Cheek Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is a minor plastic surgery intended to subtly refine facial shape and proportions. During the procedure, the so‑called Bichat fat pads are removed—fat pouches located deep in the cheeks that often visually “weigh down” the lower face and prevent natural features from standing out.
In plastic surgery, this procedure is considered fairly simple and common—typically chosen when fullness in the cheek area persists even after overall weight loss. Since the Bichat fat pads serve no important function, their removal is a safe and effective way to create the impression of a slimmer, more refined, more oval facial contour.
Procedure Steps
During the Procedure, a 1 Cm Incision is Made in the Oral Mucosa, Adjacent to the Fourth Teeth in the Upper Jaw.
The Mucosa is Closed with Dissolvable Sutures that Do not Need to be Removed.
At an older age, buccal fat removal may be performed together with a mid-face lift or an endoscopic forehead and brow lift. In such cases, the fat is transposed to the cheek areas or removed entirely.
Removal of Bichat Fat Pads Can be Performed under Local or General Anesthesia.
When is Buccal Fat Removal Performed, and for whom?
Buccal fat removal is most often recommended for patients who wish to accentuate their facial features and reduce the visual “heaviness” of the lower face. Even people with otherwise slim features may retain fullness in the cheek area that does not respond to exercise or diet. In such cases, removal of the Bichat fat pads helps create a more harmonious, refined facial shape.
Although there used to be a myth that removing these fat pads accelerates facial aging or causes skin sagging, medical practice disproves this. On the contrary—if cheek fat is not removed in time, it can stretch the tissues and accelerate natural skin descent at an older age. Therefore, choosing the right time for the procedure can help prevent these changes in the future.
Procedure duration
The procedure takes up to
1 hour
under local anesthesia
The procedure takes up to
1.5 hours
under general anesthesia
Procedure duration
The procedure takes up to
1 hour
under local anesthesia
The procedure takes up to
1.5 hours
under general anesthesia
The surgery price
Includes
surgery
anesthesia
medications
post-operative check-ups at the Tautrimas Aštrauskas Clinic, Vičiūnų g. 24, Kaunas
–
Price
| Bichat fat pad removal (under local anesthesia) | 1,200 EUR |
| Bichat fat pad removal (under general anesthesia) | €1,500 |
Preparing for Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
Before the operation, a consultation with the operating plastic surgeon is required, during which the patient’s facial anatomy, expectations, and general health are assessed.
The following preparation steps are also recommended:
– Consult your physician if you have chronic illnesses or are taking medications;
– Inform the doctor about previous surgical interventions or allergic reactions;
– Have blood tests performed to assess overall health;
– Before the procedure, avoid blood-thinning medicines and supplements (unless your doctor advises otherwise);
– In the hours before surgery, do not eat or drink if general anesthesia is planned.
Postoperative Period
After buccal fat removal, most patients feel comfortable; however, some tightness or mild swelling in the cheek area may be felt during the first few days. After surgery, we recommend:
– Avoid hot food and drinks for at least 3–5 days to prevent mucosal irritation or bleeding.
– Eat soft, lukewarm foods in the first days to reduce pressure on the incision sites.
– Avoid SPA, saunas, and swimming pools for at least 1 month to prevent infections and inflammation;
– Do not undergo dental procedures for at least 2 weeks to avoid irritating the oral mucosa and disrupting healing;
– A course of lymphatic drainage massages is recommended. These massages improve lymph flow, help reduce swelling faster, and promote tissue recovery;
– The final result is usually visible after 2–3 months, once the swelling has completely subsided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the procedure?
The price of buccal fat removal depends on the chosen anesthesia method. Under local anesthesia, buccal fat removal costs €1,200; under general anesthesia — €1,500.
The exact price is discussed during the consultation, taking into account the individual situation and any additional needs (e.g., combining the procedure with other facial procedures).
When will I see the final result?
While the first changes are visible after a few weeks, the final result forms over 2–3 months. This period is needed for the swelling to fully subside and the tissues to heal completely.
When can I return to work?
Because the incisions are made not on the outside but in the oral mucosa, in most cases, patients can resume normal activities immediately—especially if the job is not physically demanding or does not require prolonged speaking. If you feel no discomfort, you may return to work the day after surgery.
When can I engage in active physical activities?
Active physical activities (sports, running, intense workouts) should be avoided for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
When can I go to the spa, pool, sauna?
After 1 month, when the wounds have completely healed. The wet, warm, humid microclimate prevalent in spas or saunas increases the risk of infections. Additionally, steam can irritate the oral mucosa where incisions were made.
