Buccal fat removal before and after

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Buccal fat removal is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that reduces fullness in the lower cheeks by removing or thinning the buccal fat pads — giving the face a more sculpted, defined, and contoured appearance.

It’s ideal for individuals with a naturally round or “chubby” face who desire a slimmer, V-shaped facial profile.

• Excess facial fullness or round cheeks that don’t slim with diet
   
• Desire for more facial contour to separate the cheekbones from the jawline
   
• Creating a slimmer, V-shaped face

Before surgery:  Make sure blood pressure is controlled.  Medications that cause bleeding or easy bruisability like anticoagulants should be stopped 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.

Anesthesia: local anesthesia

Incision: small incision is placed inside the cheek to remove the buccal fat

Procedure Time: 1 hour

• Post-op Course: Oral antibiotics and pain reliever are taken for a week.  Expect swelling for 1-2 weeks over the  cheeks.  Frequent ice compress is advised to help with the swelling.  

• Suture Removal: sutures are removed after 7-10 days (or may just be left in place until it dissolves)
   
• Downtime: 7-14 days for swelling; most return to work in a week

• Scarring:  scars are inside the cheek
   
• Results: the result is not instant, the skin needs time to shrink and redrape over a period of 6-12 months.  

Q: Will buccal fat removal make my face too hollow over time?
A: If your elderly relatives does not show hollow face, you probably won't

Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: Most patients experience minimal discomfort and recover quickly. You can usually return to light activity the next day.

Q: Are the results permanent?
A: Yes — once the fat is removed, it doesn’t come back. However, natural aging will still occur over time.

Cost of Buccal Fat Removal by Dr. Aicee Bernal is P35,000 if done in the clinic under local anesthesia, and this does not yet post-operative medications. 

If you prefer to be sedated, the procedure will be done in a hospital setting under the care of a board-certified anesthesiologist. Hospital cost will vary from P90,000–120,000 for uncomplicated cases, also excluding preoperative laboratories , clearance and post-op medications.

As an experienced facial plastic surgeon in Manila, Dr. Aicee Bernal is known to evaluate your facial structure and fat volume carefully prior to recommending a particular procedure.

Ready to define your cheekbones and slim your lower face?

Schedule your buccal fat removal consultation with Dr. Aicee Bernal and start your journey to a more sculpted, confident look.