Do you have naturally full or chubby cheeks that remain so even when you lose weight? Many people have a rounded facial appearance as a result of “buccal” fat pads that sit between the cheekbones and jawline.
A buccal fat pad is a little ball of fat inside your cheeks. This is a totally normal anatomical structure that contributes to facial fullness. Every adult has a buccal fat pad. Some people, however, have so much of this fat that their cheeks look round or puffy, even when they are not smiling. Buccal fat pads also make the face appear slightly softer or fuller, and the cheeks may stick out a little more when you smile.
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Plastic surgeons use a procedure known as buccal fat pad removal to extract the “buccal” fat pads from the cheeks and jawline. This procedure helps achieve a more defined, angular facial appearance. Dr. Ruston Sanchez is one of the few surgeons who are highly seasoned in the surgical remova of buccal fat pads.
Who is a Candidate for Cheek Reduction Surgery
Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal typically meet the following criteria:
- Are in overall good physical health.
- Maintain a stable, healthy weight.
- Have persistent fullness or roundness in the lower cheeks (“chubby cheeks”) that does not improve with diet or exercise.
- Desire a more sculpted, contoured facial appearance, particularly in the mid-face area.
- Have realistic expectations about the subtle, natural-looking results of this procedure.
- Possess fuller facial features (as opposed to naturally thin or narrow faces, which may risk a gaunt appearance after fat removal).
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after surgery to support proper healing.
- Do not have serious medical conditions that could interfere with recovery.
Buccal Fat Removal for Men vs Women
Dr. Ruston Sanchez is a leading specialist in buccal fat removal for men. However, it is important to know that this treatment may be performed on either men and women. Most men who undergo this treatment at Dr. Sanchez’s Louisiana practice aim to achieve a stronger, more chiseled jawline and reduce the appearance of youthful roundness in the lower face.
Female clients who have received this treatment at Dr. Sanchez’s Baton Rouge practice desire to enhance their cheekbone definition and create a more contoured, sculpted look. Dr. Ruston Sanchez and his highly skilled cosmetic surgery team customize each treatment to suit your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
|
Procedure Aspect |
Buccal Fat Removal Men |
Buccal Fat Removal Women |
|
Concerns Addressed |
Soft or overly youthful facial features lacking jawline definition |
Round, “baby face” appearance or lack of cheekbone visibility |
|
Primary Goal |
To create a stronger, more chiseled jawline and reduce lower-face fullness for a masculine, angular look |
To achieve a slimmer, contoured, and more sculpted mid-face with enhanced cheekbone definition |
|
Desired Outcome |
Sharper, more angular facial structure with a prominent jawline |
Softer, tapered lower cheeks and emphasized upper facial contours |
|
Polarity Trend |
Increasingly popular among men seeking a sharper, more athletic facial profile |
Commonly sought for achieving a “model-like” sculpted face |
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal for Men
Buccal fat removal provides a way to subtly enhance your facial structure.
- More Sculpted, Masculine Look – say goodbye to the “baby face.” Remove excess cheek fat to sharpen the transition between cheekbones and jawline, and give your face a more angular, defined appearance.
- Permanent Results – once the fat is removed, it’s gone for good. Unlike fillers or contouring treatments that fade over time, this is a one-time investment with lasting impact.
- No Visible Scars – all incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no marks on the skin, making it virtually undetectable to others.
- Confidence Boosts – many men report feeling more photogenic, confident on video calls, and at ease in social settings after the procedure.
What to Expect During Your Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?
Buccal fat removal for men is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure.
This surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation, depending on your preference and the surgeon’s recommendation. Small incisions are made inside the mouth, near the upper molars. A portion of the buccal fat pad is carefully removed to reduce cheek fullness. The surgeon pays special attention to maintaining sufficient facial volume to ensure a strong, angular, and masculine jawline.
This procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Since the incisions are inside the mouth, there are no visible external scars.
How is Recovery After Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Recovery from buccal fat removal is usually quick and straightforward.
Swelling & Bruising: What’s Normal?
- Mild to moderate swelling is completely normal, especially within the first 48 to 72 hours.
- Some men experience minor bruising, but because the incisions are inside the mouth, it’s often less visible than other facial surgeries.
- Your face may look “fuller” or puffier before it looks slimmer, which is just a temporary post-surgical swelling.
Dr. Ruston Sanchez recommends applying cold compresses to the cheeks for the first 24–48 hours to minimize swelling and accelerate healing.
Downtime: 3–7 Days
Most men can return to work or light activities in about 3–5 days. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Day 1 – 3: Swelling peaks. Stick to soft foods, rest, and avoid strenuous activity.
- Day 4 – 7: Swelling begins to subside and stitches inside the mouth start dissolving.
- Week 2: You’ll start to notice a more refined cheek contour.
- Week 3 – 4: Residual swelling fades and early results become more visible.
After the procedure, patients should avoid intense workouts, alcohol, and smoking during the first week, as they can increase swelling and delay healing.
Diet: What to Eat and Avoid During Recovery
Because the incisions are inside your mouth, diet plays a role in how comfortably and quickly you heal.
Stick to:
- Soft foods – soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies
- Lukewarm or cool meals (avoid very hot foods)
- Plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Avoid:
- Crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods (chips, citrus, hot sauce)
- Drinking through a straw (it creates pressure in the mouth)
- Smoking or vaping since it interferes with healing
To keep the incision area clean, rinse your mouth with a gentle saltwater solution several times a day.
Results After Buccal Fat Removal
It’s important that you are patient following cheek reduction surgery because results tend to evolve over time (and vary from one person to another).
