Buccal Fat Removal

Some faces naturally appear fuller or rounder, even with a healthy lifestyle. Excess fat in the lower cheeks can hide natural bone structure and make the face look heavier than desired. This often does not change with weight loss or exercise.

Over time, this can affect how you feel about your facial profile. You may feel your face looks less defined in photos or that your features lack sharpness, despite otherwise balanced facial proportions.

Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that reduces excess fat pads from the lower cheeks to create a more contoured and sculpted facial appearance. At WFY Plastic Surgery, this procedure is approached conservatively to avoid an over-hollowed or aged look.

What the treatment includes:

• Careful facial analysis to assess cheek volume and suitability
• Small internal incisions inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars
• Precise removal of excess buccal fat pads
• Preservation of natural facial balance and softness
• Post-procedure guidance for smooth recovery

This procedure helps enhance natural cheek definition while maintaining harmony with the rest of the face.

FAQs

1. Who is an ideal candidate for buccal fat removal?

Some people naturally have fuller, rounder cheeks that do not slim down even after weight loss or regular exercise. This can make the face look heavier or less defined despite an otherwise fit appearance.

Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal are individuals with genetically fuller cheeks who want sharper facial contours. The procedure is most suitable for people in their late 20s to early 40s, when facial growth is complete and the skin still has enough elasticity to adapt well after fat removal.

Good candidates usually have a naturally round face, realistic expectations, good overall health, stable body weight, and adequate skin elasticity. Those who may not be suitable include very young individuals, people with naturally thin faces, those with significant weight fluctuations, certain nerve or salivary gland conditions, or older patients who may benefit more from overall facial rejuvenation rather than fat removal alone.

Consult the best plastic surgeon in gurgaon to determine whether buccal fat removal is appropriate for your facial structure and long-term appearance.

2. How is buccal fat removal performed?

Many patients worry that facial contouring surgery may be complex or leave visible marks.

Buccal fat removal is a relatively simple procedure performed under local anaesthesia or light sedation in an outpatient setting. The surgery usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes and is done entirely from inside the mouth.

Small incisions are made inside the cheek near the back molars, ensuring no visible facial scars. The surgeon carefully identifies the buccal fat pads and removes a precisely calculated amount, taking care to protect nearby facial nerves and salivary ducts. The incisions are then closed with dissolving sutures that do not require removal.

Meet the best plastic surgeon in gurgaon to understand how precision and technique play a key role in safe buccal fat removal.

3. What is the recovery timeline after buccal fat removal?

Many people hesitate due to concerns about downtime and prolonged swelling.

Recovery from buccal fat removal is generally quick. In the first few days, mild pain, swelling, and occasional bruising are normal. Rest and avoiding strenuous activity are important during this period.

By the end of the first week, swelling reduces noticeably and most patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activities and work. Over the next two to three weeks, residual swelling continues to settle and facial movements feel more natural. By four to six weeks, swelling has resolved and the final contour becomes clearly visible, with cheeks appearing slimmer and more sculpted.

Discuss a personalised recovery plan with the best plastic surgeon in gurgaon so you know exactly what to expect after surgery.

4. How long do buccal fat removal results last?

Patients often want reassurance that the results will be lasting and worth the decision.

Buccal fat removal provides permanent results. Once the buccal fat pads are removed, they do not grow back. This means the facial contour achieved through surgery remains stable over time.

However, it is important to remember that the face naturally loses volume with age. Removing too much fat at a young age can lead to a hollow appearance later in life. This is why conservative and well-planned fat removal is essential. Maintaining a stable weight, healthy lifestyle, and sun protection helps preserve results long term.

Choose the best plastic surgeon in gurgaon to ensure balanced fat removal that looks good both now and in the future.

5. What are the costs of buccal fat removal?

Unclear pricing can make it difficult for patients to plan the procedure confidently.

The cost of buccal fat removal varies depending on surgeon expertise, clinic facilities, anaesthesia type, and geographic location. The total cost usually includes the surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia charges, facility costs, medications, and any required tests.

Highly experienced surgeons may charge more due to their skill and demand. It is important to receive a detailed quote that covers all components of the procedure.

Book a consultation with the best plastic surgeon in gurgaon to receive a transparent and customised cost estimate for buccal fat removal.

6. Are there visible scars from buccal fat removal?

A major concern for many patients is whether facial contouring surgery leaves marks on the face.

Buccal fat removal leaves no visible external scars. All incisions are made inside the mouth and are completely hidden once healed. Since the incisions are within the oral tissue, they heal discreetly and are not exposed to sunlight or external elements.

This scar-free approach is one of the main reasons the procedure is popular among patients seeking subtle yet noticeable facial refinement.

Consult the best plastic surgeon in gurgaon to understand how intraoral techniques ensure scar-free facial contouring.

7. What are the risks and potential complications?

Even minimally invasive procedures carry some degree of risk, and patients should be fully informed.

Buccal fat removal is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. Common temporary effects include swelling, jaw stiffness, mild pain, and bruising. These usually resolve with time and proper care.

Less common risks include asymmetry, infection, bleeding, facial nerve irritation, salivary duct injury, or accelerated facial ageing if excessive fat is removed. Careful surgical planning, conservative fat removal, and strict adherence to pre and post-operative instructions significantly reduce these risks.

Reduce complications by choosing the best plastic surgeon in gurgaon with experience in facial anatomy and buccal fat removal.

8. Can buccal fat removal be combined with other procedures?

Some patients want more comprehensive facial enhancement rather than a single change.

Buccal fat removal can be safely combined with other procedures such as chin liposuction, jawline contouring, facelift surgery, rhinoplasty, or injectable treatments. Combining procedures allows for a more balanced facial transformation and a single recovery period.

However, not every patient is suitable for combined surgery. A detailed consultation helps determine whether combining treatments is safe and beneficial based on your goals and recovery capacity.

Speak with the best plastic surgeon in gurgaon to plan a customised treatment approach that enhances overall facial harmony.

9. What are the non-surgical alternatives to buccal fat removal?

Not everyone is ready for surgery, especially if facial fullness is mild.

Non-surgical options include dermal fillers, injectables, and facial contouring techniques that create the illusion of a slimmer face by enhancing surrounding structures. These treatments are temporary and require regular maintenance.

Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may reduce general facial fat, but genetically prominent buccal fat often does not respond fully. For patients with significant cheek fullness, surgical buccal fat removal remains the most effective long-term solution.

Consult the best plastic surgeon in gurgaon to compare surgical and non-surgical options and choose what suits your face best.