Define the hidden architecture of your face by eliminating the stubborn fullness that masks your natural bone structure. Buccal Fat Removal offers a sophisticated, permanent solution for those seeking a sleeker, more chiseled mid-face profile.
While contouring makeup offers a temporary illusion, Buccal Fat Removal provides a permanent refinement of the mid-face. At De La Cruz Plastic Surgery, Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz utilizes his deep understanding of facial anatomy to precisely excise the buccal fat pads through discreet, internal incisions. Performed in our AAAA-certified facility, this procedure is tailored to each patient’s unique skeletal structure, ensuring a sculpted, high-fashion result without ever appearing hollow or aged.
Reducing "chipmunk cheeks" to enhance cheekbone and jawline definition
3–5 days of swelling; return to social activities within a week
30–60 minutes
A permanent transition from a rounded face to a contoured, athletic aesthetic
Entirely internal (inside the mouth); no external scarring
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Buccal Fat Removal, also known as cheek reduction surgery, is a procedure designed to slim down the cheeks, specifically in the area of the cheek hollows. The buccal fat pad is a naturally occurring mass of fat in the mid-face that does not typically respond to diet or exercise. By strategically removing a portion of this fat, Dr. De La Cruz creates a shadow beneath the cheekbones, mirroring the look of professional contouring and giving the face a more mature, refined, and "snatched" appearance.
Buccal fat removal is performed through an intra-oral incision. Local anesthesia is first injected into the area. A small incision is then made inside the mouth, and the buccal fat is identified and removed. Not all buccal fat can be removed since part of the buccal fat is located in the temporal area. The wound is subsequently closed with an absorbable suture.
Buccal fat removal is typically performed in conjunction with a BOTOX injection into the masseter to improve the results of slimming one's face.
The primary advantage of buccal fat removal is the permanence of the results. Once the buccal fat pads are removed, they do not grow back, meaning your chiseled profile is yours for a lifetime
Additionally, because the incisions are internal, there is no risk of visible surgical markers. It provides a sophisticated "model-esque" look that enhances your natural features and provides a boost in confidence that makeup and filters cannot replicate.
This procedure is most popular among patients in their 20s and 30s who have persistent fullness in their lower cheeks. It is important that candidates are at a stable weight and have realistic expectations. Dr. De La Cruz is highly selective, ensuring that only those with adequate fat volume undergo the procedure to prevent a hollowed-out look later in life. During your consultation, he will evaluate your skin elasticity and bone structure to determine if this is the right path for your aesthetic goals.
Recovery from buccal fat removal is relatively quick and manageable. Because the incisions are inside the mouth, you will be advised to stick to a liquid or soft-food diet for the first few days and use a specialized mouthwash to prevent infection. You will experience swelling, similar to having dental work, which typically peaks at 48 hours and then rapidly subsides. Most patients return to work and social settings within 5 to 7 days, though the final chiseled results will continue to emerge as residual swelling fades.
While you will notice a change once the initial swelling goes down, the final, "snatched" results of buccal fat removal typically take 2 to 4 months to fully manifest. As the tissues settle, the shadows beneath your cheekbones will become more defined, revealing a sophisticated and athletic facial contour.
Facial surgery requires a delicate balance between removing enough fat to see a difference and leaving enough to maintain a youthful appearance. As a double board-certified surgeon, Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz possesses the technical mastery required to perform this "surgery of millimeters." Choosing our practice means you are opting for a surgeon-led experience guided by safety, integrity, and artistic harmony.
Schedule your Consultation with Dr. De La Cruz today by calling 832-776-1134.
This is why choosing an expert is vital. Dr. De La Cruz carefully evaluates your facial structure to ensure sufficient volume is preserved, allowing you to age gracefully while maintaining a contoured look.
Most patients report minimal pain, noting a sensation of fullness or tightness in the cheeks during the first few days of recovery.
Buccal fat removal, when combined with a BOTOX injection into the masseter muscle, can produce a slimmer face.
There are two techniques for performing a buccal fat removal. One technique is performed through the facelift incision. The most common technique is an incision inside the mouth towards the back of the oral cavity near the second upper molar.
Buccal fat removal unveils a less cherubic face and a slimmer face that may accentuate one's cheeks.
Buccal fat removal will not correct or remove prejowls or jowls. It may not fully slim the face in cases of pronounced cherubic features.
The recovery ranges from 1 to 2 days. Typically, patients can return to work the following day.
Once the buccal fat is removed, it will not return. A BOTOX injection in the masseter to slim the face typically lasts 3 to 6 months.
Possible complications of buccal fat removal include: bleeding, infection, bruising, uneven swelling or discoloration, allergic reaction to the anesthesia, parotid duct injury (very rare), and temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the face (rare). Dr. De La Cruz will discuss the risks and benefits of Buccal fat removal with you before your surgery. Dr. De La Cruz will also discuss with you which technique is best suited to your goals and will deliver the best possible outcome, resulting in a more rested, youthful face.
