What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

How far would you go to have a chiseled face? Jawline fillers, which help contour the chin and jaw, have exploded in popularity. Now another plastic surgery trend has taken social media by storm: buccal fat removal surgery. If you’re wondering, it’s pronounced “buckle” — and it reflects a growing interest in personalized facial sculpting, says plastic surgeon Dr. Kristopher M. Day, who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive facial procedures. Model Chrissy Teigen has admitted to having it. “And since I quit drinking, I’m really seeing the results, and I like it,” she revealed on Instagram. Cosmetic dermatologist Ellen Gendler told CNN that 20 people had asked her about the procedure in a single week. TikTok users are posting videos about their experiences getting the surgery on the platform. RELATED: Is Ozempic Safe for Weight Loss? So, what’s the deal with all the hype? Should you consider buccal fat removal to achieve a certain look? Here’s what you need to know. What Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery? “Buccal fat removal, a procedure that reduces lower cheek fullness to enhance facial contours, has certainly seen a rise in popularity,” says Day. “The primary advantage of buccal fat removal is the achievement of a more defined facial structure, which is particularly appealing for men aiming for a chiseled look.” “It helps emphasize the cheekbones by removing fat in the cheeks, and that can make the face look slimmer,” adds Dr. Jerry Friedman of North Jersey Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Think, male models looking into the camera with a smoldering gaze. The procedure will have you going in and out of your doctor’s office the same day. “It's a relatively quick surgery, typically under an hour, performed under local anesthesia with a recovery period that often lasts a few days to a week,” according to Day. However, as Day notes, understanding the procedure's invasiveness is crucial. Just because it’s fast doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. During the surgery, you’ll remain awake — unless you’re having several procedures done at once, which may require general anesthesia. Then, the surgeon makes small incisions on the inside of your mouth, which exposes your buccal fat pads. The idea is to remove those pads with minimal scarring. Finally, you’ll get sutures and receive instructions about aftercare. You’ll most likely be told to stick to a liquid diet for a couple of days and keep the inside of your mouth clean to prevent infections. Keep in mind that swelling and bruising are expected and everybody heals at a different pace. It can take several weeks or more to see the final results. Potential Drawbacks of Buccal Fat Removal There are risks, of course. Day says that potential cons include uneven results and a hollowed appearance as you age. There’s a reason fuller cheeks are called “baby cheeks.” It’s because they are associated with youth. You naturally lose facial fat at a time, and, once you remove it — you can’t get it back. “These risks, alongside considerations of facial changes due to aging, necessitate a careful evaluation by a qualified surgeon,” says Day. Plus, as Friedman puts it, you should be wary of following cosmetic surgery trends: “With any cosmetic surgery or procedure, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before jumping into it now. One of the biggest dangers with following trends with cosmetic procedures is that trends ebb and flow — just because celebrities are getting buccal fat removal now doesn’t mean that look won’t go out of style at some point.” Cost is also a factor to consider. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the procedure costs $2,883 on average. But this is only a fraction of the total cost involved — it doesn’t include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. Your total investment may vary based on your location and your surgeon of choice. It can easily get close to $5,000, or, in some cases, hit the five-figure range. Who Is Buccal Fat Removal Best For? If you’re on the fence about whether you’re the right candidate for buccal fat removal surgery, know that people turn to it for different reasons. Maybe they have a fuller face despite maintaining a healthy weight and low body fat percentage. Perhaps they want more defined cheekbones. Others undergo the procedure in combination with other interventions to combat age-related drooping. That said, your results will probably look better if you’re on the younger side. According to Day, the ideal candidate for buccal fat removal is “someone with fuller cheeks seeking enhanced facial angles, typically in their mid-20s to early 40s.” This helps ensure skin elasticity and optimal healing. It’s also important to have realistic expectations and be on board with the fact that the results will evolve over time. Buccal fat removal surgery may be trending, but it’s certainly more invasive than other popular treatments such as injectables. Even if you dislike your chubby cheeks, this is an irreversible procedure that does come with risks and potential downsides. So, think long and hard before doing it, and make sure to select a reputable surgeon if you choose to move forward. You Might Also Dig: Everything You Need to Know About Hormonal Weight GainBest Way to Lose FatWhy You're Not Losing Weight