Cheek Reduction

Page Updated: July 23, 2024

• What is Buccal Fat Removal?
• Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal
• Who is a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
• Preparing for Buccal Fat Pad Removal
• The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
• Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cheek Reduction Surgery

Defined cheekbones are a hallmark of an elegant facial appearance and help create more contour and the appearance of a thinner face. Babies and children often have full or rounded cheeks that gradually become thinner with age, but some people retain chubby cheeks as adults. If you feel that your cheekbones are hidden under round, square, or plump cheeks, cheek fat reduction surgery could help you achieve a more refined appearance. Dr. Sanaz Harirchian is a Board-Certified facial plastic surgeon with the skill and experience to perform cosmetic cheek reduction with natural-looking results for patients from Houston, The Woodlands, and nearby areas.

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Also called buccal lipectomy, this buccal fat removal is a facial contouring procedure involves reducing or removing the fat located in the hollow of the cheek, which is called the buccal fat pad. Buccal fat removal to reduce full cheeks is a relatively simple cosmetic procedure involving a small incision and minimal downtime.¹ The goal of this procedure is to give a slimmer look to the face and create a more chiseled and contoured mid-face. Patients who are concerned with “chipmunk cheeks,” a “baby face,” or an overly round face may benefit from buccal fat removal. It is also sought after by individuals who simply want to enhance their cheekbones or gain a more tapered appearance in the lower face. Cheek reduction may also be combined with other minimally invasive procedures for face and neck. Dr. Harirchian frequently combines this cosmetic surgery procedure with liposuction of the lower face & neck, and radiofrequency microneedling for increased contour and definition.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Benefits of buccal fat removal include:

• Reduction of chubby or “chipmunk” cheeks
• Slimmer and more defined facial appearance
• Enhanced facial symmetry
• Improved jawline definition

For some patients, cheek reduction surgery is more than a cosmetic procedure: functional buccal fat removal can also address health concerns that arise from abnormally large buccal fat pads, improving breathing, speaking, and eating.

Patient Results

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Preparing for Buccal Fat Pad Removal

If you are interested in buccal lipectomy, the first step is a consultation appointment with Dr. Harirchian. She will examine your face and discuss your goals in order to determine if this procedure is right for you. 

The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure

Cheek reduction may be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Dr. Harirchian begins buccal fat removal by making a small incision hidden entirely in the mouth before removing the buccal fat pad and closing with dissolvable sutures. It is an intraoral procedure that involves no visible scarring, minimal discomfort, and a quick recovery time.³ The size and shape of the buccal fat pad varies, and Dr. Harirchian will customize her approach depending on your individual facial structure and your desired results. At our Houston office, we value the importance of using a patient-centered approach and delivering comfortable and safe care at all times.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

Prior to your cheek reduction procedure, you will be given detailed post-op instructions and medications to enhance your comfort and improve healing after surgery. There is minimal downtime required after buccal fat removal, but you may need to avoid certain foods for several days after surgery.

Highly recommend! Very skilled, compassionate, and professional Doctor! I was very nervous at the beginning of my appointment but she was very comforting and I couldn’t be happier with my results! I will be back for more procedures and recommended her to all my friends and family! Thank you Dr. H!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cheek Reduction Surgery

How quickly will I see the results of my buccal fat removal?

Immediately after your cheek contouring procedure, you will likely experience some temporary swelling. Once swelling subsides, you will be able to see your results and appreciate a slimmer face with more defined cheekbones. Cheek contouring results are designed to be natural-looking and long-lasting for optimal patient satisfaction.

Is there a way to reduce the size of my cheeks without plastic surgery?

Non-surgical alternatives to buccal fat removal do exist, but results are typically minimal compared to surgical cheek reduction. When you consult with Dr. Harirchian, she will discuss all options available to you and help you decide on the right treatment plan to address your needs and goals.

How long does it take to recover after buccal fat removal?

Most of our patients are able to get back to their normal daily activities within a week or two of their cheek reduction procedure.

Is buccal fat removal safe?

Any surgical procedure carries some risk, but working with an experienced facial plastic surgeon can greatly reduce the likelihood of side effects and complications. Risks of buccal fat reduction may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Asymmetry
• Nerve damage⁴

Does insurance cover buccal fat removal?

For the majority of Dr Harirchian’s patients, buccal fat reduction is an elective (not medically necessary) procedure that is not covered by insurance. If buccal fat removal is performed for functional reasons, however, it may be deemed medically necessary and eligible for coverage.

Can I combine cheek reduction with other procedures?

Absolutely. Patients often choose to combine buccal fat pad removal with procedures such as rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, BOTOX^® and/or injectable  fillers, or facelift. When a number of facial plastic surgery procedures are performed at once, they will be conducted under general anesthesia.