Buccal fat removal
Buccal fat removal, also called cheek reduction, removes fat from the buccal fat pads in the cheeks to reduce their fullness and refine the contour of the face. The change is long lasting, so the decision is reviewed carefully at your evaluation.
What it involves
The surgery is done from inside the mouth. The surgeon makes a small incision on the inner side of each cheek, locates the fat pad, and removes the planned amount. The incision is then closed with stitches, which are usually absorbable.
The size of these fat pads varies from person to person, and even between one cheek and the other. That is why the amount of fat to remove is decided case by case: taking too much can leave the face looking overly hollow over the years.
It can be done on its own or together with other facial surgeries, such as a facelift or rhinoplasty.
Who it is for
It is usually considered for adults in good health and at a stable weight whose cheeks are round or very full in proportion to the rest of the face. It is not for everyone: in thin or narrow faces, or when there is already age-related volume loss, it can leave a hollow or gaunt look over the years. Your evaluation defines whether it suits you.
- Round or full cheeks that are out of proportion with the rest of the face.
- Good general health, stable weight, and realistic expectations.
- People who do not smoke or who can stop nicotine before and after surgery.
- Not usually recommended for thin or narrow faces.
- Not recommended either when there is age-related facial volume loss: the face naturally gets thinner over the years.
What to know beforehand
Length of surgery
It is a short surgery. In general terms it usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on each case. If it is combined with other facial procedures, the total time is longer. Your evaluation gives an estimate for your surgery.
Type of anesthesia
Local anesthesia is the usual choice, sometimes with sedation. Depending on each case, it can also be done under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is defined at your evaluation.
Hospital stay and recovery
It is usually an outpatient surgery: you go home the same day. During the first days it is normal to have swollen cheeks, some pain and numbness in the area, and some discomfort when speaking or eating. You start with liquids and soft foods.
Time off work is usually 3 to 7 days, depending on each case and the type of work. The swelling starts to go down during the first or second week and can take several weeks to resolve completely. Physical exertion, strenuous exercise, and contact sports are avoided during the first weeks, until your surgeon clears you.
Aftercare
Your medical team gives you the exact instructions for your case. These are the usual ones:
- Follow a liquid and then soft diet during the first days, and return to normal eating gradually.
- Use the mouth rinses you are prescribed, for as long as indicated, to lower the risk of infection.
- Apply cold to your cheeks during the first days, as instructed, to help control swelling.
- Do not touch the stitches with your tongue or put pressure on your cheeks while they heal.
- Avoid physical exertion and strenuous exercise until your surgeon clears you.
- Do not smoke during recovery: tobacco makes healing harder.
- Keep your follow-up visits and seek care promptly for bleeding, increasing pain, or signs of infection.
Expected results
At first, swelling hides the change. The contour of the cheeks becomes more refined as the swelling goes down, and the final result can take several months to show. The incisions are inside the mouth, so the scars cannot be seen from the outside.
The change is considered long lasting, which is why the decision deserves time. The face keeps losing volume naturally with age, which can accentuate the effect over the years. The result depends on your age, the quality of your skin, your bone structure, and the amount of fat removed.
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of buccal fat removal?
Like any surgery, it carries risks. Swelling and temporary numbness in the area are expected. Possible complications include bleeding, hematoma, infection, fluid buildup, asymmetry, and prolonged swelling. The salivary duct or a branch of the facial nerve can also be injured, with weakness of the facial muscles that is uncommon and can be temporary or permanent. In the long term, the face can end up looking too hollow.
Does buccal fat removal make the face look older over time?
This is the main reservation about this surgery. The face naturally loses fat with age, and a full face is associated with youth. That is why scientific societies warn that, in thin faces or when too much fat is removed, the cheeks can look hollow or gaunt over time. Not all surgeons agree on how significant that risk is. Your evaluation is the place to weigh it for your case.
Is the result permanent?
It is considered a permanent or long-lasting change. Even so, the face keeps changing with age, and the volume and contour of the face can shift over the years. That is why it is worth deciding with complete information, realistic expectations, and a stable weight, which is also reviewed before surgery.
Will I have visible scars?
The incisions are made inside the mouth, on the inner side of the cheeks, so the scars cannot be seen from the outside. During the first days you may feel the stitches with your tongue; it is best not to touch them. Follow the diet you are given and use the prescribed mouth rinses, which help lower the risk of infection.
When will I see the result?
Not right away. During the first days the cheeks look more swollen than before surgery. The swelling starts to go down during the first or second week and can take several weeks to go away. The final contour shows once the tissues settle, which can take several months, depending on each case.
This information is general and does not replace a medical assessment. The timing, technique and recovery for your case are defined in consultation with the surgeon.
Let us talk about your case
Every body needs a personal assessment. Tell us what you are considering and we will review the options that suit you best.