Buccal Fat Removal: How it Works and Complications Explained
Stay Young | December 13, 2025 1:39 AM CST
The buccal fat removal process is a procedure in which the fat is removed from the lower part of the cheeks to highlight the bone structure of the face and create a more defined look. The buccal fat is located between the cheekbones and jawline, which is affected by multiple factors like age, genetics, and body weight, which determine the amount of fat present. It is a popular procedure for people who want to create a naturally less fuller and slimmer look on their face.
How the procedure works
In the surgery of the buccal fat removal, some portion of the fat is removed from the lower cheeks by exposing the fat pads through an incision from inside the mouth. The procedure is done by giving local anesthesia so that the patient does not fell any pain during the procedure. The surgeon removes the fat by precision by ensuring minimal scarring and removing the fat without making the face appear hollow.
After the procedure is complete which usually takes less than an hour, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures that are dissolvable.
This cosmetic surgery does not much downtime however there can be some swelling or bruising in the area for some days. The health care provider can suggest some dietary changes for a while for quicker healing and effective results to avoid any sort of complications.
The overall results of the treatment are visible once the swelling reduces. The heath care provider can give a special mouth rinse to prevent infection and help with the healing process.
Risks and Complications
Infection at the treated area: After the procedure there can be some infection at the treated area however following the post treatment care can help reduce its risks.
Asymmetry: If too much fat is removed from either of the sides then the face can appear uneven or distorted as buccal fat pads are usually not of the same sizes so they need to removed carefully.
Temporary numbness: There can be some numbness at the treated area after the procedure as a side effect due to possible nerve damage.
Hollow appearance: If the surgeon removes too much fat that can result in creating a hollow or sunken appearance on the face.
Bleeding: During or after the procedure people can have some bleeding but that is a quite rare.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Who is not a good candidate for buccal fat removal?
People with naturally thin or narrow faces should avoid buccal fat removal, as it could lead to a gaunt or hollow appearance, especially as they age.
Can I reduce buccal fat naturally?
While you cannot specifically target and reduce buccal fat naturally, you can reduce overall body and facial fat through healthy habits.
What can I do instead of buccal fat removal?
Instead of buccal fat removal one can get other procedures like Silhouette InstaLift, Dermal Fillers, Morpheus 8, Profound and RF Microneedling.
What is the safest surgery to remove fat?
Tumescent liposuction can safely remove fat from almost all parts of the body.
How the procedure works
buccal fat removal
In the surgery of the buccal fat removal, some portion of the fat is removed from the lower cheeks by exposing the fat pads through an incision from inside the mouth. The procedure is done by giving local anesthesia so that the patient does not fell any pain during the procedure. The surgeon removes the fat by precision by ensuring minimal scarring and removing the fat without making the face appear hollow.
After the procedure is complete which usually takes less than an hour, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures that are dissolvable.
This cosmetic surgery does not much downtime however there can be some swelling or bruising in the area for some days. The health care provider can suggest some dietary changes for a while for quicker healing and effective results to avoid any sort of complications.
The overall results of the treatment are visible once the swelling reduces. The heath care provider can give a special mouth rinse to prevent infection and help with the healing process.
Risks and Complications
Infection at the treated area: After the procedure there can be some infection at the treated area however following the post treatment care can help reduce its risks.
Asymmetry: If too much fat is removed from either of the sides then the face can appear uneven or distorted as buccal fat pads are usually not of the same sizes so they need to removed carefully.
Temporary numbness: There can be some numbness at the treated area after the procedure as a side effect due to possible nerve damage.
Hollow appearance: If the surgeon removes too much fat that can result in creating a hollow or sunken appearance on the face.
Bleeding: During or after the procedure people can have some bleeding but that is a quite rare.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young guide to lasting beauty and holistic health!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
People with naturally thin or narrow faces should avoid buccal fat removal, as it could lead to a gaunt or hollow appearance, especially as they age.
While you cannot specifically target and reduce buccal fat naturally, you can reduce overall body and facial fat through healthy habits.
Instead of buccal fat removal one can get other procedures like Silhouette InstaLift, Dermal Fillers, Morpheus 8, Profound and RF Microneedling.
Tumescent liposuction can safely remove fat from almost all parts of the body.
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