Buccal Fat Removal

If you want to improve the appearance of your face with a more slender and sophisticated contour, buccal fat pad removal may be the ideal procedure for you.

Refine and Define Your Facial Contour

Many individuals are self-conscious about the shape of their cheeks, which can have an effect on the overall appearance of the face. Buccal fat removal is a procedure in which the buccal fat — a rounded concentration of fat in the middle of either cheek — is removed or reduced to decrease fullness of the face, help the cheekbones look more defined, and establish an overall more refined facial appearance.

Why Choose Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a popular procedure in Los Angeles for individuals who are bothered by fullness in their cheeks. This extra fullness can often create an unwanted “baby face” or “chipmunk cheek” appearance. Some simply want a sleeker, more attractive contour.

What are Buccal Fat Pads?

Everyone is born with buccal fat pads, which are found beneath the cheekbones on either side of the mouth. They are essentially just masses of round fat, and in some individuals, the buccal fat pads are more noticeable. Because these pads are genetic, it can be nearly impossible to reduce their size naturally. This is why buccal fat pad removal is the ideal option for many people who are bothered by this issue. The procedure achieves enhanced cheekbones and a more contoured facial appearance.

Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal

Are bothered by their facial appearance because of the fullness of their cheeks
Are at a suitable age for the surgery
Are at a stable, healthy weight
Are non-smokers in general good health

Do not have progressive hemifacial atrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome)
Have realistic expectations for what buccal fat removal can accomplish
Fully understand the procedure, risks, recovery, and what to expect

Buccal Fat Removal Procedure: What to Expect

Buccal fat removal is done through incisions that are hidden inside the mouth. The procedure is typically performed with the patient under local anesthesia or under IV sedation to achieve ultimate comfort, and takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour. When you have been properly anesthetized, Dr. Kahng will create an incision inside your mouth in the inner part of your cheek. He will then separate the buccinator muscle and locate the buccal fat, where he will either remove all or reduce the fat to match the ideal size for your unique facial structure. The incision will be closed, and Dr. Kahng will perform the same procedure on the other side of the mouth.

After Buccal Fat Removal

Approximately one week of recovery
Expect tenderness and swelling for 1-2 weeks
Patients typically experience very little bruising
Soft diet for 2 weeks during recovery, with no acidic or crunchy foods
Normal diet/no restrictions in diet after 2 weeks
Head will need to be elevated while sleeping during recovery
Rinse mouth with the prescription antiseptic mouthwash multiple times a day to prevent infection
Early results at 1-2 weeks; final results at 3-4 months
Cheeks will be slimmer and more sculpted, with an improved contour

Dr. Kahng for Buccal Fat Removal in Los Angeles

We know that you’re a unique individual with your own personal aesthetic concerns. Dr. David Kahng’s approach involves closely listening to your aesthetic goals and creating a personalized, customized treatment plan to improve your appearance, confidence, and quality of life.

As a premier Los Angeles plastic surgeon, Dr. Kahng has dedicated his professional life to creating exquisite aesthetic enhancements of face and body. His ability to create symmetry, harmony, and balance with state-of-the-art techniques and technology has resulted in an outstanding reputation — as well as his exceptionally kind bedside manner. For added convenience, we provide caring supervision of our patients throughout the recovery process and three locations for you to choose from.