Short answer:
• Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that removes part of the cheek fat pad through an inside-the-mouth incision to create a slimmer, more contoured lower face.
• Most patients experience peak swelling in the first week, with final facial contour visible after three to six months.
• Recovery typically includes a liquid or soft diet, antiseptic mouthwash use, and limited strenuous activity for two to three weeks.
Buccal fat removal, also known as buccal lipectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce fullness in the lower cheeks by removing some of the fat pads located between the cheekbones and jawline. At Privé Beverly Hills, patients can explore this procedure under the care of a facial plastic surgeon. Understanding the surgical process, recovery timeline, and expected results can help individuals make informed decisions about whether buccal fat removal aligns with their facial aesthetic goals. Since the removal of buccal fat pads is generally permanent, careful preparation and appropriate aftercare are important considerations.
What Happens Before Surgery
A pre-operative consultation typically covers facial anatomy, candidacy, and anesthesia planning before any incision is made.
• A surgeon reviews facial structure, skin elasticity, and whether buccal fat removal alone will meet the patient’s goals or whether a complementary procedure is needed.
• Candidates are generally screened for stable weight, since buccal fat removal results can shift if significant weight changes occur afterward.
• Smoking cessation and a review of current medications are standard steps recommended before any elective facial surgery, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery .
Age and skin quality also factor into candidacy decisions. Surgeons commonly advise waiting until the face has finished maturing, since buccal fat pads and facial shape continue to change through the late teens and early twenties. Patients with thin faces or significant age-related volume loss are often discouraged from the procedure, since removing additional fat can create a hollow or gaunt appearance over time.
The Procedure Itself
The surgery is performed through a small incision made inside the cheek, avoiding any visible external scarring.
1. A small incision is made in the mucosal lining of the mouth, near the upper molars.
2. The surgeon locates the buccal fat pad through gentle tissue separation.
3. A measured amount of fat is removed from each side, based on individual facial anatomy rather than a fixed volume.
4. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures that dissolve over several weeks.
The procedure is usually completed in under an hour and performed under local anesthesia, sometimes with sedation. Because the fat pads do not regenerate, the results are considered permanent once the tissue is removed.
Recovery Timeline: What to Expect After Surgery
Swelling and bruising are the most noticeable effects in the days immediately following surgery, and they follow a fairly predictable pattern.
|
Recovery Stage |
Timeframe |
What Typically Happens |
|
Initial healing |
3-5 days |
Peak swelling, liquid or soft diet, mouthwash rinses |
|
Short-term recovery |
1-2 weeks |
Swelling subsides, return to work and normal routines |
|
Extended healing |
2-3 weeks |
Strenuous activity and contact sports still restricted |
|
Final contour |
3-6 months |
Gradual settling reveals the finished facial shape |
Most patients return to work within five to seven days once visible swelling has eased, though the final cheek contour is not apparent until the deeper tissue fully settles. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, an antiseptic mouthwash is typically used for two to three weeks to lower infection risk while the intraoral incisions heal.
Common aftercare guidance includes:
• Sticking to a liquid or soft diet for the first few days to avoid disturbing the incision sites.
• Avoiding pressure on the cheeks, including sleeping positions that compress the face.
• Rinsing with prescribed or over-the-counter mouthwash multiple times daily.
• Delaying strenuous exercise or contact activity for two to three weeks.
Business Info
Based in USA, Schedule with Privé Beverly Hills serves patients seeking facial plastic surgery consultations across Beverly Hills, CA. The practice is led by a Harvard fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon who focuses on facial contouring procedures, including buccal fat removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is buccal fat removal permanent? Yes. Once the buccal fat pads are surgically removed, they do not regenerate, which means the slimming effect on the lower cheeks is considered a lasting change.
How long does swelling last after buccal fat removal? Swelling is most noticeable during the first week, with visible improvement typically occurring within three to five days, though subtle tissue settling can continue for several months.
Can I eat normally right after surgery? Most surgeons recommend a liquid or soft diet for the first several days to avoid straining the incision sites before gradually transitioning back to solid foods.
Who is not a good candidate for buccal fat removal? Patients with naturally thin faces or significant age-related volume loss are often discouraged from the procedure, since removing additional fat can create an overly hollow appearance.
A Note on Next Steps
Published scheduling details for Schedule with Privé Beverly Hills are available for those reviewing facial plastic surgery options in the area.
