Buccal Fat Removal vs Cheek Liposuction: Which Is Better For You?
If you’ve been wanting a more defined face or slimmer cheeks, you might have come across two popular options: buccal fat removal and cheek liposuction. Both are cosmetic procedures that can help shape your face and bring out your natural features — but they work in different ways.
Dr. Andrew Frankel, a well-known facial plastic surgeon, helps people choose the right option based on their unique features and goals. In this article, we’ll break down the difference between buccal fat removal vs cheek liposuction, who they’re for, how they’re done, and what kind of results you can expect.
What Are the Differences Between Buccal Fat Removal and Cheek Liposuction?
What Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery and How Does It Work?
Buccal fat removal is a surgical liposculpture procedure with the aim of reducing the size of the buccal fat pad. Often done on an ambulatory basis, it is a form of surgical operation that entails creating cuts within the mouth with a view of removing fat pads of the face.
How Does Cheek Liposuction Work and What Can It Do for Your Face?
Cheek liposuction, another invasive procedure, is aimed at erasing facial fat. This is done through small incisions made on the surface of the skin, a cannula is passed through to remove fat in the cheeks. This treatment is both cosmetic and surgical and is done on the cheek area.
What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal and Cheek Lipo?
Both procedures have their unique characteristics:
Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Removal
- More Defined Cheeks: Reduces fullness in the lower cheeks for a sculpted, V-shaped look.
- Slimmer Face Overall: Helps create a leaner, more contoured appearance without weight loss.
- Improved Jawline Definition: By removing deep fat, your jawline can appear sharper and more refined.
- No Visible Scars: Since the cut is made inside your mouth, healing is discreet with no marks on the skin.
- Boosted Facial Symmetry: Enhances the natural balance of your face for a more harmonious look.
- Permanent Results:Once the fat is gone, it doesn’t grow back—results are long-lasting with a stable weight.
Benefits of Cheek Liposuction
- Targets Larger Fat Areas: Great for those with wider cheeks or excess fat in more than just the buccal zone.
- More Overall Contouring: Smooths out uneven fullness and adds shape to the mid and lower face.
- Tightens Skin Naturally: As the area heals, your skin may tighten slightly, enhancing the lifted look.
- Quick Recovery: Most people are back to normal in about a week, with minimal discomfort.
- Customizable to Your Face: Surgeons can adjust the fat removal to match your natural features for balanced results.
Which Procedure Is Better for Facial Contouring: Buccal Fat Removal or Cheek Lipo?
Buccal Fat Removal
- Focus Area: Buccal fat pad
- Incision Placement : Inside the mouth
- Type of Procedure : Fat pad removal procedure
- Invasiveness : Less invasive (no visible scars)
- Typical Recovery Time : Shorter due to hidden incisions
- Ideal Candidate : Individuals with pronounced buccal fat
- Procedure Time : Generally under an hour
- Anesthesia : Local, sometimes with sedation
- Maybe longer due to visible incisions :Outpatient procedure
Cheek Liposuction
- Focus Area: Broader cheek areas
- Incision Placement : External on the cheek
- Type of Procedure : Fat reduction procedure
- Invasiveness : More invasive (possible visible scarring)
- Typical Recovery Time : May be longer due to visible incisions
- Ideal Candidate : Those with excess cheek fat
- Procedure Time : Varies, typically under an hour
- Anesthesia : Usually local with sedation
- Maybe longer due to visible incisions :Outpatient procedure
Who Is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal or Cheek Liposuction?
Buccal Fat Removal
A good candidate for buccal fat removal is a patient who wants to have a better facial shape. In the course of the consultation, we observe whether the patient has full cheeks that are still prominent even when the rest of the body is skinny. Candidates should:
- Possess good skin elasticity
- Aim to diminish prominent cheeks
- Have clear goals for a more contoured facial appearance
To be considered, a patient must have realistic expectations and understand the subtlety of the outcome in relation to their overall facial features.
Cheek Liposuction
It is usually performed on patients who want to contour their faces by reducing the fat in the cheeks. Ideal candidates share similar qualifications:
- Display a disproportionate facial fat distribution
- Maintain a stable weight
- Seek a sharper, more defined cheek contour
Persistent fat deposits despite a healthy lifestyle point to a patient’s suitability for this procedure. We ensure each prospective candidate understands the procedure’s goal for facial enhancement during their consultation.
How Are Buccal Fat Removal and Cheek Liposuction Performed?
Buccal Lipectomy (Buccal Fat Removal)
- This procedure focuses on a small pocket of fat deep in your cheeks called the buccal fat pad.
- This method helps improve facial symmetry and define your jawline without affecting nearby areas.
- A tiny cut is made inside your mouth, usually near your upper molars (back teeth).
