Is buccal fat removal an easy surgery?

Author: Bernard Aufderhar  |  Last update: Friday, October 10, 2025

While all surgery carries some inherent risk, buccal fat removal is a relatively safe and easy procedure with minimal downtime. However, before you choose to undergo buccal fat removal, it's important to understand that the removal of cheek fat may impact the way you age.

Is buccal fat removal an easy procedure?

The Buccal Fat Removal Process: What to Expect

Buccal fat surgery is fairly straightforward and is typically completed in under an hour. Depending on the preferences of your medical provider, you'll be put under general anesthesia or local anesthesia throughout the surgery.

How painful is buccal fat removal?

You'll receive a local anesthetic to numb the skin on your face so you won't feel any pain. You'll remain awake during the procedure.

How long does buccal fat surgery take?

The buccal fat removal procedure takes about 45 minutes. During the procedure: You will be given either general anesthesia (medicine given intravenously so you are asleep during the procedure) or local anesthesia (numbing medication injected into the inside of the cheek with a needle).

Who is not a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

This seems self-evident, but some patients considering buccal fat removal are not good candidates because they don't have excess fat in their cheek area. 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.

Cosmetic benefits of keeping buccal fat | Perioral Mounds + Jowls | Facial Sculpting with Dr. Zelken

How expensive is buccal fat removal?

The average cost can range between $2,000 and $5,000, and in some cases can be as much as $20,000. Some people don't enjoy having a “baby face" or full cheeks in adulthood and opt for a more streamlined or mature look through a procedure known as buccal fat removal.

What age is best for buccal fat removal?

You can have buccal fat removal done as soon as your features finish developing, which is typically in the late teens or early 20s. Removing buccal fat too early can affect the way your face looks once it finishes growing.

Will I regret buccal fat removal?

Despite the potential benefits, some patients experience buccal fat removal regret. Understanding these causes can help individuals make more informed decisions about the procedure. Overcorrection: Removing too much fat can lead to an excessively gaunt appearance, particularly as the patient ages.

How to naturally get rid of buccal fat?

Natural Methods To Cheek Reduction
  1. Stay Away From Alcohol. Avoiding alcohol can help you to achieve your desired cheek reduction. ...
  2. Drink Water. Two third of our body is composed of water. ...
  3. Take Less Salt. ...
  4. Take More Nutritious Foods. ...
  5. Choose Good Hairstyles. ...
  6. Exercise. ...
  7. Exercises for Chubby Cheeks. ...
  8. Blow Balloons.

What are the downsides of buccal fat removal?

The possible risks of buccal fat removal surgery include, but are not limited to:
  • Anesthesia risks.
  • Asymmetry.
  • Bleeding.
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications.
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Hematoma.
  • Infection.
  • Injury to a salivary duct.

Can you brush teeth after buccal fat removal?

Yes, though you should be careful. Brush your teeth gently and be careful to avoid the incision areas. Also, do not rinse your mouth with anything, including water or mouthwash until okayed.

How do you prepare for buccal fat removal?

In preparing for buccal fat removal surgery, you may be asked to:
  1. Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
  2. Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
  3. Stop smoking.
  4. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

What to eat to lose face fat?

Cut out sugary drinks, processed foods, and refined carbs. Instead, focus on eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. These healthy food choices will help to boost your metabolism and promote weight loss. Incorporate some cardio into your routine.

Is there a way to remove buccal fat without surgery?

1. Kybella. Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable specifically designed to target and dissolve fat cells beneath the chin. While it's primarily known for addressing submental fullness (double chin), Kybella can also be strategically used to reduce excess fat in the buccal area.

Is buccal fat hard to lose?

MURTHY FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY. Buccal fat removal, or bichectomy, is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure among those looking to slim down their face. Unfortunately, buccal fat can be particularly stubborn, sometimes unaffected by or unable to be eliminated fully with weight loss alone.

Can chewing gum reduce face fat?

The answer to 'does chewing gum reduce face fat' would be no. Chewing gum does not reduce face fat. It is a popularised myth that chewing gum reduces face fat. The simple fact is that you cannot reduce fat from one spot.

What is the fastest way to get rid of cheek fat?

Ways to reduce facial fat include exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables, limiting processed and sugary foods, and staying hydrated. Other certain lifestyle and diet changes can further help a person lose weight and achieve a slimmer-looking face.

Why is buccal fat removal so expensive?

Buccal fat removal costs may include:

Hospital or surgical facility costs. Anesthesia fees. Prescriptions for medication. Medical tests and x-rays.

Does buccal fat removal look bad as you age?

Does buccal fat removal look bad as you age? Not if performed on an ideal candidate. Patients who are not good candidates for the procedure may see their results not age well. This is why it is important to go to an experienced surgeon who can gauge whether buccal fat removal is ideal for you in the long term.

Does anyone look good with buccal fat removal?

The ideal candidate for a buccal fat removal procedure is someone who naturally has higher and wider cheekbones. If your cheekbones are naturally more narrow, then buccal fat removal won't give you that sleek look with high cheekbones that we often see in the media.

At what age does face fat go away?

The areas on your face that were once full of volume and contoured begins to shrink in our late 20's and early 30's making the face appear sunken in and the skin appear loose and saggy.

What celebrities have had buccal fat removal?

Kendall Jenner: The supermodel and reality TV star's sharp cheekbones have led to speculation that she may have had the procedure to accentuate her facial structure. Chrissy Teigen: The model and cookbook author is open about her experiences with cosmetic procedures, and she has confirmed buccal fat pad removal.

Why are my cheeks so chubby?

Chubby cheeks can be caused either by genetics, weight gain, or your underlying facial anatomy, with fat gain being the primary cause, followed by genetics and facial anatomy. However, you could be affected by a combination of the factors too. Fat cheeks can be the result of genetics.

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