Buccal Fat Removal in Los Angeles

Buccal Fat Pad Removal for Face: What You Need to Know

Do you feel like you have way too chubby cheeks or a fat face? Wouldn’t it be amazing to reduce it just a little bit?

Consider buccal fat removal!

The buccal fat pad is a rounded mass found between the facial muscles, specifically in the hollow area between the cheekbones. The size of the buccal fat pad affects the shape of your face. People with larger buccal fat pads may feel like they have an overly round face.

While there is nothing wrong with having large cheeks, you can make them small with buccal fat pad removal. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about buccal fat pad removal and if it’s the right fit for you.

What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgery that aims to thin the cheeks. During the procedure, a surgeon removes the buccal fat pads. This reduces puffiness and fullness in the face, giving you more defined facial angles.

Buccal fat pad removal can be performed as a solo procedure or alongside a:

• Facelift
• Chin liposuction
• Rhinoplasty
• Botox injection
• Lip augmentation

The procedure takes less than an hour, and you can opt for either local or general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The surgeon makes incisions on the inside of the cheeks and takes out the fat pads. The amount of fat removed depends on your facial anatomy, and an absorbable suture material is used to close the incisions.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a highly individualized procedure reserved for those worried about full or chubby cheeks. You should only go through the procedure for yourself and not to fit some kind of “ideal image”.

You might be a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal if you meet the following criteria:

• You don’t like the fullness of your cheeks
• You are in good physical health
• You have a round but small fat mass in the cheek because of a weak buccal fat pad
• You have a round, fuller face
• You don’t smoke
• You are seeking facial feminization surgery

It’s worth noting that buccal fat pad surgery isn’t for everyone. We may not recommend the procedure in the following cases:

• Narrow face: Buccal fat pad removal may cause sunken cheeks in patients with naturally thin faces
• Age: Performing this procedure on older patients might emphasize the signs of aging
• Progressive hemifacial atrophy: This is a rare disorder that causes the skin to shrink on one side of the face

Be sure to consult an experienced cosmetic surgeon to determine if you are an ideal candidate for buccal fat pad removal.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Before the procedure, you’ll need to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who will want to know:

• Your medical history
• If you are allergic to anything
• If you have any medical conditions
• Your expectations
• If you are taking any medications

It’s important that you answer the doctor’s questions truthfully for the best advice on what works for your unique circumstances. 

The procedure will take 30 minutes to 1 hour, and you’ll be able to go home afterward. The surgeon will mark the treatment area with a pen before putting you under local or general anesthesia. They will make an incision on the inside of the cheek and use a suction device to remove the fat pad.

You’ll probably experience swelling and soreness around the treatment area after the procedure. This will dissipate with time, around 2-4 weeks. A full buccal fat removal before and after transformation will be noticeable after two months or so where your cheeks will appear leaner.

Scarring isn’t visible with this procedure and most patients return to normal activities as early as the next day. Even better, buccal pad fat removal is an extremely low-risk procedure, especially if a reputable board-certified cosmetic surgeon performs the procedure.

How to Remove Buccal Fat: FAQs

Still not sure whether this procedure is right for you? Here are some frequently asked questions that may put your mind to rest:

How Should I Sleep After Buccal Fat Removal?

After a cheek buccal fat removal at Younique Surgery Center and Med Spa, you should sleep on your back with the head elevated. It’s not a requirement, but this sleeping position will hasten your recovery.

What are the Results of a Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

It will take up to three months to see the results of buccal fat pad removal. The cheeks will recede and gradually contour to their new facial shape.

Should I Be Worried About Scarring?

Incisions are made on the inside of the cheeks and as such, the procedure doesn’t result in any visible scarring.

Are Buccal Fat Pad Removal Results Permanent?

The results of this procedure are permanent and you don’t have to worry about the cheek fat growing back. However, your cheeks may appear plump again if you gain weight in the future.

How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?

The buccal fat removal cost varies depending on several factors like the surgeon’s location and experience. The amount you pay often includes surgical facility costs, surgeon’s general fees, anesthesia fees, medication costs, and medical tests.

Is the Buccal Fat Removal Procedure Painful?

We administer an anesthetic during the procedure to alleviate pain. However, you will likely experience soreness as your cheeks heal. We prescribe medications and post-op care instructions to help with discomfort.

Buccal Fat Pad Removal for Face in Santa Monica

If you are interested in thinning out your cheeks, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Younique can help. As one of the most prestigious and trusted medical spa and surgery centers in Los Angeles, we take great pride in helping patients feel more confident about themselves.

We are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and our cosmetic surgeon has years of experience to ensure you get the best results. Contact us today to learn more about buccal fat removal and what to expect.

Medically Reviewed by Mark Youssef, MD 5 stars from 150 reviews