Buccal Fat Removal
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is a procedure that makes the lower cheeks look slimmer by removing a small pocket of fat from inside the cheek. Some people naturally have fuller cheeks, even if they are thin, which can make the face look rounder or less defined. The surgery is done through a small incision inside the mouth, so there are no visible external scars. A carefully measured amount of cheek fat is removed to create a more shaped, contoured look.
This procedure is not for everyone. Since the face naturally loses volume with age, Dr. Cheng is conservative and recommends buccal fat removal only when it is likely to look balanced and natural long-term.
What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?
In the right patient, buccal fat removal can create a subtle, natural-looking slimming of the lower face. Benefits may include:
A less “round” look in the lower cheeks
More definition along the cheek and jawline
Improved facial balance for patients who feel their cheeks are too full
A lasting change
The goal is a tasteful improvement, not a hollow or overly sharp look.
Who Are Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal?
You may be a good candidate if you have naturally full cheeks that do not change much with weight loss and you want more lower-face definition. Good candidates often:
Are at a stable weight and in good overall health
Have always had fuller cheeks
Want a slimmer look in the lower face
Have enough natural facial fullness so the result will not look hollow
Buccal fat removal is usually not a good option for patients with a naturally narrow face or patients who already look hollow in the cheeks, because removing cheek fat can make the face look too thin over time. During your consultation, Dr. Cheng will evaluate your facial shape and goals and will recommend whether buccal fat removal is appropriate, or whether another option would better fit what you are trying to achieve.
