Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Learn How to Choose an Expert Surgeon for Your Buccal Fat Pad Removal

The popularity of a sculpted, model-like facial appearance has led to increased interest in buccal fat removal, also known as bichectomy or buccal lipectomy, which reduces volume in the mid-to-lower cheeks. For the right candidate, removing these fat pads subtly enhances the cheekbones for a more contoured and chiseled facial appearance. 



You should only undergo this procedure if you have a substantial amount of fat in the cheek area, so research ahead of time and look for a skilled and experienced board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon to help you learn if you are a good candidate.

What are buccal fat pads?

Buccal fat pads are small pads of fat, each about the size of an egg yolk or walnut, located in the lower portion of the cheeks between the cheekbone and jawbone.

How is buccal fat removal performed?

The buccal fat removal procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation so that you are awake but comfortably relaxed during surgery. It can also be performed under general anesthesia for patients who prefer it or for those who are having more extensive combination surgery.


During this cheek reduction surgery, your surgeon creates intraoral incisions (inside the mouth) to access the buccal fat pads. This incision is placed inside of the cheek, near the back of the mouth. Your surgeon extracts the buccal fat pads from this incision, carefully removing the right amount of fatty tissue to achieve a natural result without causing a gaunt or aged appearance. There are two techniques your surgeon may use to remove the fat pad: 


Direct excision, in which the fat pad is manually loosened and removed

Liposuction, in which a small cannula is used to suction out fat

One or both of these techniques may be used during surgery to re-contour the cheeks and help you meet your goals. Buccal fat removal surgery typically takes less than an hour to complete.

Good candidates for buccal fat removal

You should be in good health and a non-smoker with a stable body weight before proceeding with surgery. This procedure is usually best suited for those who have plenty of fullness in the lower cheeks, or “chipmunk cheeks.” 


You should be motivated to see more definition in your cheekbones and jawline, but you must also understand that results from this surgery can be subtle. It is key to have realistic expectations about the procedure’s results.


Note that this procedure might not be suitable for individuals with a naturally thin face, as removal of buccal fat could potentially lead to a gaunt or overly aged appearance due to natural volume loss that occurs over time.

Combined procedures

While buccal fat pad removal results may be subtle on their own, this surgery can be combined with further facial contouring procedures to help achieve your goals if you desire greater transformation in your features. Procedures commonly paired with buccal fat removal include:



These procedures may further enhance the cheeks or jawline or provide balance and symmetry to facial features, enhancing your results.

What to expect during your consultation

During your consultation, your facial cosmetic surgeon will assess your facial anatomy, skin elasticity, and personal aesthetic goals to determine if you may benefit from buccal fat removal. They will also review your medical history and make sure that you are in good health before recommending surgery. 


You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, recovery, potential complications, and expected results. You should also ask to see before and after photos of the surgeon’s previous patients, looking at patients who resemble you in the “before” photos to get a glimpse of the results you could expect from this surgeon. Ask the surgeon how many buccal fat pad removal surgeries they have performed to ascertain whether they have sufficient expertise and experience with this specialized procedure.

Recovery & Results

Following the procedure, patients typically return home the same day. Initial recovery usually lasts a few days, during which time patients may experience some swelling and discomfort in the treated area. Most people can return to work and light activities within a week. You may need to eat a liquid-only diet at first to avoid straining or damaging your intraoral incisions, and you may need to avoid eating any sharp or hard foods for a period of time after that, as well. It may take several weeks for the swelling to fully subside and for final results to become visible.


It’s important to note that while the procedure can dramatically change the contours of your face, it does not prevent the natural aging process or changes in facial fat distribution that may occur with significant weight loss or gain.

Risks & Complications

As with all surgeries, buccal fat removal comes with potential risks. These may include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, unfavorable scarring, and changes in sensation. More rare complications can include facial nerve damage or an unnatural, hollow look if too much fat is removed. These risks can be minimized by choosing a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon with experience in performing this procedure.

Why choose a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon for a Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Board-certified facial cosmetic surgeons certified by The American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery have rigorous training and are vetted to maintain the highest standards in patient care, including operating only in accredited surgical facilities. They also dedicate all or a significant portion of their practice to aesthetic procedures of the head, fact, and neck—so you know you are in the hands of a specialist.