Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat pad removal, or buccal fat reduction, is a cosmetic procedure that has gained popularity in recent years. It has the effect of slimming the lower portion of the face. But what is it?

The buccal fat pad is a pocket of fat tissue that is present in the cheek at birth. It is thought to provide cushioning between the different groups of muscles in the cheeks that work together to create the suction that babies need to ingest food.

So the buccal fat has an important function in the neonatal period. As we age, the fat pad generally shrinks in size, as it is no longer needed. In some adults, however, the buccal fat pad remains large, and can give a rounded appearance.

Removing this fat pad or reducing its size, can give a more chiseled appearance to the face. This procedure is not for everyone, though. Patient selection is very important. As we age even more, we lose facial volume, and so we do not want to remove the buccal fat in patients who do not have an excess. In patients who do not have excessive buccal fat, removing it could cause a hollow or sunken appearance, and facial volume is very important to maintaining a youthful appearance. Conscientious surgeons know that facial aesthetics is a delicate balance of volume and concavities in the right places. Please make sure you do your research and find a surgeon you trust when considering facial surgery. A good surgeon will tell you if this procedure is right for you.

Buccal fat removal is performed through an incision made inside the mouth. It can be done under local anesthesia, laughing gas, or IV sedation right in the office. It can be done on its own or as part of other surgical procedures. There is no visible scarring. Downtime is about 1 week, since you will get swollen following surgery. At first, your face will look puffier than before. But as the tissues heal, you will start to notice your new, chiseled look. This takes about 3 months.