What is Buccal Fat Removal?

What causes lower facial fullness?

Fat distribution is different for different patients. Some patients have a thin face with prominent facial structure whereas others have a rounder face with less cheek and jawline definition.

Buccal fat is located in the lower cheek (below the cheek bones) and contributes to a round face or cheek fullness. Ideally, men have a square face whereas women have a more heart-shaped face. Many also prefer prominent cheekbones and a well-defined jawline. A full or round face may be a consequence of being overweight but in many cases is simply genetic.

Ideal Candidates

Patients with round faces or "chubby cheeks" are good candidates for buccal fat removal. Patients will often express a desire to have well-defined cheekbones and a jawline. Others will state that their face makes them look heavy and want a slimmer look.

Can I Get Lipo Instead Of Buccal Fat Pad removal?

No. Cheek fat cannot be removed with liposuction. While neck liposuction is popular and effective, facial liposuction is seldom done. The fat layer in the face is very thin. Trying to remove facial fat with liposuction has a high chance of leaving visible contour irregularities which would be disfiguring. For this reason, buccal fat removal is the procedure of choice for facial fat removal.

Will People Be Able To Tell I've Had Buccal Fat Removed?

The results are subtle but powerful. Facial features look slimmer and have better facial contour definition in their cheeks and jaws. Having a thinner face gives an overall thinner appearance to a person. Many patients will appear as if they’ve lost weight.

Are There Other Cheek Reduction Procedures?

While some surgeons might use liposuction in select cases, the gold standard would be buccal fat removal.

FAQs

How much is a buccal fat removal procedure?

It is critical to remove an equal amount of fat from both cheeks to ensure symmetry. Also, it is rare to remove “all” of the buccal fat. Most surgeons prefer to leave some buccal fat so as not to make the cheeks too thin. One criticism of buccal fat removal is that with age the face can appear guant and aged. Removing less fat will prevent this unwanted complication.

Does the procedure hurt?

This is a relatively painless procedure with minimal downtime. There will be some swelling in the cheeks and bruising can occur. A soft diet is necessary as the mouth incision heals. The cheeks will be immediately thinner but will continue to improve over the first several months.

Will I have visible scars?

No. The only incision is inside the mouth so there are no visible scars.

Does the fat come back?

With excessive weight gain, any fat left in the buccal fat compartment would expand. However, if a stable weight is maintained the fat won’t come back. Weight gain may increase the subcutaneous fat (fat below the skin) and any residual buccal fat that remains after buccal fat removal. Maintaining a stable weight is the best way to keep your face looking thin.

Will my face look older after removing the fat?

If done correctly a buccal fat removal surgery will make your face look thinner but not older. It is important to remove only as much fat as necessary. The most important factor is patient selection. Patients with round or full faces are good candidates as buccal fat removal only restores them to a more normal facial contour. Buccal fat removal on thin faces will make your face look older so it’s important to make sure your fat is the right type for this procedure.

Many patients are bothered by a fullness or roundness in the lower face and cheeks. This is sometimes referred to as “chipmunk cheeks” or having a “baby face.” In some, this may be related to an oversized buccal fat pad, which is located in the soft portion of the cheek lateral to the oral cavity. In the select patients, surgical reduction of this buccal fat pad can provide a slimming effect that adds improved contour to the lower third of the face. If this is a concern for you, Dr. Burns can evaluate your facial proportions and determine whether or not buccal fat reduction may be an appropriate procedure to help you achieve your goals.

Can I finance buccal fat pad removal surgery?

Yes. Dr. Burns offers several different options for cosmetic surgery financing, including CareCredit, Alphaeon, and PatientFi.

Let's Review Your Aesthetic Goals In An Initial Consultation

At our practice, we employ the latest technologies and research-based techniques so that each patient can feel safe in the knowledge that they are receiving the highest standard in healthcare.

Dr. Burns and our team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have before or after a buccal fat removal procedure. We are committed to providing attentive and comprehensive care which helps ensure a successful recovery and peace of mind during the healing process.

Complimentary consults available. Get started here.

Schedule Your Buccal Fat Removal Consult with Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. John Burns

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. John Burns.  Dr. Burns offers both virtual and in-office plastic surgery consultations for men and women seeking buccal fat removal in Dallas, throughout the United States, and the world.