Buccal fat removal is a facial contouring procedure designed to reduce fullness in the lower cheeks. For some people, the natural size of the buccal fat pads can make the face look rounder or “baby-faced” even at a healthy weight. By carefully reducing this deep cheek fat, the mid-to-lower face can appear slimmer and the cheekbone and jawline contours may look more defined.

Because facial shape is strongly influenced by bone structure, muscle, skin quality, and natural fat distribution, buccal fat removal is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. A careful assessment is essential to achieve a balanced, natural-looking result that will continue to suit you as you age.

What the procedure aims to change

Buccal fat pads sit deep within each cheek, beneath the muscles used for chewing. In adults, these fat pads are not medically necessary, but they can contribute to a softer, fuller facial contour.

The goal of buccal fat removal is to reduce excess volume in the lower cheek area. This can:

• Create a more tapered look from cheekbone to jaw
• Improve definition in the lower cheek shadowing
• Help the face look less round in photos and from certain angles

It does not lift sagging skin, and it does not replace weight loss. If facial fullness is mainly related to overall body weight, lifestyle changes may have a bigger impact than surgery.

Who may be a good candidate, and who may not

Buccal fat removal may be suitable for adults who:

• Feel their lower cheeks remain full despite being close to a stable, healthy weight
• Have naturally round facial contours due to genetics
• Want subtle contouring rather than a dramatic change
• Have realistic expectations about what can and cannot be achieved

It may be less suitable if:

• You have a naturally narrow face, as removing buccal fat can lead to a hollowed look over time
• You are very young and facial shape is still maturing
• You have significant facial volume loss already, or early signs of midface hollowing
• Your main concern is jowls or loose skin, which may require different approaches
• Facial width is primarily due to enlarged chewing muscles (masseter hypertrophy), where non-surgical options may be more appropriate

A key part of decision-making is understanding that facial fat naturally reduces with age. Removing too much buccal fat can make the face look overly gaunt later on. For this reason, conservative, tailored planning is important.

Assessment and planning at our clinic

Your consultation focuses on facial harmony and long-term outcomes, not just short-term slimming. Our specialist will:

• Discuss your goals and what you like and dislike about your facial shape
• Assess facial proportions, skin quality, and how fullness changes with expression
• Review your medical history, medications, and any previous facial procedures
• Explain expected results and limitations, including how ageing may affect the look
• Confirm whether buccal fat removal is appropriate or whether alternatives may better match your goals

Photographs may be taken for planning and to support an objective discussion about likely changes.

How buccal fat removal is typically performed

Buccal fat removal is usually carried out as a short, planned surgical procedure. The approach is from inside the mouth, so there is no external facial scar.

In general terms:

1. Anaesthesia is provided. Depending on your needs and the surgical plan, this may be local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthesia.
2. A small incision is made on the inside of each cheek.
3. A controlled amount of the buccal fat pad is gently exposed and reduced. The amount removed is tailored to your facial structure and desired outcome.
4. The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.

The procedure is often completed within about an hour, although timing varies depending on whether it is combined with other treatments.

Recovery and what to expect afterwards

Most people experience swelling inside the mouth and in the cheeks, particularly during the first week. Mild bruising can occur. Discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed or recommended pain relief.

Typical recovery milestones include:

• First few days: swelling and a feeling of tightness in the cheeks are common. A soft diet is often recommended to reduce irritation while the mouth heals.
• First 1 to 2 weeks: the inside-of-mouth incisions settle and day-to-day comfort improves. Many people return to work and social activities within several days, depending on swelling.
• Several weeks to a few months: the cheeks gradually refine as swelling resolves and tissues settle.

Because swelling can mask early changes, the final contour is not immediate. The result becomes clearer progressively as healing continues.

Aftercare guidance

Aftercare is tailored to your situation, but commonly includes:

• Mouth hygiene instructions, sometimes including an antiseptic mouthwash
• Dietary advice (often soft foods initially)
• Guidance on exercise and activity restrictions for a short period
• Advice to avoid smoking during healing, as it increases the risk of complications and delays recovery
• A follow-up schedule to monitor healing and symmetry

Risks, limitations, and important considerations

All surgical procedures carry risks. Buccal fat removal is generally well tolerated when performed by an experienced facial surgeon, but it is still important to understand potential complications and trade-offs.

Possible risks include:

• Infection inside the mouth
• Bleeding or haematoma
• Prolonged swelling, bruising, or discomfort
• Delayed healing of the incision
• Asymmetry or an outcome that feels too subtle or too strong
• Injury to nearby structures, including facial nerve branches or the salivary duct (rare but significant)
• Changes in sensation or numbness (usually temporary)
• Anaesthesia-related risks if sedation or general anaesthesia is used

A key limitation is that facial contour is influenced by many factors. Removing buccal fat will not correct prominent nasolabial folds, lift the cheeks, or treat skin laxity. Also, because facial volume naturally decreases with age, careful patient selection and conservative reduction are essential to avoid a hollowed appearance later.

Your consultation journey and ongoing support

Choosing facial surgery is personal and deserves time, clarity, and honest guidance. Our medical team supports you through each stage, from initial assessment to aftercare.

Your pathway typically includes:

• A detailed consultation to confirm suitability and align expectations
• Pre-operative checks and personalised preparation advice, including medication guidance
• A planned procedure day with appropriate anaesthesia and monitoring
• Structured follow-up to review healing, address concerns, and advise on scar-free intraoral recovery

If buccal fat removal is not the best option for your facial structure or long-term goals, this will be discussed openly, along with alternatives that may better protect facial balance over time.

If you are considering buccal fat removal, the most important first step is a specialist assessment. This ensures the plan is tailored to your face, your health, and the kind of result that will still look natural years from now.