How Is Buccal Fat Removal Done: 7 Powerful Truths 2025

The Simple Truth About Cheek Sculpting

How is buccal fat removal done through a precise, minimally invasive procedure that takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Here’s the quick answer:

1. Anesthesia: Typically performed under local anesthesia (patient remains awake)
2. Incision: Small cut inside the mouth near the second upper molar
3. Access: Surgeon separates the buccinator muscle fibers
4. Extraction: The buccal fat pad is teased out, grasped, and partially removed
5. Closure: Incision is closed with dissolvable sutures
6. Recovery: Patient goes home the same day with minimal visible scarring

Buccal fat removal (also called buccal lipectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat from the lower cheeks to create a more contoured, defined facial appearance. This procedure targets the buccal fat pads – naturally occurring pockets of fat situated between your cheekbones and jawbones that contribute to facial fullness.

For those frustrated with persistently “chubby” cheeks or a round face that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise, buccal fat removal offers a permanent solution to achieve more sculpted cheekbones and a sharper jawline.

I’m Dr. Sarah Yovino, a double board-certified specialist who has performed numerous buccal fat removal procedures at Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills. My expertise in how is buccal fat removal done stems from years of training in facial anatomy and precise surgical techniques to create natural-looking facial contours.

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Understanding Buccal Fat: Anatomy & Aesthetics

Before diving into how is buccal fat removal done, let’s understand what we’re actually talking about. The buccal fat pad isn’t just any facial fat—it’s a distinct pocket that plays a unique role in your facial appearance.

Nestled deep in your midface between your cheekbones and jawline, these plump cushions are about the size of a walnut—though just like people, buccal fat pads come in different sizes.

What Is Buccal Fat and Where Does It Sit?

Think of the buccal fat pad as your face’s built-in cushioning system. It sits in the “mid-cheek compartment,” between two important muscles: the masseter (your chewing muscle) and the buccinator (your cheek muscle that helps with smiling).

This special fat pad serves several purposes:

• It provides padding between facial muscles during chewing
• It contributes to the youthful contour of your mid-face
• It creates a smooth gliding surface for facial expressions

What makes buccal fat particularly interesting is how stubborn it can be. While other body fat might respond to diet or exercise, buccal fat typically stays put regardless of weight fluctuations. It’s more structural in nature—serving a function rather than just storing energy.

Your genetics play the starring role in determining the size of your buccal fat pads. If your parents had “chipmunk cheeks,” there’s a good chance you inherited them too!

Why Do People Seek Removal?

When patients ask about how is buccal fat removal done, they’re usually looking to transform their facial contours in specific ways:

• A more sculpted, V-shaped face that highlights natural bone structure
• More prominent, “model-like” cheekbones that catch the light
• A sharper, more defined jawline
• Relief from persistently full cheeks that don’t slim down with weight loss

Social media has certainly fueled interest in this procedure. However, at Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, we believe in creating balanced, natural-looking results that complement your unique facial structure—not just chasing trends.

It’s worth noting that what looks amazing on someone else might not be right for you. Facial beauty is deeply personal, which is why understanding the anatomy and aesthetics of buccal fat is so important before making any decisions. For more scientific background, check out this research on buccal fat anatomy that guides our approach.

Who Should—and Shouldn’t—Consider Buccal Fat Removal

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for buccal fat removal. Understanding if this procedure is right for you can save you from potential disappointment or complications.

Good Candidates Checklist

The perfect candidate for buccal fat removal isn’t just someone who wants slimmer cheeks. At our Beverly Hills practice, we look for patients who have the right combination of physical characteristics and realistic expectations.

You might be a great fit for this procedure if you’re a healthy adult with persistently full cheeks that don’t slim down even when you lose weight elsewhere. The best candidates maintain a relatively stable weight and have good skin elasticity that will nicely reshape after the fat is removed.

How is buccal fat removal done most successfully? When it’s performed on the right person! During your consultation, we conduct a thorough pre-operative screening that includes:

1. A detailed facial analysis to understand your unique anatomy
2. Review of your medical history and medications
3. An honest discussion about your aesthetic goals
4. Evaluation of your skin’s quality and elasticity
5. Assessment of your overall facial balance

Non-smokers typically heal better and experience fewer complications. Most importantly, you should have realistic expectations about what buccal fat removal can and cannot accomplish.

