Buccal fat removal delivers long-lasting results that are noticeable yet subtle. If you have good skin elasticity and want to slim down your face, book a consultation with Dr. Bader in Plano, Texas.
Local anesthesia with sedation
30-60 minutes
Outpatient
Initial recovery lasts 3-5 days
Fat transfer, neck liposuction, rhinoplasty
Buccal (pronounced buckle) fat is a deep layer of fat found in the mid-face area. This often contributes to a rounded or fuller facial appearance giving some individuals what is commonly referred to as "chubby" or "chipmunk" cheeks. Buccal fat removal, also known as buccal lipectomy, removes fat from cheeks to create a sculpted appearance. While you won't come out of this facial rejuvenation surgery with a whole new face, it can create subtle, natural-looking enhancements that permanently reduce facial fullness.
The surgical procedure itself takes less than an hour, during which Dr. Bader, a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, precisely removes the buccal fat pad—a small pocket of fat about the size of a medium grape. Through tiny incisions made discreetly inside the mouth, Dr. Bader can extract the fat without leaving any visible scars. The procedure is minimally invasive with a quick recovery, allowing most patients to return to their daily activities in just a few days with minimal discomfort.
Buccal fat removal addresses specific conditions that can impact your facial appearance and self-esteem. There are many reasons why you may choose this surgery, but these are among the most common.
Choosing the right surgeon is crucial when planning your cheek fat removal. Dr. Bader, along with his highly skilled medical team, is committed to providing exceptional care and personalized attention to every patient. With over 20 years of expertise in advanced cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery, Dr. Bader combines precision, artistry, and experience to ensure safe, natural-looking results. You can trust that you're in expert hands from consultation to recovery.
While it is easy to be swayed by cost when choosing your facial plastic surgeon, it is important to consider their ability to deliver desirable and repeatable results. Dr. Bader's decades of experience combined with his excellent technique have built him a reputation as a skilled facial plastic surgeon. Proof of this is his glowing patient testimonials and before and after galleries.
When addressing a facial concern, it is important to be aware of the entire surgical process of your chosen procedure. While Dr. Bader personalizes each procedure, generally a buccal fat removal follows this process:
You can expect to be in the operating room for anywhere between 30-60 minutes for a solo buccal fat removal procedure. You will receive local anesthesia. Then, 1 cm incisions are made inside the cheeks. Dr. Bader will access the buccal fat pad via a muscle layer using blunt instruments. He will tease the excess fat cells out, through the incision until the desired result is achieved. An electrocautery tool is then utilized to carefully detach the fat pad, while simultaneously minimizing the risk of bleeding by sealing the blood vessels during the procedure. To complete surgery, the small incision is rinsed before dissolvable sutures are used to close the incision, and the procedure is repeated on the other cheek.
Traveling in? Dr. Bader and his team provide a seamless, comfortable experience to ensure you feel supported throughout your journey. With over 50% of patients traveling from outside Plano, Dr. Bader has developed a comprehensive process that includes virtual consultations, personalized pre-operative planning, and assistance with travel logistics. Expect the same attentive, patient-centered care as a local patient even after you have returned home post-surgery. Trust that your experience will be as convenient and stress-free as possible.
If you are just down the road or traveling to Plano from across the country, book a consultation with Dr. Bader to see if you are a good candidate for this cosmetic surgery. In general, the ideal candidate for buccal fat removal is someone who is bothered by the appearance of full or round cheeks. They should have good overall health, stable body weight, and maintain good skin elasticity, which helps ensure optimal results. It's important to have realistic expectations and understand that while buccal fat removal can create subtle yet significant improvements, it won’t drastically alter your appearance.
Just like any facial plastic surgery procedure, there are risks involved. Thanks to Dr. Bader’s strategic surgical approach and extensive expertise you are in good hands for your buccal fat removal surgery. Yet, possible side effects can include:
Choosing a skilled, compassionate surgeon is essential for achieving the best results from buccal fat removal. Dr. Bader's double board certification and advanced fellowship training in facial plastic surgery means that he is well-versed in the latest techniques and technologies to deliver safe, advanced outcomes. His approach is patient-centered, offering personalized care to one person at a time in his accredited surgery center in Frisco, Texas. His meticulous attention to detail and track record for natural-looking results allow you to experience the confidence that comes from a sculpted and defined appearance.
Dr. Bader can help you achieve a better facial definition by combining buccal fat removal with a fat transfer to selectively reduce fat in the lower cheeks while adding volume to areas like the cheekbones or temples.
Refine the entire lower face by slimming the cheeks and tightening the jawline with Dr. Bader's blend of buccal fat removal and neck liposuction. Together, these procedures eliminate unwanted fullness in both the cheeks and under the chin, delivering a more defined, sculpted facial profile.
When combined with rhinoplasty, buccal fat removal enhances overall facial symmetry. As rhinoplasty reshapes the nose, slimming the cheeks at the same time creates a beautifully balanced and harmonious appearance, enhancing both the front view and side profile.
Dr. Bader is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Plano, near Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.