Louis P. Bucky, MD, FACS
Award-Winning, World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon
Premiere Destination for Finest Injectables & Skin Care
Buccal Fat Removal
Many people desire beautifully defined jawlines and defined cheekbones, often turning to injectables to create this aesthetic. However, some of us are born with more overtly round “chipmunk cheeks” that can lead to an overly youthful “baby face” look. Buccal fat removal can be used to reduce the appearance of chubby cheeks or to create a more defined jawline. Buccal fat removal also called a buccal lipectomy, is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which the buccal fat pad (a pocket of fat located in the cheek), is removed in order to create a slimmer appearance in the midface.1 Dr. Louis P. Bucky is an experienced Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon based in Philadelphia and the Main Line, PA, who is highly skilled in buccal fat pad removal procedures and facial rejuvenation.
How Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Works
Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that is typically performed under local anesthesia.2 During the procedure, Dr. Bucky makes small incisions inside the cheeks, near the back molars. Through these incisions, he will carefully remove the buccal fat pad, which is a pocket of fat located in the cheek area. Once this cheek fat is removed, the incisions are closed with sutures. The surgery typically takes around one hour to complete. The recovery time can vary, but most patients are able to return to normal activities within a several days. The final result will take a few months to be visible after the surgery.
Why Get Buccal Fat Removal?
There are a few reasons why someone might consider getting buccal fat removed:
Aesthetics: Some people may feel self-conscious about having fuller cheeks and opt for buccal fat removal to create a slimmer, more defined facial appearance.
Facial asymmetry: Buccal fat removal can also be used to correct facial asymmetry, which can be caused by the overdevelopment of the buccal fat pads on one side of the face.
Jawline definition: Removing the buccal fat pads can also help to create a more defined jawline, which can make the face appear more attractive and youthful.
Health concerns: In some cases, the buccal fat pads may be abnormally large and cause difficulty in eating, speaking, or breathing.
Buccal Fat Removal Vs. Dermal Fillers
Non-surgical alternatives to buccal fat removal do exist, but they may not be as effective as the surgical procedure. Injections of dermal fillers can be used to add volume to the cheeks and create a more defined facial contour. It is important to keep in mind that non-surgical alternatives to buccal fat removal may not provide the same results as surgical procedures and it’s essential to have realistic expectations. During your consultation, Dr. Bucky will assess your facial anatomy, and provide you with options based on your cosmetic goals.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
The recovery after buccal fat removal is usually relatively quick, but it can vary depending on the individual. Generally, patients can expect some swelling and bruising in the cheeks, which should subside within a few days to a week. The incision sites inside the cheeks may be sore and tender, but this should also improve over time. Patients may also experience some numbness or tingling in the cheeks, which is normal and should resolve on its own.
During the first few days after surgery, patients should avoid strenuous activities and follow a soft food diet, trying to avoid hard or crunchy foods. They also should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during the recovery period.
Pain medication will be prescribed to help manage any discomfort. Most patients are able to return to work and normal activities within a week or two, but it is important to follow the postoperative instructions provided by Dr. Bucky in order to ensure proper healing and to achieve the best possible results.
It is important to note that the final result of the procedure may take several months to be fully visible and the healing process can take time. It is also important to keep in touch with Dr. Bucky during the healing process, show up for any follow-up appointments, and report any concerns you may have.
Am I A Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal are those who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the procedure.3 Good candidates for buccal fat removal are non-smokers, and in general have concerns with an overly round face with full cheeks, facial asymmetry, and are seeking jawline definition. The first step to determining if you are a candidate for buccal fat removal is to schedule a consultation, as not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Dr. Bucky will consider your medical history, goals, and overall health to decide if the procedure is suitable for you.
FAQs About Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is typically performed under general anesthesia so that the patient doesnot feel any pain during the procedure. After the surgery, some patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the cheeks, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
The procedure typically takes around one hour to complete.
The cost of buccal fat excision can vary depending on a number of factors, including whether the patient requires more than one procedure to achieve their desired results. The best way to determine the exact pricing is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bucky.
Recovery time can vary, but most patients are able to return to normal activities within a week or two. The final result may take a few months to be visible after the surgery.
Buccal fat removal is a permanent procedure. Once the facial fat cells are removed, they will not grow back.
Yes, patients often choose to combine buccal fat removal with other facial procedures such as Botox, facelift, chin augmentation, or rhinoplasty. When performed in combination with other surgical procedures, it will take place under general anesthesia.
Buccal fat removal is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. Because we understand that plastic surgery can be a considerable expense, Dr. Bucky is proud to partner with PatientFi to offer flexible, customizable financing options and affordable payment plans.
Buccal Fat Removal in Philadelphia
Dr. Bucky is a renowned expert in facial enhancement procedures like buccal fat removal surgery. If you have any inquiries or would like to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any of our locations in Washington Square, Rittenhouse Square, or Ardmore.
1 ASPS. Buccal Fat Removal. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal. Accessed January 12, 2023.
2 Cleveland Clinic. Buccal Fat Removal. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23396-buccal-fat-removal. Accessed January 12, 2023.
3 ASPS. Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/candidates. Accessed January 12, 2023.
Dr. Bucky has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated:
