Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal, also referred to as buccal fat pad removal, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat from the cheeks.

The buccal fat pads provide fullness in the cheeks and midface. For some patients, excessive fullness in these areas can diminish their facial aesthetics. Buccal fat removal can provide patients with a slimmer facial profile and more defined cheekbones, enhancing their overall appearance and self-esteem.

Dr. Hannah Vu is the Medical Director and founder of SkinZone Medical. Leading one of the premier aesthetic practices in Southern California, Dr. Vu has helped thousands of patients enhance their natural beauty. By combining science and artistry with the newest cutting-edge technology, she can help patients look and feel more confident.

To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Vu, please contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:

About Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is designed to enhance one’s facial aesthetics by excising excess fat found in the cheeks. Buccal fat is a layer of fat found in the cheeks and contributes to the appearance of a full or round face, often referred to as “chubby cheeks.” ⁽¹⁾ People often seek buccal fat removal to achieve a more slender appearance or if they are dissatisfied with the shape of their face. Buccal fat removal has become a notable trend, with many celebrities undergoing this procedure. The popularity of this procedure has grown noticeably, seeing a 7% growth between 2022 and 2023. ⁽²⁾

Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal

Undergoing buccal fat removal can offer numerous benefits for patients, including:

To learn more about how you can benefit from buccal fat removal, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule an appointment over the phone, please call our Alhambra office at (626) 329-4555 or our Santa Ana office at (714) 361-1555.

Suitable Candidates

Suitable candidates for buccal fat removal include those with full cheeks who wish for a more slender, defined facial appearance. Patients interested in this procedure should be in good overall health and free from any underlying medical conditions that may inhibit healing. Additionally, patients should hold realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can accomplish. Candidates should also be nonsmokers or willing to quit nicotine until fully healed. Dr. Vu will determine the patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step to a more slender facial appearance is scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Vu. This consultation is not only a chance for our team to meet the patient, but also to ensure we are recommending the best treatment methods. During this consultation, Dr. Vu will meet the patient and ask them a series of questions regarding their medical history, current medications, concerns, and desired results. She will also evaluate the patient’s facial structure and buccal fat.

To schedule your personal consultation, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule an appointment over the phone, please call our Alhambra office at (626) 329-4555 or our Santa Ana office at (714) 361-1555.

We service Los Angeles County and Orange County of Southern California in cities like San Marino, Arcadia, Pasadena, Montebello, Pico Rivera, Glendale, Hollywood, Buena Park, Puente Hills, Baldwin Park, Norwalk, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine, Tustin, and more.

Preparation

Dr. Vu will provide the patient with a set of pre-operative instructions to help them prepare for their buccal fat removal. Patients may be asked to discontinue certain medications and supplements that contain blood-thinning properties, and if applicable, the use of nicotine. Any prescriptions should be filled before the procedure, and for the patient’s safety, it is recommended to arrange transportation to and from our office. Patients will also need to take time away from work and other social commitments to focus on their recovery. Individuals should follow each instruction to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results.

Procedure

Each procedure will begin with the administration of local anesthesia so that the patient is relaxed, yet awake. Dr. Vu will then make small incisions inside the mouth, either above or below the Stensen’s duct. This is one of the salivary ducts near where the gum meets the inner cheek. ⁽³⁾ Because the incisions are made inside the mouth, patients will not need to worry about any visible scarring. Once the incisions have been placed, Dr. Vu will carefully excise the desired amount of fat before closing the incisions using dissolvable sutures. The duration of each procedure will vary in length depending on the patient’s treatment plan, but patients can expect their buccal fat removal to last between 30 and 60 minutes.

Recovery

Following the procedure, it is common to experience swelling or bruising in the treated area. These effects are temporary and will subside on their own, but patients will receive pain medications that can be used to help mitigate any discomfort. Additionally, patients are recommended to rest with their heads elevated to further prevent any swelling.

Patients will likely need to follow a liquid or soft food diet for the first few days following their procedure to help prevent irritating their incisions. Most patients can return to work within a week, but physical activities and strenuous tasks should be avoided for several weeks. Dr. Vu will provide more detailed instructions to the patient during their consultation.

Results

Patients can usually notice a difference in their facial aesthetics after their appointment, but the full effects of the procedure will become more apparent as any residual swelling subsides. Patients can enjoy sharper, more defined cheekbones and an overall more slender facial profile. Many patients also report an improvement in their self-esteem and overall enhancement in confidence. The results of buccal fat removal are long-lasting; however, patients will need to maintain a stable weight to prolong the effects of their procedure.

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Vu can perform a variety of procedures in conjunction with buccal fat removal for more comprehensive results.

Botox

Botox is an injectable treatment that is designed to help relax the facial muscles responsible for repeated, dynamic movement. When this treatment is administered, the skin smooths itself out, reducing and softening the appearance of wrinkles while simultaneously preventing new ones from forming. The results of Botox can last for several months, allowing patients to enjoy a more youthful-looking appearance and improved facial aesthetics.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are an FDA-approved injectable treatment designed to reduce visible signs of aging. Dermal fillers can be administered into or beneath the layers of the skin to help restore volume, enhance contours, and smooth wrinkles and creases. Dermal fillers can be formulated from different ingredients, with each type of filler offering unique benefits, such as improving hydration or collagen synthesis. At SkinZone Medical, we offer Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Bellafill, Radiesse, and Sculptra.

Kybella

Kybella is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for addressing stubborn submental fat, also commonly referred to as a double chin. When administered, Kybella helps break down the structure of fat cells in the body, allowing the lymphatic system to process them. This metabolization of fat leaves patients with a more elegant and slender neck. Dr. Vu can complete this treatment in just 20 minutes, easily combining it with other procedures for full revitalization.

To learn more about the other procedures that may be performed to complement the effects of buccal fat removal, please read Dr. Vu’s blog!

Cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Southern California

The cost of each buccal fat removal procedure can vary, as each treatment is customized to address each patient’s individual anatomy and concerns. The total cost can depend on several factors, such as the techniques used, anesthesia or facility fees, and more. Dr. Vu will provide each patient with a cost estimate during the personal consultation once a treatment plan has been established. Additionally, SkinZone Medical offers multiple financing options to qualifying patients.

To discover the full cost of your buccal fat removal procedure, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule an appointment over the phone, please call our Alhambra office at (626) 329-4555 or our Santa Ana office at (714) 361-1555. We serve Los Angeles County and Orange County of Southern California including but not limited to Arcadia, San Marino, San Gabriel, Montebello, Norwalk, Huntington Park, Hollywood, Glendale, Pasadena, Downey, Hawthorne, Torrance, Monterey Park, El Monte, Temple City, Long Beach, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, and more!

FAQ

References

1. Davis B, Serra M. Buccal Fat Pad Reduction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576413/
2. ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
3. Weniger FG, Weidman AA. The Buccal Fat Pad. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2019;7(7):e2328. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002328