Understand buccal fat removal, the options to discuss with a qualified clinician and what to confirm before planning a visit to Shiraz.
Key points
- Discuss your individual suitability, alternatives and risks with the treating clinician.
- Ask for written preparation and recovery instructions, including your medicines and follow-up.
- Confirm the healthcare facility, full costs and arrangements before booking travel.
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Buccal fat removal surgery is a cosmetic surgery intended to make the cheeks thinner in people who want to have a more contoured, slimmer face with emphasized cheekbones and jawlines.
Also known as cheek reduction, buccal fat pad removal, buccal lipectomy, and bichectomy, this minor facial contouring surgery involves making a small incision inside the mouth in the inner side of the cheeks (buccal mucosa), and removing the buccal fat pad, also known as Bichat’s fat pad, which is located just below the cheekbones.
What is buccal fat pad?
The buccal fat pad is a mass of fat located in the cheek hollow area between the buccinator muscle and other more superficial muscles. The size of Bichat’s fat pad differs for each individual, and the buccal fat pad in the two cheeks may have different sizes.
Some people prefer slim cheeks over chubby cheeks
How is a bichectomy performed?
Cheek reduction surgery is a simple outpatient procedure, which is often performed under local anesthesia, but general anesthesia can also be used if the surgeon concludes that it is a more appropriate choice for a particular case.
After applying anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small cut inside of the mouth in the inner lining of the cheek. Then using surgical instruments, he/she locates the fat pad, pulls it out of the hole, cuts is with a pair of scissors or cauter, and cauterizes the remaining fat.
Finally, the incision is closed and stitched up to heal. The sutures used for stitching are typically absorbable and will eventually dissolve on their own. You can go home on the same day of the surgery after feeling stable.
Buccal fat removal recovery
There will be little or no downtime after a buccal lipectomy and you can return to work and resume your daily activities the next day, unless you get it in conjunct with another procedure, such as a facelift.
You might be instructed to keep on a liquid diet for several days. Your doctor may prescribe you a special diet to reduce the risk of infection or inflation on your face.
Doctor’s instructions will basically include:
- How to care for your surgical site
- When to seek a follow-up
- Medications to be taken orally or applied to the surgical area to help with healing and reduce the risk of infection
- Dietary guidelines for the first few days of the recovery period
Ask your surgeon specific questions regarding the details of the surgery and recovery
- How much time do I need to stay in the clinic/hospital after the surgery is complete?
- What medication should I take after the surgery?
- Will I need to have bandages after the surgery? When should I have them removed?
- When can I return to work and normal activities?
- When should I come back for the follow-up?
Before and after buccal fat pad reduction
Be careful not to subject the surgical incisions to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Following your doctor’s instructions is key to a successful buccal fat reduction surgery.
Buccal fat removal risks and safety
Your doctor and the medical staff will explain to you in detail the risks and potential complications of a bichectomy so that the surgery will be done by your informed consent.
The possible risks of buccal fat extraction surgery include swelling, infection, slow or poor healing, hematoma, anesthesia-related complications, permanent or temporal facial muscle weakness, fluid accumulation (seroma), numbness, injury to the facial nerves, asymmetrical cheeks. Most of these complications rarely happen and, if occur, they will be temporary.
Make sure to ask your doctor all the questions you have in mind. It’s highly important to understand all the aspects of your buccal fat removal surgery.
A practical point for your care
Before an operation, the pre-assessment team should review your health, previous tests and all medicines and supplements. Ask for written instructions on medicines, eating, drinking and aftercare that apply to your planned procedure.[1]
Planning treatment in Shiraz
Ask SanaMedTour about the appropriate specialty, appointment arrangements and practical support for your visit. The treating clinician confirms the diagnosis, treatment options, suitability and follow-up after assessment.
Request an itemised written quote identifying the clinician, facility, tests, treatment, medicines, reviews and any accommodation or transfers included.
Sources
[1] NHS: Preparing for surgery — supports the individual-care planning note above. ↑ Back to text
Editorial adaptation: 25 October 2026. General information for planning and discussion; your clinician’s individual instructions take priority.