Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is a simple surgical procedure to reduce the size of rounded, childlike cheeks. Our surgeon removes the buccal fat pads -- naturally occurring pockets of fat located in the cheeks on both sides of the face. This procedure can give your face a more refined, sculpted look.

A refined facial profile can be yours.

Buccal fat pads vary in size from person to person. In some cases, the pads differ in size from cheek to cheek in the same person. You may be a candidate for buccal fat removal if you feel these pads give your face a chubby appearance (“chipmunk cheeks”) or if you feel your face is too round, your cheekbones hidden, or if your cheeks are not symmetrical.

Omaha Face and you.

It is crucial to choose a surgeon who is well-trained in buccal fat removal. If too much fat is removed, you may appear gaunt or be left with a hollow facial look. Dr. Harbison is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise in this procedure and has a five-star rating on RealSelf. Visit him for a consultation at Omaha Face in Omaha, NE. He has established a private, boutique clinic with a difference – it was built to offer a superior level of personal service, and Dr. Harbison is known for achieving exceptional results.

Before & After

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Is the surgery easy to experience?

Buccal fat removal is an outpatient surgical procedure that can be performed in approximately one hour.
Local numbing medication is used to anesthetize the area around the mouth.
After the numbing agent has taken effect, Dr. Harbison makes a small incision on the inside of each cheek and removes the buccal fat pad.
The incisions are closed with a few small sutures, which dissolve within seven days.

How long is the recovery?

You will be numb for a few hours after the procedure. When the anesthetic wears off, you should only require acetaminophen for mild discomfort. We recommend sleeping propped up on a few pillows to help minimize swelling. You can expect some swelling for seven to ten days after buccal fat removal, but the discomfort is minimal. Avoid spicy or hard-to-chew foods for the first week. You will check in with Dr. Harbison in a week to ten days to check on your progress. We are always available if you have any questions or concerns.

Buccal Fat Removal FAQ

Can buccal fat removal be performed in combination with other procedures?

Absolutely! You may opt to have your buccal fat pads removed in conjunction with surgical and non-surgical procedures. Dr Harbison often uses dermal fillers to create volume in the upper face in combination with removal of the fat pads in the lower face to create a sculpted look. Buccal fat removal can also compliment jawline surgery and facelift procedures.

How long does it take to see results?

After the buccal fats are removed, there will be some swelling in the cheeks which will last for approximately one week. The final outcome of buccal fat pad removal can take a few weeks or months to appear, allowing the time for the skin to naturally contract.

Can buccal fat come back after the surgery?

Once fat cells are removed in any area of the body, they cannot return.

Why do some people have chubby cheeks?

Buccal fat pads occur naturally between the hollows of the cheeks to cushion the jaw and the teeth. Facial baby fat stored in this area will start to disappear at the onset of puberty. However, for some people, the volume of buccal fat is extensive, and the rounded look continues into adulthood. Major contributing factors to “chubby cheeks” include weight gain and your ethnic background.

Will I have scars after buccal fat removal?

Incisions for buccal fat removal are made inside the mouth, so there is no visible scarring.