    • Asymmetry or contour irregularity
    • Need for revision or fat grafting later in life [17]
Section 5 of 11:

Buccal Fat Removal Cost

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  1. Dr. Pirani says the surgery usually costs $3,000 – $8,000 USD in the United States and $4,500 – $10,000 CAD in Canada. [18] However, the price you pay is largely determined by the surgeon you go to and where they’re located. The price doesn’t include other associated costs, like anesthesia and facility fees, so your total cost may be higher. [19]
    • Because buccal fat removal is an elective cosmetic procedure, it isn’t covered by medical insurance.
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Section 6 of 11:

Who’s a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

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  1. Buccal fat removal is a highly individualized surgery, so it might not be right for everyone. In general, a good candidate is someone with full cheeks and a round face who wants to highlight their bone structure. They must also be physically healthy with no surgical risks, maintain a stable weight, and be a nonsmoker. [20]
    • Who isn’t a good candidate for buccal fat removal? People who have narrow, slim faces with little cheek fat. According to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Yuly Gorodisky, DO, FACOS, losing facial fat can make you look older. [21] If you already have minimal fat in your face, removing the buccal fat pads can age you prematurely.
    • What is the best age for buccal fat removal? Dr. Pirani says the ideal age range for buccal fat removal is between 20 and 60. [22] Many young people lose facial fat as they mature, making them poor candidates for the surgery. Older adults naturally lose facial fat and skin elasticity, so removing the buccal fat pads can emphasize an aged appearance. [23]
    • Dr. Pirani says that “[the surgery] is not for everyone. It can result in a gaunt look over time, especially with future weight changes. An in-person assessment with a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon is generally the best way to know if the procedure is a reasonable treatment option.” [24]
Section 7 of 11:

Buccal Fat Removal Pros and Cons

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  1. For someone who wants a more defined and structured face, buccal fat removal is an effective way to reduce cheek fat and make the cheekbones appear more prominent. [25] This can improve your confidence and self-esteem, especially if you don’t like the look of having a fuller face.
    • The surgery is also permanent, so you can enjoy the appearance of a slimmer face without having to undergo additional procedures.
    • Plus, buccal fat removal is a fast surgery that you typically heal from quickly. Since the incision is made through your mouth, there are no visible scars, either.
  2. It’s possible for your surgeon to remove a different amount of buccal fat from both cheeks, which can give your face an uneven appearance. Your surgeon might also remove an excessive amount of buccal fat, which can make you look older than you are. Facial fat is associated with youthfulness, so this can also potentially age you prematurely and lead to a more gaunt appearance as you get older. [26]
    • Buccal fat removal is also a newer surgery, so it’s unclear how people will age with it.
    • This is why it’s important to go to a board-certified surgeon who specializes in facial surgery when considering buccal fat removal. The surgeon will ensure you’re a good candidate and take care to give you the results you want.
    • If you’re not happy with your results, you may require additional procedures to address your concerns. This can include dermal fillers to add volume to your cheeks or a face lift to address sagging skin.
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Section 8 of 11:

When to Call a Doctor

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  1. While uncommon, complications can occur after your surgery. Call your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms. If you’re experiencing shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911 instead. [27]
    • Signs of infection, including fever, swelling, redness, warmth, pain, tenderness, and pus
    • Bleeding
    • Your incision isn’t healing well or is getting worse
    • An unpleasant taste in your mouth
Section 9 of 11:

Does buccal fat naturally go away?

