Is buccal fat removal safe, is buccal fat removal dangerous, and—perhaps most important—is buccal fat removal worth it? These three questions come up at many consultations in Dr. Joanna Kam’s South Jersey office. Buccal fat pad removal (often called a buccal lipectomy) sculpts the lower cheek to reveal sharper cheekbones and a slimmer, more mature facial contour. Because it is a surgical procedure, patients understandably want clear, evidence‑based answers about safety, recovery, results, and potential downsides before scheduling surgery. The guide below brings together Dr. Kam’s clinical experience and common‑sense decision‑making tips, so you can choose confidently and move forward with the right treatment plan for your face.
5 Fast Facts to Help You Make a Decision
- Buccal fat removal targets a single pocket of fat deep in the cheek; it is not the same as facial liposuction.
- The incision is placed entirely inside your mouth, so the procedure leaves no visible scar on your face.
- Ideal candidates are healthy adults with naturally full “chipmunk” cheeks that do not slim down with diet or exercise.
- Downtime is brief—most people return to desk work within three to five days and social activities in about a week.
- Long‑term satisfaction is high when surgery is performed by a board‑certified facial plastic surgeon and expectations are realistic.
What is Buccal Fat Pad Removal?
Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that excises a walnut‑sized fat pad tucked between your cheekbone and jaw. Despite its small size, this buccal fat pad can cast a shadow that makes the lower face appear heavy or round. During surgery, Dr. Kam places a hidden incision inside the mouth, teases out the excess fat with delicate instruments, and then closes the incision with dissolvable stitches. The approach leaves no visible scars, preserves surrounding muscles and nerves, and usually takes less than an hour under local anesthesia, with or without light sedation.
Benefits of the Procedure
A slimmer face is only the beginning. After a detailed consultation, buccal fat pad removal can offer patients:
- More defined cheekbones and a leaner jawline
- Soft‑tissue balance that complements a rhinoplasty, chin implant, or a facelift
- Rapid, predictable results compared with weight‑loss or injectable options
- No external scars and minimal disruption of daily routines
- A permanent reduction of excess cheek fullness, enhancing long‑term facial harmony
The Safety of Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is considered a low‑risk outpatient procedure when performed by a board‑certified facial plastic surgeon in an accredited setting. The vast majority of patients notice nothing more than the expected side effects of swelling, mild bruising, or temporary jaw tightness in the first week. Serious complications—such as infection, excessive bleeding, or nerve weakness—are uncommon and can often be managed quickly if they occur.
Risks and Complications
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Understanding the potential risks upfront helps patients make informed choices. Risks include:
- Infection requiring antibiotics or, rarely, drainage
- Excessive bleeding or hematoma formation
- Asymmetry or over‑resection leading to hollow cheeks
- Temporary weakness of the facial nerve branch that lifts the upper lip
- Poor wound healing inside the mouth, particularly in smokers
- Need for revision surgery if contour irregularities develop
Potential Side Effects During Recovery
Most side effects are mild, short‑lived, and manageable at home. These may include:
- Swelling that peaks on day two and subsides over seven to ten days
- Bruising along the lower cheeks
- Tightness when opening the mouth (trismus) that resolves with gentle stretching
- Numbness at the incision line for several weeks
- A “sunken” look if too much fat is removed, underscoring the value of surgeon expertise
Factors Affecting Safety
Several variables influence how smoothly your surgery and recovery progress:
- Surgeon training, board certification, and experience with facial anatomy
- Operating in an accredited surgical suite versus a non‑accredited location
- Patient health—non‑smokers with stable weight and no active oral infections fare best
- Adherence to pre‑ and post‑operative instructions (e.g., pausing blood‑thinning supplements)
- Combining buccal fat removal with other procedures, which may extend anesthesia time
Every face is unique
Find out if buccal fat removal is the right step for your goals with guidance from Dr. Joanna Kam in New Jersey.
Is Buccal Fat Removal Safe for Everyone?
While the operation has an excellent track record, it is not a one‑size‑fits‑all answer for cheek fullness.
Who is a good candidate?
Healthy adults who meet the following criteria tend to enjoy predictable, natural‑looking results:
- Prominent round cheeks caused by a large buccal fat pad
- Little to no skin laxity in the mid‑face
- Non‑smokers with no bleeding disorders
- Realistic expectations about contour—not dramatic weight‑loss effects
Who should avoid the procedure?
Some patients are better served by alternative treatments or by waiting:
- Individuals with very thin faces—the removal could create an overly gaunt look
- Patients with significant mid‑face skin laxity who may need a facelift instead
- Heavy smokers or anyone unwilling to pause nicotine use before and after surgery
- People with active oral infections or uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g., diabetes)
- Anyone seeking to reduce weight rather than refine local fullness in the lower cheeks
Why Choose Dr. Kam for Your Buccal Fat Removal
Dr. Joanna Kam is double board‑certified in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Her practice in Voorhees and Sewell, NJ is fully accredited, offering hospital‑grade safety in a boutique setting. Dr. Kam performs every procedure herself, tailoring the amount of fat removed so your cheeks look refined, never hollow. Patients appreciate:
- A meticulous artist’s eye informed by thousands of facial surgeries
- 3‑D imaging and photo morphing to preview results
- Transparent discussion of pros, cons, and realistic outcomes
- A concierge‑style recovery plan with direct access to Dr. Kam after hours
- Two convenient locations and virtual consults for out‑of‑town patients
So, Is Buccal Fat Removal Worth It?
For the right candidate, buccal fat removal can be a game‑changer—uncovering high cheekbones, slimming a “baby face,” and elevating self‑confidence every time you catch your reflection. When balanced against a low complication rate, minimal downtime, and permanent results, many patients find the procedure well worth the investment. That said, value is personal: schedule a consultation, weigh the pros and cons, and decide whether the potential aesthetic payoff aligns with your goals.
Consult with a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Ready to see whether buccal fat removal belongs in your treatment plan? Call Dr. Kam’s Voorhees or Sewell office at 856‑565‑2903 or request an appointment online. A consultation could be the first step toward the sculpted, confident face you envision.
