Facial Surgery
Buccal Fat Removal
A measured, partial reduction of the buccal fat pad through the mouth for patients with marked mid-cheek fullness.
Overview
The buccal fat pad is a deep fat compartment of the cheek. In some people it is large enough to make the face look full or round despite a normal weight.
Only part of it is removed, through a small incision inside the mouth with no external scar. Because the face naturally loses volume with age, careful patient selection and a conservative reduction matter more than the procedure itself.
Who May Benefit
- Adults with marked mid-cheek fullness
- Patients at a stable weight whose fullness has not changed with weight loss
- Patients with a naturally full, not thin, face
Conditions Treated
- Cheek fullness
- Facial roundness related to the buccal fat pad
Diagnosis
Buccal fat fullness is distinguished from masseter muscle enlargement, which is usually treated with botulinum toxin, and from a wide bony jaw angle. Overall facial structure is assessed, as thin or volume-depleted faces are usually not suitable.
Treatment Planning
The expected degree of reduction, natural ageing changes and the risk of future cheek hollowing after over-resection are discussed.
Surgical Overview
A small incision is made inside the cheek, part of the fat pad is gently delivered while protecting the parotid duct and nearby nerves, and the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. It is usually performed under local anaesthesia or alongside other facial procedures.
Recovery
Swelling is common in the first days, with a soft diet and careful oral hygiene. Most patients return to work within days, and the final contour becomes clear over weeks to a few months.
Risks & Considerations
All surgery carries risk. Potential risks are discussed in detail during consultation, and may include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Asymmetry
- Haematoma or infection
- Injury to the parotid (salivary) duct
- Temporary weakness of facial movement, rarely permanent
- Cheek hollowing with age after excessive removal
Frequently Asked Questions
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes, removed fat does not return, which is why a conservative approach is preferred: a full face today may look hollow years later.
Will it help if my face is wide at the jaw?
If lower-face width comes from the masseter muscle or the jaw bone, buccal fat removal will not change it, and a different treatment is appropriate.
The information on this website is for general educational purposes and does not replace a consultation. Suitability for any procedure, and its potential benefits and risks, can only be determined following an individual clinical assessment. Individual results vary.
Discuss your options with Dr. Bakri
A consultation is the first step toward an accurate diagnosis and an individual plan.