All About
Buccal Fat Pad Removal
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal fat pad removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure that slims the cheeks and enhances facial definition by removing excess fat from the lower part of the cheeks. This procedure is ideal for individuals who feel their face appears too round, full, or “chubby,” even at a healthy weight.
By carefully removing the buccal fat pads, the cheeks become more sculpted, and the cheekbones and jawline appear more contoured and defined. The goal is to create a slimmer, more balanced facial appearance while maintaining a natural look.
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Removing buccal fat pads reduces fullness in the cheeks, creating a more defined and sculpted facial appearance.
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This procedure helps balance facial features by minimizing roundness and emphasizing the cheekbones.
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Many patients feel more confident and satisfied with their facial profile after buccal fat removal.
Why get Buccal Fad Pad Removal?
Here from one of our patients!
Here Laurens experience with Buccal Fat Pad Removal and Neck Liposuction.
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[Title screen for Lauren’s Story – Buccal Fat Pad Removal & Neck Liposuction]
[Lauren, the Buccal Fat Pad Removal & Neck Liposuction Patient, speaking to the camera like an interview]
So I came in initially because I had just a little extra fat around my neck and just didn’t have much jawline definition, just didn’t have the facial projection that I wanted. So I was interested in neck liposuction. They actually went over that with me and then they also told me about buccal fat pad reduction too, which is where they take some of the excess fat out of your cheeks and then it can just help define the jawline.
[Patient sitting in examination room. Dr. Gupta walks in and shakes her hand, then sits across from her.]
When I first met with Dr. Gupta, he was extremely very warm. He came to the consultation making jokes and he sat down with me and listened to my whole story before giving any of his opinions and then really definitely made me feel like I was heard.
[Lauren, the Buccal Fat Pad Removal & Neck Liposuction Patient, speaking to the camera like an interview]
It’s not usually as typical that a doctor just sits down and listens to your whole conversation without bringing up what they think that the issue or problem is.
[Patient sitting with Dr. Gupta in the exam room chatting]
He really sat and waited till I was finished and took some time to think about it and then came back to me with his responses.
[Patient lying in procedure room with Dr. Gupta and medical assistant preparing for the procedure]
I had my procedure done about seven months ago. They took some excess fat from my neck and below my chin all the way up through the jawline and then they took out the excess buccal fat from along my cheeks, so it’s just given me a little more definition here.
[Lauren, the Buccal Fat Pad Removal & Neck Liposuction Patient, speaking to the camera like an interview]
It’s giving me a slimmer neck, more of a jawline,
[Before and after photos of patient’s cheek, jaw, and neck area]
and I feel so much more confident. Had family members tell me they’re happy that it still looks like me,
[Lauren, the Buccal Fat Pad Removal & Neck Liposuction Patient, speaking to the camera like an interview]
but it just looks like Lauren 2.0.
[Closing title screen with Verve Plastic Surgery logo]
[On-screen text: Call today (760) 436-7600]
The Procedure
Here’s what you can expect during your buccal fat pad removal procedure.
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This is an outpatient procedure typically done under local anesthesia with oral sedation, though general anesthesia may be used if combined with other surgeries.
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Dr. Gupta makes a small incision inside the cheek, near the upper molars. This leaves no visible external scars.
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Gentle pressure is applied to the cheek to expose the buccal fat pad — a natural fat pocket that contributes to cheek fullness.
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A precise amount of fat is carefully teased out and removed to slim and contour the lower cheeks while maintaining facial harmony.
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The incision inside the mouth is closed with dissolvable sutures. No external stitches are needed.
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You’ll go home the same day. Expect mild swelling for the first few days. Most patients return to normal activities within 3–5 days. A soft diet and gentle oral care are recommended during initial healing.
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Procedure Video
FAQs
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It’s best to wait until your body has fully healed after childbirth and you have finished breastfeeding, which is usually around 6 to 12 months postpartum.
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Yes, but future pregnancies can affect your results. Many patients choose to complete their families before surgery for the best long-term outcomes.
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Combining procedures is generally safe and often preferred for a more comprehensive transformation and single recovery period, but safety depends on your health and surgeon’s evaluation.
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Most breast procedures performed during a Mommy Makeover do not interfere with breastfeeding, but it’s important to discuss your plans with Dr. Gupta before surgery.
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With a healthy lifestyle and stable weight, the results of a Mommy Makeover can last many years, though natural aging will continue.
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Recovery from a Mommy Makeover varies depending on the number and type of procedures performed, but most patients can expect about 2 to 3 weeks of initial downtime. You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting, including picking up children, for several weeks, and you may experience swelling, bruising, and soreness as your body heals. Most people gradually return to light activities within 2 weeks and full activities, including exercise, around 6 to 8 weeks, with final results continuing to improve over the following months.
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While commonly performed after pregnancy, Mommy Makeovers can benefit anyone seeking to restore or enhance their body contour after significant changes like weight loss or aging.
Sign up for the Verve Standard Membership to access all pre-op and post-op instructions, recovery videos, and helpful tips and tricks—everything you need for the smoothest possible surgery experience.
Book a consultation for a Buccal Fat Pad Removal!
info@verveplasticsurgery.com
(760) 436-7600
700 Garden View Court STE 208
Encinitas, CA 92024