How is Buccal Fat Reduction Performed?

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce the fullness of the cheeks by removing the buccal fat pads located in the mid-cheek area. This treatment is ideal for individuals who feel their face appears overly round or chubby, even at a healthy weight. By targeting these fat pads, the procedure enhances facial contours, creating a more sculpted, angular look, especially in the cheekbone and jawline areas.

While cheek fullness is a natural feature, some people have larger buccal fat pads due to genetics, which can result in a “baby-faced” appearance. Buccal fat reduction addresses this concern without compromising the overall harmony of your facial features.

Buccal fat removal isn’t suitable for everyone, and the ideal candidate is someone who:

1. Feels self-conscious about round cheeks: If you’ve struggled with insecurities about having a “puffy” or “round” face, buccal fat removal could help achieve a slimmer, more defined look.
2. Has stable body weight: This procedure is best for individuals who are not planning significant weight fluctuations, as changes in weight can alter the appearance of the face.
3. Is in good general health: As with any surgery, being in good health is important to minimise risks and ensure a smooth recovery process.
4. Understands the procedure’s outcomes: Candidates should have realistic expectations and understand that while the results are subtle, they can significantly enhance facial contours.
5. Is aged 20 to 40 years old: Buccal fat reduction is most suitable for younger adults. With age, facial volume naturally decreases, and removing buccal fat in older patients could lead to a hollowed appearance over time.

Understanding the steps of the procedure can ease any concerns you may have. Here’s what typically happens during buccal fat reduction:

1. Consultation and Preparation: Before the surgery, you will have an in-depth consultation with your doctor to discuss your goals, medical history, and expectations. He will evaluate your facial structure to ensure the procedure will achieve the desired results. Once the surgery is scheduled, you’ll receive pre-operative instructions, such as avoiding certain medications or fasting before the procedure.
2. Anaesthesia: The surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation. This ensures that you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. For more extensive cases, general anaesthesia may be used.
3. Incision and Fat Removal: A small incision, approximately 1-2 centimetres, is made inside the mouth near the upper molars. This approach ensures there are no visible external scars. Through this incision, we carefully access the buccal fat pads, which are then gently removed. The amount of fat removed is tailored to your facial anatomy and desired outcome to ensure balanced and natural-looking results.
4. Closing the Incision: Once the fat is removed, the incision is closed using dissolvable sutures. These sutures will naturally dissolve within a few weeks, and since the incision is inside the mouth, there is minimal risk of noticeable scarring.
5. Recovery: Buccal fat removal is a relatively quick procedure, often completed within an hour. Following surgery, you may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the cheek area. These symptoms are temporary and typically subside within a few days to a week.

After the procedure, you’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. These may include:

• Avoiding strenuous activities for the first few days.
• Sticking to a soft or liquid diet to minimise discomfort while chewing.
• Maintaining excellent oral hygiene to prevent infection at the incision site.

Results from buccal fat removal gradually become more apparent as swelling diminishes. Most patients notice significant improvements within three to four weeks, with final results visible after a few months. The outcome is a slimmer, more defined facial profile that enhances your natural beauty while maintaining balance and symmetry.