Achieve Your Desired Face on a Single Treatment
BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL
Safety, Natural Results & Rapid Recovery
If you are searching for an experienced facial plastic surgeon with this as a priority, we are a great match!
What is a Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy)?
Buccal fat pad removal is a procedure designed to thin the lower face and lower cheeks by removing fat located in these areas.
Specifically, the buccal fat pad (“Bichat fat pad,” hence the operation’s name) is removed to gently sculpt the lower face. This procedure gently re-sculpts the lower face and decreases cheeks that are “chubby” or too thick.
We often combine buccal fat pad removal with liposuction of the face (Perioral Mound) and intra and post-operative Microneedling Radiofrequency (e.g. Morpheus8®, Vivace®) for facial additional slimming. In some patients, we add volume to the cheeks.
The procedure is performed in our office under local anesthesia, although sedation and general anesthesia are optional.
Recovery is very fast and you can go back to work the next day.
*The patient in the pictures underwent buccal fat removal, rhinoplasty and a conservative lip reduction to preserve her ethnicity and a natural result.
Quick Recovery, Minimal Downtime
Your Surgeon. What makes him a true Face & Neck expert
Among many surgeons claiming to be experts, Dr. Rivera-Serrano is among the country’s most highly trained facial plastic surgeons, having completed two separate residencies (plastic surgery & head & neck surgery / ENT) and two clinical fellowships in some of the most prestigious institutions in North America, Asia & Europe. One of his fellowships included advanced craniofacial & microsurgery, and in the past, he used to routinely perform face and neck cancer and complex reconstructive surgery, in much deeper anatomical areas than what most plastic surgeons have ever been. He is double board certified, has vast surgical experience, having performed thousands of successful surgical cases. Dr. Rivera-Serrano has been a University Professor of Surgery teaching residents on how to perform plastic surgery, written scientific article and book chapters, and has won multiple awards along the way. For more information see here.
Frequent questions
How is the buccal fat removal procedure done?
The procedure can be done under local anesthesia, with incisions inside the mouth. The results may take several months (typically 3-6, up to a year) to be apparent. In younger patients, this procedure can be combined with the filling of the upper checks (and or lateral jawline) and chin implants (if indicated) to give the illusion of a thinner face and improve the facial balance and proportions or a change from full cheeks to a more triangular or squared face. Every year, thousands of people undergo this procedure. A personal consultation will determine what is best for you.
How is the buccal fat removal procedure done?
The procedure can be done under local anesthesia, with incisions inside the mouth. The results may take several months (typically 3-6, up to a year) to be apparent. In younger patients, this procedure can be combined with the filling of the upper checks (and or lateral jawline) and chin implants (if indicated) to give the illusion of a thinner face and improve the facial balance and proportions or a change from full cheeks to a more triangular or squared face. Every year, thousands of people undergo this procedure. A personal consultation will determine what is best for you.
When should you consider buccal fat removal?
You are bothered by your chubby cheeks. Your self-confidence may improve from these procedures.
How much fat can be removed? What makes the cheeks fat?
The size of the buccal fat pad varies among individuals, and it is not fully predictable how large it is on physical examination. It is important to note that not all the fullness of the cheek is made from the buccal fat pad! The superficial fat of the face, musculature, or skeleton of the face may lead to prominent cheeks. Therefore, in some individuals removing the buccal fat pad will not make the cheeks become much thinner. Oftentimes, only a few ml (2-3 ml) of volume from each fat pad can be removed.
Financing Options are Available