You may expect the initial slimming within the first 3 weeks after most of the swelling is gone.
However, it takes between 6 and 12 weeks post-procedure for the tissues to fully settle and the final, sculpted look to manifest.
Keep in mind that the change is subtle but significant. Many people may not even know you had surgery, but they will notice your lower face looks more defined.
Risks and Side Effects of Buccal Fat Reduction
Though the procedure is low-risk and minimally invasive, it’s still a surgery and it’s important to weigh the possible downsides.
- Over-removal (Hollow Cheeks) – taking out too much fat may lead to a gaunt or sunken look, especially as the face naturally loses volume with age. This is more likely if the surgeon is inexperienced or overly aggressive.
- Asymmetry – while surgeons aim for symmetry, slight imbalances between your cheeks may occur, particularly if natural asymmetry existed before surgery.
- Swelling, Infection, or Numbness – as with any surgery, there’s a risk of:
- Post-op swelling or bruising (usually temporary).
- Mild numbness in the cheeks as nerves adjust.
- Oral infection, if aftercare isn’t followed properly.
- Long-Term Regret – some men may wish they hadn’t removed the fat later in life. This is especially likely to be the case if the natural aging process leads to facial volume loss. In some cases, fat grafting or fillers may be needed to restore lost volume years down the line.
How to Prepare for Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Before your procedure, your surgeon will provide a list of personalized instructions. In general, here’s how you’ll prepare:
- Consultation – A facial assessment to confirm you’re a good candidate and discuss your goals.
- Photos – Before photos are usually taken to compare results later.
- No smoking or alcohol – Avoid these for at least 1–2 weeks before and after surgery to aid healing.
- Avoid blood thinners – This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and some herbal supplements.
- Eat light: If undergoing general anesthesia, you may need to fast for 6–8 hours prior.
You may ask Dr. Ruston Sanchez about combining your buccal fat removal procedure with other treatments like chin lipo or jawline fillers.
Cost of Buccal Fat Removal for Men
The typical cost for buccal fat removal in the U.S. ranges from $2,000 to $10,000. The specific procedure cost will vary based on factors such as your plastic surgeon’s experience and reputation, your geographic location within the US, and whether or not you choose to combine your treatment with other procedures. Since buccal fat pad removal is typically an elective cosmetic procedure, health insurers usually do not cover the cost. During your initial consultation with Dr. Ruston Sanchez, the surgeon’s team will provide an individualized cost estimate, allowing you to plan for financing.
Payment Plans & Financing Options
Most cosmetic clinics recognize that procedures like this are an investment, and thus offer flexible financing options to make treatment more affordable and accessible.
Common options include:
- In-house payment plans – Monthly installments offered directly through the clinic.
- Third-party financing – Services like CareCredit, Alphaeon Credit, Cherry, or PatientFi.
- Credit card payments – Though interest rates may be higher.
Before you commit, ask:
- Are there any interest-free promotional periods?
- What’s the deposit required to book?
- Can you bundle multiple procedures for a better rate?
How to Choose the Right Surgeon for Your Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
It’s important to select the right plastic surgeon for a successful and pleasant buccal fat pad removal experience. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon with specific experience in facial contouring procedures, including buccal fat removal. Review their before-and-after photos of male and female patients to assess their ability to tailor results to individual facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. It’s also important to verify credentials, patient reviews, and accreditation of their surgical facility. During the consultation, ensure the surgeon listens to your concerns, clearly explains the risks and benefits, and outlines a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your desired outcome.
Buccal Fat Removal FAQs
Will Buccal Fat Removal Make Me Look Too Skinny?
A skilled surgeon removes just enough fat to create definition, not to hollow the face. The goal is to achieve a sharper, more masculine look, not an unhealthy or skeletal appearance.
The risk of looking too skinny usually comes from:
- Choosing an inexperienced surgeon.
- Over-removal of fat, especially in younger patients.
- Choosing a surgeon who uses a conservative, face-specific approach for optimal results.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Be Reversed?
The results are permanent, as the buccal fat pads don’t grow back once they are removed. However, if you’re unhappy with the outcome, there are ways to restore volume. These include:
- Fat grafting (transferring fat from another part of your body).
- Dermal fillers (non-surgical, temporary correction).
These options are safe and effective, but they may require additional recovery time and incur additional costs. Make sure that you communicate clearly with your surgeon right from the start to avoid a situation where you need to have your buccal fat removal reversed.
Should I Wait Until I’m Older?
This depends on your facial structure and goals, but age is a factor. Younger men in their 20s should be especially cautious. Buccal fat naturally decreases with age. Removing too much fat early may result in a sunken or aged look later in life.
Male patients considering buccal fat removal in their 30s or older may be better able to judge whether the fullness in their lower face is genetic or age-related. A board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Ruston Sanchez, will be able to assess your facial fat distribution and recommend procedure timing based on your individual features, not just your age.
Will My Cheeks Sag in the Future?
Facial sagging is a natural part of aging, caused primarily by:
- Loss of skin elasticity.
- Collagen depletion.
- Gravity.
Buccal fat removal doesn’t cause sagging when performed moderately. However, over-removal may speed up the appearance of volume loss as you age. This is why seasoned plastic surgeons like Dr. Ruston Sanchez aim to remove just the right amount —enough to define, but not hollow.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Buccal fat pad removal may be combined with other procedures such as:
- Jawline fillers for added structure and sharp angles.
- Chin liposuction to reduce under-chin fullness.
- Chin implant or fillers to improve facial proportion and projection.
The best results often come from balancing fat removal with volume addition elsewhere.