Buccal Fat Removal (Cheek Reduction)

Buccal fat removal is a cheek reduction procedure that gives the face a more oval shape.

The surgeon makes a small cut inside the cheek and removes the excess fat tissue there. The aim is thinner cheeks, a cheekbone that stands out more, and a face closer to an inverted triangle shape.

How it is done

This is a day case procedure. Local anaesthesia is enough. Patients who feel anxious can have general anaesthesia instead, if they prefer.

1. The mouth is cleaned first, which prevents infection during the procedure.
2. Local anaesthesia is given and the procedure starts.
3. The surgeon makes a very small cut inside the cheek.
4. The buccal fat pads are removed with forceps.
5. Once the excess fat pads are out, the area is stitched.

Who should not have it

The procedure is simple, and even so it does not suit everyone. It is not recommended for

• men and women under 18
• people who are very overweight or obese
• people over 55
• women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• people whose health does not allow surgery

See your doctor and be examined, to find out whether you are a suitable patient for cheek reduction.

What to know about cheek reduction

• The fat pads in the cheek, called Bichat’s fat pads, shrink with age and the area loses volume. For this reason, in some people who have cheek reduction the face may look older earlier. This does not happen to everyone, so a detailed examination is needed to see whether it could happen to you.
• It is a simple operation that aims to make the face look slimmer and longer.
• It is done as a day procedure. There is no need to stay in hospital.
• Some people are slim but have more fat in their cheeks by nature. This makes the cheeks look full and the person look heavier than they are. Cheek reduction aims to correct this imbalance.

Before the operation

A few points before the operation make the process more comfortable and help it go without complications:

• Stop drinking alcohol one week before the operation. Stop smoking too, because it slows healing.
• If you take aspirin or other medicines regularly, ask your doctor and stop them as advised. Blood-thinning medicines in particular should be stopped.
• If you have a chronic illness, talk to your doctor before the procedure and go ahead only if there is no reason not to.

After the operation

Healing is different for every patient. On average there is a clear improvement after about 14 days. To heal without problems, pay attention to these points:

• For the first 3 days, eat soft food and have cold drinks. This lowers the risk of bleeding.
• Gargle and take care of mouth hygiene for 10 days, so that the area where the fat pads were removed does not become infected.
• Do not take blood-thinning medicines for a while after the procedure.
• Stay off cigarettes, so that they do not slow healing.
• For the first 3 days, apply a cold compress for 15 minutes every 4 hours. This helps prevent swelling and bruising.
• For 7 days, rinse the inside of the mouth with salt water every 12 hours.
• Avoid physical effort and heavy activity for 5 days after the operation. After 5 days you can go back to your normal routine.