When to Avoid the Procedure

While many people can benefit from buccal fat removal, there are several situations where we might recommend against it. If you already have a naturally thin face, removing buccal fat could create an excessively hollow appearance that only worsens with age.

Speaking of age—there’s a reason why the right age for buccal fat removal typically falls between the mid-20s and mid-40s. As we get older, we naturally lose facial fat. Removing buccal fat in more mature patients can accelerate this process, potentially creating a gaunt appearance.

How is buccal fat removal done safely includes knowing when not to do it. We typically advise against the procedure if you:

• Have body dysmorphia or unrealistic expectations about what surgery can accomplish
• Experience extreme weight fluctuations that could make your results unpredictable
• Have a history of facial nerve injury, which could increase your surgical risks

I’ve seen patients who were initially disappointed when I recommended against buccal fat removal, only to thank me later when they understood that not every trending procedure is right for every face. At Ideal Face & Body, we’re committed to treatments that improve your natural beauty rather than following temporary trends.

How is Buccal Fat Removal Done? Step-By-Step Surgical Walkthrough

Now, let’s dive into the details of how is buccal fat removal done. This procedure is relatively straightforward and typically takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, we’ve refined our technique to ensure optimal results with minimal discomfort.

How is buccal fat removal done under local anesthesia?

Many patients are surprised to learn that buccal fat removal can be performed while you’re awake. This “awake” approach using only local anesthesia has become increasingly popular.

We start by having you rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash. Once your face is prepped, we administer local anesthetic to completely numb the inner cheek area. This part is quick, and many patients tell us it’s much easier than expected.

With the area numb, we make a small incision (about the size of a dime) inside your cheek near your second upper molar. Through this tiny opening, we gently separate the buccinator muscle fibers to reach the buccal fat pad.

Using specialized instruments and applying gentle external pressure on your cheek, we coax the buccal fat pad through the incision. The fat typically appears as a soft, yellow tissue that we can carefully grasp and extract. The amount removed is customized to your facial structure – not too much (which could leave you looking hollow), and not too little (which wouldn’t provide the definition you’re seeking).

After ensuring any small blood vessels are sealed, we close the incision with dissolvable sutures that typically disappear within 7-10 days. Then we repeat the same process on your other cheek, taking care to achieve symmetrical results.

Throughout this process, you’ll feel some pressure and movement, but no pain. Many patients appreciate being awake, as it allows for better communication during surgery. You can learn more about this approach in our guide to Buccal Lipectomy.

How is buccal fat removal done when combined with other procedures?

Many patients choose to combine buccal fat removal with other facial contouring procedures for more comprehensive improvement.

When paired with procedures like facelifts, Dr. Yovino might access your buccal fat through the existing facelift incisions. This integrated technique creates a harmonious result with minimal recovery time.

Chin liposuction and buccal fat removal are natural partners – one defines the jawline from below while the other improves cheek contours from within. The combination creates a more sculpted lower face than either procedure could achieve alone.

When performed alongside other procedures, general anesthesia may be preferred for your comfort. However, the fundamental technique remains similar. For a scientific perspective on combined facial contouring approaches, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers excellent resources.

Visualization of the Procedure

To ensure consistency and safety, our team follows a structured approach we sometimes call the “Five D’s”:

First, we Delineate the key anatomical landmarks, paying special attention to the parotid duct to ensure it remains protected. Next, we carefully Dissect the tissues to create a path to the buccal fat pad while preserving surrounding structures.

The third step, Deliver, involves applying gentle pressure to tease the fat pad through our small incision. Once visible, we Debulk by removing the appropriate amount of fat, customized to your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.

Finally, we Defunctionalize by closing the wound properly to allow for optimal healing. This systematic approach helps us achieve consistent, beautiful results while minimizing potential risks.

Recovery, Results & Long-Term Aging Effects

The journey doesn’t end when you leave the operating room. Understanding what happens after your buccal fat removal procedure is essential for peace of mind and optimal results.

