(713) 489-1630 Menu
Specials Patient Portal
Dr. Courtney | Plastic Surgeon in Houston, TX
Schedule a Consultation
Call Text (713) 489-1630
English/Español

What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal surgery is a procedure that reduces, thins, and sculpts the cheeks. This surgery precisely removes the fat stored in the cheeks to contour the face, sculpt the cheekbones and contour the jawline.

Excess buccal fat generally diminishes when we reach adulthood. When excess buccal fat persists after adulthood has begun, this condition is usually caused by genetic predisposition. In some cases, excess buccal fat is caused by obesity. In this case, diet and exercise will generally reduce the concern of “chubby cheeks.” However, if excess buccal fat is a hereditary factor, diet and exercise will not be effective in reducing the shape of the cheeks.

What Are The Benefits Of Buccal Fat Removal?

A buccal fat removal procedure achieves a wide range of benefits for individuals who would like to achieve a more sculpted, defined appearance. Benefits include the following:

  • A more sophisticated appearance
  • Enhanced, refined facial lines
  • Minimal lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth 
  • Defined cheekbones
  • Achieves a more youthful appearance (takes years off the face)
  • Causes no visible scarring
  • Short procedure time
  • Short recovery period
  • Requires local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia

What Should I Expect During A Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?

Before your buccal fat removal procedure, Dr. Courtney will have a thorough consultation with you to discuss your aesthetic goals and help you understand the details of the procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Courtney will examine your facial structure, discuss your concerns, and ensure you’re a candidate for buccal fat removal. 

To begin your buccal fat removal procedure, you’ll be given local anesthesia to numb the area. Once this has taken effect, Dr. Courtney will carefully make an incision inside your cheek and then put pressure outside the cheek to expose the buccal fat pad. Dr. Courtney will precisely remove the fat to ensure that your cheeks appear sculpted but are not hollow or gaunt. He will then close the incision with dissolvable stitches.

Recovery After Buccal Fat Reduction

Expect to swell and bruise in the days following your buccal fat removal procedure. During this time, you will eat only liquids. By the three-day mark, you will be able to start eating soft foods and slowly progress back to your usual diet. 

It will take about three weeks to reach the point of full recovery after your cheek reduction. During the following three to four months, your cheeks will settle completely into their newly contoured, slimmer shape.

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Buccal Fat Reduction Procedure?

Many people who have excess buccal fat have experienced being called “baby face” or having their cheeks referred to as “chipmunk cheeks.” Candidates for a buccal fat removal procedure would like to sculpt and define their facial appearance and achieve a more adult, sophisticated look. Ideal candidates for buccal fat reduction should meet the following physical requirements:

  • Are generally in good health
  • Do not smoke or can quit smoking
  • Are at or are close to their ideal weight 
  • Feel they can maintain their weight
  • Round or chubby cheeks remain even after weight loss
  • Cheeks appear childlike or puffy cheeks
  • Facial structure is not naturally thin 
Attractive woman in jean jacket smiling

FAQ

What procedures can be combined with a buccal fat removal surgery?

Buccal fat removal surgery is commonly combined with other procedures such as a facelift, liposuction, chin augmentation, breast augmentation, or others to refresh the facial appearance or to sculpt the body for an enhanced, youthful look.

How soon will I see the results after buccal fat removal surgery?

To see the true and final results of your buccal fat removal procedure, it will take between four and six months. However, by a month or two, you will start seeing the new contours and shape of your face.

Will the buccal fat pad removal procedure make me look older?

Generally, this procedure will not make you look older, but it will give you a more adult, sophisticated look that provides sculpted cheekbones and facial lines and a more contoured lower third of the face.

Can you get rid of your buccal fat pads naturally, without surgery?

People cannot typically get rid of buccal fat pads on their own. The buccal fat pads do not atrophy with weight loss and do not typically change with age. These pads are deep fat pockets that cause fullness in the lower third of the face and cheeks.

Is any fat left in the cheeks after buccal fat pad reduction surgery?

Fat is left in the cheeks so that the appearance of the face is not gaunt or hollow after the procedure. Only small amounts are taken from the cheeks with precision sculpting techniques. The amount taken from the buccal fat pads depends on each patient and what their aesthetic goals are.

How painful is buccal fat reduction?

Buccal fat pad reduction is performed with local anesthesia and a mild sedative, making the procedure itself painless. The recovery period afterward is not generally very painful. Most patients don’t require painkillers and find the recovery process is mostly painless.

When can I return to work after buccal fat reduction surgery?

After buccal fat pad reduction surgery, most patients are able to return to light, sedentary work within one or two weeks. Typically, patients can return to most of their normal activities and regular routine in two to three weeks.

Why Choose Dr. Courtney For Buccal Fat Removal?

As a Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Courtney provides experience, understanding, expertise, and beautiful results for his patients. Dr. Courtney is a caring surgeon who is dedicated to helping patients achieve their aesthetic expectations and goals. He ensures he understands each patient’s unique desires and that each surgical plan and procedure is specifically customized for them. To learn more about buccal fat reduction with Dr. Courtney, please contact us to schedule your personal consultation.

Dr. Courtney Plastic Surgery

Real People. Real Results.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Ad alias animi commodi distinctio doloremque eum exercitationem facilis in ipsum iusto magnam, mollitia pariatur praesentium rem repellat temporibus veniam vitae voluptatum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Ad alias animi commodi distinctio doloremque eum exercitationem facilis in ipsum iusto magnam, mollitia pariatur

Button

Instant Rewards That You'll Love - Coco VIP

Special VIP Offers: Receive exclusive offers just for you, that you won't find anywhere else.

  • Awesome Birthday Gifts
  • Rewards For Visiting
  • Invitations To Member Events
  • Special Members-Only Offers

Sign Up

Schedule a consultation

In-Office Virtual

Newsletter Sign-Up

© Dr. Courtney Plastic Surgery. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III

Privacy Policy

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (713) 489-1630.

Contact Us