Buccal Pad Fat Removal: Understanding the Procedure, Benefits, and Recovery

Buccal pad fat removal is a surgical way to make cheeks look slimmer by taking out small pockets of fat in the lower face. According to Dr. Krithika Jagadish , buccal fat removal is often sought by patients who desire a more sculpted appearance that complements their overall features.

Our experienced, board-certified, and specially trained surgeons take safe steps utilizing small cuts exclusively inside the mouth to prevent visible scarring. We provide clear aftercare and follow-up to ensure healing goes smoothly.

The remaining section explains what you can expect, how to stay safe, and who can get the most benefit.

What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a facial cosmetic procedure that creates more sculpted lower cheeks to produce a thinner, more chiseled appearance. Sometimes referred to as buccal lipectomy, this procedure removes rounded fat pads from the inside of the cheeks.

The primary purpose is to enhance the prominence of the cheekbones and jawline. We do this by removing the buccal fat pad, a soft pocket of fat enclosed in a thin capsule.

Surgeons use two main ways: an incision inside the mouth—either at bite level or along the upper gum line—or by reaching the fat pad during a facelift. Most patients only receive local anesthesia, but at times deeper anesthesia mixed with other procedures underlie the need.

When performed correctly, the surgical incisions easily heal without leaving visible marks on the skin. Results are permanent, as the fat cells do not return.

The Surgical Procedure Unveiled

When removed surgically, buccal fat removal carves out a thinner face and accentuates the structure of your cheekbones and jawline. The intention is to translate the bones’ shadows, lines, anatomy. In order to do this, we will be taking out a small fat pad from within the cheek.

This is different from cheek liposuction, in which suction is used to remove fat from elsewhere. Many choose to pair this with other surgeries of the face. For patients who are looking for a more dramatic transformation, they frequently select facelifts or chin procedures.

Further, the size of the buccal fat pad will differ from patient to patient, leading to variable results. The surgical procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes. The swelling will be most pronounced in the first week with improvement noted rapidly, and the full benefit seen in about two to three months.

Determining Your Candidacy

When someone wants sharper cheekbones or a less full face, buccal fat removal gives a way to reach that goal. This step is usually most appropriate for those in their late 20s to early 40s. They usually possess chubby cheeks and supple skin, rendering them perfect prospects.

Thin or narrow faces often look gaunt after the fat is gone. That’s why it takes a board-certified, patient-centered surgeon to consider and weigh out this risk before moving forward. Most surgeons want people to wait until at least age 18 or 20 since cheeks can slim as people mature or lose weight.

At Phoenix Plastic Surgery Centre, their team focuses on understanding and analyzing every face to forecast how a person will age. They even study your family vacation photos for extra clues. For aging patients, combining this with a facelift can maintain nice tight skin.

Potential Outcomes and Considerations

Buccal fat removal provides a permanent outcome because the fat pads do not return. Many may notice more defined cheekbones. Faces often appear more gaunt with age as skin loses volume.

Postoperative bleeding or infection can occur, although selecting an experienced surgeon greatly reduces these risks. Healing takes approximately three weeks, with final results appearing in a few months.

Healers told us factors like smoking, underlying health issues, or not adhering to follow-up care can inhibit proper healing. Excision of subcutaneous fat after SMAS dissection prevents the surgeon encountering excess fat in the subcutaneous layer, which improves visualization and maintains contour uniformity.

Switching to the more straightforward oral approach reduces the risk of nerve injury. Many patients require a softened diet for just the first week. Common complaints such as new-onset shortness of breath should require a simple phone call to your clinician.

Navigating Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from buccal fat removal involves slight changes daily. In eyes, swelling reaches its maximum 7 days after the start of treatment. Noticeable results are most visible after about two months, with results leveling out by three months.

A typical recovery includes these steps: take things slow for 5 to 7 days, eat soft foods for comfort early on, sip water to fight fatigue and help healing, and use cool packs plus over-the-counter medicine for soreness.

Redness, pain or swelling (this occurrence is very rare, but should be monitored). Follow up with your surgeon at about a week. Healing requires meticulous attention!

Phoenix Plastic Surgery Centre is with you every step of the way, ensuring that your recovery and aftercare are tailored to your goals.

Alternatives for Facial Slimming

A good number of us long for a noninvasive alternative to a moon face, and luckily a few worthy options deliver just that. Nonsurgical alternatives involve dermal fillers, facial exercise, Kybella injections, and PDO thread lifts.

Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, provide volume and shape to the face. Kybella injections dissolve excess fat under the chin, and the threads create an immediate lift, contour, and definition to the jawline for up to 18 months. Additionally, lifestyle changes like regular exercise combined with a healthy, balanced diet will reduce facial fat in the long run.

Others opt for chin liposuction or a neck lift to achieve a more sculpted appearance. At Phoenix Plastic Surgery Centre, we assist our patients in making the best decision by incorporating innovative and proven safe techniques.

Making an Informed Decision

They spend time reading about buccal fat removal, looking for how it shapes the cheeks and changes the face over months. Medical professionals agree that only adults with fully developed faces—typically age 18 or older—should consider this procedure.

They discuss their aesthetic desires and address any concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Phoenix Plastic Surgery Centre in Bangalore, India shows the impact of employing innovative methods to tailor care to the individual.

Patients weigh the cost, as insurance does not cover this operation. Approximately 1% of patients can expect to face infrequent complications, including nerve or gland damage or permanent alterations in appearance.

With a highly experienced surgeon, these risks are greatly minimized. Post-op they’re on liquification and taking it easy, but they know that the majority of them return to their normal routine within 24-48 hours.

Conclusion

Among all of the cosmetic procedures, buccal fat removal is perhaps the most alluring to anyone looking to sculpt and accentuate their cheekbones. The result is that many people notice a slimmer face and more defined features right away. Many patients report feeling more confident and enjoying their appearance more. Never underestimate the artistry. Specialized care and a surgeon’s steady hand guide every step, from the first conversation to the final follow-up. It’s not about following the popular approach, but what suits each and every person. People considering buccal fat removal should carefully consider their options and consult with qualified professionals. 

Sustainable progress only happens with transparency and open dialogue. To get responses tailored to your requirements, contact Phoenix Plastic Surgery Center in Bangalore. Schedule your consultation with us today and you’ll enjoy a customized treatment experience!