Recovery from buccal fat removal is relatively straightforward compared to many other cosmetic procedures. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable it is.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

The first 48 hours after surgery are the most important. Apply cold compresses to your cheeks intermittently—20 minutes on, 20 minutes off works well. Sleep with your head liftd on a couple of pillows to minimize swelling.

Your diet will temporarily change. Start with clear liquids, then progress to smoothies and protein shakes before gradually introducing soft foods like yogurt and mashed potatoes.

Oral hygiene is crucial but needs to be gentle. Use the prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash after eating, but avoid vigorous swishing. Most patients find that pain is minimal—more of a dull ache than sharp pain.

By the end of the first week, you’ll likely feel much more like yourself. The dissolvable sutures begin to soften and eventually disappear by week two or three. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities within 5-7 days, though some residual swelling may still be visible.

Be patient with your results! While you might notice changes immediately, the true outcome emerges gradually as swelling subsides. At the one-month mark, you’ll have a good idea of your new facial contours, but final results typically settle at the three-month point.

For a comprehensive day-by-day recovery guide, visit our detailed Buccal Fat Removal Recovery page.

Will Removing Buccal Fat Age My Face Later?

This question comes up in nearly every consultation I have about how is buccal fat removal done, and it’s a thoughtful concern. Since our faces naturally lose volume as we age, there’s a legitimate question about whether removing fat now could lead to a gaunt appearance later.

At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, we approach buccal fat removal with your future appearance in mind:

First, we take a deliberately conservative approach to fat removal. The goal isn’t to remove all buccal fat—it’s to remove just enough to improve your natural bone structure while preserving adequate volume for the future.

Second, we’re extremely selective about who we recommend this procedure to. If you naturally have a thin face or are older with already-diminishing facial volume, we’ll likely suggest alternative approaches.

Third, we understand that buccal fat is just one component of your facial anatomy. Other fat compartments, along with muscle and bone structure, continue to provide support and shape to your face.

Finally, modern aesthetic medicine offers solutions if hollowing does occur years later. Fillers, fat grafting, and other volume-restoration techniques continue to advance, giving us excellent options for addressing age-related volume loss.

Risks, Alternatives & Choosing Your Surgeon

Let’s have an honest conversation about the realities of buccal fat removal. While this procedure has transformed countless faces at our Beverly Hills practice, it’s important to understand both the potential risks and your options.

Potential Risks and Complications

When discussing how is buccal fat removal done, we need to address the possible complications, even though they’re relatively uncommon in skilled hands:

The mouth’s rich blood supply helps prevent infections, but they can still occur and typically respond well to antibiotics. Some patients might experience a hematoma (a collection of blood) or temporary difficulty fully opening their mouth (trismus).

More significant (but rarer) concerns include facial nerve injury, which could affect certain facial movements, or damage to the parotid duct, which carries saliva. The aesthetic risks include asymmetry between sides or removing too much fat, creating an unnaturally hollow appearance.

Most patients experience some swelling, but occasionally this persists longer than expected. The good news? The overall complication rate remains relatively low, with most issues being temporary and minor.

Alternatives to Buccal Fat Removal

Not ready for surgery or perhaps not an ideal candidate? You have options:

Injectable treatments can’t remove buccal fat, but strategic filler placement in the cheekbones creates the illusion of more defined contours. If you’re carrying extra weight, overall weight management might slim your face naturally, though buccal fat often remains regardless.

Some patients explore energy-based devices claiming to reduce facial fat, though results tend to be subtle. Don’t underestimate the power of makeup techniques – proper contouring creates the appearance of sculpted cheekbones.

For those interested in non-surgical approaches, our article on Buccal Fat Removal Naturally provides more detailed information.

Key Questions to Ask Before Surgery

Choosing your surgeon is perhaps the most crucial decision in your buccal fat removal journey. When you come for a consultation at Ideal Face & Body, we expect and welcome these important questions:

• “Are you board-certified in plastic surgery or facial plastic surgery?“
• “How many buccal fat removal procedures have you performed?“
• “Can I see before-and-after photos of your patients?“
• “How do you determine how much fat to remove?“
• “What type of anesthesia do you recommend and why?“
• “What complications have you encountered, and how were they handled?“

At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, both Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino are double board-certified specialists with experience in facial contouring procedures.

