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The Buccal Fat Removal Trend
Buccal fat removal has exploded in popularity, driven by celebrity influence, social media, and the desire for more defined facial contours. This relatively simple procedure removes fat pads from the cheeks to create a more sculpted, defined jawline and cheekbone area. But like any trend, it’s important to understand what the procedure involves, who it’s right for, and what to consider before making a decision.
As a plastic surgeon, I’ve seen the surge in interest in buccal fat removal. Let me provide you with comprehensive information about this procedure so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
What Is Buccal Fat?
Buccal fat pads are naturally occurring fat deposits located in the lower portion of the cheeks, between the facial muscles and the skin. Everyone has buccal fat pads—they’re part of normal facial anatomy. In some people, these pads are more prominent, creating fuller, rounder cheeks.
The Role of Buccal Fat
Buccal fat pads:
- Are present from birth
- Help cushion facial muscles
- Contribute to facial fullness in youth
- Naturally decrease with age
- Vary in size from person to person
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal (also called buccal lipectomy) is a surgical procedure that removes the buccal fat pads to create a more defined, sculpted appearance in the lower cheek area. The procedure:
- Creates a more defined jawline
- Reduces cheek fullness
- Enhances cheekbone prominence
- Creates a more angular, sculpted face
Why Is It Trending?
Several factors have contributed to the popularity of buccal fat removal:
Celebrity Influence
Many celebrities have had the procedure, making it more visible and desirable.
Social Media
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have popularized the “sculpted cheek” look, driving demand for the procedure.
Fashion Trends
Current beauty standards favor more defined, angular faces over round, full faces.
Accessibility
It’s a relatively simple procedure with minimal downtime, making it appealing to many.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Buccal fat removal is best for patients who:
- Have prominent, round cheeks due to buccal fat (not just weight)
- Want a more defined, angular face
- Are in their 20s to early 40s (before natural fat loss occurs)
- Have good skin elasticity
- Are at a stable, healthy weight
- Have realistic expectations
- Understand that results are permanent
Who Should Consider Alternatives?
Buccal fat removal may not be right for you if:
- You’re over 40 (natural fat loss will occur anyway)
- You have thin cheeks already
- Your cheek fullness is due to weight, not buccal fat
- You have poor skin elasticity
- You’re unsure about permanent changes
The Procedure: What to Expect
Consultation
During your consultation, we’ll:
- Evaluate your facial anatomy
- Determine if buccal fat is contributing to cheek fullness
- Discuss your goals and expectations
- Explain the procedure in detail
- Show you potential results
The Surgery
Buccal fat removal is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation. The procedure:
- Incisions: Small incisions are made inside the mouth (no external scars)
- Access: The surgeon accesses the buccal fat pad through the mouth
- Removal: The fat pad is carefully removed
- Closure: Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures
The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes.
Recovery
Recovery from buccal fat removal is relatively straightforward:
- First 24-48 Hours: Swelling and mild discomfort
- First Week: Most swelling subsides, soft diet recommended
- 1-2 Weeks: Return to normal activities
- 3-6 Months: Final results become apparent
Results: What to Expect
Immediate Results
After surgery, you’ll notice:
- Reduced cheek fullness (though swelling may initially mask results)
- More defined jawline
- Enhanced cheekbone prominence
Final Results
Final results are typically visible at 3-6 months and include:
- More sculpted, angular face
- Defined jawline
- Reduced cheek fullness
- Enhanced facial contours
Important: Results are permanent. The buccal fat pads do not grow back.
Important Considerations
Permanent Results
Buccal fat removal is permanent. Once removed, the fat pads don’t regenerate. This means:
- You can’t “undo” the procedure
- As you age and naturally lose facial fat, you may look more gaunt
- You may need fillers later to restore volume
Aging Considerations
Facial fat naturally decreases with age. Removing buccal fat in your 20s or 30s means:
- You may look older than your peers as you age
- You may need volume restoration procedures later
- The “sculpted” look may become “hollow” with age
Weight Fluctuations
If you gain weight after buccal fat removal:
- Your face may look disproportionate
- Weight gain may be more noticeable in other areas
- You can’t “fill out” your cheeks naturally
Risks and Potential Complications
As with any surgery, buccal fat removal has risks:
- Asymmetry: Uneven removal can create asymmetry
- Over-Removal: Removing too much can create a hollow, aged appearance
- Nerve Injury: Risk of temporary or permanent nerve damage (rare)
- Infection: Standard surgical risk
- Dissatisfaction: Results may not meet expectations
Choosing an experienced surgeon significantly reduces these risks.
Alternatives to Buccal Fat Removal
If you’re unsure about buccal fat removal, consider:
- Weight Loss: If cheek fullness is due to weight
- Facial Exercises: May help tone facial muscles (limited evidence)
- Fillers: Can enhance cheekbones without removing fat
- Waiting: Natural fat loss occurs with age
- Facial Contouring Makeup: Temporary solution
Making an Informed Decision
Before deciding on buccal fat removal, consider:
- Is your cheek fullness due to buccal fat or weight?
- Are you comfortable with permanent changes?
- How will you feel about the results as you age?
- Do you have realistic expectations?
- Have you consulted with an experienced surgeon?
Choosing the Right Surgeon
Buccal fat removal requires:
- Understanding of facial anatomy
- Precise technique
- Artistic judgment
- Experience with the procedure
When choosing a surgeon, look for:
- Board certification in plastic surgery
- Extensive experience with facial procedures
- Portfolio showing natural-looking results
- Willingness to discuss risks and alternatives
- Commitment to conservative, appropriate removal
Your Buccal Fat Removal Consultation
If you’re considering buccal fat removal, the first step is a thorough consultation. During your visit, we’ll:
- Evaluate your facial anatomy
- Determine if buccal fat is the cause of your cheek fullness
- Discuss your goals and expectations
- Explain the procedure, risks, and alternatives
- Show you potential results
- Answer all your questions
- Help you make an informed decision
Buccal fat removal can create beautiful, defined facial contours, but it’s important to understand that it’s permanent and may affect how you age. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please contact our office. We’re committed to helping you make informed decisions about your aesthetic journey.
Dr. Georgina Nichols
Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Georgina Nichols is a double-board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Specializing in lipedema treatment, she combines surgical expertise with personal understanding as a lipedema patient herself, providing compassionate, comprehensive care to patients in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Palm Beach.
