Buccal Fat Removal, also known as buccal fat, is a quick and delicate surgical procedure to slim the face and create a chiseled or sculpted appearance. In this procedure, fat deposits located in the hollow of the cheek (under the cheekbone) are removed.

1. How the surgery is performed

This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and in a short time (about 30 to 45 minutes):
• Internal incision: The surgeon makes a small incision (about 1 to 2 centimeters) inside the mouth and on the inner side of the cheeks.
• Fat removal: With gentle pressure from the outside, the buccal fat mass is exposed and the surgeon removes a certain amount of it.
• Incision closure: The wound site is sewn with absorbable sutures, so no scar remains on the facial skin.

2. Results and Facial Changes

The goal of this surgery is to change the round structure of the face to a more bony structure:
• Cheeks become more prominent: By emptying the cheekbones, the cheekbones become more prominent.
• Jaw angulation: This procedure helps to define the jawline.
• Elimination of the "baby face" condition: People who, despite being underweight, have full and round cheeks benefit the most from this procedure.

3. Recovery and Care

Since the incision is inside the mouth, hygiene is very important:
• Nutrition: Soft and cold foods should be consumed in the first 2 to 3 days.
• Oral hygiene: Continuous use of a special mouthwash is essential to prevent infection.
• Swelling: Swelling is normal in the first days and the final result is usually visible after 2 to 3 months (when the skin is completely attached to the muscle).

4. Suitable (and unsuitable) candidates

Choosing the right person for this procedure is very sensitive:
• Suitable: People with round, so-called "lip-shaped" faces who are looking for angularity.
• Unsuitable: People with thin or elongated faces. Fat removal in these people may cause excessive sagging and an older appearance in later life.

5. Durability and Reversibility

• Permanent: This surgery is permanent; that is, the removed fat cells will not grow back.
• Weight changes: Even with weight gain, the buccal area usually does not fill out as before, although other subcutaneous fat may gain volume.