Now that buccal fat removal has been trending for a while, let’s dive in. Buccal fat removal is an elective procedure to create a slimmer face by removing fat pads in the lower cheeks. Removing fat tissue narrows the lower face and accentuates the jawline and refines the cheekbones. This trend is popular among those patients who feel they have an overly round facial shape and desire a more v-shaped or contoured look. Removing buccal fat can create a shadow contrast between the cheekbones and the lower jaw while making the face look less round.

Buccal fat removal is the opposite approach to adding volume to cheeks with fillers or through fat transfer. The results are similar in that both provide a greater contour between the cheeks and lower face. Fillers/fat transfer provide a less invasive approach but does not create the same hollowing.

Am I a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is an elective procedure, and consultation with a plastic surgeon can assist you in an informed decision on whether the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks in your case. If you wish to have a less-rounded face, it may be a worthwhile investment. For narrow-faced patients, buccal fat removal may overly emphasize narrow features and result in an excessively thin or angular look. Alternatively, results may be less apparent for patients who are obese or overweight. Patients should have achieved the desired/stable weight prior to considering this surgery. Age is also a factor: patients should be old enough to have finished puberty, and young enough to avoid sagging skin caused by laxity that comes with age. It is possible to combine surgeries to avoid this issue (such as a facelift).