Summary

• Buccal Fat Removal is a surgical facial procedure which reduces the fullness of the cheeks and enhances the facial proportions
• Buccal Fat Removal recovery time is typically 4-6 weeks
• Eating soft foods, and using a cold compress can help to improve Buccal Fat Removal healing time
• Cadogan Clinic’s expert Consultant Facial Surgeons are specialists in Buccal Fat Removal and are committed to fully supporting all patients throughout their recovery

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal Fat Removal, sometimes called Buccal Fat Pad Removal, is a surgical procedure that reduces the appearance of chubby cheeks, slimming down the outline of the face.

Cadogan Clinic has brought together a team of the UK’s leading Consultant Facial Surgeons, who are all experts in performing Buccal Fat Removal. Our award-winning Clinic, based in Chelsea, London, is overseen by CQC-rated Outstanding leadership, and 100% of our surgical patients would recommend the Clinic to their family and friends.

In 2023, the global Buccal Fat Removal market was valued at $103.1 million and is projected to increase to $158.0 million by 2030. Between 2024 and 2025, Cadogan Clinic saw a 25% increase in the number of Buccal Fat Removal procedures performed.

During a Buccal Fat Removal procedure, small incisions are made on the inside of each cheek to allow the buccal fat pad, which sits in the lower part of the cheek, to be either fully or partially removed. The incisions are then closed, achieving a seamless finish with no visible scarring.

Having full cheeks can give the face an overly young appearance. Although this may seem beneficial, in many cases individuals find that it results in them being treated differently in social and professional settings, which may cause frustration and embarrassment. Buccal Fat Removal is a simple procedure, which can be transformational for many patients.

If you are interested in Buccal Fat Removal, Cadogan Clinic’s team of specialist surgical patient advisors are on hand to discuss your concerns and match you with the best Consultant Facial Surgeon to meet your needs.

Buccal Fat Removal is a surgical procedure which enhances the contours of the face by removing excess fat from the cheeks.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Tips

During Buccal Fat Pad Removal recovery, it is essential to thoroughly follow your surgeon’s recovery and aftercare instructions to prevent complications and ensure you achieve your desired results.

As well as your Consultant Facial Surgeon, you will also receive support from your personal surgical advisor and our pre-operative team before your Buccal Fat Removal procedure to ensure you are fully prepared.

What You Should Do During Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

• Eating soft foods: As the Buccal Fat Removal incisions are inside your mouth, it is important to eat soft foods which won’t damage the area
• Sleeping position: Your surgeon will ask you to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling and prevent pressure being placed on your cheeks
• Wound care: Incisions within the mouth are slightly more prone to infection due to contamination with food; it is essential to keep the area clean to prevent complications
• Cold compresses: Your surgeon may recommend holding a cold compress over the outside of your cheeks to help reduce swelling, especially in the early stages of recovery

What You Shouldn’t Do During Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

• Exercise and strenuous activity: Strenuous activity such as heavy lifting and exercise can slow the healing process after Buccal Fat Removal
• Chewing gum: Repetitive or excessive jaw stretching can damage the incisions
• Use straws: The suction from straws, especially in early recovery, can put stress on the surgical area
• Travel: Long-distance travel can put strain on the body and reduce natural healing capacity

Your Consultant Facial Surgeon will provide you with comprehensive Buccal Fat Removal aftercare advice to ensure you achieve the best results.

Is Buccal Fat Removal Painful?

As with almost any surgical procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort, especially in the early stages of recovery after Buccal Fat Removal. However, most patients find this improves within a few days, and is easily managed with standard pain medication. Patients may find that they experience a feeling of tightness or pressure within the mouth due to the incisions, but this is short-term.

Following Buccal Fat Removal, it is also normal to experience some swelling and bruising around the mouth and cheeks. This typically resolves within 2-3 weeks, and sleeping with your head slightly elevated and using cold compresses can help to improve this.

Although it is normal to experience some slight discomfort after Buccal Fat Removal, if you have any concerns or notice anything unusual, it is essential that you contact the Clinic as soon as possible to have your symptoms assessed. You will receive full aftercare support from your team at Cadogan Clinic to ensure your Buccal Fat Removal recovery is simple and well-managed.

It is normal to experience some slight discomfort and tightness after Buccal Fat Removal, but this should improve within the first few days of recovery.

What Buccal Fat Removal Aftercare Support Does Cadogan Clinic Provide?

As part of Cadogan Clinic’s commitment to the highest standards of patient safety and outcomes, we provide comprehensive recovery and aftercare with all Buccal Fat Removal procedures, as standard.

Following your Buccal Fat Removal, you will be given the details of the Clinic’s 24-hour recovery phone line, in case you require assistance.

Additionally, you will have a series of follow-up appointments with our specialist surgical nurses and your Consultant Facial Surgeon to monitor your progress and assess your results. Attending these appointments in person ensures the highest level of communication between you and your medical team, to achieve the best outcomes.

Cadogan Clinic, London, consistently maintains industry-leading safety standards:

• Cadogan Clinic’s surgical infection rate is 0.01%, compared with a 4.7% national average
• Cadogan Clinic’s surgical revision rate is 0.8%, compared with an approximately 10% average

Cadogan Clinic provides the highest standards Buccal Fat Removal aftercare support to protect patient safety and achieve the best possible results.

Frequently Asked Questions