Buccal Fat Removal Surgery in Vancouver, BC

The first thing we typically do to help assess your candidacy is to do what we colourfully refer to as a “duck pout test” or a “fish face test”. Try to suck in your cheeks as if doing a duck pout or a fish face; if you can feel your cheek fat in-between your jaws, this means you are likely a candidate for surgery. People with prominent buccal fat pads often describe themselves as having “chubby cheeks.” While sometimes this can be the result of being overweight, the size of the buccal fat pads may be genetic. Buccal Fat Removal can address concerns of puffy, full cheeks, asymmetrical cheeks, or round cheeks that don't decrease in size with weight loss. Ideal Buccal Fat Removal candidates are typically aged 25 years and older, as by this age the face will usually have slimmed out naturally. If you find that you are above this age and still have full cheeks, Buccal Fat Removal surgery may be a wonderful facial contouring option for you.

As Buccal Fat Removal is a minimally invasive procedure, the downtime and recovery is very little. Visible results after Buccal Fat Removal are immediate, but patients should expect a normal amount of post-operative swelling for 7 to 10 days after surgery.
Patients can typically resume their usual activities, but most take a few days before returning to work or social activities to allow for most of the swelling to subside. Full results of your procedure are usually seen after 2 to 3 months post-surgery as your skin settles into the newly hollowed area where the buccal fat once was.

Buccal Fat Removal is a minimally invasive surgical procedure done under local anesthetic, which many compare to a dental procedure, as you will be in a reclined position with your mouth open. Because the surgery is performed from inside your mouth, there are no visible incisions, stitches, or scars on your face. Dr. Thomas Buonassisi expertly performs this surgery by making small incisions on the inside of the cheeks, just above the upper molars. The tissues of the cheek are then gently separated to expose the buccal fat pads. A precise amount of buccal fat is removed, this amount differs per person and is determined by your individual goals and facial structure. The procedure is then completed by sealing incisions with stitches.

Buccal Fat Removal is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat pads from the cheeks to create a slimmer, more sculpted facial appearance. It’s particularly popular for those seeking a more contoured look.

Yes, the results are permanent since the removed fat pads do not grow back. However, significant weight gain or aging can affect facial contours.