Buccal Fat Removal

Most people haven’t heard of buccal fat, but they know its effect on their appearance, as it fills the hollow areas below their cheekbones. If buccal fat detracts from your appearance, it’s time to meet with board-certified plastic surgeon Jonathan Zelken, MD. Dr. Zelken is well-known in Newport Beach, California, and nationwide for his expertise in buccal fat removal surgery. He artistically rejuvenates your midface, slims your face, and perfectly highlights your cheeks with a personalized procedure. To learn more, call the office or use online booking to schedule a consultation.

Learn more about buccal fat reduction services at Dr. Zelken's office »

What is buccal fat, and why would I want it removed?

Buccal fat is a distinct pocket of fat that contributes to the shape of your face. You have buccal fat pads on both sides of your face between your cheekbones and jawbones. They’re roughly in the middle between your ears and mouth.

Patients seek Dr. Zelken’s expertise in buccal fat removal (cheek reduction surgery) for two reasons. Some people have a large fat pad and want it removed to slim their face. Others want to remove or reduce the fat to highlight their cheekbones.

Does buccal fat removal accelerate facial aging?

Many people worry that removing buccal fat will cause sunken cheeks that make them look gaunt and old before their time. While that can happen, you don’t need to worry about it when you choose Dr. Zelken.

His advanced training, surgical skills, and artistic sensitivity prevent indiscriminate buccal fat reduction that makes you look older. He determines the precise amount of fat to remove to improve your appearance and produce the results you want, making subtle changes that have a significant impact.

What happens during buccal fat removal?

Your buccal fat removal surgery is done in the comfort of Dr. Zelken’s surgical suite. He explains the procedure and discusses your anesthesia choices during your consultation so that you’ll know what to expect.

On the day of your surgery, he makes small incisions inside your mouth to expose the fat pads. Then, he carefully cuts and removes part or all of the fat, depending on the total amount of fat and your personal aesthetic goals.

What should I expect after buccal fat removal surgery?

Before you leave the office, you’re told how to care for the incisions inside your mouth. You’ll follow a liquid diet for a few days while the incisions heal and gradually add soft foods before getting to OK to return to your usual diet.

Swelling, bruising, and numbness at the incision sites are to be expected. These side effects typically disappear in several weeks. Though you’ll notice the difference right away, it takes several months of healing to see your final results.

Call Jonathan Zelken, MD, today, or use online booking to learn about personalized buccal fat reduction.