Buccal Fat Removal

About the Procedure

Buccal fat is the pads of fat located in the lower part of the cheeks. People with prominent buccal fat pads often described themselves as having “chubby cheeks”. Some people have chubby cheeks as a result of being overweight, while others have a genetic predisposition and inherit the feature from a parent. Vancouver buccal fat removal (also called cheek reduction) may be an option for people who want to reduce the size of their cheeks. The result of the surgery is a more slim facial appearance with more contoured cheeks.

How Buccal Fat Removal Is Performed

Dr. Buonassisi places a small incision inside the mouth just above the upper molars.  The tissues of the cheek are gently separated to expose the buccal fat.  Three to four cc’s of fat are removed, depending on each patient, to decrease the fullness of the cheeks.  The incisions are then closed with dissolvable stitches.  Some swelling and bruising is expected but are generally mild. Buccal fat removal surgery typically takes from 2 – 2.5 hours, and patients can return home the same day.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal

• Less puffy cheeks
• More symmetric cheeks
• A more defined cheek area

Are You a Good Candidate

Vancouver buccal fat removal surgery is most commonly performed on people aged 25 years of age and older. Dr. Buonassisi recommends that patients wait until they reach this age to have the surgery, since the face tends to slim out in most people as we age.

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for cheek implants if you have any of the following physical features:

• Puffy, full cheeks
• Asymmetric cheeks

General Health

You may be a candidate for buccal fat removal if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
  • You are not taking blood thinners, or your physician could safely recommend that you discontinue them for 2 weeks

Ideal Candidates for Cosmetic Surgery

Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Internally motivated to have cosmetic surgery
2. Have realistic expectations
3. Comprehend the potential risks and complications
4. Motivated to follow pre and post operative instructions
5. Can comfortably afford the cost of cosmetic surgery

Recovery From Buccal Fat Removal

Most patients describe the recovery period from buccal fat removal to be quite easy. Swelling and bruising is at its worst on day three following surgery, and usually subsides one to two weeks following surgery. Some patients experience no bruising at all. Everyone heals differently. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people who work in the public eye take one week off work
• One week after surgery, some people have perceptible swelling and bruising, which can last for another week or so – these signs are easily covered with makeup
• People who work from home are typically feeling good and are able to be back at their desks two days after surgery

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, one week after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, two weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery

Restaurant Ready

• You will typically feel “restaurant ready”, meaning that you would feel comfortable meeting up with friends – one week after surgery

Complete Recovery

• While you will be looking and feeling great at the two week mark, your cheeks are still healing and the complete healing process can take up to three months

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Buonassisi will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of buccal fat removal surgery, while not expected, include:

• Risk of infection
• Risk of bleeding
• Risk of poor wound healing
• Risk of patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic result

Asian Facial Sculpting Procedures

Asian patients often inherit enlarged buccal fat pads and enlarged masseter muscles. In this case, buccal fat removal is often combined with masseter muscle reduction with BOTOX®. Over time, the masseter muscle becomes smaller and less prominent with regular BOTOX® treatments. For Asian patients, Double eyelid surgery is often combined with these facial sculpting procedures as well.

What Cheek Procedure Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can provide the specific information they require to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Needs With Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.