Buccal fat reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to create a more contoured and sculpted facial appearance by removing excess fat from the cheeks. This fat, known as buccal fat pads, can sometimes cause the face to appear round or puffy. During the surgery, a small incision is made inside the mouth, and the buccal fat pads are carefully extracted and reduced. The result is a more defined and angular facial profile, with a noticeable reduction in cheek fullness. This minimally invasive procedure often leads to a faster recovery and can significantly enhance the overall harmony of the facial features.
Did you know…
This procedure can also be combined with other minimally invasive procedures such as neck liposuction or a chin implant to improve the contour and definition of the lower half of the face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for a buccal fat reduction?
You may be a candidate for a buccal fat reduction if you have round cheeks and desired a more contoured appearance. A consultation with your surgeon will help you determine whether this procedure is right for you based on your age, facial structure and expectations for the outcome of your surgery.
What should I expect during a buccal fat reduction procedure?
Buccal fat reduction can be done with local anesthesia in the office or fully sedated using IV sedation or general anesthesia depending on the patient’s preference and if it is being combined with other surgeries. During this time, your surgeon will make an incision inside the mouth to tease out the fat pad.
Will I need to follow any post-operative instructions following my buccal fat reduction surgery?
Swelling is expected after surgery and takes about a week to resolve and are given a compression dressing. The intraoral sutures are absorbable that will dissolve over time. You will be given antibiotics and oral mouth rinse. You can have a soft diet for 1 week and then resume normal diet. Definitive results take about 3+ months to see.
Before and After





