Buccal Fat Removal in Austin, TX
Redefine your facial contouring and achieve a slimmer, more sculpted look with buccal fat removal, known as buccal lipectomy, in Austin, TX. This specialized cheek reduction surgery is designed to reduce fullness in the lower cheeks, creating enhanced definition along the jawline and cheekbones.
Under the care of double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Malena Amato, patients can expect safe, natural-looking results that complement their unique facial features.
To learn more about buccal fat removal and whether it’s right for you, contact Dr. Amato’s Austin office at (512) 501-1010 or schedule a consultation online. Our experienced team will answer your questions and guide you through every step of your transformation.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal, also called cheek reduction surgery, is a facial contouring procedure designed to reduce the size of the buccal fat pads, which are naturally occurring pockets of fat located deep in the lower cheeks. While buccal fat pads are a normal part of everyone’s facial structure, some individuals have larger pads that create a rounded or “baby-faced” appearance even when they are at a healthy weight. This extra fullness in the cheeks can obscure bone structure and make the face look less defined.
By carefully removing a small portion of these fat pads, buccal fat removal refines the shape of the lower face, emphasizing the cheekbones and jawline through facial contouring. The procedure is particularly popular among patients who desire a slimmer, more sculpted facial appearance that aligns with their natural bone structure. Dr. Amato approaches buccal fat removal with precision and artistry to ensure every result looks natural, balanced, and harmonious.
Buccal Fat Removal’s Benefits
Buccal fat removal offers numerous aesthetic and emotional benefits for the right patient. Many patients experience improved confidence and satisfaction with their facial profile, particularly when makeup and hairstyles can better accentuate cheekbones and jawlines. Because the results are permanent, buccal fat removal offers a long-lasting solution for those seeking a refined look without the need for ongoing treatments or maintenance. The subtle yet impactful change can make the face look more sculpted and youthful while still maintaining a natural appearance.
Patient Experiences
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How Does Buccal Fat Removal Work?
The buccal fat pads sit deep beneath the facial muscles, contributing to the shape of the cheeks and overall facial contour. In some patients, these pads are disproportionately large, resulting in persistent fullness in the lower face, regardless of diet, exercise, or weight changes. Buccal fat removal works by surgically accessing these pads through a small incision inside the mouth and removing a carefully measured amount of fat.
This internal approach means there are no external scars, and healing is typically faster than other facial contouring surgeries. By strategically sculpting rather than eliminating all the buccal fat, Dr. Amato creates a natural-looking result that enhances existing features rather than altering the fundamental character of your face. This conservative technique helps prevent the overly hollow look that can occur if too much fat is removed.
Good Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal may be a good option for individuals who:
- Feel their cheeks look overly full or rounded despite being at a healthy weight.
- Want to achieve a slimmer, more angular facial appearance.
- Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes.
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit before and after surgery.
- Are in good overall health.
A consultation with Dr. Amato will help you determine if you’re an ideal candidate and if buccal fat removal can help you achieve your goals.
What Happens During a Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?
Buccal fat removal is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on patient preference and the surgical plan. After numbing the area for comfort, Dr. Amato makes a small incision inside each cheek, near the upper molars. Through this hidden incision, she carefully accesses and removes a precisely measured portion of the buccal fat pad.
The fat is removed in a controlled manner to ensure symmetry and prevent excessive tissue removal, which could result in an unnatural appearance. Once the fat is removed, the incision inside the mouth is closed with dissolvable sutures. Because all incisions are internal, there are no visible scars on the face, and most patients can resume light activities shortly after the procedure. The entire surgery typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes, and patients are discharged to go home on the same day.
Ready to book your procedure?
If you are ready to take the next step, or simply want more information about a procedure, please contact our team! Dr. Amato and Dr. Somogyi look forward to speaking with you soon!
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery in Austin, TX
Initial healing from buccal fat removal surgery involves mild swelling and tenderness in the cheeks, which typically peaks within the first few days after the procedure. Because the incision is inside the mouth, patients may experience some temporary tightness when opening their mouth or chewing. A soft diet is often recommended for the first several days to avoid irritation and promote healing.
Dr. Amato provides detailed post-operative instructions, including how to maintain mouth cleanliness to reduce the risk of infection and how to manage swelling with cold compresses and elevation. Most patients can return to work and light activities within a few days; however, strenuous activity should be avoided for approximately two weeks.
As swelling gradually subsides over several weeks, patients begin to see their refined facial contours emerge. Final results are typically visible within one to three months, revealing a slimmer, more sculpted look that enhances the natural bone structure.
Why Choose Dr. Malena Amato for Buccal Fat Removal?
Dr. Malena Amato is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with years of experience performing advanced facial contouring procedures. Her approach focuses on individualized treatment plans that enhance your natural beauty and provide long-lasting, natural-looking results. From your initial consultation to your final follow-up, Dr. Amato and her team are dedicated to making your experience positive, comfortable, and rewarding.
Schedule Your Buccal Fat Removal Consultation in Austin, TX
Take the first step toward a slimmer, more defined facial appearance with buccal fat removal. Contact Dr. Malena Amato in Austin today at (512) 501-1010 or schedule your consultation online. Our expert team looks forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with precision and care.
Buccal Fat Removal FAQs
Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, which is easily managed with prescribed pain medication and cold compresses.
Dr. Amato is careful to remove only a conservative amount of fat, ensuring your results remain natural and avoiding a hollowed-out appearance as you age.
Yes, once buccal fat pads are removed, they do not grow back. However, weight fluctuations and aging may still affect your overall facial appearance over time.
Yes, many patients combine buccal fat removal with chin augmentation, facelift, or facial fat transfer for a more comprehensive result.
Some improvement is visible as soon as initial swelling subsides within a few weeks. However, final results typically take one to three months to fully reveal as tissues settle and contour improves.
There is no strict age limit, but patients should have fully developed facial structures, typically by age 18 or older, and be in good health to safely undergo the procedure.
No, when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Amato, buccal fat removal does not interfere with the facial muscles responsible for smiling or other expressions.
Like all surgical procedures, buccal fat removal carries some risk, including infection, bleeding, and temporary numbness. Choosing a skilled, board-certified facial plastic surgeon significantly reduces these risks.
Most patients can return to work within two to three days, depending on the nature of their job. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about two weeks to ensure proper healing.