Frequently asked questions

What does the surgery involve?
A buccal fat removal procedure is a relatively straightforward procedure that requires a local anaesthetic. Our surgical coordinator will be in touch regarding health checks before the surgery and post-op follow-up. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision inside the cheeks, and removes the muscle from the buccal fat pad before using dissolvable sutures to close the incision.

When can you expect to see results?
You can get a general indication after around four weeks. You should expect swelling that will resolve over time.

How long are the procedure and the recovery time?
The procedure itself takes around 20-45 minutes. Regarding recovery time, for the first week, we advise you to have a liquid or soft diet and use a mouthwash to avoid infection. You should also avoid alcohol. Typically, it takes 7- 10 days for swelling and bruising to go down. You may decide to take 1-2 days off work, but you should be able to return to work as soon as you’re ready.

How much fat is removed?
The amount of fat removed varies from patient to patient, depending on ethnicity and genetics.

How do I go about booking the treatment?
You will have to undergo a consultation first so that we can create the best and most bespoke course of action for your procedure.

Will Buccal Fat Comeback Post-Surgery?
Can buccal fat come back? It’s a procedure that permanently removes fullness from the cheeks and is considered a long-term solution. Patients must remember that buccal fat may fluctuate during weight loss and gain after the surgery. If patients gain significant weight, a diet and exercise regime is advised.

For further Buccal Fat FAQs, Dr Yannis shares his advice in the below video.