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  1. While the only way to completely remove and get rid of buccal fat is with surgery, the pads of fat can grow smaller and appear less prominent as you age. This is because facial fat loses volume as you get older. [28] Losing weight can also contribute to smaller buccal fat pads and a slimmer face. According to Dr. Gorodisky, losing fat in general can contribute to fat loss in your face. [29]
    • However, how much buccal fat you naturally lose varies from person to person. Some people naturally store fat in their face or have a rounded face shape, so their cheeks might maintain fullness for longer.
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Section 10 of 11:

Other Ways to Get a Slimmer Face

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  1. 1
    Contour and highlight your cheekbones with makeup. According to makeup artist Nini Efia Yang, contouring your face is a great way to make it appear slimmer and more structured. She says that anything you contour looks smaller, so contouring under your cheekbones helps your cheeks appear less full. On the other hand, whatever you highlight appears bigger. When you highlight your cheekbones, they look more prominent. [30]
  2. 2
    Lose excess fat through diet and exercise. While there’s no guarantee that losing excess weight will reduce the size of your cheeks, certified personal trainer Danny Gordon says, "If there is fatty tissue in the face…the leaner your body gets, the more definition…you will probably see." [35] To help lose weight , eat a balanced diet of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Aim to eat at a slight caloric deficit to reduce fat healthily. Then, make a plan to get daily exercise and strength train several times each week. [36]
    • Personal trainer John Diaz explains that you can’t spot reduce fat from one particular area, such as your cheeks. If you want a specific spot to appear slimmer, he says you have to lose weight overall. [37]
    • Remember that some people naturally have fuller faces and larger cheeks. You might store fat in your face, no matter your weight.
  3. 3
    Opt for a different cosmetic procedure, like fillers. Dr. Pirani says that there are other cosmetic procedures that can help your cheeks appear more hollow and your face appear more slim. As always, do your research and consult with a qualified physician or plastic surgeon to determine if these treatments are right for you. Some of these procedures include: [38]
    • Cheekbone and jawbone filler : Filler is a non-surgical procedure that can add volume and structure to your face. When placed on top of your cheekbones and along your jawline, Dr. Pirani says this can make your cheeks look slimmer in comparison. [39]
    • Cheek and jaw implants : Implants are a surgical option that also add structure and definition to your face. This is done by placing silicone implants on top of your cheekbone or jawline. Dr. Pirani says implants work in a similar way to fillers, helping to create hollowness in the cheek area. [40]
    • Midface lift/cheek lift : A midface lift is a surgical procedure that involves tightening the skin and moving around fat in the cheek area to create a more sculpted, lifted, and youthful appearance. This can reduce the fullness of your face and better highlight your cheekbones. [41]
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Section 11 of 11:

Final Takeaways

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  1. Everybody has buccal fat pads in their cheeks, though their size varies from person to person. Some people have more voluminous buccal fat pads, which can give them more rounded cheeks. While buccal fat removal surgery makes it possible to remove the fat and achieve a more slimmed-down appearance, there’s nothing wrong with having larger cheeks—they’re not something you need to fix.
    • In fact, lots of people actually want to add fat to their face as they get older. Having a full face is associated with youthfulness, so it can help you look young even as you age.

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      References

      1. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/consultation
      4. ↑ https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/questions
      5. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8254881/
      8. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/ear-nose-and-throat-services/conditions-and-treatments/facial-procedures/buccal-fat-removal
      2. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal
      6. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      10. ↑ https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/cost
      11. ↑ https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/candidates
      12. ↑ Yuly Gorodisky, DO, FACOS. Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. Expert Interview
      13. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      14. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal
      15. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      16. ↑ https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/ear-nose-and-throat-services/conditions-and-treatments/facial-procedures/buccal-fat-removal
      17. ↑ https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/hollow-cheeks-a-focus-on-buccal-fat-removal
      18. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal
      19. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-your-face-ages-and-what-you-can-do
      20. ↑ Yuly Gorodisky, DO, FACOS. Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon. Expert Interview
      21. ↑ Nini Efia Yang. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
      22. ↑ Alana Schober. Pout Pro Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
      23. ↑ Laura Menendez. Makeup Artist & Licensed Esthetician. Expert Interview
      24. ↑ Yuka Arora. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
      25. ↑ Miranda Mendelson. Makeup & Beauty Specialist. Expert Interview
      26. ↑ Danny Gordon. Certified Personal Trainer. Expert Interview
      27. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20047752
      28. ↑ John Diaz. Personal Trainer. Expert Interview
      29. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      30. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      31. ↑ Asif Pirani, MD. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Expert Interview
      32. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/17232-cheek-lift

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