Buccal fat removal is one of the most sought-after facial aesthetic procedures in recent years. If you want a face with more defined and harmonious contours, understanding how buccal fat pad removal works is the first step. In this article, we explain everything about the procedure: indications, how it is performed, recovery, and what to expect from the results.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is the surgical partial or total removal of the buccal fat pad (Bichat's fat pad), a fat structure located in the cheeks between the masseter and buccinator muscles. This fat is responsible for the rounded volume of the cheeks and is present in everyone, though in varying sizes.
The primary goal of the procedure is to slim the facial contour, highlighting the cheekbones and jawline definition. When performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, buccal fat removal is safe, quick, and produces natural-looking results.
Did you know? The buccal fat pad is named after the French anatomist Marie Francois Xavier Bichat, who was the first to describe this anatomical structure in detail in the 18th century.
Who Is a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is indicated for people who have prominent buccal fat pads and desire a more contoured appearance. However, not everyone is an ideal candidate. A careful evaluation is essential.
Indications
- Round face with full cheeks, even in slim individuals
- Desire for greater definition of facial contours (cheekbones and jawline)
- Patients who frequently bite the inner cheek mucosa
- Realistic expectations about the result
Contraindications
- Naturally thin face or one with little cheek volume
- Older patients (natural facial fat loss with aging may accentuate an aged appearance)
- Unrealistic expectations or desire for drastic change
- Medical conditions that compromise healing
Important: an evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is essential. The surgeon analyzes facial anatomy, face proportions, fat volume, and patient expectations before recommending the procedure.
How Is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?
Buccal fat removal is a relatively simple procedure performed in the office under local anesthesia. The step-by-step process includes:
- Local anesthesia: the surgeon applies anesthesia to the inner cheek area, ensuring the procedure is painless.
- Intraoral incision: a small incision (approximately 1 cm) is made on the inner cheek mucosa. There is no external cut, so there is no visible scar.
- Buccal fat pad removal: the fat is identified, isolated, and removed with precision. The volume removed is individualized for each patient.
- Suturing: the incision is closed with absorbable sutures that dissolve naturally within 7 to 14 days.
The total procedure time is approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and the patient is released shortly afterward.
Postoperative Recovery
Recovery from buccal fat removal is quick and well-tolerated by most patients. Here is what to expect at each phase:
First 24 hours
Mild to moderate cheek swelling. Soft and cold diet. Relative rest. Apply cold compresses externally to reduce swelling.
3 to 5 days
Swelling begins to decrease. Possible mild bruising. Gradual return to normal diet. Most patients return to routine activities.
7 to 14 days
Minimal residual swelling. Absorbable sutures dissolve. Partial result begins to be noticeable. Light physical activities permitted.
2 to 3 months
Final result. Tissues settle completely and the slimmed facial contour becomes evident. No restrictions.
What to Expect from the Results
The result of buccal fat removal is a face with more defined and harmonious contours. The removal of the buccal fat pad promotes:
- Slimming of the mid-face: cheeks become less voluminous, highlighting the cheekbones.
- Jawline definition: the mandibular contour becomes more pronounced and elegant.
- Facial harmonization: the face acquires more balanced proportions.
- Natural result: when properly indicated, buccal fat removal does not produce an artificial appearance.
Note: the result is permanent. The removed fat does not regenerate. Therefore, it is essential that the procedure is well-planned, taking into account future facial aging.
Postoperative Care
Proper diet
For the first 3 days, prefer soft, cold, or room-temperature foods. Avoid hot, hard, and spicy foods.
Oral hygiene
Maintain careful oral hygiene. Use the prescribed mouthwash and brush gently, avoiding the surgical area.
Cold compresses
Apply cold compresses externally for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
Avoid physical exertion
Avoid intense physical activity for the first 7 days. Light exercise may be resumed after medical clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Buccal fat removal is performed under local anesthesia, and the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. Postoperatively, there may be mild discomfort and swelling in the first few days, easily controlled with prescribed medication.
Partial results are visible after 2 to 3 weeks, when swelling decreases. The final result appears between 2 and 3 months after surgery, when the edema resolves completely and the tissues settle.
No. The incision is made inside the mouth (intraoral), on the cheek mucosa. Therefore, there is no externally visible scar. The sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed.
No. Buccal fat removal is indicated for people who have prominent buccal fat pads and desire a more contoured face. The oral and maxillofacial surgeon evaluates facial anatomy, fat volume, and patient expectations to determine if the procedure is appropriate.
Buccal fat removal is considered a permanent procedure because the removed fat does not regenerate. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation before surgery, considering that the face naturally loses volume with aging.