Young woman with high cheek bones smilingAre you at a healthy weight but have a round, full, or less-defined face? While diet and exercise can help reduce body fat, they often have little effect on the naturally occurring fat pads deep in your face that give you the appearance of having chubby cheeks. If you’re frustrated by a persistent “baby face” appearance or want more definition along your cheekbones and jawline, buccal fat pad removal may be the solution.

At Southwest Plastic Surgery, Dr. Frank Agullo offers buccal fat pad removal to help his patients achieve a slimmer, more sculpted facial appearance.

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What Is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Buccal fat pad removal, also known as buccal lipectomy, is a facial contouring procedure that reduces the volume of the buccal fat pads located in the lower portion of your cheeks. These fat pads sit between your facial muscles and contribute to the overall fullness in your midface.

During the buccal fat pad removal procedure, a portion of the buccal fat pad is carefully removed through a small incision inside your mouth. Because the incision is hidden inside the cheek, it doesn’t leave visible external scars—just a more contoured facial profile with enhanced definition in your cheeks and lower face.

Am I a Candidate for Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Good candidates for buccal fat pad removal are nonsmokers in good overall health and at a stable, healthy weight.

You may be an ideal candidate for buccal fat pad removal if you:

  • Have naturally full or rounded cheeks
  • Feel your face appears heavier than the rest of your body
  • Want to achieve better facial definition

The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Agullo. He will evaluate your facial anatomy and let you know if the procedure is right for you, as well as recommend other facial procedures to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Schedule a buccal fat pad removal consultation today by calling (915) 590-7900 or completing our online contact form.

What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Enhanced Facial Definition

One of the primary reasons patients choose buccal fat pad removal is to create greater definition in their midface. Excess volume in the cheeks can sometimes obscure the natural contours of the cheekbones and jawline. By reducing fullness in this area, the underlying facial structure becomes more visible, creating a more sculpted appearance without looking artificial.

A Slimmer, More Contoured Facial Appearance

Even if you maintain a healthy weight, you may naturally have fuller cheeks due to genetics. Buccal fat pad removal specifically targets this area, helping your face appear leaner and more proportionate with the rest of your body. Many patients find that their facial appearance better reflects their overall physique after the procedure, especially in photographs and in profile.

Long-Lasting Results

Unlike other treatments that may require ongoing maintenance, buccal fat pad removal delivers permanent results. Once the excess buccal fat is removed, it will not return. While your face will continue to age naturally, you will enjoy lasting improvements in your facial contour and definition for many years.

How Is Buccal Fat Pad Removal Performed?

Buccal fat pad removal is performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia or sedation. After making a small incision inside each cheek, Dr. Agullo carefully accesses and removes the appropriate amount of buccal fat while preserving each patient’s facial symmetry and balance.

Once he achieves the desired contour, he closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures. The procedure usually takes less than an hour.

What Can I Expect From Buccal Fat Pad Removal Recovery?

Recovery after your buccal fat pad removal is generally straightforward. You will experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness for the first several days, and a soft-food diet is recommended for the first five days.

You can return to work and normal daily activities immediately, although strenuous exercise should be avoided until Dr. Agullo approves it. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside, with full recovery expected in about three weeks.

When Will I See My Buccal Fat Pad Removal Results?

Results from your buccal fat pad removal typically become noticeable about one week after your procedure. As swelling continues to subside and healing progresses, your cheeks will gradually appear slimmer and more defined. Your improved facial contours will become increasingly visible over several weeks to a few months, as your tissues adjust to their new shape. Once the healing process is complete, you will enjoy a naturally sculpted look (with zero visible scarring) that lasts.

How Much Does Buccal Fat Pad Removal Cost?

The cost of your buccal fat pad removal will vary depending on several factors, including anesthesia and surgical facility fees, medical testing, and whether you choose to add other cosmetic procedures to your surgery.

When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Agullo will create a customized treatment plan that includes the total cost of your buccal fat pad removal, based on the specifics of your surgery and desired results.

Buccal Fat Pad Removal FAQs

Why should I choose Southwest Plastic Surgery for my buccal fat pad removal?

As you age, the roundness of your face decreases slightly. If your plastic surgeon is inexperienced, your procedure could leave your face looking gaunt as you age. That’s why it is essential to choose someone like Dr. Agullo: a board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly skilled and experienced with the procedure.

Can men benefit from buccal fat pad removal?

Buccal fat pad removal is an excellent option for men seeking a slimmer and more defined face. For men, fat in the cheeks can age their appearance. By reducing the fullness and roundness of their face, men can enjoy a more youthful appearance while still maintaining their masculine features.

What procedures can I combine with buccal fat pad removal?

Many patients seeking lower-face definition often combine buccal fat removal with liposuction and AccuTite™ in the lower face and neck. Combining your buccal fat pad removal with a facelift is also an excellent option, as is rhinoplasty to enhance the balance and overall beauty of your face. You may also choose to augment the results of your buccal fat pad removal with non-surgical treatments to further enhance your natural features.

Learn More About Buccal Fat Pad Removal in El Paso

If fuller cheeks are keeping you from achieving the facial definition of your dreams, it’s time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Frank Agullo. To learn more about buccal fat pad removal and explore your facial contouring options, call Southwest Plastic Surgery today at (915) 590-7900 or complete the online contact form.

You can watch Dr. WorldWide perform various procedures! Follow Dr. Frank Agullo, aka “Dr. WorldWide,” on Snapchat under the username RealDrWorldWide.

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