Buccal fat removal, which is sometimes referred to as cheek reduction, is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to create a slimmer, more defined facial shape by minimizing the look of overly plump cheeks. This is achieved via the meticulous removal and resculpting of buccal fat pads, which are natural pockets of fat located in the hollow area of the cheek beneath the cheekbone. For many women and men, buccal fat pads tend to be larger during childhood and gradually shrink with age—but for others they can remain prominent into adulthood, yielding a “chubby” and/or rounded facial aesthetic.
For individuals bothered by the appearance of overly full cheeks, Fort Worth plastic surgeon Jon Kurkjian, MD can customize buccal fat removal to achieve a leaner, narrower lower facial contour with exceptionally natural-looking results. To learn more about this treatment, we invite you to continue reading the information below, or simply contact us today to book a private consultation.
What Are the Top Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?
Based on your unique needs and goals, buccal fat removal can:
- Reduce excessive cheek fullness (“chipmunk cheeks”)
- Create a more slender, v-shaped lower facial contour
- Enhance the appearance of high cheekbones
- Improve definition of the cheeks and jawline
- Achieve a more balanced overall facial shape
In addition to these aesthetic benefits, buccal fat removal can often be completed in-office under local anesthesia, and there is no visible scarring on the face as all incisions are made through the inside of the mouth.
How Is the Buccal Fat Removal Procedure Performed?
During the buccal fat removal procedure, Dr. Kurkjian will make tiny incisions inside the mouth between the cheeks and gums, providing him direct access to the buccal fat pads. Through these incisions, he will carefully remove the appropriate amount of fat and resculpt the tissue until an optimal cheek contour and ideal symmetry is achieved.
In most cases, treatment can be performed in-office using local anesthesia, taking approximately one hour to complete. In the event more extensive sculpting is needed, or if buccal fat removal is being performed in combination with complementary procedures like chin augmentation and/or liposuction of the neck, general anesthesia at an outpatient surgery center may be necessary.
What Is Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal Like?
Following buccal fat removal, the majority of patients are able to resume normal, non-strenuous activities within one to two days. The incisions used for surgery tend to heal rather quickly, and while some degree of swelling in the cheeks is common initially, this should almost completely resolve over the course of one to two weeks to reveal the final results of treatment. Due to Dr. Kurkjian’s meticulous technique, any significant amount of discomfort throughout recovery is rare, with most individuals reporting only mild to moderate soreness.
What Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?
At Kurkjian Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics, the cost of buccal fat removal generally begins at $5,000 depending on if the procedure is completed in the office using local anesthesia or in the operating room under general anesthesia. If the expense of treatment is an issue, Dr. Kurkjian does offer plastic surgery financing through numerous healthcare lenders that can help make buccal fat removal an affordable reality. Following your consultation, our patient care coordinator can assist you in selecting the best payment option for your unique budget.
Contact Our Practice
For more information about buccal fat removal, or if you are interested in treatment and wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kurkjian, please feel free to contact our practice online or by telephone today.
