Who is not a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

Author: Libby Thiel  |  Last update: Thursday, December 4, 2025

You may not be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if your face is narrow or if you're over a certain age, as buccal fat naturally diminishes with age. Buccal fat removal surgery is usually performed by a healthcare provider with special training in plastic surgery procedures such as a licensed plastic surgeon.

Who should avoid buccal fat removal?

Consulting with a facial plastic surgeon can help you make an informed decision on whether benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks in your case. For people who already have a narrow face, buccal fat removal may accentuate the narrow appearance and result in an overly gaunt look.

What are the contraindications for 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.

How do I know if I'm a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

If you have excess fat in your cheek area, you might be a good candidate for this procedure. Evaluation by an expert can help you determine if that is the case. While body fat wanes and ebbs throughout life, for some patients the buccal fat pads are larger than average and will always be, regardless of weight.

Who looks good with buccal fat removal?

In general, you may be a good buccal fat removal candidate if:
  • You are physically healthy and at a stable weight.
  • You have realistic expectations.
  • You are a nonsmoker.
  • You are bothered by the appearance of your chubby cheeks.

Who is NOT a candidate for buccal fat removal surgery? 3 good reasons | Dr. Zelken Newport Beach

Do people regret buccal fat removal?

Many individuals who have undergone an aggressive buccal fat removal find themselves dissatisfied with their results, especially as they age. Some have expressed regret online, sharing that they feel their faces now look older and less youthful than they would have liked.

Who is not a candidate for buccal fat removal?

You may not be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if your face is narrow or if you're over a certain age, as buccal fat naturally diminishes with age. Buccal fat removal surgery is usually performed by a healthcare provider with special training in plastic surgery procedures such as a licensed plastic surgeon.

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.

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.

Who is the best candidate for buccal fat removal?

The primary candidates for buccal fat removal are individuals with naturally fuller, rounder cheeks. Here's what you need to know: This fullness is often genetic, meaning that even with weight loss, the cheeks remain prominent.

Am I suitable for buccal fat removal?

Characteristics of a suitable candidate for buccal fat removal include: You want to correct the appearance of your plump cheeks. You are at a stable and healthy weight. Your buccal fat pads are large enough for this procedure to leave healthy, youthful-looking results.

What are the disadvantages of buccal?

Notable drawbacks of buccal tablets include the hazard of choking by involuntarily swallowing the tablet and irritation of the gums. Caution should be exercised along with counselling from medical practitioners before use of these tablets.

Why is buccal fat removal controversial?

If it hasn't already been made clear, buccal fat removal has become a controversial cosmetic procedure that many experts are warning against, not to mention the following risks a patient may experience resulting from the procedure, including: Infection. Bleeding/hemorrhaging. Scarring.

Why are so many celebrities getting buccal fat removal?

Why have buccal fat removed? Antell said buccal fat removal is gaining popularity for a good reason and can be "a great enhancement for a person's appearance." "It gives you a little bit more pop to your face," said Antell. "It makes your cheekbone look stronger.

How can I slim my buccal fat without surgery?

3 Non-Surgical Alternatives to Buccal Fat Removal
  1. Kybella. Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable specifically designed to target and dissolve fat cells beneath the chin. ...
  2. Dermal Fillers. ...
  3. PDO Thread Lifts.

Why is buccal fat removal bad long term?

For most patients, removing buccal fat is a bad idea. We naturally lose facial volume as we age, which is why it's important to preserve natural fat stores when we're young, rather than removing them. Without buccal fat, people in their 40s and 50s have sallow, sunken, and more mature-looking faces.

What is the disadvantage of buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat pad removal, like all cosmetic surgeries, has inherent risks. Patients should be aware that there is a chance of complications such as infection, bleeding, or an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

How painful is buccal fat removal?

Does buccal fat removal hurt? Answer: Buccal fat removal is a simple procedure that's done in the office under local and IV anesthesia. You won't feel any pain during the process, except for a slight prick when the anesthetic is administered. In the days after your surgery, you may feel a little sore.

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.

At what age do you start losing buccal fat?

At What Age Do You Start Losing Buccal Fat Naturally? Typically, we accumulate facial fat between the ages of 10 and 20 and then gradually lose some every year until we reach about 50 years of age. Some people don't start losing this fat until they're closer to 30.

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.

Does buccal fat cause jowls?

Since buccal fat and jowls are separate structures, buccal fat cannot turn into jowls – however, the skin laxity and muscle weakness that occur with age can contribute to drooping along the chin and jawline.

Does buccal fat removal age badly?

Multiple studies by board-certified facial plastic surgeons have shown that buccal fat removal, when performed by a skilled professional, doesn't lead to premature aging. In fact, for some patients, it can achieve the opposite!

Is it jowls or fat?

As we age, it is natural for facial sagging to occur around the chin and jawline. Jowls give the appearance that the normal jawline position has dropped and definition of the face is lost. It is not necessarily a sign of being overweight and does not indicate underlying health problems.

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