Buccal fat removal is a specialized facial plastic surgery procedure aimed at enhancing facial contours by eliminating excess fat from the lower cheeks. While full, round cheeks are often considered a sign of youthful beauty, overly chubby cheeks can detract from other facial features and make a person feel as though they have a “baby face.” This procedure targets the buccal fat pad to streamline the lower face, improving facial definition and achieving a more sculpted appearance. Dr. Samuel Sohn, a renowned plastic surgeon serving patients from Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, Florida, combines technical precision with an artistic eye to ensure results that celebrate each patient’s unique beauty.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal, or buccal lipectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to slim down the cheeks by removing the buccal fat pad, a deep facial fat deposit in the hollow of the cheek. While a rounded face is often associated with youth, excessive fullness can detract from one’s desired appearance. Ideal for those seeking a more defined facial structure, this plastic surgery procedure offers a long-term solution for reducing cheek volume and enhancing facial contours.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
Patients who feel that they have chubby cheeks derive many benefits from cheek reduction surgery, including:
- Diminished cheek fullness
- A more elegant, refined facial profile
- Visibly reduced “chipmunk cheeks” or “baby face”
- Sharper jawline definition
- Improved cheekbone definition
- Improved facial symmetry and balance
Who Gets Buccal Fat Removal?
Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal are individuals seeking to address concerns of
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Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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cheek volume
excess that contributes to a less defined facial aesthetic. Dr. Sohn conducts thorough consultations to assess suitability for the procedure, ensuring it aligns with the patient’s unique facial characteristics and cosmetic aspirations. It is essential to consider that those with naturally slim faces might not be good candidates for this cosmetic procedure, as the removal of buccal fat could lead to premature aging or an overly gaunt appearance.
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Preparing for Buccal Fat Removal
Preparation for buccal fat pad removal involves a detailed consultation with Dr. Sohn, where you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, review your medical history, and receive instructions for before and after the procedure. Avoiding certain medications and following a specific dietary regimen may be recommended to ensure the best possible outcome.
The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Dr. Sohn performs buccal fat removal under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s needs and comfort level. A
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Buccal Fat Removal
Cleveland Clinic
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small incision
is made inside the mouth, through which the buccal fat pad is carefully extracted before the incisions are meticulously closed with fine sutures. The procedure is relatively quick, with most patients experiencing minimal discomfort and downtime.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery & Results
After buccal fat removal, it is normal to experience swelling and bruising on the inner cheeks, and you can also expect to experience soreness, tingling, and/or numbness in the cheek area. Pain medication and cold compresses will help you feel more comfortable.
You’ll need to be on a liquid diet for the first few days after your procedure, and you will also need to use medicated mouth rinses for at least one week to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection. Most patients feel ready to go back to work within one week of their buccal fat removal procedure.
Initially, the results of your cheek reduction surgery will be obscured by swelling. You should begin to notice improved cheek definition within a couple of weeks, though it may take several months for swelling to completely resolve and for the final results to be visible.
Dr. Sohn and his medical staff were fantastic
Both my daughter and I had different breast procedures this year and Dr. Sohn and his medical staff were fantastic. Results are magnificent and I will definitely go back for further procedures if needed. Love them.
Why Choose Samuel Sohn for Buccal Fat Removal?
Samuel Sohn, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Sohn combines technical precision with an artistic eye to ensure results that celebrate each patient’s unique beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buccal Fat Removal
Yes. Since the buccal fat pads are removed during this procedure, the results are permanent.
You won’t have any visible scarring after buccal fat removal surgery because all incisions are made inside of the mouth.
No. For patients looking to eliminate that “baby face” look or chubby cheeks, liposuction is not the right procedure. However, liposuction can be employed to eliminate fat below the jawline, known as submental fat.
While facial fillers can be used to add volume to the cheek area, you won’t achieve the definition and facial contours you desire with fillers alone if you have an overly round face or chubby cheeks. For patients with this type of anatomy who desire a slimmer face and improved cheek definition, the only solution is buccal fat removal.
Yes. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss all of your cosmetic goals with Dr. Sohn and he will recommend the best way to help you achieve them. Some patients choose to combine their cheek reduction surgery with a facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, or rhinoplasty for a more pronounced change to their appearance.
There are risks and complications associated with every surgical procedure. The best way to achieve a favorable outcome after your buccal fat removal procedure is to work with an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Sohn. Potential risks of buccal lipectomy include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
-
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What are the risks of buccal fat removal?
ASPS
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Facial asymmetry
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Sohn
Are you interested in buccal fat removal? Take the first step towards a more refined, confident you by scheduling a consultation with facial plastic surgeon Dr. Samuel Sohn. Discover how buccal fat removal can enhance your natural beauty and contribute to a more youthful, dynamic facial appearance. Contact us today to learn more and begin your journey with one of the leading plastic surgeons in Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, Florida.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/candidates. Accessed February 13, 2024.
2 Cleveland Clinic. Buccal Fat Removal. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23396-buccal-fat-removal. Accessed February 13, 2024.
3 ASPS. What are the risks of buccal fat removal? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal/safety. Accessed February 13, 2024.
Dr. Samuel Sohn has reviewed and approved this content.
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