Buccal Fat Reduction
Buccal fat reduction — also called bichectomy — is a cosmetic surgical procedure that targets the buccal fat pads in the lower cheeks to refine facial contours and create a slimmer, more sculpted appearance. The buccal fat pad, named for the French anatomist Xavier Bichat, is a deeper fat layer that contributes to a fuller cheek appearance, which cannot be reduced through diet or exercise alone. By carefully removing a portion of this fat, the cheeks appear less rounded, and the cheekbones and jawline become more defined. This subtle yet effective procedure is often chosen by individuals who want a more contoured face, smoother mid-face transitions, and enhanced overall facial balance. Buccal fat reduction can be performed alone or in combination with other facial contouring procedures.
How Buccal Fat Reduction Works
Buccal fat reduction involves making a small internal incision inside the mouth near the upper molars to access the buccal fat pads. The surgeon gently removes a portion of the fat from each cheek pad, taking care to maintain symmetry and preserve surrounding structures. Because the incision is inside the mouth, there are no visible external scars. Once the desired amount of fat is removed, the incision is closed with sutures, and the deeper cheek contour begins to emerge as healing progresses.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for buccal fat reduction are adults in good overall health who are bothered by round, fuller cheeks and desire a more refined, defined facial contour. This procedure is best suited for individuals whose buccal fat contributes significantly to cheek fullness and who have adequate cheekbone structure to support a slimmer mid-face appearance. Ideal candidates have realistic expectations about results and understand that buccal fat removal is a permanent change that will not reverse with weight loss.
Why Consider Buccal Fat Reduction?
Many people feel that excess fullness in the cheeks makes their face appear rounder, heavier, or less sculpted than they would like. Buccal fat reduction offers a targeted way to refine the cheeks and enhance the definition of the cheekbones and jawline, giving the face a longer, more contoured look. Because this procedure specifically removes a defined pad of deeper fat that does not respond to exercise or dieting, it can produce lasting structural enhancement rather than temporary changes. It is particularly popular among individuals seeking a more youthful, balanced facial profile or those pursuing facial feminization. Unlike superficial fat reduction approaches, buccal fat removal accentuates natural bone structure and can transform the face by creating more angular contours and subtle shadows that improve depth and proportion. Results are typically noticeable once swelling subsides, with long-term shape change that complements other facial rejuvenation procedures if desired.
Before and after Buccal Fat Reduction
Disclaimer: These photos are published for illustrative purposes only to provide information on the nature of the procedure. They do not constitute a guarantee of results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buccal fat reduction is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat pads from the cheeks to create a slimmer, more defined facial contour. It specifically targets the buccal fat pad — a deeper layer of fat beneath the cheek — to accentuate cheekbones and jawline.
The surgery is done through small incisions inside the mouth, allowing access to the buccal fat pads without external scars. A portion of the fat is gently removed from each side, and the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.
No. Because the incisions are placed inside the mouth, there are no visible external scars, and the removal does not change facial skin appearance.
Recovery typically involves mild swelling and tenderness for several days. Most swelling subsides within a few weeks, and patients can return to normal activities shortly after surgery with proper care and follow-up.
Yes — the buccal fat pads that are removed do not grow back. Results are long-lasting and provide permanent contour change unless significant overall weight gain occurs.
Yes — this procedure is often combined with other facial contouring enhancements, such as chin augmentation, cheek augmentation, jawline contouring, or fat transfer, to produce more comprehensive facial balance.
No — ideal candidates have fuller cheeks due to buccal fat. Removing too much fat from someone with a naturally narrow face or with age-related fat loss can lead to an overly hollowed look. A personalized consultation helps ensure the best outcome.