Recognizing Warning Signs Post-Op

While we’ll carefully monitor your recovery, knowing when to reach out is essential. Contact us immediately if you experience:

Fever over 101°F, increasing rather than decreasing pain after 72 hours, or excessive bleeding from the incision sites. Also concerning would be severe swelling that occurs suddenly (especially if one-sided), any facial weakness or asymmetry, or difficulty swallowing.

Most recovery concerns are minor and can be addressed during your follow-up appointments, but these warning signs warrant immediate attention. Your safety is always our priority at Ideal Face & Body.

Frequently Asked Questions about Buccal Fat Removal

How long does the procedure take and when will I see results?

The actual surgery is surprisingly quick—typically just 30-45 minutes from start to finish. If you’re having it as a standalone procedure under local anesthesia at our Beverly Hills office, plan to spend about 1-2 hours with us total, including pre-op preparation and initial recovery.

As for seeing your new cheek contours, patience is key! Your results will reveal themselves gradually:

• During the first 1-2 weeks, changes are mostly hidden by normal post-surgical swelling
• By weeks 3-4, you’ll start noticing the emerging definition as swelling subsides
• Most patients see their final results around the 3-month mark

We take detailed “before” photos and comparison shots throughout your recovery journey to track your progress.

Can buccal fat come back after it’s removed?

The simple answer is no—once we surgically remove buccal fat, those particular cells are gone forever. They don’t regenerate or grow back, which is why how is buccal fat removal done with precision and restraint is so crucial.

That said, there are a few important nuances to understand:

• If you gain significant weight after surgery, the remaining fat cells in the area can expand
• Your buccal fat is just one component of your facial fat structure—other fat compartments remain untouched
• Natural aging processes continue regardless of surgery

This permanence is both the beauty and the responsibility of buccal fat removal. You get lasting results from a single procedure, but it’s also why we spend so much time during consultations ensuring it’s truly the right choice for your unique facial structure.

Is the surgery painful or “awake-friendly”?

Buccal fat removal ranks among our most “awake-friendly” facial procedures! At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the experience is.

When performed under local anesthesia, you might feel a brief sting during the initial numbing injections (similar to dental work). During the actual fat removal, patients typically report feeling pressure sensations but no actual pain. After surgery, expect mild to moderate soreness for about 2-3 days—nothing that over-the-counter pain relievers can’t handle.

One of the biggest comfort advantages is the intraoral approach—with no external incisions, there’s no need for visible bandages. Many patients compare the overall sensation to having dental work done: not necessarily something you’d choose for fun, but certainly manageable!

If you’re feeling anxious about being awake, we can offer mild sedation to help you relax while still remaining conscious. This “twilight” approach gives you comfort during the procedure without the extended recovery that comes with general anesthesia.

Conclusion

Understanding how is buccal fat removal done is just the beginning of your journey toward facial refinement. At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, we believe in creating results that improve your natural beauty rather than dramatically changing your appearance.

The beauty of buccal fat removal lies in its subtlety. When performed with precision and an artistic eye, this procedure reveals the neat contours already present in your facial structure. Our approach is always conservative—removing just enough fat to create definition while preserving the volume you’ll appreciate as you age.

During your visit to our Beverly Hills practice, Dr. Sarah Yovino or Dr. Justin Yovino will carefully assess your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and help you understand if buccal fat removal aligns with your natural features. This personalized approach ensures results that look natural now and continue to flatter your face for years to come.

The most satisfying outcomes come from subtle improvement rather than dramatic change. Our patients often tell us they love hearing comments like “You look great! Did you change your hair?” rather than obvious signs of surgical intervention.

We invite you to explore the possibilities by browsing our before-and-after gallery, where you can see the transformative yet natural results our patients have experienced.

Facial beauty isn’t about conforming to a single standard—it’s about bringing balance and harmony to your unique features. With the right approach and an experienced surgeon guiding you, buccal fat removal can be that small change that makes a significant difference in how you look and feel.

We’re here to support you through every step of your facial contouring journey, from your initial questions about how is buccal fat removal done to your long-term care after the procedure. At Ideal Face & Body, your confidence and satisfaction are our ultimate goals.