Buccal Fat Removal (Cheek Reduction)

Fuller cheeks can sometimes obscure your natural bone structure and cause a heavy appearance in the facial area. Even naturally thin patients can have unwanted volume in their cheeks, making buccal fat removal a choice procedure to slim the face and enhance natural facial contours.

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal, also known as cheek reduction surgery or buccal lipectomy, is designed to thin the cheeks, particularly in the area of the buccal fat pad. This small, naturally occurring fat pad is located in the lower cheek area. When overdeveloped, it creates a “chubby” or less defined appearance to the face’s shape. To address this concern, Seattle cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Sobel performs buccal fat removal surgery to remove some or all of this fat pad through an incision inside the mouth to subtly enhance the cheekbones and create a more angular face shape.

What are the Benefits of a Cheek Reduction?

The primary benefit of buccal fat removal surgery is revealing sculpted, model-like facial contours. Other benefits include:

• Creates a more sculpted, angular look
• Balanced facial proportions
• No visible scars
• Minimal downtime

What Causes Buccal Fat?

Everyone has some buccal fat, which helps cushion your jaw and lift the skin. The amount of facial fat cells you have is determined by several factors, such as genetics and lifestyle. Diet and exercise can impact overall fat distribution, however, they often have minimal effect on buccal fat, making surgery a viable option if you want to slim your facial appearance and lift and highlight your cheekbones.

How is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?

Dr. Sobel typically performs buccal fat removal under local anesthesia with IV sedation. If you would like to discuss other options, Dr. Sobel will be happy to go over your choices during your consultation.

Buccal Fat Removal Incisions

Dr. Sobel will carefully lift your cheek and place a small incision on the inside of your cheek. He uses dissolvable sutures, and you will not have a visible scar!

Your Procedure

Through this incision, Dr. Sobel will either manually extract or use cheek liposuction to reduce the buccal fat pad in each cheek. Dr. Sobel is careful to remove just the right amount of fat to achieve the desired facial contour and lift without overcorrection. Removing too much fat can create a gaunt look and age your appearance.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?

This surgery is well-suited for many patients who wish to reduce the amount of volume in the cheek area: A good candidate for this cosmetic procedure should identify with these statements:

• You wish to define your natural bone structure
• You are a non-smoker in good health
• You are at a stable weight

During your initial consultation, Dr. Sobel will sit down with you and answer all your questions, and determine if a cheek reduction surgery will achieve the outcome you desire.

Who Should Not Get Buccal Fat Reduction?

If your face is naturally slim or narrow, having surgery to remove fat from the cheek area, which is typically the widest part of your face, will likely create a hollow, gaunt appearance. Because facial fat pads tend to diminish naturally over time, older patients may also want to avoid exaggerating a thinning face with buccal fat reduction surgery.

For patients who would not benefit from buccal fat reduction surgery, Dr. Sobel recommends either a fat transfer procedure to help sculpt facial contours or using a dermal filler treatment to create just enough volume to lift and highlight your cheekbones.

How much does buccal fat removal cost in Seattle?

The cost of a buccal fat removal with Seattle cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sobel will be about $10,285, but may vary depending on the extent of the procedure needed to achieve your desired goals. During your consultation, we will provide you with an exact quote. We also have financing options available to help make paying for your procedure easy and more affordable.

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Preparing for Surgery with our Seattle Cosmetic Surgeon

Dr. Sobel aims to ensure that each patient feels confident and prepared for their surgery and recovery. You’ll receive detailed, easy-to-follow pre and post-op guidelines for a smooth operation and recovery. These guidelines may include avoiding certain medications and how to eat and maintain good oral hygiene during the healing process after surgery.

Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal

Most patients recover quickly after facial surgery, with only mild to moderate swelling. Swelling after surgery is normal and typically subsides as you heal. Be aware that initial swelling may obscure the results of the surgery at first.

Because the incisions are inside the mouth, it’s important to follow post-operative care instructions including dietary modifications and oral hygiene practices for a quick and easy recovery.

What Results Can Buccal Fat Removal Achieve?

Buccal fat removal is unique in that it’s a relatively minor facial surgery that can impact the overall appearance of the face while still appearing beautifully natural. As swelling resolves, your natural bone structure will be more evident. This process can take several weeks to a few months. During this time, you’ll have follow-up appointments with Dr. Sobel to monitor your progress and ensure you are healing as expected.

Combining Buccal Fat Removal with Other Procedures

To achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, buccal fat removal can be combined with other procedures such as:

• Rhinoplasty
• Chin enhancement
• Neck and chin liposuction
• Facelift
• Brow lift
• Eyelid lift

Enhancing multiple facial areas often allows Dr. Sobel to achieve stronger improvements in your overall appearance by balancing your face shape to best suit your unique proportions and aesthetic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take the Next Step

If you’re considering buccal fat removal or any combination of facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Sobel and the team at Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery would be happy to meet you! Call our office at 425-453-9060 or fill out the form below.

We serve patients in Bellevue, Seattle, and the surrounding areas and regularly welcome out-of-town patients to our practice.

References»

Pokrowiecki R. Extended buccal lipectomy (bichectomy) for extreme cheek contouring. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2022 Jul;51(7):929-932. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2021.09.003. 

Matarasso A. Buccal fat pad excision: aesthetic improvement of the midface. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 1991 May;26(5):413-8. doi: 10.1097/00000637-199105000-00001. 

Davis B, Serra M. Buccal Fat Pad Reduction. 2022 Nov 21. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. 

Moura LB, Spin JR, Spin-Neto R, Pereira-Filho VA. Buccal fat pad removal to improve facial aesthetics: an established technique? Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral, Cirugia Bucal. 2018 Jul 1;23(4):e478-e484. doi: 10.4317/medoral.22449. 

Traboulsi-Garet B, Camps-Font O, Traboulsi-Garet M, Gay-Escoda C. Buccal fat pad excision for cheek refinement: A systematic review. Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral, Cirugia Bucal. 2021 Jul 1;26(4):e474-e481. doi: 10.4317/medoral.24335.

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