Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Many people are pleased with the appearance of their cheek, but others, both young and old, are very self-conscious about the appearance of their cheeks. Most of these individuals complain their cheeks look round and chubby. The cause is cheek fat, known as buccal fat.Buccal fat are pads of fat that augment the lower part of the cheeks. These “chubby cheeks,” or “chipmunk cheeks,” can result from a variety of conditions. Overweight is one condition, while a genetic predisposition can also cause one to have round cheeks. Buccal fat removal, also called cheek reduction surgery, offers a solution to those who want to reduce the size of their cheeks. Removal of these fat pads can slim the cheeks and contour the face. This can help people achieve a more chiseled and hollowed look.With the increasing popularity of various cosmetic surgery procedures, including buccal fat removal, it is important that the prospective patient research and understand different issues like what the procedure can and cannot treat, inherent risks, costs, and other factors. Keep in mind, cosmetic surgery is just that – a surgical procedure whose results cannot simply be erased. While the information contained in this website will provide you with a good introduction to buccal fat removal, when considering this or any other cosmetic procedure, we recommend that you consult a qualified provider with significant experience. Some important elements you should understand regarding this procedure include the following

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing fat pads from the lower cheeks in order to correct what is commonly referred to as "chipmunk cheeks."  The procedure, which is sometimes used in combination with other facial cosmetic procedures, is used to produce a thinner face with a more sculpted appearance.

Understanding the Procedure

In order to perform buccal fat removal, the surgeon must first make an incision ranging from two to four centimeters long between the gums and the cheek.  This region, which is referred to as the Maxillary Vestibule, spans from the area above the second molar to the back of the patient's mouth.  The surgeon then exposes the fibers and the fascia of the buccinator muscle so the excess fat can be "teased" out from the cheek with forceps.  The fat is then removed and the incision is closed with sutures.Buccal fat removal generally takes only about one to two hours to complete.  Although swelling and bruising does typically occur for the first few days, it generally subsides within one to two weeks.

How is Buccal Fat Removal Performed?

The buccal fat removal procedure may be performed in the cosmetic surgeon’s office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or at a hospital. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, taking about one hour to perform.

During the buccal fat removal, patients are usually under local anesthesia, meaning they will be awake but drowsy and insensitive to pain. The surgeon creates an incision about 2 to 3 cm long between the cheek and gums, starting above the second upper molar towards the back of the mouth. The incision exposes the fascia and fibers of the main cheek muscle (buccinator). By applying pressure externally under the cheek bone, the surgeon causes the buccal fat to protrude through the incision. The surgeon then teases the fat out with forceps or surgical tweezers. After a collective amount is removed, the surgeon then closes the incisions.

Surgeons may also perform facial liposuction to remove fat deposits from the cheek. However, unlike buccal fat excision, liposuction can leave visible scars and incisions. To learn more about liposuction, please review the extensive information featured on CosmeticSurgery.com, Liposuction. Please inquire with your surgeon as to which technique works best for you

How Much Pain is Associated with Buccal Fat Removal?

Patients can experience mild to moderate pain and discomfort after undergoing buccal fat removal, which can be lessened with prescription pain medication. Some degree of swelling and possibly bruising can be expected, but this is only temporary. It is recommended that you stay home for at least a week after surgery and take it easy for the first three weeks following surgery. 

What Are the Risks and Limitations of Buccal Fat Removal?

All forms of cosmetic surgery carry some degree of risk. With buccal fat removal, infection and adverse reactions to the anesthetic are the biggest possible risks.

Numbness is normal after undergoing surgery, and usually subsides after a few weeks. Loss of sensation is usually found around the incision lines, on the central cheeks, or the jawline. In rare cases, the numbness can be a long-term, possibly permanent condition.

Those considering buccal fat removal before their mid-20’s should take into account that oftentimes as we get older, facial fat is lost and our face will naturally thin out. So if you choose to have this surgery before then, and your face naturally thins out later on, this may result in a scrawny look. So, people need to take genetics into consideration and should check to see if round cheeks run in their family. Note that buccal fat is contained within membranes and cannot be replaced once it is taken out. 

What Are The Typical Costs Associated With Buccal Fat Removal?

The costs for undergoing buccal fat removal can range anywhere from $1500 to $5000. Fees within various regions may vary depending on whether the doctor’s practice is in an urban, suburban or rural area. This fee only covers the physician’s costs, and does not include other miscellaneous costs. A comprehensive cost figure may be obtained while consulting with the physician. Make sure this figure includes any and all associated costs.

Unfortunately, most medical insurance providers do not cover cosmetic surgery procedures. However, most surgeons do offer multiple financing options. CosmeticSurgery.com provides information on various ways patients can fit buccal fat removal into their budget. For more information, simply visit Cosmetic Surgery Financing