A female patient being marked by surgeon before her facial plastic surgery

Buccal Fat Removal Surgery (Cheek Reduction)

Information About Buccal Fat Removal in New York with Dr. Andrew Jacono, M.D., FACS.

What Is Buccal Fat?

Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal Fat Removal Illustration

Buccal fat sits in the hollow area beneath the cheekbones. Everyone has buccal fat, but some have more or less than others. The amount of buccal fat in the cheeks directly affects the shape of a person’s face. Unfortunately, buccal fat is entirely hereditary, and cannot be reduced by exercising or dieting.

Some people are unhappy with how much buccal fat is in their cheeks. Often, those with excess buccal fat feel like they appear bloated, overweight, or extremely young. As these people age, they also notice that their fat pads droop, which makes the lower part of the face look wider.

Buccal fat surgery is a reliable treatment for patients with large buccal fat pads. The procedure trims and repositions fat in hopes of narrowing the cheeks. This makes the whole face look more chiseled.

Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Explained

Dr. Jacono usually performs buccal fat removal under local anesthesia, as the procedure takes less than one hour. In cases where patients undergo more than a single procedure, general or twilight anesthesia is recommended.

During the procedure, Dr. Jacono places a hidden incision in the mouth just between the cheek and gums. He then removes and repositions precise amounts of buccal fat, which creates a more pleasing facial contour.

Despite its dramatic effects, buccal fat surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. This means that recovery is easier, and patients will be able to return to work soon after surgery.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Excision

Buccal fat excision has a number of benefits. These include, but are certainly not limited to:

  • Quick, safe, and effective treatment
  • Can be performed under local anesthesia
  • Enhancement of the upper and lower cheek contours
  • Invisible incisions
  • Long-lasting results

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How Long Does Buccal Fat Removal Last?

Unlike some other cosmetic surgeries, buccal fat removal provides permanent results. This is because buccal fat excess is a hereditary trait and is unaffected by lifestyle choices and normal fluctuations in weight.

What to Expect from Surgery

Buccal fat excision is a rather simple surgery. It does not require large incisions, and treatment only lasts for an hour.

Dr. Jacono provides each patient with simple post-surgical instructions that ensure excellent results. He may prescribe pain medication if needed. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled before the patient leaves. It is recommended that patients arrange a ride home after the procedure.

Recovery from buccal fat removal surgery involves little to no downtime. Some patients may experience minor swelling and bruising, but these will subside after a few days. Most patients experience no pain or discomfort and can return to work the very next day.

It takes about 3 months to see the final results of buccal fat removal.

Am I a Buccal Fat Removal Candidate?

The ideal buccal fat removal candidate has excess fat in their lower cheeks. The procedure benefits both men and women and aims to chisel the face.

As with all cosmetic surgeries, patients should have realistic expectations for surgery and be in good overall health. They should also refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco before surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Jacono?

Dr. Jacono is a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in buccal fat removal surgery and prides himself on offering the best, most comprehensive results possible.

If you are interested in buccal fat removal, please complete our online consultation form. You may also call Dr. Jacono’s New York City location at (212)-570-2500, or his Long Island location at (516)-773-4646. Our patient care coordinators will be happy to schedule an appointment.

Buccal Fat Removal Before and After Photos


Buccal Fat Removal Patient Before and After 1:

This female patient was troubled by her round and very full cheeks. She felt that her large rounded cheeks made her look like she had a baby face. Dr. Jacono performed a cheek fat removal procedure to help correct the fullness of her cheeks. The procedure was a complete success and she is happy with the results.

Before & After
buccal fat removal before/after


Cheek Fat Removal Patient Before and After 2:

This young woman wanted to reduce the appearance of her overly full cheeks. She was self-conscious of a surgery that would look unnatural and leave a scar. She also did not want to have an extended amount of downtime. Dr. Jacono performed a buccal fat removal procedure to address her concerns. The end results look very natural and her recovery time was very short.

Before & After
cheek fat removal before/after


Buccal Fat Pad Removal Before and After Patient 3:

This young man was unhappy with his “chubby” cheeks and wanted to have them addressed by Dr. Jacono. To accomplish this, Dr. Jacono performed a buccal fat removal procedure which removes the buccal fat pads and makes them appear to be less rounded and more chiseled.

Before & After
buccal fat pad removal before/after


Cheek Fat Reduction Before and After Patient 4:

This young female patient wanted to reduce her cheeks to have a more refined and chiseled appearance. Dr. Jacono performed a buccal fat reduction procedure which delivered the exact results she was looking for.

Before & After
cheek fat reduction before/after


Buccal Fat Removal Before and After Patient 5:

This male patient was unhappy with his rounded cheeks which he felt made him look like he had a baby face. After consulting with Dr. Jacono, he decided to undergo a cheek fat removal procedure to reduce his rounded cheeks and to give him a more masculine and chiseled cheek and jaw.

Before & After
buccal fat removal before/after


Cheek Fat Removal Before and After Patient 6:

This female patient wanted to remove the excess fat in her cheeks which made her slim face appear to be rounded. She had a buccal fat pad removal surgery with Dr. Jacono and is very happy with her results.

Before & After
cheek fat removal before/after


Buccal Fat Pad Removal Before and After Patient 7:

This middle aged man wanted to reduce the appearance of his fat cheeks. He was also unhappy with how his cheeks sagged and wanted them to look more chiseled. Dr. Jacono performed a cheek fat reduction surgery and the after results show that they are aligned with this patients goals.

Before & After
buccal fat pad removal before/after


Cheek Fat Reduction Before and After Patient 8:

Frustrated with her chubby cheeks, this female patient consulted with Dr. Jacono in his New York City office to discuss her options. She agreed that a less invasive buccal fat reduction procedure what the best decision that would deliver optimal results with little to no downtime and no scars. Her after photos show that just the right amount of cheek fat was removed leaving her facial profile looking chiseled and rejuvenated.

Before & After
cheek fat reduction before/after


Buccal Fat Removal Before and After Patient 9:

This young professional woman wanted to address her concerns for her baby face appearance. Dr. Jacono performed a buccal fat removal procedure which gave her overall facial appearance better balance and her cheeks a slightly chiseled look.

Before & After
buccal fat removal before/after


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