Am I a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal? Top Signs This Procedure Is for You

Are you looking for a way to achieve more defined cheeks? Buccal fat removal is a popular procedure that reduces fullness in the lower face to create a more sculpted, contoured look.

At Beyond Beautiful in Plano, Dr. Vu Ho, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, helps patients from McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Solano, Allen, and Richardson determine if they're good candidates for this treatment. If you want to learn how to contour your face and improve facial harmony, call now to schedule an appointment.

What is buccal fat?

So, what is buccal fat? Buccal fat pads are naturally occurring pockets of fat located in the lower part of your cheeks, between the cheekbones and jawline. These fat pads contribute to facial fullness, and their size varies from person to person.

Some people have larger buccal fat pads, which can create a rounder appearance in the lower face. While this fullness is normal and often youthful-looking, some patients prefer a sculpted look with greater definition along the cheekbones and jawline. Buccal fat removal can help achieve this goal.

The benefits of buccal fat removal

Buccal fat removal offers several benefits for patients seeking a more contoured facial appearance:

• Creates more defined cheeks and a sculpted lower face
• Enhances facial harmony by balancing proportions
• Provides long-lasting results, as the fat pads do not grow back
• Helps patients who feel their face looks too round or full
• Works well in combination with other facial contouring procedures

At Beyond Beautiful, Dr. Ho customizes each procedure to ensure the results complement your natural features and achieve the level of definition you're looking for.

Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal

Not everyone should undergo buccal fat removal, but many patients can benefit from it. You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have full or round cheeks that don't respond to weight loss or aging
• Want more defined cheeks and a sculpted facial contour
• Have adequate facial structure to support the procedure
• Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations

It's important to note that buccal fat removal is not recommended for patients with naturally thin faces, as removing fat could make the face appear hollow or aged over time. During a consultation in Plano, Dr. Ho will discuss whether this procedure is the right choice for you.

What buccal fat removal looks like

Buccal fat removal is done as an outpatient procedure. Small incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars on the face. The buccal fat pads are carefully removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

The procedure usually takes about 30 – 60 minutes. Recovery is relatively quick, with most patients returning to light activities within a few days. Swelling and bruising are common in the first week, but they subside as healing progresses. Optimal results become visible once any swelling fully resolves, typically within a few months.

Discover how to contour your face through surgery

If you're asking, "What is buccal fat?" or want to know how to contour your face for better facial harmony and defined cheeks, Beyond Beautiful in Plano is here to help. Dr. Vu Ho is proud to serve patients from McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, Solano, Allen, and Richardson.

Whether you're considering buccal fat removal or exploring other facial contouring options, our team can guide you toward the best solution. Call today and achieve the sculpted, balanced look you've been wanting.