Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal performed by the experienced surgeons at New York Plastic Surgical Group, a division of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group results in a face that looks slimmer and more sculpted. Patients from NYC, New York and Long Island seek this cosmetic surgery procedure to slim the face and create added contour.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal, or buccal lipectomy, is a facial plastic surgery procedure that enhances midface and lower face contours through the removal of all or part of the buccal fat pad located in the hollow of the cheek.1 This is a relatively simple procedure that involves minimal downtime. The benefits of buccal fat removal include:
- A slimmer, more tapered facial appearance
- More pronounced cheekbones
- Improved contours in patients with round “chipmunk cheeks” or an overly full “baby face”
- Improved facial symmetry
- Accentuated the appearance of facial features including the eyes and jawline
*modelWho Gets Buccal Fat Removal?
Patients of all ages get buccal fat removal. At any age, patients may be troubled by the appearance of overly full cheeks, which they may describe as “chipmunk cheeks,” or an overly round “baby face.” More mature patients may notice that drooping buccal fat has begun to cause the appearance of jowls or a heavier lower face, and may pursue buccal fat removal as part of a facial rejuvenation treatment plan either alone or in addition to a facelift. Other patients simply want to achieve a face that looks slimmer and cheekbones that appear more sculpted and defined. The best long-term results from buccal fat removal are achieved through conservative approach since excessive removal can result in a more aged appearance.
For some patients, buccal fat removal is performed to address health concerns when large buccal fat pads cause problems with speaking, breathing, and eating.
Preparing for Buccal Fat Removal
The most important step in preparing for buccal fat removal is your personal consultation with one of our experienced facial plastic surgeons. During this meeting, you will be able to discuss your cosmetic goals with your surgeon. You will learn more about buccal fat removal, and together you will decide whether this procedure is right for you. Once your procedure is scheduled, we will give you detailed instructions about preparing for surgery, as well as what you can expect during the recovery period.
The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Buccal fat pad removal is typically performed under local anesthesia. During this surgical procedure, small incisions are made inside the cheeks at the back of the mouth. The surgeon carefully sculpts the buccal fat pad area, removing all or part of the pads depending on the patient’s goals and unique facial structure. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures.
It’s important to remember that we lose facial volume as we age. With that in mind, our surgeons are careful to consider age-related changes to the lower cheek area when performing buccal fat removal so that patients are happy with the results over the long term.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
It is normal for patients to experience some swelling and bruising in their cheeks after buccal fat pad removal. This typically resolves within a few days to a week, as will any numbness or tingling in the cheeks. You may also experience tenderness or soreness at the sites of the sutures inside of your mouth and can take pain medication to increase comfort.
To allow your mouth to heal, you should focus on eating soft foods for the first few days following buccal fat pad removal. Your surgeon will also instruct you to avoid smoking and consuming alcohol. Most of our patients feel comfortable going back to work and other normal activities within a week of their buccal fat pad removal.
The final results of your cheek reduction surgery will be noticeable once healing is complete and all swelling has subsided, which may take several months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Who is a candidate for buccal fat reduction?
If you feel you have an overly round face or cheeks that are too full, buccal fat pad removal may be a good option for you. In general, good candidates for cheek reduction surgery are in good overall health, are non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved through plastic surgery.2
Are there non-surgical alternatives to cheek reduction surgery?
Some patients may choose to enhance the contours of their cheeks with injectable dermal fillers rather than buccal fat pad removal. However, while fillers can add volume to the cheeks, this effect is not permanent and produces different results from a surgical procedure. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss the benefits of both options as they relate to your unique facial structure and goals.
Can I combine buccal fat removal with other procedures?
Yes. Some of our patients choose to combine cheek removal surgery with other procedures that can enhance facial contours, such as a facelift or rhinoplasty. Patients may also combine this procedure with non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX® or injectable dermal fillers.
How long do the results of buccal fat removal last?
The results of buccal fat pad removal are permanent.
How long does buccal fat pad removal take?
The entire surgical procedure is typically completed in less than one hour.
What are the risks of cheek reduction surgery?
Working with an experienced plastic surgeon is the best way to reduce surgical risks and achieve optimal cosmetic results. That said, there are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Risks of buccal fat removal include:3
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Asymmetry
Contact Us
If you live in NYC, New York or Long Island and are interested in enhancing your facial contours with buccal fat removal, contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.
*modelContact Us
If you live in NYC, New York or Long Island and are interested in enhancing your facial contours with buccal fat removal, contact us to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Buccal Fat Removal. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal. Accessed July 10, 2023.
2 Cleveland Clinic. Buccal Fat Removal. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23396-buccal-fat-removal. AccessedJuly 10, 2023.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the risks of buccal fat removal? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/safety. Accessed July 10, 2023.
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