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Procedures

Face and Head

Buccal Fat Removal

Also known as Cheek Reduction · Cheek Slimming · Bichectomy

Buccal fat removal, also known as bichectomy or cheek reduction, is a surgical procedure that removes the buccal fat pads — naturally occurring pockets of fat located in the lower cheeks. By reducing the volume of these fat pads, the procedure creates a slimmer, more sculpted facial contour with enhanced cheekbone definition.

30–60 Minutes

Duration

Local Sedation

Anaesthesia

Day Procedure

Hospital Stay

Am I a Good Candidate?

Buccal fat removal may be suitable for those who:

  • Are in good overall physical health and at a stable weight
  • Are a non-smoker, or willing to cease smoking at least 4–6 weeks prior to surgery
  • Have a round or full lower face that does not reflect their overall body weight
  • Desire more defined cheekbones and a slimmer facial contour
  • Are at or near their ideal body weight
  • Have realistic expectations about the degree of contouring achievable

What to Expect — The Procedure

IncisionSmall incisions made inside the mouth — no external scarring
TechniqueBuccal fat pad accessed through the inner cheek, carefully removed, and incisions closed with dissolvable sutures

Because the incisions are made entirely inside the mouth, there are no visible external scars. The procedure is relatively brief and recovery is generally more straightforward than many other facial surgeries. Results become more apparent as post-operative swelling resolves over the following weeks and months.

Pre-operative Care

  • Cease smoking at least 4–6 weeks prior to surgery
  • Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 2 weeks before surgery
  • Inform your surgeon of all current medications, allergies, and medical conditions
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you and assist you for the first 24–48 hours
  • Maintain thorough oral hygiene in the days leading up to surgery to reduce infection risk

The following are general guidelines only. Your assigned surgeon will provide personalised pre and post-operative instructions during your consultation.

Post-operative Care

  • Keep the head elevated at all times during the initial recovery period, including while sleeping
  • Avoid submerging incisions in water until your surgeon confirms the wounds are fully healed
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for wound checks and progress assessment
  • Maintain a soft food diet for the first 1–2 weeks, avoiding foods that require significant chewing
  • Avoid touching or pressing on the cheeks during the healing period
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that significantly increase blood pressure for at least 2–3 weeks

When to Call Your Surgeon

  • High fever (above 38.5°C / 101.3°F)
  • Sudden or rapidly increasing pain not relieved by prescribed medication
  • Excessive bleeding or unusual discharge from the incision sites
  • Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or opening the mouth beyond what is expected in initial recovery
  • Signs of allergic reaction — skin rash, severe itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing

Frequently Asked Questions

When performed on an appropriate candidate with careful surgical planning, results should appear naturally sculpted rather than hollow. Your surgeon will assess facial proportions thoroughly during consultation.
Yes. Once the buccal fat pads are removed, they do not grow back. However, significant weight gain or loss after the procedure can affect the overall facial appearance.
Because the cheeks can remain swollen for several weeks following the procedure, final results are typically not fully visible until 2–3 months post-surgery.

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