A round face can be youthful and attractive, but some people feel their lower cheeks make their face look fuller than they want. When the fullness comes from buccal fat pads, weight loss doesn’t always make a noticeable difference. Buccal fat removal is another option for refining your lower cheeks and adding more definition to your cheekbones and jawline.
Facial contouring procedures require restraint and surgical skill, because the goal is to give you more definition, but not in a way that looks overly slim. Dr. Ellen Mahony, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Westport, Connecticut, will evaluate your facial anatomy, natural cheek volume, and long-term aging patterns before recommending this procedure.
What Is Buccal Fat?
Buccal fat is a natural fat pad located in the lower cheek, beneath the cheekbone. Everyone has buccal fat, but some people naturally have more volume in this area.
When the buccal fat pads are larger, the lower face can look round, full, or “baby-faced.” In some cases, lower cheek fullness can also blur the transition between the cheek and jawline.
How Buccal Fat Removal Refines the Face
During buccal fat removal, Dr. Mahony makes small incisions inside the mouth to access the buccal fat pads. She then removes a carefully measured amount of fat from each cheek, based on the amount of fullness you want to reduce. Because the incisions are inside the cheeks, there are no visible scars on the face.
The procedure is not meant to remove all cheek volume, but to reduce excess fullness in a controlled way so your cheekbones, jawline, and natural facial structure can stand out more while keeping your face balanced.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal may be worth considering if you:
- Have naturally full lower cheeks
- Feel your face looks round despite being at a stable weight
- Want more cheekbone definition
- Prefer a slimmer lower facial contour
- Have realistic expectations about the degree of change
The procedure may not be right if your face already looks quite slim or hollow. Removing too much fullness can create a gaunt appearance later, especially as your natural facial volume decreases with age.
Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal
Recovery is sometimes compared to healing after wisdom tooth removal. Swelling is normal, and your face may look temporarily fuller before it begins to settle. Many people feel comfortable after about a week, though final refinement can take several months.
Soft foods, icing, sleeping with your head elevated, and following Dr. Mahony’s instructions will help support healing.
Consider Facial Contouring in Westport, CT
Buccal fat removal can make a round face look more refined. To discuss your facial contouring options with Dr. Ellen Mahony in Westport, CT, contact us or call 203-221-0102.
Celebrate Summer With a Fresh Look!
Our July specials are all about facial definition, subtle volume, and summer-ready skin protection:
- 15% Off Filler Treatments for Lips, Cheeks, Jawline, and Chin: Add shape, softness, or definition where it suits your features.
- $500 Savings on Buccal Fat Removal: Reveal your natural cheek contours with a subtle, sculpted look.
- Product of the Month, 15% Off EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50: This active-lifestyle sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, is water-resistant, and is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic.
Specials cannot be combined with any other discount. Reserve your future procedure date by July 31, 2026.
