Fat pads located in the mid-face (called buccal pads) give the cheeks their natural plumpness. In some cases, though, these pads create too much roundness, resulting in a “baby face” or a chubby appearance that can affect self-confidence.
At our Lewisville office, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stuart Lipton offers buccal fat removal for patients seeking to enjoy a more chiseled, elegant face. Call (972) 420-0023 today to schedule a personalized consultation and learn more about this surgical procedure.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal (pronounced “buckle”) fat helps give your face shape. It fat is positioned in deep compartments located near the masseter muscle, the corners of the mouth, and the temple.
Buccal fat pad removal, also known as bichectomy, is a quick procedure that gives the mid-face a more contoured appearance.
How the Buccal Fat Removal Procedure Works?
The buccal fat removal procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. To begin, Dr. Lipton will mark the areas of your cheeks that will be targeted. He will remove the fat through incisions made inside the mouth.
Before making incisions, the doctor will administer a local anesthetic to the inner cheek area. This is similar to getting injections for dental work, except your gums are untouched – only your cheek needs to be numbed. You may also be given a sedative prior to your procedure.
When you are numb, Dr. Lipton will make an incision in one side of your mouth. He will carefully extract the buccal fat pad in one piece and close the incision. The same process will be performed on the opposite side. The stitches used to close the incisions will dissolve naturally over the next few weeks.
Ideal Candidates For Buccal Fat Removal
The buccal fat removal procedure is ideal for people whose faces appear full or bloated. The term that many of our patients use to describe their appearance is “chipmunk cheeks.” In addition to having this characteristic, you must be in good health to undergo buccal fat removal safely.
If you smoke, you will need to quit several weeks before surgery. Due to the placement of incisions, you may also be advised to refrain from smoking for at least a few weeks after surgery as well.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
Expect to have some swelling and bruising after your buccal fat removal procedure. To manage these symptoms and any pain or discomfort, follow these guidelines:
- Apply an ice pack or take over-the-counter medication.
- Take prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medication strictly as directed.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated for a few nights.
- Eat softer foods, such as smoothies and soup, for a couple of days while your surgical incisions heal.
- Throughout the first week of recovery, avoid hard and crunchy foods.
- Refrain from engaging in strenuous activities for a full two weeks (many people go back to work five to seven days after the procedure).
How Long Will It Take To See My Results After The Procedure?
You may notice a difference in your face’s shape right after your procedure. However, as natural swelling occurs, your initial results may become somewhat distorted for a short time.
Usually, surgical swelling diminishes a lot in the two weeks after surgery. Once your swelling subsides, you will once again begin to see your new facial contours. The improvements can continue for up to four months.
Why Choose Dr. Stuart Lipton for Buccal Fat Removal in Lewisville, TX?
Choosing Dr. Stuart Lipton for buccal fat removal in Lewisville, TX, means working with a surgeon who blends experience, precision, and artistry. Stuart Lipton, MD, is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, has practiced for more than two decades, and has earned multiple Best Plastic Surgeon awards along with a 4.7-star Google rating. Patients consistently praise his kind, technical, and artistic approach. Trained at Johns Hopkins, UT Medical School, San Antonio, and the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Dr. Lipton is internationally recognized and trusted by patients from across the U.S. and beyond.
FAQs
Buccal fat removal does not hurt. Many people undergo this procedure with a shot of local anesthesia and a mild sedative. Depending on your treatment plan, Dr. Lipton may also choose to perform your surgery using general anesthesia.
In terms of post-operative pain, you can expect to feel sore or tender, but not so much that you cannot resume light activities within about a week.
No. Liposuction is a procedure that removes subcutaneous fat – the looser fat that's positioned just below the skin. Buccal fat is not only deeper beneath the skin, but it's also situated in close proximity to facial nerves, where liposuction could cause unintentional damage.
KYBELLA is an injectable treatment approved for the treatment of double chin fat. It works by introducing deoxycholic acid into the intercellular space of the subcutaneous fat layer. Beneath the chin, where it's intended for us, there are fewer crucial nerve endings than there are in the face.
Our nerves have a protective myelin sheath, which can be targeted by deoxycholic acid in the same manner as fat. The effects on the nerves may not be permanent, but even temporary nerve dysfunction, especially around the mouth, can be unpleasant. Until the myelin sheath is regenerated naturally, your smile might be somewhat off.
Yes! Buccal fat can be removed during a facelift If this is your preference, then the buccal fat pads will be removed through your facelift incisions rather than incisions inside your mouth. If you're scheduled for a facelift with Dr. Lipton and you're curious about how buccal fat removal might enhance your results, you can learn all about the combination procedure during your consultation.
Buccal fat removal results are permanent because the buccal fat pads are not influenced by your weight. If you gain weight after your facial surgery, your contours may diminish, but this will be due to the expansion of subcutaneous fat, not your buccal fat.
Keep in mind, too, that once the buccal fat is removed, none will come in to replace it. As you age, your facial fat naturally diminishes, so there is a slight risk that your cheek contours may be more obvious than you'd like. In this instance, it may be possible to restore some fullness using dermal fillers or a fat grafting procedure.
There is no single "best" age for buccal fat removal, but most patients are adults whose facial structures have fully matured, often in their mid-20s or later. Younger patients may still experience natural changes in facial fat as they age, so timing matters. Older patients can also be candidates, provided they have sufficient midface volume to avoid an overly hollow look later.
The right age depends more on facial anatomy, skin quality, and long-term goals than on a number. A detailed evaluation helps determine whether buccal fat removal makes sense now or later.
Buccal fat removal does not change how your facial muscles work, so your smile and natural expressions remain the same. The procedure targets deep fat pads, not muscles or nerves responsible for movement.
During healing, temporary swelling may make expressions feel slightly tight or different, but this resolves as recovery progresses. Once healed, patients smile, laugh, and speak normally.
The primary change is subtle contouring of the mid-cheek area, not how your face moves. When performed carefully, the procedure refines shape without altering expressions.
Yes, men can be excellent candidates for buccal fat removal.
Many male patients seek a leaner, more defined facial structure while maintaining a strong, masculine appearance. Buccal fat removal can reduce roundness in the lower cheeks and help highlight natural bone structure. The approach may differ slightly for female patients to preserve facial balance and avoid excessive hollowness.
As with any patient, candidacy depends on facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. A personalized evaluation helps determine whether the procedure aligns with the desired outcome.
Facial asymmetry is common, and buccal fat removal can sometimes help balance the cheeks. If one side of the face appears fuller due to a larger buccal fat pad, adjusting the amount removed on each side may create better harmony. However, asymmetry can also be caused by bone structure, muscle activity, or dental alignment, which buccal fat removal cannot correct.
A thorough assessment is important for identifying the source of the imbalance and determining whether buccal fat removal alone or in combination with other treatments is appropriate.
The amount of buccal fat removed varies from patient to patient and even from one side of the face to the other. Only a portion of the buccal fat pad is taken out, not the entire structure. The goal is subtle contouring, not dramatic hollowing. Excessive fat removal can lead to an overly sunken look, especially as the face naturally loses volume with age. Dr. Lipton carefully judges how much fat to remove based on facial shape, thickness of the fat pad, and long-term aesthetic considerations.
Schedule a Buccal Fat Removal Consultation
For more information about buccal fat removal and to determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure, contact our office today at (972) 420-0023. We are proud to serve Lewisville and the surrounding areas in Texas.