A sculpted, well-defined face conveys youth, elegance, and confidence. Yet for many, genetics or persistent cheek fat can create a rounded, “baby-faced” appearance that resists even the most disciplined lifestyle efforts.
Buccal fat removal offers a targeted solution for those seeking slim, chiseled facial contours. In Newport Beach, triple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Sajjadian performs this procedure with precision, artistry, and an unwavering commitment to safety.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about buccal fat removal and explains why Dr. Sajjadian remains a trusted leader in advanced surgical techniques.
What Can Buccal Fat Removal Do for You?
Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to reduce lower cheek fullness by removing a portion of the fat located between the cheekbones and jawline. This targeted approach can:
- Enhance cheekbone definition
- Create a slimmer, more sculpted facial profile
- Accentuate natural facial angles
- Reduce the appearance of a chubby or round facial contour
Unlike fat elsewhere on your body, buccal fat tends to resist weight loss or lifestyle changes. Genetics are highly influential, so even people who are at a healthy weight may still have prominent buccal fat pads.
Why Consider Buccal Fat Removal?
While a full face is a hallmark of youth, some find it detracts from their desired facial harmony or makes them appear heavier than they are. Buccal fat removal is ideal for patients who:
- Feel self-conscious about persistent facial roundness
- Desire more definition in their cheeks and jawline
- Want a permanent solution after non-surgical options have failed
- Are in good health with realistic expectations
The procedure is particularly popular among adults who notice their facial fullness is out of proportion with the rest of their features or whose cheeks remain plump despite weight loss. People with naturally thin faces may wish to consider alternative procedures, as age-related changes can result in a hollow appearance.
What to Expect Before, During and After Buccal Fat Removal
You’ll start by sitting down with Dr. Sajjadian for a thorough consultation. He will evaluate your facial anatomy and discuss your goals to determine if you’re a good candidate. He’ll also review your medical history and answer your questions about the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
Buccal fat removal is an outpatient surgery performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on your needs. All incisions are inside your mouth, eliminating the risk of external scarring. Dr. Sajjadian gently teases out the appropriate amount of buccal fat, ensuring a natural, balanced result and avoiding a gaunt appearance. Then, he closes the incisions with dissolvable sutures. This procedure takes an hour or less, and you’ll return home the same day.
You can expect swelling and mild discomfort for the first few days of recovery, which you can manage with cold compresses and prescribed medications. You’ll be on a liquid or soft-food diet for the first few days to avoid irritating the incisions. You can gradually return to your regular diet as healing progresses. Dr. Sajjadian may prescribe you a mouthwash to prevent infection and promote healing.
Rest is crucial during the initial recovery period. You can sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling. Avoid exercise and other strenuous activities that elevate your blood pressure until Dr. Sajjadian clears you to resume. Most patients return to work and social activities within a few days, with full results visible in several weeks to a few months as residual swelling resolves.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, buccal fat removal carries some risks, including:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Asymmetry
- Nerve injury (rare)
- Over- or under-correction
Choosing a highly qualified, experienced surgeon like Dr. Sajjadian minimizes these and ensures optimal safety and results.
Combining Buccal Fat Removal With Other Procedures
Many patients choose to enhance their facial transformation by pairing buccal fat removal with complementary surgeries:
- Chin or neck liposuction
- Rhinoplasty
- Facelift or mini facelift
After learning about your goals, Dr. Sajjadian will develop a customized treatment plan for the most harmonious, natural-looking outcome.
Partnering With Dr. Sajjadian
Expertise matters with delicate facial contouring procedures. The goal is always to preserve your natural appearance without creating an overdone result.
Dr. Sajjadian is one of the nation’s most accomplished plastic surgeons.
- Triple board-certified: Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology, and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – an honor held by only a select few surgeons in the United States.
- Extensive training: Dr. Sajjadian completed advanced surgical training at top institutions, including Drexel University, Temple University, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he also served as an assistant professor.
- Renowned educator: He has authored over 75 publications and lectures nationally and internationally on advanced plastic surgery techniques.
- Artistry and precision: Dr. Sajjadian is known for his natural, balanced results and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring you look like the best version of yourself – not someone else.
- Patient-centered care: Dr. Sajjadian and his team prioritize your comfort, safety, and satisfaction from your initial consultation to your final follow-up.
Dr. Sajjadian believes in continued training and improvement. He actively participates in many regional, national, and international educational meetings every year. He is a former assistant professor of plastic surgery and a faculty member of the residency program at one of the world’s leading plastic surgery institutions.
Ready to Reveal Your Best Face?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sajjadian in Newport Beach if you’re ready to say goodbye to stubborn cheek fullness and hello to a more sculpted, confident you. Discover how buccal fat removal performed by one of the nation’s most trusted and skilled plastic surgeons can help you achieve the facial definition you’ve always wanted.