BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL
Beverly Hills & Los Angeles

The buccal fat pad is a fat mass located in the center of the cheeks, beneath the cheekbones. Although everyone has buccal fat pads, they are more pronounced in certain people. For those with prominent buccal fat pads, their cheeks can look very full and, in some cases, even chubby.

Dr. Ashkan Ghavami can remove some or all of the fat pad during a short surgical procedure called buccal fat removal. This slims the cheeks and contours the face, providing the same chiseled effect that cosmetics can create (only with permanent results). Removing too much fat can give the face a gaunt look, so it is important to work with a surgeon like Dr. Ghavami, who understands how to deliver good-looking results without compromising your overall appearance. He will work with you to find the best treatment approach for your goals.

Buccal fat removal may be a good option if you are bothered by the appearance of chubby cheeks (which some affectionately refer to as “chipmunk cheeks”). You should be in good health, not plan to lose or gain a significant amount of weight in the foreseeable future, and understand what the procedure can and cannot achieve. It’s smart to spend some time looking at your surgeon’s before-and-after photo gallery to get an idea of what the procedure can do.

Buccal fat removal is usually performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia and sedation. The procedure is short and the downtime is minimal. Prior to the surgery, you and Dr. Ghavami will determine how much buccal fat to remove.

Dr. Ghavami creates a short incision (approximately 1 centimeter) on the inside of your mouth, so there are no external scars. Through the incision, he removes part or all of the buccal fat pad. The pad is approximately the size of a golf or ping pong ball. Once Dr. Ghavami has removed the fat, he closes the incisions with sutures.

You can return home shortly after your procedure, where you should take it easy for a few days as you heal.

After surgery the cheeks will be slightly swollen for approximately one to two weeks. Ice and over-the-counter pain medication are normally all that is needed to control swelling and any discomfort. As the swelling subsides, the cheeks will look slimmer and the face will look more defined and chiseled.

Dr. Ghavami will provide instructions for caring for the surgical site and reducing the risk of infection and other complications. He will follow up with you shortly after your surgery to ensure you are healing well. Usually absorbable sutures are used so there is no need to remove them during follow-up appointments.

Dr. Ghavami will also let you know when you can resume work and exercise.

Does buccal fat grow back after removal?

Once buccal fat is surgically removed, it does not regenerate. This means that the results you achieve are permanent. However, it’s important to note that your face can still change due to natural aging or significant weight gain. While the fat pads themselves won’t return, an overall increase in body fat could add volume to other facial areas. To maintain long-term results, it’s essential to stay within a stable weight range and follow healthy lifestyle habits. Buccal fat removal is not a substitute for weight loss or general facial toning, but it does offer a focused and permanent solution for excess cheek fullness.

Will I look older after buccal fat removal?

There’s a common concern that removing cheek fat may lead to an older, hollow appearance. This is only a risk when the procedure is done without careful planning or in individuals who already have minimal facial volume. When performed by experienced and meticulous surgeons like Dr. Ghavami and Dr. Vranis, buccal fat removal is carefully tailored to enhance your natural bone structure without over-thinning the face. In fact, it can create a youthful, chiseled appearance by simultaneously highlighting your cheekbones and jawline. Age, facial anatomy, and skin elasticity are all taken into account to ensure the result remains harmonious and age-appropriate.

Are there minimally invasice synergistic procedures for cheek slimming?

Yes! The addition – subtraction concept is a great way to make several small but meaningful changes to accomplish a natural and contoured appearance.  In addition to buccal fat removal, fat transfer to adjacent areas (cheeks and jawline) and skin-tightening devices (ie. bipolar radiofrequency wands and microneedling) will compliment eachother to achieve the ultimate results. 

Buccal Fat Removal in Your 20s vs. 40s: What Changes?

Undergoing buccal fat removal in your 20s typically yields dramatic and youthful sculpting, as you’re enhancing already firm and elastic skin. In your 40s, skin and soft tissue begin to thin and descend. Buccal fat removal  (or repositioning during a facelift) is still an option in your 40s and is always approached with caution to avoid creating a gaunt or overly hollowed appearance. Dr. Ghavami and Dr. Vranis will consider your facial fat distribution, age-related volume loss, and skin quality to ensure a balanced outcome. In some cases, combining the procedure with volume restoration techniques may be advised.

Celebrity Influence on the Buccal Fat Trend

From red carpets to social media, buccal fat removal has surged in popularity due to noticeable transformations among celebrities. While the allure of sharp cheekbones and defined facial features is appealing, it’s important not to pursue the procedure solely based on trends. What works for a celebrity may not suit your unique facial structure. The key is personalization—the surgeons here focus on enhancing your individual features rather than mimicking someone else’s.

How Facial Fat Affects Aging and Aesthetics

Facial fat is a vital component of a youthful appearance. As you age, the natural loss of fat can lead to sagging and hollowed areas, especially around the cheeks and eyes. That’s why excessive fat removal in the wrong areas can actually accelerate the aging appearance and process. Buccal fat removal, when done carefully, helps sculpt the face while preserving essential volume. This balance between contouring and volume retention is what keeps your results looking youthful and elegant—not aged or sunken.

Ready to Redefine Your Look?

If you’re curious about how buccal fat removal can reshape your appearance and bring out your best features, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Ghavami or Dr. Vranis is the next step. With locations in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, you’ll receive expert care and a customized treatment plan that reflects your goals and individuality.