- The doctor gently presses on your cheek to reveal the fat pad.
- A small amount of this fat is carefully removed to slim the face.
- Since the cut is inside the mouth, there are no visible scars.
Cheek Lipo (Cheek Liposuction)
- This procedure focuses on a small pocket of fat deep in your cheeks called the buccal fat pad.
- This method helps improve facial symmetry and define your jawline without affecting nearby areas.
- A tiny cut is made inside your mouth, usually near your upper molars (back teeth).
- The doctor gently presses on your cheek to reveal the fat pad.
- A small amount of this fat is carefully removed to slim the face.
- Since the cut is inside the mouth, there are no visible scars.
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What Is the Recovery Time for Buccal Fat Removal and Cheek Liposuction?
Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal typically takes about one hour and patients can often return home the same day. Recovery involves managing swelling and discomfort, which may last a few days. We use dissolvable sutures to minimize follow-up visits and ensure minimal scarring. Healing varies, but normal activities can usually resume within a week.
Cheek Liposuction
Cheek liposuction can take between one to two hours, and like buccal fat removal, allows for same-day discharge. Recovery includes monitoring for signs of infection and managing bruising. Most patients return to work within a week, with factors such as age and general health impacting individual healing times. Medications may be prescribed to alleviate pain during the first few days. It’s important to consider all treatment options when exploring these procedures.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Buccal Fat Removal and Cheek Lipo?
Buccal Fat Removal
Because the cut is inside the mouth, the chance of visible scarring is very low. Still, here are a few things that might happen:
- Mild infection – Rare, and usually treated easily with antibiotics.
- Bruising or swelling (hematoma) – Can happen under the skin but usually goes away with time or a quick drainage if needed.
- Uneven results (asymmetry) – Sometimes one side may heal a little differently, but this is usually minor and can be corrected.
- Temporary numbness – Some people may feel a bit of numbness in their cheeks, but it typically fades.
- Scar tissue inside the mouth – Very rare and usually not noticeable.
🛡️ Good to know: These risks are very low, especially when your procedure is done by a skilled surgeon who focuses on facial work.scars, albeit rare since incisions are hidden, exists.
Cheek Liposuction
This method uses tiny cuts near the ears or mouth to remove excess fat in the cheeks. It’s also a safe procedure with just a few potential (and rare) issues:
- Bumpy or uneven skin – If too much or too little fat is taken, it can lead to dimples or lumps, but this is rare with an experienced doctor.
- Fluid buildup (seroma) – A small pocket of fluid may form but usually goes away or can be drained.
- Temporary numbness – Like with buccal fat removal, sensation might be reduced for a short time.
- Small scars – The cuts are tiny, but if your skin scars easily, it’s something to ask your doctor about.
🛡️ Good to know: The tools used are super precise, and most people heal without any issues at all.cations can impact the aesthetic outcome. Effective communication with the surgeon about expectations and recovery is crucial.
How Long Do the Results of Buccal Fat Removal and Cheek Lipo Last?
Long-Term Care After Buccal Fat Removal
To maintain the contour achieved through buccal fat removal, a consistent lifestyle is vital. The longevity of your results largely depends on a stable weight, as significant fluctuations can alter the appearance of your cheeks. Integrate these maintenance strategies:
- Diet: Incorporate a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to prevent weight gain and support overall health.
- Weight Management: Engage in regular exercise to maintain your body weight and enhance facial definition.
Long-Term Care After Cheek Liposuction
Post-cheek liposuction, the maintenance of results extends beyond the initial recovery. For enduring effects, consider these lifestyle factors:
- Diet: Focus on maintaining a healthy diet that limits high-calorie and processed foods, which can contribute to weight gain and affect your facial contours.
- Lifestyle: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can impede healing and potentially diminish your surgical outcomes.
In both cases, the key to preserving your new facial profile is consistency in your maintenance efforts, ensuring the longevity of the buccal fat removal and cheek liposuction enhancements.
Final Thoughts on Making Your Choice
When it comes to refining your facial contours, understanding whether buccal fat removal or cheek liposuction aligns with your goals is crucial. Consultation with reputable surgeons is imperative; only they can assess factors like bone structure, skin elasticity, and medical history. Discuss cheek fat concerns and ask about chin lipo as an option, especially if a double chin is also present.
A skilled facial plastic surgeon can help determine the right course of action, whether it’s cheek liposuction that targets the skin and deeper fat layers or buccal fat removal for a more pronounced cheek hollow. They may even suggest combining procedures or incorporating an implant for optimal results.
Ready to unveil the best version of yourself? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrew Frankel. Together, you can explore which option will enhance your natural beauty while aligning with your personal goals. Embrace the opportunity to take the next step toward a look that brings you joy and confidence.
