Buccal Fat Removal

Pockets of fat that accumulate in and near the cheek (buccal) area are often caused by genetics or weight fluctuations and can be difficult or even impossible to address without surgery. Buccal fat removal, also called buccal lipectomy or cheek reduction surgery, can be your best option to safely and effectively remove excess fat in the cheek area, resulting in a smoother, more contoured facial profile.

Stubborn fat pockets in the cheek area can cause “chipmunk cheeks” or a “baby face” appearance, which can leave some men and women feeling self-conscious of their appearance. 

While diet and exercise may help to reduce the appearance of excess cheek fat, it is impossible to target this specific area through traditional weight loss methods. For this reason, buccal fat removal is a popular procedure that can remove stubborn cheek fat while maintaining the balance and symmetry of your natural facial features.

At our office near Boston Common, you can explore your best treatment options, including buccal fat removal and other facial plastic surgery procedures to help you achieve your ideal look.

When to Consider Buccal Fat Removal

The best candidates for buccal fat removal are in good physical and mental health but unhappy with the appearance of “chipmunk cheeks” or excess fat in their mid-face area. While buccal fat removal is not meant to be a stand-in for standard weight loss methods, it can help to enhance your fitness goals if you find that fat accumulation near your cheeks is difficult to address through diet and exercise alone.

Before Your Cheek Reduction Surgery

Prior to your cheek reduction procedure, you will have the chance to sit down with Dr. Ezzat and discuss your cosmetic goals, as well as the details of your procedure. Dr. Ezzat will also perform a physical evaluation to help you decide if buccal fat removal could be the best fit for you.

In some cases, cheek reduction surgery is combined with other facial procedures such as chin liposuction or chin augmentation, depending on your specific goals. 

Your Cheek Reduction Procedure

Buccal fat removal is typically performed using local anesthesia (anesthesia near the surgery site only), although general anesthesia may be used if you are combining your cheek reduction with other facial cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ezzat will begin by carefully creating small incisions on the inside of your mouth, allowing for the removal of excess fat pads in your cheek area. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures.

Your Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

Directly after your buccal fat removal procedure, swelling, bruising and tenderness near the cheeks are normal. However, these side effects are typically easy to manage with the use of over-the-counter or prescription pain medication, keeping your head elevated and using ice packs. Dr. Ezzat will provide you with detailed recovery guidelines to help make your recovery as smooth and efficient as possible. 

Most people feel comfortable returning to work within 7 to 10 days after cheek reduction surgery, though you will need to avoid vigorous physical activity for several weeks after your procedure.

Your New Look

You should gradually see the result of your buccal fat removal procedure develop over the next several months. You should have a good idea of what your final results will look like in 3 to 6 months after your cheek reduction, though everyone’s recovery experience and timeline will vary slightly.

Contact us online or call our Boston office at 857-350-4205to take the first step toward reaching your ideal look with buccal fat removal.

Buccal Fat Removal FAQ

How do I choose the best facial plastic surgeon for buccal fat removal near me?

Choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon near you who has experience performing buccal fat removal and other facial plastic surgeries. Look at before and after photos online, read client reviews and ask friends and family members in your area for recommendations to help narrow your search and find the best fit for you.

Is cheek reduction surgery painful?

Most people find that cheek reduction surgery is a relatively comfortable procedure to recover from, usually requiring minimal downtime. Side effects like swelling, bruising and soreness are typically easy to manage with the use of over-the-counter medications and ice packs.