Buccal Fat Removal
A minor surgical procedure that reduces the fat pad inside the cheek to soften lower-face fullness in suitable cases.
What is buccal fat removal?
Each cheek contains a deep pad of fat called the buccal fat pad, and its size varies from person to person, mostly for genetic reasons. When it is large, the face may look full or round in the lower cheek area even in people at a healthy weight, and its size is not greatly affected by diet or exercise, which leads some people to look for a surgical solution.
In this procedure the doctor makes a small incision inside the mouth on the cheek side, removes a carefully judged portion of this fat pad and closes the incision, usually with dissolvable stitches, so there is no incision on the facial skin. The aim is to reduce fullness in a balanced way, not to empty the cheek, because excessive removal can make the face look hollow with age.
This procedure does not suit everyone who wants a slimmer face. Facial fullness may come from fat under the skin, the chewing muscles or bone shape, and each has a different solution. The doctor therefore assesses each case individually and explains whether the buccal fat pad is truly the cause, and whether another option would better suit the features of the face.
Wondering whether your cheek fullness comes from buccal fat?
Book a consultation so the doctor can examine your facial structure, identify the cause of the fullness and explain whether this procedure suits you or not.
Book an appointment WhatsApp usWho is buccal fat removal for?
Inherited cheek fullness
People with clear fullness in the mid and lower cheek that does not improve with weight loss.
Stable weight
People whose weight is relatively stable, since large weight changes affect facial shape.
Good general health
Adults without uncontrolled medical conditions or mouth infections.
Realistic expectations
Those who understand that the change is usually moderate, appears gradually and varies from person to person.
Who it does not suit
It is usually not advised for people with slim faces or already hollow cheeks, those whose fullness has other causes, or young people whose facial features have not yet matured.
Buccal fat removal steps
Consultation and assessment
The doctor examines your face, distinguishes buccal fat from surface fat, muscle and bone, and discusses the expected outcome with you.
Preparation
Tests as needed, and stopping smoking and certain blood-thinning medicines beforehand as the doctor instructs.
The procedure
The doctor makes a small incision inside the mouth, carefully removes the planned amount while keeping both sides balanced, then closes the incision.
Aftercare
A soft diet for a few days, mouthwash as instructed, cold compresses and follow-up with the doctor.
Recovery stages after buccal fat removal
Cheek swelling and mild discomfort inside the mouth, with a soft diet and gentle mouth cleaning.
Much of the swelling subsides, the internal incisions usually heal and many return to work.
Remaining swelling continues to fade, and normal activity can usually resume with the doctor’s approval.
The final shape becomes clear gradually as tissues settle; results vary from person to person.
Possible risks and complications
Although the procedure is relatively small, it is still surgery with risks that the doctor explains before you decide.
- Bleeding or a collection of blood inside the cheek
- Infection at the incision inside the mouth
- Anaesthesia risks
- Asymmetry between the cheeks
- Over-removal that can make the face look hollow with age
- Rarely, injury to the salivary gland duct or a nearby branch of the facial nerve
- The need for a corrective procedure in some cases
Frequently asked questions about buccal fat removal
Does the operation leave a scar on the face?
Does the fat come back after removal?
When will I see the result?
Is the procedure painful?
Is it a substitute for facial liposuction?
Related services
Start with a careful assessment of your face
The doctor assesses each case individually to decide whether buccal fat removal suits you, or whether another option better fits your facial structure in the long term.