Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Reveal a more rested, vibrant version of yourself

What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?

For some individuals, a persistent facial fullness or “chubby cheek” appearance can create a round, less defined look that obscures the natural bone structure. This is often caused by enlarged buccal fat pads, which are distinct pockets of fat located deep in the lower cheeks. Buccal fat pad removal is a highly specific surgical procedure designed to reduce this lower cheek fullness, creating a more sculpted, sophisticated facial contour and enhancing the definition of the cheekbones and jawline.

Facial surgery is the ultimate expression of art and science in plastic surgery. It requires a profound respect for the individual’s identity. My goal is to enhance, not alter, the features that make you uniquely you.

Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

Each face is different. It is the focus of our personality and identity

Facial volume is precious, especially as we age. The goal is to create subtle, elegant definition, not a hollowed or gaunt look. I am very conservative with this procedure, as over-removal can lead to an undesirable appearance later in life.

This is a procedure that requires careful patient selection. An ideal candidate:

Has a round, full, or “cherubic” face shape due to prominent buccal fat.
Desires a more angular or chiseled facial appearance.
Understands the importance of a conservative approach.

Feel Like Yourself

Natural, Elegant Results

There is an art to an exceptional results. It requires not only surgical expertise but also a deep understanding of facial anatomy and an eye for balance. More is not always better—a refined, natural result comes from thoughtful restraint, technical precision, and a shared vision.

What To Expect

I take a comprehensive view to ensure your facelift harmonizes with your overall anatomy, including your hairline, ears, eyes, and brow. Together, we’ll craft a plan that balances your lifestyle, expectations, and the nuances of your unique face.

What I Evaluate During Your Consultation

The key to a beautiful result is confirming that the buccal fat pad is indeed the primary cause of facial fullness

During your consultation, I will:

Analyze your overall facial shape and bone structure.
Manually assess the size and contribution of your buccal fat pads.
Discuss your aesthetic goals to ensure they align with what this procedure can realistically achieve.
Consider the long-term effects of volume reduction on your facial aging process.

The Proceure

The elegance of buccal fat removal lies in its scarless approach

The entire procedure is performed from inside the mouth. I make a small incision on the inside of each cheek, through which I can access and carefully remove a portion of the buccal fat pad. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures, leaving no visible external scars.

Recovery & Healing

Recovery is often compared to that of minor dental surgery. You can expect some swelling in the cheeks for one to two weeks. A soft diet is recommended for the first few days to protect the incision sites. There is minimal pain, which is easily managed, and most patients can resume normal activities within a few days. The final, sculpted results will become more apparent as the swelling fully resolves over several weeks.

Schedule Consultation

Turn your dreams into reality

Get in-depth personal consultation where I will review your goals, anatomy, and medical history to formulate a plan that is specific to you.

I am located in a beautiful and classic San Francisco neighborhood called Pacific Heights.

Directions: Apple | Google

Phone: 415-981-3911

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "best" age for a facelift?

There is no “best” age. The right time for surgery depends on your individual anatomy, the degree of aging, and when you feel ready. I have performed facial rejuvenation on patients in their 40s as well as their 70s. The key factor is your health and your personal goals, not the number on your driver’s license.

I'm afraid of looking "pulled" or "unnatural." How do you avoid that?

This is the most common and important concern. My entire surgical philosophy is centered on creating natural results. An “overdone” look is the result of pulling the skin too tight. My modern techniques focus on repositioning the deeper foundational layers (the SMAS) vertically, against gravity. The skin is then gently redraped without tension. The goal is to make you look rested and refreshed, not like a different person.

How long do the results of facial rejuvenation last?

While surgery turns back the clock, it doesn’t stop it from ticking. The results of a facelift or blepharoplasty are very long-lasting. You will always look younger than you would have without the procedure. A healthy lifestyle, diligent sun protection, and a good skincare regimen will help maintain your beautiful results for years to come. See my skincare page for more information. Any fat grafting results are considered permanent, as the transferred cells become a living part of your tissue.

Can I combine multiple procedures in one surgery?

Absolutely. In fact, combining procedures is often ideal for achieving the most harmonious and balanced result. For example, a facelift is frequently paired with eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or fat grafting to address all aspects of facial aging simultaneously. This approach is both effective and efficient, requiring only one recovery period. We will discuss the safest and most effective combination for you during your consultation.

What about non-surgical options like Botox or fillers?

Non-surgical treatments are excellent tools for maintenance and for addressing specific, less advanced concerns like fine lines (Botox) or minor volume loss (fillers). See my injectables page for more information here*** They can be a great starting point or used to complement surgical results. However, for significant sagging, skin laxity, and extensive volume loss, surgical rejuvenation provides a more definitive and long-lasting solution. We can discuss a comprehensive plan that may include both surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Your Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Options

Every face tells a different story, and every surgical plan is tailored to that story. Below are the core procedures I utilize, often in combination, to achieve comprehensive and balanced facial rejuvenation.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

To address sagging in the mid-face, jowls, and deep facial folds.

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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

To rejuvenate tired-looking eyes by addressing sagging skin and puffiness.

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Brow & Forehead Lift

To elevate a heavy or drooping brow and smooth the forehead.

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Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)

To redefine the jawline and correct sagging skin or bands in the neck.

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Facial Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer)

To restore youthful volume and improve facial contours using your own natural fat.

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Chin & Facial Liposuction

To remove targeted fat deposits and sculpt the jawline and neck.

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Buccal Fat Pad Excision

To selectively reduce fullness in the lower cheeks for a more contoured look.

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My Approach

I am committed to the highest standards of patient care and plastic surgery. I believe in developing a strong relationship with my patients in order to best serve their needs and desires.

Furthemore, I am committed to the art and science of plastic surgery and believe that the best results come from a combination of technique, knowledge of patient anatomy, and artistry. My goal is to achieve excellence with a natural aesthetic and elegance while matching the patients’ desires to what is surgically possible so that they can radiate from the inside out. I look forward to meeting you.

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