If you’ve been told you have a “baby face” or “chipmunk cheeks,” you’ve probably explored ways to achieve more chiseled facial contours. No matter how much you diet and exercise, your chubby cheeks just seem to stick around. But there’s good news! Buccal fat removal can help you get the thinner, more defined cheeks you’ve always wanted.

Dr. Diana Ponsky is a double board-certified Cleveland facial plastic surgeon specializing in buccal fat removal to help you achieve a sculpted face. She curates personalized surgical plans that address your unique cosmetic goals, ensuring naturalized results that conform to your anatomy. Please continue reading to learn more about buccal fat removal in Cleveland!

Are you struggling with a “baby face”?

If your face looks rounder than you like, you may consider buccal fat removal to achieve a more mature, chiseled appearance. Buccal fat removal is recommended for patients with a “baby face” or “chipmunk cheeks,” usually marked by excess buccal fat pads on the cheeks.

Everyone has buccal fat pads, a rounded mass of fat located between the facial muscles in the hollow region beneath the cheekbones. The size of the buccal fat pad influences your face’s shape. If your buccal fat pad is extremely large, your cheek may look fuller. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with having fuller cheeks, if they cause self-consciousness, buccal fat removal can help you achieve a more chiseled appearance.

What is buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal, also known as buccal lipectomy, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to create a more defined, chiseled facial appearance by surgically removing excess fat from the cheeks. The procedure involves making small incisions inside the mouth and squeezing out the excess fat cells. This results in narrower and more chiseled cheeks, revealing cheekbone contours that are otherwise achieved through makeup contouring. By thinning the cheeks, buccal fat removal can create a more aesthetically pleasing facial structure.

Buccal fat removal for a permanently contoured and chiseled face

Buccal fat removal offers a main benefit of creating a permanently contoured and chiseled facial appearance. The excess fat is removed during the procedure and will not return, so you can enjoy a slimmer facial silhouette for the rest of your life.

Good candidates for buccal fat removal:

• Have excess fat in the cheek area that they would like removed
• Dislike the fullness of their cheeks
• Have been told they have a “baby face” or “chipmunk cheeks”
• Are seeking facial feminization
• Have pseudoherniation, i.e., small rounded fat mass in the cheeks
• Don’t smoke or are willing to stop smoking
• Are at least 18 years old
• Have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure
• Are in good overall health

Buccal fat removal may not be recommended if:

• You have a medical condition that could affect the healing process
• Your face is naturally narrow and thin because that may lead to sunken cheeks
• You have a history of poor scarring
• Your surgeon determines that removing excess fat may lead to pronounced jowls
• You are pregnant or nursing
• You have Parry-Romberg syndrome, a medical condition where the skin on one side shrinks.

Tips to prepare for your buccal fat removal:

Consult a qualified facial plastic surgeon

When considering buccal fat removal, it’s important to choose a plastic surgeon who is experienced in the procedure and knowledgeable about facial anatomy. A consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon will allow you to discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and better understand the potential risks and benefits.

Follow buccal fat removal pre-operative instructions

Before your buccal fat removal surgery, your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions to follow in the weeks leading up to the procedure. These may include avoiding certain medications and supplements, quitting smoking, and getting lab work done. To ensure the best possible outcome, it’s crucial to carefully follow these instructions.

Plan for recovery

Buccal fat removal is usually an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. However, you may experience swelling and discomfort for a few days after the surgery. It’s a good idea to have someone available to help you with daily tasks and provide emotional support during your recovery.

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Your consultation with a Cleveland cosmetic surgeon

Your buccal fat removal journey starts with a thorough consultation with Dr. Diana Ponsky, one of the leading cosmetic plastic surgeons in Cleveland. During your consultation, she will evaluate your health status, review your medical history, and identify potential risk factors. Additionally, she will examine your facial structure and take photographs. Based on your specific goals and concerns, she’ll curate a personalized surgical plan. Dr. Ponsky will inform you about every step of the surgical process, as well as the likely outcome, so you know what to expect.

What happens during buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal is a straightforward procedure that is typically performed as an outpatient surgery in an accredited surgical facility. First, Dr. Ponsky will make strategic incisions inside your mouth on the inner portions of your cheeks. From there, excess fat cells will be squeezed out. Once the excess fat pads have been removed, the surgeon will close the incisions with absorbable sutures. The procedure usually takes about an hour and is conducted under either local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

What is recovery like after buccal fat removal?

Consult Dr. Ponsky: Cleveland facial plastic surgeon

Dr. Diana Ponsky is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in buccal fat removal and other facial surgeries in Cleveland. She was the director of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at University Hospitals-Cleveland Medical Center. Dr. Ponsky has a stellar track record with thousands of successful cosmetic surgeries under her belt. She takes a personalized approach to buccal fat removal, ensuring the outcome conforms to your goals.

If you’re self-conscious about your rounded cheeks and want a more chiseled look, please schedule a consultation with our Cleveland facial plastic surgeon to initiate your journey!