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If you feel that you have chubby cheeks or that your full cheeks make you look overweight, you will be happy to know that a procedure exists to address this issue. Buccal fat removal removes the buccal fat pads from the cheeks, creating a slimmer, more sculpted facial appearance. The result highlights your cheekbones and enhances your natural bone structure, giving your face a more elegant and contoured look.
Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience with facial plastic surgery. His personalized approach ensures results that look natural and complement your unique features. If you’re ready to refine your facial contours, schedule a buccal fat removal consultation today to take the first step toward a more sculpted, confident you.
You may not know about buccal fat removal, but you have probably seen the results of celebrities and others who have slimmed down the fullness of their cheeks. The buccal fat pad is a small section of fat found in the hollow area of the cheek. People with larger buccal fat pads are often referred to as having a “baby face.” While there isn’t anything wrong with having larger pads, some people prefer to have thinner cheeks. Fortunately, they can achieve this goal with the help of buccal fat removal.
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure that removes the buccal fat pads from the cheeks to achieve a slimmer, more defined facial structure. It is ideal for patients who want a more contoured and mature facial appearance with enhanced definition around the cheeks and jawline. Unlike weight loss, which doesn’t always reduce excess buccal fat, buccal fat removal surgery permanently removes these fat pads for long-lasting results.
Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Lapuerta to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and receive personalized treatment recommendations from Dr. Lapuerta. On the day of your surgery, either local or general anesthesia will be administered, depending on your preferences and treatment plan.
Dr. Lapuerta will make a small incision inside the mouth along the inner cheek, ensuring no visible scars on the face. He then carefully removes the buccal fat pads, providing symmetry and precision. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches, completing the procedure in 30–60 minutes.
Buccal fat removal offers permanent improvements by removing the buccal fat pads, which do not regenerate. It uses a small incision inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars. The results enhance your facial contours by highlighting your cheekbones and jawline. The refined, elegant look can boost confidence while maintaining your natural beauty. With a quick recovery and minimal downtime, you can return to your routine within 1–2 weeks, feeling refreshed and ready to show off your new look.
You may be a candidate for buccal fat removal if you’re unhappy with the appearance of chubby cheeks or a baby face, even when you maintain a healthy and stable weight. This procedure is designed for patients seeking a more sculpted facial contour and defined cheekbones. Candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results.
Buccal fat removal is best suited for younger individuals with good skin elasticity, as those with excessive facial aging or loose skin may require alternative treatments. During your initial consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will carefully evaluate your facial structure, health history, and aesthetic goals to determine if this procedure is right for you.
The recovery process for buccal fat removal is typically smooth and quick. Most patients experience minor swelling or tenderness in the cheeks for the first few days, which can be managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Lapuerta may recommend a liquid diet or soft foods for the first few days to minimize irritation at the incision sites
Avoid strenuous activity for 1–2 weeks, and follow all post-operative care instructions to promote proper healing and prevent infection. Most patients return to their normal daily routine within a week, and the procedure's final results become more noticeable as the swelling subsides over two to three weeks.
Buccal fat removal delivers a slimmer, more defined facial structure with enhanced contours. Patients often notice improvements in their facial appearance within weeks of the procedure, and the final results become fully visible as the swelling resolves.
The results are permanent, as the buccal fat pads do not return after removal. With Dr. Lapuerta’s expertise, you can achieve a natural, balanced look that highlights your unique beauty.
If you want to change the shape of your face and reshape your round cheeks, buccal fat pad removal may be right for you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how Dr. Lapuerta can help you look and feel your best. As a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon, he has performed hundreds of facial plastic surgery procedures to help patients achieve their goals. Let us help create a new you and find out more about buccal fat pad removal surgery.
Purpose
Downtime
Duration of Surgery
Anesthesia
Results
Removes buccal fat pads to slim the cheeks for a more contoured facial appearance.
Minimal—most patients resume normal activities within 1–2 weeks.
A relatively quick procedure, typically lasting 30–60 minutes.
Performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on your preferences.
Permanent results, as the buccal fat pads do not return once removed.
Buccal fat pad removal costs can range from $2000 to $5000 and possibly more if you have another facial procedure done at the same time. When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta, he will discuss the details of the surgery with you, including the cost.
No, the incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars on the face.
You’ll notice improvements as swelling subsides, with full results visible within two to three weeks.
While the buccal fat pads do not return, significant weight gain can affect the overall appearance of the face.
Yes, once the buccal fat pads are removed, they do not regenerate.
