Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Dallas and Southlake

Buccal fat pad removal reduces the fullness in your lower cheeks by removing the pockets of fat that sit there. This creates a slimmer and more contoured face, which improves your cheek and jawline definition and can help achieve a more refined and balanced look.

If you are considering buccal fat pad removal in Dallas or Southlake, call our office to discuss your options with one of our facial plastic surgeons who can put their expertise to work for you.

What Is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

Buccal fat pad removal—or lipectomy—aims to reduce fullness in the lower cheeks by removing the fat pads that naturally occur in pockets within the cheeks. The size of buccal fat can vary significantly and may contribute to a rounder or chubbier facial profile. Therefore, even if you have an otherwise slim build, you may feel that your cheeks are out of proportion to the rest of your face or body. But we can do something about that!

During the procedure, a small incision is made inside your mouth to access and gently remove these fat pads. In the end, it should reveal a more sculpted and contoured look.

People in Dallas and Southlake generally choose buccal lipectomies for aesthetic reasons, not out of medical necessity. This means that insurance providers will not provide any coverage for the procedure. You will need an expert assessment and evaluation to be sure the procedure will enhance cheek definition rather than lead to an overly hollow face over time.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Cheek Augmentation?

You are an ideal candidate if you have fuller, more rounded cheeks and desire a contoured, sculpted appearance. You should be an adult in good overall health who has maintained a stable weight, as weight gain or loss can affect the results of your procedure. Additionally, you should have realistic expectations about the results.

The procedure is a good option if you feel your cheeks are overly prominent despite having achieved your goal weight. Buccal fat naturally decreases with age; therefore, if you already have a thin face, you may be at risk of future facial hollowing and may not be a good candidate for the procedure.

Removing too much fat can lead to a gaunt or aged appearance. However, a thorough assessment and consultation with a plastic surgeon in our Dallas or Southlake offices can help determine whether removing your buccal fat pads is an appropriate choice based on your facial structure.

What Happens During the Procedure?

You will generally have your buccal lipectomy performed as an outpatient procedure. However, as you will undergo sedation or general anesthesia, you will not be able to drive yourself home after.

Your board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon will make a small incision inside your mouth, near your upper molars, which avoids visible external scarring. Through this incision, they carefully locate the buccal fat pad and gently remove the desired amount.

Once this is completed, the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches. The procedure can take from 30 minutes to one hour. Because the removal is minimally invasive, you will likely experience only mild discomfort afterward.

What To Expect During Recovery

You can expect some swelling, soreness, and mild bruising in your cheeks for several days. These symptoms are normal and typically go away within the first few weeks. We’ll provide detailed instructions on how to care for the incisions and manage discomfort.

Because the incisions are inside the mouth, you should follow a soft food diet and use a special mouth rinse to reduce the risk of infection. Good oral hygiene is crucial to support healing. You can usually resume normal activities within the first few days, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least two weeks.

While swelling may initially obscure the results, you will begin to notice a slimmer and more defined appearance. Following your buccal fat pad extraction, adhering to the post-operative instructions provided by your plastic surgeon will help you achieve the best aesthetic outcome.

Learn More About Cheek Reduction Surgery by Calling Our Dallas or Southlake Office

Choosing a procedure that affects your appearance is a significant decision that should be made only after understanding how it is performed, what to expect during recovery, and the potential risks or complications. North Texas Plastic Surgery is the premier choice for many patients in the region, and we want to help you too!

Call our Dallas or Southlake office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about buccal fat pad removal so we can help you make a beautiful first impression!