Facial contouring is an art, and buccal fat reduction offers a precise way to reshape the face’s natural structure. Unlike weight loss or temporary treatments, this procedure directly targets facial fat to create a more sculpted, defined appearance. At Rush Facial Plastics in Chicago, IL, our skilled team specializes in helping patients achieve the facial definition they desire.

The Anatomy Behind Facial Fullness

Buccal fat pads are pockets of fat located on either side of the face between the cheekbones and jaw. These fat pads provide fullness to the mid-face, which is a natural and essential part of facial anatomy. However, in some individuals, the buccal fat pads are disproportionately large, causing the lower cheeks to look rounded or chubby even when the person has an overall slim build.

How Does Buccal Fat Reduction Work?

Buccal fat reduction involves removing a small amount of fat to slim down the cheeks, enhancing the natural contours of the face. When performed at our plastic surgery center in Chicago, this adjustment creates a more angular and shapely appearance, particularly in the mid-to-lower face.

Here’s how the procedure achieves this contouring effect:

  • Selective Fat Removal for a Slimmer Look:

The buccal fat pad is accessed through a small incision made inside the mouth, near the molars, so there is no visible scarring. A precise portion of the fat pad is then carefully removed.

By removing this excess fat, the fullness in the cheeks diminishes. What’s left behind is a sharper, more refined contour that accentuates the underlying bone structure of the cheekbones and jawline.

  • Highlighting Your Natural Facial Structure:

Buccal fat reduction isn’t about drastically changing your appearance—it’s about enhancing your face’s natural structure. Many patients discover hidden definition in their cheekbones and jawline once excess cheek fat is removed.

By reducing the volume from the buccal pads, natural shadows and highlights become more pronounced, creating a sculpted, three-dimensional effect.

  • Balancing Facial Dimensions:

A critical aspect of facial aesthetics is balance. Large buccal fat pads can make the lower half of your face look bottom-heavy or disproportionate compared to your forehead and mid-face. Buccal fat reduction improves this balance by slimming the lower cheeks, creating a smooth, harmonious transition between different sections of the face.

Why Buccal Fat Reduction Is a Targeted Approach

Unlike other facial contouring procedures, such as jawline implants or facelifts, buccal fat reduction focuses exclusively on removing excess soft tissue in the cheeks. This makes it a highly targeted solution for:

  • Achieving definition without altering the bone structure: Buccal fat reduction does not involve any changes to the bones or cartilage in the face. It works solely by reducing the volume caused by fatty tissue.
  • Addressing areas exercise cannot fix: While diet and exercise can reduce overall body fat, they cannot specifically eliminate buccal fat. For many people, the size of the buccal fat pads is genetically determined, and surgery is the only effective option for contouring them.

What Are the Results?

The effects of buccal fat reduction are most noticeable after the initial swelling subsides, which typically takes a few weeks. As the final results settle over a period of three to six months, you’ll notice:

  • A more angular, V-shaped facial silhouette
  • A highlighted jawline and cheekbone area
  • Enhanced definition, especially when viewed from the side or in photos

Transform Your Facial Profile Today

Schedule a consultation today at Rush Facial Plastic Surgery in Chicago, IL, to see if buccal fat reduction is right for you.  When performed by an experienced surgeon, buccal fat reduction can make a dramatic yet natural-looking difference in your overall appearance. It’s a subtle enhancement that improves balance and symmetry in your face without looking overdone.