Buccal fat removal: cosmetic surgery to reduce fat deposits on the face

Buccal fat removal (or bichectomy) is surgery to reduce fat deposits on the cheeks. The procedure is carried out in an hour or less and under local anaesthetic. The aim is aesthetic to try and reduce the appearance of a fat face, by sharpening its appearance. 

What is buccal fat?

Buccal fat is the face fat located in the cheek between the nostril and corner of the mouth. It is large buccal fat deposits which give young children the fat face that people like to pinch. It is also the atrophy of these areas that cause the gaunt faces of anorexia, or starvation. Some patients have a very full and round face, in part from large buccal fat pads.

Buccal fat removal procedure

Buccal fat removal is recommended for anyone who wants to redefine the lower third of the face. It can improve confidence by reducing the appearance of a fat face. The surgery must be performed by a certified specialist trained in facial cosmetic surgery. The fat reduction procedure lasts not more than 1 hour and a local anaesthesia is required. The plastic surgeon removes the fatty tissue through an incision of no more than 2 centimetres that is made on the inside of the cheek so there are no visible scars. The entire area of buccal fat should not be removed, the area should be reduced conservatively as total removal can lead to a very gaunt and unhealthy appearance.

Risks and postoperative care

When surgery is performed by a specialist, the risks are minor, such as local inflammation, bruising, and pain. Subsequent care consists mainly of placing cold compresses on the cheeks, together with antibiotic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. The recovery is generally 3-5 days and some patients swell significantly while others don’t. Although the result is immediately noticeable, the final result won’t be evident for several weeks when all swelling is gone.