If a round face or "chipmunk cheeks" persist despite diet and exercise, buccal fat removal can reveal the sculpted cheekbones beneath. This quick 30–60 minute procedure leaves no external scars and delivers balanced, age-appropriate contouring. The result is a slimmer, more defined face shape that looks natural for years to come.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Cheek slimming surgery reduces fullness in the lower cheeks by removing the buccal fat pads that sit between the cheekbone and jawline, creating a more sculpted, defined facial appearance.
The procedure is performed through small incisions inside the mouth, leaving no visible scarring. It's popular amongst patients seeking a slimmer face shape or more prominent cheekbones without altering bone structure.
Common Concerns Buccal Fat Removal Can Address
- Round face shape with excessive lower cheek fullness
- Persistent "chipmunk cheeks" or baby-face appearance
- Lack of cheekbone definition or jawline prominence
- Disproportionate cheek fullness that doesn't respond to diet or exercise
Are You a Good Candidate?
- In good overall health with realistic expectations
- Non-smoker or willing to quit before surgery
- Persistent lower cheek fullness despite healthy body weight
Techniques & Options
Cheek fullness varies greatly depending on the size of the buccal fat pad, the underlying bone structure, and how your soft tissue distributes across the midface. Your surgeon will assess your cheek volume, facial proportions, and skin elasticity during consultation to determine whether full or partial removal is most appropriate. The procedure can slim rounded cheeks, reveal more prominent cheekbones, and create a more sculpted lower face shape.
There are two main approaches:
Standard Bichectomy
A small incision inside the mouth allows the buccal fat pad to be carefully identified, isolated, and removed. This is the most common approach, performed bilaterally in a single session.
- Incision typically 2–3 cm inside the cheek
- Complete removal of the buccal fat pad
- Absorbable sutures close the intraoral incision
- Bilateral procedure performed during same session
Conservative Partial Removal
Only the anterior portion of the buccal fat pad is removed, preserving natural midface volume. Best for patients with moderate fullness who want subtle contouring without risk of an overly gaunt look.
- Smaller incision with partial fat pad extraction
- Preserves some natural cheek volume
- Lower risk of over-correction
- More suitable for patients with moderate fullness
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
Moderate swelling and discomfort in the cheek area are expected and normal. You'll follow a soft food diet whilst the intraoral incisions heal. Discomfort is well managed with prescribed medication, and you'll have daily check-ins from your care coordinator.
Week 1
Swelling gradually decreases, though cheeks may still appear fuller than the final result. Most patients return to work after 5–7 days with residual swelling easily concealed. You'll attend a follow-up to check healing progress.
Weeks 2–4
Facial contours begin to emerge as swelling continues to subside. You can resume a normal diet and most activities. Most patients feel comfortable socially with minimal visible signs of surgery and the sculpted shape becomes clearer each day.
Months 3–6
Final results become apparent as all residual swelling resolves and your refined cheek contour is fully visible. Facial definition and cheekbone prominence are at their best. Results are permanent as buccal fat pads do not regenerate.
What to Expect
Safety & Risks
Buccal fat removal is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon, but like all surgeries, it carries some risks.
- Temporary swelling and bruising
- Numbness in the cheek area
- Infection (rare)
- Asymmetry from uneven removal
- Over-correction (uncommon)
- Nerve injury (rare)
Because cheek fat removal is irreversible and the buccal fat pad sits close to the parotid duct and facial nerve branches, your surgeon will thoroughly assess your cheek volume, facial proportions, and long-term ageing trajectory to confirm suitability before you proceed.
How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost in Thailand?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive — your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.
Buccal Fat Removal
All-inclusive surgical package- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
Common Questions About Buccal Fat Removal
Everything you need to know before your procedure
Dr. Pichaya Suwanprasert
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDDr. Pichaya Suwanprasert
MEDICALLY REVIEWEDPlastic Surgeon · Bangkok
Last reviewed: February 19, 2026
Medical References
- Matarasso A. Buccal Fat Pad Excision: Aesthetic Improvement of the Midface — Annals of Plastic Surgery (1991)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Facial Contouring
- ISAPS International Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures (2022)
- NHS — Cosmetic Procedures: Facial Contouring
- Stuzin JM et al. Anatomy of the Buccal Fat Pad — Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (1990)
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Individual results, recovery times, and suitability vary. Always consult a qualified surgeon before making decisions about treatment.
What's Included
- Board-certified surgeon fee
- Anaesthesia & operating theatre
- Hospital stay & nursing care
- Post-operative medications
- Follow-up appointments
- Dedicated care coordinator
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