2 Plastic Surgeons Explain the Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Categorized as cosmetic surgery, the procedure is not very invasive and typically takes less than 30 minutes to perform under local anesthesia. Dr. Smith adds that removing the fat pads "is considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure because they only require a relatively tiny incision inside each cheek and has a full recovery time of only about one week to 10 days."

During the procedure, a "2cm incision is made inside the cheek by going through the mouth," Dr. Douglas says. "There are no incisions on the outside of the face, so there are no visible scars."

While the exact number depends on your geographic location and which doctor you decide to see, you can expect the cost for a buccal fat pad excision to start at around $5K. That price is usually not covered by insurance since it is an elective procedure.

Yes. If you're getting this procedure done, make sure it's something you really want because the results are permanent. As Dr. Smith says, "Once the fat is removed, it does not grow back."

"This procedure can be performed at any age after facial maturity is achieved," Dr. Smith says. Though, typically the earliest he sees patients for it is in their mid-to-late 20s.

If you would like to err on the side of caution, Dr. Douglas recommends waiting until your mid-to-late-30s because facial fat may reduce on its own. "Our buccal fat pads settle and 'mature' when we are about 21," he says. "Most patients will see a slow, progressive, and ongoing reduction in the buccal fat starting at 30 or so. Those decreases continue through the decade and continue into our 40s and 50s, creating hollows, which contribute to laxity and aging."

Preparation for the procedure is fairly light but should start up to two weeks prior to getting a buccal fat pad excision. "I generally advise my patients not to take ibuprofen or aspirin in any form for two weeks prior to this procedure as they are blood thinners," Dr. Smith says. "Alcohol should be minimized prior to the procedure as well. If done under local anesthesia, a light breakfast is OK on the day of the procedure."

Afterward, you'll experience some swelling, which should only be significant for two to three days. "A buccal lipectomy patient may experience facial swelling following surgery. However, the swelling will dissipate on its own within about two to three weeks," Dr. Douglas says. "After the swelling stops, the cheeks will start to look thinner and more contoured."

You can also expect to follow a liquid diet for a few days. "I also advise patients to brush only their front teeth for one week following the procedure, and to avoid any heavy exertion for two weeks," Dr. Smith says. "However, it is important to be up walking immediately after the procedure."

Though the procedure is a viable option to get enhanced cheekbones, both experts agree that, as is the case with any surgery, there are risks associated with getting it. Dr. Smith cautioned that the "very rare but possible complications of this procedure include bleeding problems, infection, damage to the facial nerve, or damage to the salivary duct."

"Many patients who may have this done may be looking to compensate later with dermal fillers or fat transfer, neither of which can adequately replace the encapsulated fat pad," Dr. Douglas says. "Evaluating the patient for the right bone and support structures and optimal weight and age for full development of maturity will help determine if they are a candidate for this procedure."

As you can see, because the procedure targets the fat pads and excess cheek volume, it can create a more sculpted look to the face that makes the cheekbones appear more prominent.

If you're considering this procedure, look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with a "specialty or concentration in the midface, including a unique medical and aesthetic understanding of the structures, tissues, muscles, and bones of the face," Dr. Douglas says. "The board-certified cosmetic surgeon should have specialized training and significant experience in the procedure and be able to explain his or her approach as well as create a surgical plan individualized to the patient." You may also want to consider looking for a cosmetic surgeon affiliated with a major medical center.