Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Key Takeaways
Buccal fat pad removal reduces excess fullness in the midface to create a more defined and sculpted cheek contour.
The procedure works best for patients with naturally round or full cheeks who want more cheekbone definition, not overall facial weight loss.
Conservative removal of buccal fat helps avoid a hollow or gaunt look as the face naturally ages.
Recovery usually involves one to two weeks of visible swelling, with final results developing over several months.
Mirror Plastic Surgery in St. Petersburg offers personalized buccal fat pad removal consultations with Dr. Akash. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
What Is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal fat pad removal is a surgical procedure that removes part of the naturally occurring fat pad in the cheek hollow area. This fat pad sits between the cheekbones and the jawbone and can create a round or “chubby” midface.
The goal of buccal fat pad removal is to refine, not erase, this fullness. Treatment can help:
Reduce facial roundness in the lower cheeks
Highlight cheekbones and facial structure
Create a slimmer, more tapered, or diamond-shaped facial appearance in the right candidate
Facial surgeons focus on sculpting or reducing the buccal fat pad rather than completely removing it, which helps maintain a natural look and avoids an overly hollow result.
Patients who want to explore facial contouring options can schedule a consultation with Dr. Akash at Mirror Plastic Surgery.
Safety-Focused Buccal Fat Removal at Mirror Plastic Surgery
Mirror Plastic Surgery provides longer, in-depth consultations rather than high-volume scheduling. Patients typically receive up to an hour for facial analysis, discussion of goals, and review of long-term considerations.
Safety remains the first priority. Careful preoperative evaluation, detailed anatomical planning, and precise technique help protect nearby facial nerves and salivary ducts. Thorough knowledge of facial fat compartments, muscles, and surrounding structures guides each step of the procedure.
Function comes next. Surgical planning aims to preserve natural facial expression and oral function by avoiding excessive fat removal that could affect muscle movement over time.
Aesthetic planning focuses on conservative contouring that fits the patient’s bone structure and facial proportions. A limited surgical schedule, typically one to two procedures per day, helps the team maintain attention on each patient’s care and outcome.
Meet Dr. Akash: Board-Certified Buccal Fat Pad Removal Surgeon
Dr. Akash is a board-certified plastic surgeon with fellowship training in aesthetic surgery at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. His background includes medical education at Harvard Medical School and residency in plastic surgery at Johns Hopkins, with a strong focus on facial anatomy and contouring. Newsweek recognized him among America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2025, reflecting his consistent approach to safety and aesthetics.
Patient evaluations with Dr. Akash include review of facial structure, aging patterns, and family traits to help design a plan that supports natural, long-term balance.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Candidates usually have naturally full or round midfaces and want more definition in the cheek area. The procedure is suited to patients whose buccal fat pads create prominent lower cheek fullness rather than those who desire general facial weight loss.
Ideal candidates typically:
Are in good overall health
Do not smoke or are willing to stop before and after surgery
Have realistic expectations about subtle, structural changes
Family facial traits matter. Patients whose older relatives keep relatively full cheeks with age often tolerate conservative buccal fat reduction well. This pattern can help predict facial aging and support long-term balance.
Patients with already thin or angular faces face a higher risk of appearing hollow as they age if too much fat is removed. Thorough analysis of bone structure, skin quality, and aging patterns helps determine if this procedure is appropriate.
Patients who want to see if they are candidates can book a consultation with Dr. Akash for a detailed facial evaluation.
The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure: Step-by-Step
Anatomy of the Buccal Fat Pad
The cheek hollow that appears when a person gently sucks in the cheeks approximates the location of the buccal fat pad. This pad contributes to midface fullness and sits close to important nerves and ducts, so precise technique is essential.
How the Procedure Works
Most buccal fat pad removal procedures use local anesthesia, sometimes with oral or intravenous sedation to support comfort.
The typical steps include:
A small incision inside the cheek near the upper second molar
Gentle exposure of the buccal fat pad
Conservative removal of a portion of the fat pad while protecting nearby nerves and ducts
Closure of the incision with dissolvable sutures
Current techniques emphasize anatomical accuracy and modest volume reduction rather than aggressive debulking. In most cases, the procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Preparing for Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Consultation at Mirror Plastic Surgery
The initial consultation focuses on facial analysis, health history, and goals. Discussion includes how buccal fat removal may interact with natural midface fat loss over time, so patients understand likely long-term changes. Planning for future aging helps align surgery with durable facial harmony.
Preoperative Planning
Typical preparation may include:
Stopping blood-thinning medications or supplements when medically appropriate
Stopping smoking in advance to support healing
Following specific oral hygiene instructions before and after surgery
Arranging transportation home after the procedure
A final preoperative visit confirms details, reviews aftercare instructions, and provides direct contact information for any urgent concerns.
Recovery and Expected Results
Early Healing
Patients can expect swelling and mild discomfort in the first few days. Cold compresses, prescribed or recommended pain medication, and a soft diet help ease this phase. Careful oral hygiene and adherence to instructions lower the risk of infection or irritation.
Recovery Timeline
Most visible swelling improves within one to two weeks, although subtle swelling can last longer. Many people return to non-strenuous work within several days. Final contour usually becomes clear between three and six months, once tissues soften and swelling fully settles.
Activity and Restrictions
Patients need to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and strong facial straining in the early recovery period. Activity levels increase gradually based on individual healing and guidance from Dr. Akash. Expected outcomes include a more defined lower cheek area and improved cheekbone highlight while maintaining a natural appearance.
Key Considerations and Misconceptions
A common misconception is that greater fat removal always produces better results. In reality, conservative contouring matched to each person’s anatomy and aging pattern is more likely to look good over time.
Buccal fat pad removal targets midface shape, not general facial slimming or weight loss. A clear understanding of what the procedure can and cannot do helps support realistic expectations.
Evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon with experience in buccal fat surgery is important for safe, balanced outcomes. At Mirror Plastic Surgery, discussions include long-term aging, potential alternatives, and whether non-surgical options or combination procedures may be more appropriate.
Patients ready to review options for facial contouring can schedule an appointment with Dr. Akash for a personalized plan.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Cost in Tampa Bay
Costs vary based on individual anatomy, surgical plan, and whether procedures are combined. A one-on-one consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon provides an accurate quote and helps determine if buccal fat removal is the right approach to achieve a more refined facial contour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Will buccal fat pad removal make my face look hollow as I age?
Careful patient selection and conservative technique aim to avoid this outcome. The surgeon evaluates facial fullness, bone structure, skin quality, and family aging patterns, then removes only a measured amount of fat to maintain support as the face naturally thins with age.
Is buccal fat pad removal permanent?
The buccal fat pad is a distinct fat compartment. Once a portion is removed, it usually does not grow back, so changes in cheek contour are considered permanent, aside from normal aging or weight changes.
Can buccal fat pad removal be combined with other procedures?
Many patients pair buccal fat reduction with other facial contouring options, such as chin augmentation, neck liposuction, or subtle fat grafting, to create overall balance. The consultation helps determine which combination best matches the patient’s goals.
Schedule Your Buccal Fat Pad Removal Consultation at Mirror Plastic Surgery
Patients who are considering buccal fat pad removal can contact Mirror Plastic Surgery to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Akash. The visit focuses on safety, facial function, long-term aging, and achieving a refined, natural-looking cheek contour.
Contact Mirror Plastic Surgery:
Phone: 727-361-6515
Email: hello@mirrorplasticsurgery.com
Address: 780 4th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.