Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

A buccal fat removal procedure is a quick and relatively straightforward procedure that requires a local anaesthetic. The surgeon makes an incision inside the cheeks, and removes the muscle from the buccal fat pad. We use dissolvable sutures to close the incision.

A buccal fat removal procedure will be beneficial for anyone who feels their cheeks are disproportionately large to the rest of their face. They may also be looking to enhance their jawline.

You can get a general indication after around 4 weeks. You should expect swelling that will resolve over time.

For the first week, we will advise you to have a liquid or soft diet, and use a mouthwash to avoid infection. You should also avoid alcohol. Typically, it takes 7- 10 days for swelling and bruising to go down. You may decide to 1-2 days off work, but you should be able to return to work as soon as you’re ready.

The procedure takes around 20-45 minutes.

The incisions are within the inside of the mouth, and it’s a very straightforward procedure with minimal side effects. Bruising and swelling will occur and can last for a few months. You might also feel a little firmness inside of the cheeks as scar tissue starts to form at the incision sites.

The procedure is permanent. However, with ageing, you could expect to see fat starting to descend into the lower portion of the face. The ideal candidate would be someone who has a lower BMI for a more dramatic cheekbone enhancement.

The procedure gives very subtle results. Whether you opt for buccal fat removal, botox or fillers is dependent on your needs and desired goals. Buccal fat removal requires local anaesthesia which reduces anaesthesia risks which is beneficial.

Some patients don’t like the idea of swelling and bruising or the thought of incisions. In which case, they may achieve slimming of the jawline through injections. The use of Botox injections for the masseter reduces the appearance of a robust masseter muscle. The injections minimise a square-like appearance and harshness of the jawline. Your nurse may also advise dermal fillers to lift, give volume and sculpt the cheekbones for a contoured look. The downside to injectables is that they will not provide permanent results, but the downtime is minimal.

Most patients do not experience any pain during the operation itself. Throughout your recovery, you may experience some discomfort. The mouth and jawline area may feel sensitive, heavy, hard, sore and/or numb which should subside with recovery.

The amount of fat removed varies from patient to patient depending on ethnicity and genetics.

The age you look is subjective and also depends on genetics, lifestyle and external factors. Generally, patients have this procedure because they believe it creates a more youthful-looking appearance. As you age, the fat starts to descend into the lower part of the face, and so fat accumulation in this area can make you look older. For those who naturally have fuller cheeks, the buccal fat procedure will give a more sculpted look, and the fat remains in the upper half of the cheek, to ensure that the youthful look is maintained.

Jowls and buccal fat are concerns that can be treated simultaneously but require two different surgical approaches. A buccal fat removal procedure doesn’t address the jowls specifically. Treating jowls usually involves a combination of non-surgical approaches such as Accent and fillers, or the soft thread lift. Surgical intervention might include liposuction or a facelift and neck lift.