The face is the first thing noticed by people, and the cheeks, being the biggest area visible in the face, can have a very significant impression. The cheeks can make even thin people look chubby or round, simply because of their shape and size.
This can make people very self-conscious about the appearance of their cheeks, but unlike most body parts, the cheeks are very hard to reduce in size without adversely affecting the rest of the body. This cheek fat, or buccal fat, can be very hard to reduce. Fortunately, modern plastic surgery has advanced enough to have an answer for this; buccal fat removal.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
Buccal fat removal, or cheek reduction surgery, is the cosmetic process of removing the buccal fat that is the cause of chubby or chipmunk cheeks. This is usually done by creating an incision in the back of the mouth, typically near the second upper molar, and through what is called the buccinator muscle.
Once these incisions are in place, pressure is applied outside the cheek, which causes the buccal fat pad to protrude through the incisions, allowing the surgeon to grip it with forceps, pulling it enough so a big portion of the pad is available and can easily be cut away. Once enough fat is removed, the remaining buccal fat is inserted back in its place and the incisions are sutured.
If done properly, the procedure results in thinner cheeks, more defined cheekbones, and a slimmer, thinner profile of the face.
The procedure typically takes one to three hours to complete, depending on the doctor’s skill level. Patients will experience pain after the procedure, and will temporarily have swelling and bruising of the cheeks.
Suitable Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for buccal fat removal surgery. This procedure is typically best suited for individuals with full or rounded faces who are seeking a more contoured appearance.
Candidates should be in good physical health, have realistic expectations, and not be significantly overweight, as facial fat distribution can change with overall body weight.
Younger patients—generally between the ages of 20 and 40—tend to benefit the most, since buccal fat naturally diminishes with age.
A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine if buccal fat pad removal is the right option based on facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Recovery and Post-Surgery Care
There will also be difficulty in chewing food and speaking. Patients are advised to diligently take the prescribed medications by the surgeon—such as painkillers and antibiotics—in order to hasten the healing process.
It is also recommended that the patient lessen any activities for the next one to three weeks after the buccal fat removal surgery to ensure that recovery will be as swift as possible. The final results of the procedure will become evident around four months after the surgery.
Following these guidelines will yield the best results in terms of physical recovery and ensures a quicker return to normal day to day activities.
But because this procedure is almost irreversible, and involves such a large portion of the face, it is highly advised that potential patients find the most qualified and most skilled cosmetic surgeon for buccal fat removal.
Once this is done, it is also advised that patients consult with the surgeon first, to know all the risks involved to ensure that the end result is achieved, and to ensure that the surgeon knows exactly what the patient wants.
Cost of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
The cost of buccal fat removal surgery can vary depending on geographic location, the expertise of the surgeon, and whether the procedure is performed alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments.
On average, patients can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for cheek reduction surgery. This cost typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility fees.
Because this is a cosmetic procedure, health insurance does not cover it. However, many clinics offer financing options to make buccal fat pad removal more accessible to those seeking facial slimming and improved cheekbone definition.
Buccal Fat Removal vs. Facial Liposuction
It’s important to understand the difference between buccal fat removal and facial liposuction, as both procedures aim to slim the face but address different areas.
Buccal fat removal specifically targets the fat pads located deep within the cheeks, whereas facial liposuction removes fat from more superficial areas such as the jawline and neck.
In many cases, patients choose to combine these procedures to achieve a more harmonious and defined facial contour.
When performed together by an experienced surgeon, these treatments can dramatically enhance cheekbone definition and provide a more sculpted, V-shaped face.