Bichectomy / Buccal Fat Removal (Cheeks)

Fullness below the cheekbones can come from several tissues, not only the buccal fat pad. Your assessment should consider overall facial proportions, the amount of volume already present and whether your weight is stable. A narrow face or existing hollow cheeks may make removal a poor choice. Bring older photographs if they help explain how your face has changed.

The surgeon reaches the buccal fat pad through an incision inside the cheek and removes a selected amount. This is different from liposuction under the chin. Nearby facial nerves and a salivary duct make careful planning important. Ask why removal is appropriate for your anatomy and how the surgeon intends to avoid an overly hollow appearance.

Tell the team about dental problems, mouth infections, smoking or vaping and previous facial treatments. Ask whether any dental concern should be addressed first. You will need clear instructions for food, drinks, mouth care and prescribed medicines after surgery. Stock suitable foods in advance, without assuming that every online liquid-diet schedule applies to you.

Cheek swelling may initially make the face look fuller, not slimmer. Eating and mouth movements can feel different during early healing. Follow the oral-care plan without pulling at the incision to inspect it. Ask when to return to work, vigorous exercise and dental appointments. The developing contour should be reviewed over time rather than judged immediately.

1. Early healing: Arrange a ride and the help recommended for your operation. Follow instructions for wound care, medicines and gentle movement; feeling better does not mean the tissues are fully healed.
2. As activity increases: Use follow-up to review the incision and agree on work and exercise. Driving requires safe movement and freedom from the effects of sedating medicines.
3. Over the following months: Scars and remaining swelling may continue to change. Keep scheduled checks and ask about a result that is not progressing as expected.

The incision is inside the mouth, but that does not make surgery scar-free or risk-free. Removal changes a source of facial volume permanently. Aging can reduce other facial fullness later, making an initially subtle change more obvious. Discuss that longer view, particularly if you are young or already have a lean face.

If fullness comes mainly from another area, buccal removal may not address it. A lower-face or neck concern deserves its own assessment rather than extending this operation beyond its purpose. Sometimes preserving cheek volume is the better plan. Avoid choosing permanent tissue removal solely to copy a filtered photograph or a short-lived beauty trend.

Your estimate should reflect the facial assessment, anesthesia and the scope of the planned cheek operation. Ask for the surgeon, anesthesia and facility charges to be listed, along with garments, tests, follow-up and any costs for a complication or revision. Confirm what happens if the plan changes or surgery is postponed. This website does not provide a confirmed price, insurance decision or financing offer.

Before discharge, get written instructions explaining expected symptoms, warning signs, an after-hours contact and where to go if help is needed. Report worsening pain, fever, spreading redness, unexpected drainage or a wound that opens. Uncontrolled bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or fainting needs emergency care; call 911 in the United States. A website guide cannot assess a postoperative symptom or replace your team’s instructions.

These patient resources explain general principles. They do not confirm a particular clinician, technique or result at Veloré. This guide is educational; your treating clinician must confirm the plan and give personal instructions.

• ASPS — Buccal fat removal
• ASPS — Buccal fat removal — risks and safety
• ASPS — Buccal fat removal — recovery

Content updated 3 November 2026.