About the procedure
Buccal fat removal takes out part of the buccal fat pad in the lower cheek through an incision inside the mouth. It defines the line beneath the cheekbone.
It is not suitable for every face; in patients with a slim face it is assessed carefully during the consultation because of the risk of hollowing in later years.
At the examination, the source of cheek fullness is identified: the buccal fat pad, subcutaneous fat, or the thickness of the chewing muscle. Buccal fat removal is meaningful only when the fullness comes from the buccal fat pad; for muscle-related width, Botox is the better choice, and for subcutaneous fat, different approaches apply. Not the whole fat pad but a measured portion is removed, and the two sides are balanced by comparison during surgery.
- ✓No external scar
- ✓Short procedure
- ✓Permanent contour
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓Adults who, despite a normal weight, have a round, childlike fullness in the lower cheeks.
- ✓People with a strong facial skeleton who want the line beneath the cheekbones to become more defined.
- ✓Patients with a cheek asymmetry in which one side is noticeably fuller than the other.
- ✓People whose cheek fullness has not changed despite losing weight.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —Thin people with narrow faces; the removed fat does not come back and can lead to premature hollowing of the cheeks with age.
- —Those whose cheek fullness is due to excess weight; no decision is made until it is seen how much fullness remains after weight loss.
- —Patients with an active infection in the mouth, untreated gum disease, or inadequate oral hygiene.
- —People over 40 in whom volume loss has begun in the mid-cheek; in this group the procedure can accelerate an aged appearance.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Initial consultation
The source of cheek fullness and the facial type are assessed from front and 45-degree photographs; the effect in later years is discussed openly.
- 02
Examination
The cheek is palpated from inside and outside to separate the volume of the buccal fat pad from the contribution of the chewing muscle; the amount to be removed is planned.
- 03
Procedure
Under local anesthesia, the fat pad is reached through a 1 cm incision on the inside of the cheek; a measured portion of fat is removed and the incision is closed with absorbable sutures.
- 04
Same-day discharge
You are discharged after a short observation; cold compresses and soft foods are recommended for the first 24 hours.
- 05
Check-up
The incision inside the mouth is checked on days 2–3, and antiseptic mouthwash and oral care are reviewed; the sutures dissolve on their own.
- 06
Return and follow-up
You can fly on days 3–4; the settling of the contour is followed with photographs at months 1 and 3.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
There is swelling in the cheeks and tightness when opening the mouth; pain is mild, and you eat lukewarm, soft foods.
Days 3–5
Swelling is at its peak and the cheeks may temporarily look fuller; mouthwash continues after every meal.
Week 1
Swelling begins to recede and a normal diet is gradually resumed; you can return to work and social life.
Weeks 2–3
Visible swelling disappears and the incision inside the mouth heals; the sutures have dissolved.
Month 1
The cheek line begins to show; the feeling of firmness decreases and sports are cleared.
Month 3
Residual swelling resolves and the final contour has largely settled; subtle changes can continue until month 6.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Buccal Fat Removal are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Infection at the incision site inside the mouth; the risk is reduced with oral hygiene and mouthwash, and antibiotics are given if needed.
- Blood collecting inside the cheek and prolonged swelling as a result.
- Because the salivary duct (parotid duct) runs close to the fat pad, rarely, injury to the duct and saliva accumulation.
- Temporary weakness in the cheek branch of the facial nerve; rarely it can be permanent.
- A volume difference between the two cheeks and premature hollowing of the cheeks in later years; the removed fat cannot be put back, though compensation with fat injection can be attempted if needed.