Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Today there are many technologies and techniques for reshaping the structure of the face, to make the facial outline more defined and the face better proportioned. Some people have a round face or cheeks that are puffy, chubby, full, saggy or drooping, which leaves many women lacking confidence. These can be caused by the bone structure of the face, the muscles, skin that sags with age, or fat, depending on each person’s facial structure. Buccal fat removal surgery is another popular method. For women wondering where to have buccal fat removal, or whether buccal fat removal hurts: at SLC Plastic Surgery Hospital, we have expert surgeons who can address the problem precisely and help you achieve a permanently smaller, slimmer face. Without needing cheek-slimming injections, the fat pads can be removed without leaving bruises or scars on the outside, through a small incision, with a short recovery time.

Buccal Fat Removal Surgery (Buccal Fat Pad Removal)

Buccal fat is fat located beneath the muscles of both cheeks. It can be divided into 2 parts, which make our cheeks look puffy or round and feel soft:

  1. Buccal fat, which we are born with and which sits next to the muscle layer. Each person has a different amount of this fat, depending on their size and structure.
  2. Subcutaneous fat, a layer of excess fat in the cheek area, similar to excess fat on the arms, legs or abdomen. It is caused by a build-up of bad fat from an unsuitable diet, such as fried food, fatty food and food high in sugar.

For people with a round face or cheeks that are puffy, chubby, full, saggy or drooping, buccal fat removal surgery may not be the only thing that clearly reduces the problem, because there may be other causes as well, such as a lot of subcutaneous fat or a large facial bone structure. Since buccal fat is only a small pocket of fat, buccal fat removal is a treatment with only a slight visible effect. In the surgery, an incision about 1 – 1.5 cm long is made inside the mouth, by the upper molars in the cheek area. The fat beneath the muscle is carefully dissected out, and the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches. The surgery takes about 30 minutes, and patients can go about their normal lives afterwards.

Who Is Buccal Fat Removal Suitable For?

  1. Puffy, chubby, full, saggy or drooping cheeks
  2. Cheeks that are not proportionate to each other
  3. People who have lost weight and become smaller, or who are already slim, but have large cheeks

Where to Have Buccal Fat Removal: Why Choose SLC Hospital

  • Specialist surgeons with expertise in facial surgery, with individual assessment and design
  • A standard Thai Boutique Hospital for plastic surgery
  • Modern operating room technology
  • Personal Patient Advisor, your personal surgery consultant
  • Excellent service, with care and follow-up after surgery
  • Trusted by patients and well regarded among international patients

Treatment Area

  • The small pocket of fat beneath the muscle in the cheek area, accessed through an incision inside the mouth

Preparation Before Surgery

  • You should inform us of your health information, such as any underlying conditions and whether you have a history of drug allergies
  • Stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least 1 week before surgery
  • Stop aspirin-type medications, vitamins and supplements such as fish oil at least 2 weeks before surgery
  • Do not wear makeup on the day of surgery, and avoid cosmetics that are hard to remove

Procedure Time

Approximately 1 – 1.30 hrs

Procedure Steps

  • Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash before surgery
  • Clean the whole face with antiseptic
  • Inject local anaesthetic into both cheeks
  • Make an incision about 1 – 2 cm long inside the mouth, near the upper molars
  • Remove the pocket of fat beneath the cheek muscle
  • Close the incision, about 2 cm long, inside the cheek with dissolvable stitches
  • Rest and apply cold compresses to both cheeks

Aftercare

  • Wear a compression garment to firm the face and help the wound heal
  • Avoid alcoholic drinks
  • Avoid spicy food, as it may irritate the wound
  • Apply cold compresses for the first 3 – 4 days to reduce pain
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 1 – 2 weeks
  • Take all medication as prescribed by your doctor
  • Return after 7 days to have your stitches removed as instructed by your doctor
  • Swelling lasts approximately 1 – 2 months after the procedure

Results

  • A smaller, slimmer face that becomes more noticeable when you smile

When You’ll See Results

  • Clear results start to show 1-3 months after the procedure, depending on the individual

Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Reviews