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Dr. Hootan Daneshmand

Buccal Fat Removal Orange County, Newport Beach & Bakersfield

Buccal Fat Removal Excision Procedure Newport Beach, Orange Co & Bakersfield

Buccal fat removal slims a full or rounded midface by reducing the buccal fat pads, the deep pockets of fat beneath the cheekbones. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hootan Daneshmand removes a measured portion of each buccal fat pad through a small incision inside the mouth to sharpen the cheekbones and lower face.

Buccal fat pads vary in size and may not shrink with diet and exercise. That makes buccal fat removal a fit for adults at a stable weight whose cheeks still look round or heavy. Dr. D first evaluates bone structure and age-related volume loss, because removing too much fat can leave the cheeks hollow as the face matures.

Buccal fat removal often pairs with face liposuction along the jawline, double chin reduction beneath the chin, or a chin implant to balance the profile. Patients who want more cheekbone projection rather than less fullness may be better served by cheek implants. Browsing facial before-and-after photos helps set realistic goals.

Silhouette performs buccal fat removal at its Orange County offices in Foothill Ranch and Newport Beach, at its Kern County office in Bakersfield, and for patients who travel from Riverside County. To begin, schedule a consultation with Dr. Daneshmand at the office most convenient for you.

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What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to reduce fullness in the lower cheeks by removing a portion of the buccal fat pads.

Performed through a small incision inside the cheek, the procedure typically takes only a short time to complete and leaves no visible external scars. By reducing excess cheek volume, buccal fat removal can create a slimmer, more sculpted facial appearance and enhance the definition of the cheekbones and enhance the definition of the cheekbones and jawline.

This procedure is often an excellent option for individuals who feel their face appears overly round or full despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Recovery is generally straightforward, with minimal discomfort and downtime, allowing patients to enjoy a more refined and contoured facial profile that highlights their natural bone structure.

Buccal Fat Removal Cost: Orange County, Newport Beach & Bakersfield

The cost of buccal fat removal can vary based on several factors, but the procedure generally ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. The final price depends on the complexity of the procedure and the details of your individualized treatment plan.

Factors that may influence the total cost include:

  • The surgeon’s experience, training, and expertise
  • The type of anesthesia used
  • Prescription medications and post-operative care
  • Surgical facility and operating room fees
  • Geographic location of the practice

Because buccal fat removal is considered an elective cosmetic procedure, it is typically not covered by health insurance. During your consultation, your surgeon’s office can provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss available financing or payment options to help make treatment more accessible.

When Do You See Results From a Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?

The final results of buccal fat removal are not immediately visible, as swelling during the early stages of recovery can temporarily mask the outcome. As healing progresses and swelling subsides, the cheeks gradually settle into their new contours, revealing a slimmer and more sculpted facial appearance. While many patients notice improvements within a few weeks, it can take several months to appreciate the full results of the procedure.

Achieving the best possible outcome depends on carefully following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions throughout the healing process. Although buccal fat removal is generally associated with high patient satisfaction, individual results can vary, and no surgical procedure can guarantee a specific outcome. In some cases, additional treatment may be recommended to further refine the results. If you experience symptoms after surgery, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat, seek immediate medical attention. Your surgeon will provide detailed recovery guidelines to help ensure a safe healing process and optimal results.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Time

Recovery after buccal fat removal is typically straightforward, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort. Many patients find that pain is minimal and can often be managed without prescription pain medication. Because the procedure involves small incisions inside the cheeks, there is generally very little downtime, and many individuals are able to return to work and normal daily activities within a day or two.

Some swelling is expected during the initial healing period, although bruising is usually mild and often not noticeable. Since the incisions are hidden inside the mouth, there are no visible external scars. While patients may notice early improvements as swelling decreases, the final results become more apparent over time, with the cheeks gradually settling into their new contours. Most swelling resolves within 4–6 weeks, revealing a slimmer, more sculpted facial appearance.

what is buccal fat removal

What Does The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure Look Like?

Buccal fat removal is a relatively simple outpatient procedure designed to reduce fullness in the lower cheeks and create a more defined facial contour. After evaluating your facial structure and aesthetic goals, the surgeon performs the procedure using local anesthesia, sometimes combined with mild sedation for added comfort. A small incision is made inside each cheek, allowing access to the buccal fat pads. A carefully measured amount of fat is then removed to create a slimmer, balanced appearance while preserving natural facial harmony.

Once the desired contour is achieved, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. Because the incisions are hidden inside the mouth, there are no visible external scars, and recovery is typically quick. Most patients return home the same day. Since facial volume naturally decreases with age, an experienced surgeon will remove only the appropriate amount of fat to maintain long-term facial balance and avoid an overly hollow appearance in the future.

Buccal Fat Removal Risks

Choosing to undergo buccal fat removal is a personal decision that should be made after carefully considering both the potential benefits and risks of the procedure. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals, review your candidacy, and explain the procedure in detail, including any possible complications. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and review informed consent documents to ensure you fully understand the treatment and recovery process.

While buccal fat removal is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, potential risks may include:

  • Anesthesia-related complications
  • Bleeding or hematoma (blood collection beneath the skin)
  • Infection
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Facial asymmetry
  • Injury to facial nerves or salivary ducts
  • Changes in sensation or numbness
  • Persistent pain
  • Delayed or poor wound healing
  • Prolonged swelling
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
  • Unsatisfactory or subtle results
  • The potential need for revision surgery

Following your surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions can help minimize risks and support a smooth recovery and optimal outcome.

What Makes A Good Candidate For Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal may be a good option for individuals who feel their cheeks appear overly round or full and would like a slimmer, more sculpted facial appearance. Ideal candidates are adults who are in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Many patients seek buccal fat removal to enhance cheekbone definition and create a more contoured facial profile when diet and exercise alone have not reduced facial fullness.

Candidates should be non-smokers or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery to support proper healing. The procedure is best suited for individuals pursuing the treatment for their own personal goals rather than to meet someone else’s expectations or a specific beauty trend. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon can help determine whether buccal fat removal is appropriate based on your facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and overall health.

Schedule a Buccal Fat Removal in Orange County, Bakersfield, or Newport Beach

If you find yourself unhappy with the way your cheeks look, modern cosmetic procedures have a solution for you. With the help of a board certified plastic surgeon at the Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, we’ll determine which procedure is best for your desired results. Dr. Hootan Daneshmand has extensive experience and training in his field, and has the admiration of his peers. In other words, he’s one of the best in the business. For more information about this procedure, or for more information on the other procedures we offer, we invite you to contact our office. Call Silhouette today at 949-359-8397.

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