What is buccal fat removal?
The buccal fat pad sits deep in the cheek, below the cheekbone and in front of the chewing muscle. In some people it is naturally large, giving a soft, round lower face that diet and exercise barely change.
In buccal fat removal, part of this pad is gently teased out through a short incision inside the mouth. The goal is a little more shadow below the cheekbone — not a gaunt face. Because the cheeks thin naturally with age, Dr. Lee usually removes less in patients over their mid-thirties, and sometimes recommends jawline liposuction instead when the fullness sits lower, along the jaw.
Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?
- Full, round lower cheeks with a stable body weight.
- A soft face despite being slim elsewhere.
- Younger adults, typically in their twenties or early thirties.
- Good skin elasticity so the cheek settles smoothly.
- Realistic goals — a subtle contour, not a dramatic hollow.
If the width comes from a large chewing muscle or a wide jaw bone, buccal fat removal will not narrow the face much. We check this at consultation.
Buccal fat removal vs facial liposuction vs jaw Botox
| Buccal fat removal | Jawline liposuction | Jaw Botox | |
| Treats | Fullness in the mid-cheek | Fat along jaw and under chin | Large chewing muscle |
| Access | Inside the mouth | Tiny skin punctures | Injection |
| Downtime | About 1 week | About 1 week | None |
| Longevity | Permanent | Long-lasting | 3–6 months |
| Main caution | Future hollowing | Skin laxity | Repeat treatments |
How is buccal fat removal done?
Before & after
Before
After
More cases are in the before & after gallery.
What is recovery like after buccal fat removal?
| Day 1–3 | Cheek swelling and tightness when opening the mouth; soft foods, mouthwash after meals. |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Most visible swelling settles; back to normal routines. |
| Week 2–4 | Stitches dissolve; the cheeks start to look slimmer. |
| Month 2–3 | Final contour visible once deep swelling resolves. |
“Buccal fat does not grow back, so I always leave some behind for the face you will have at fifty.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of buccal fat removal?
Risks include swelling, bruising, infection inside the mouth, asymmetry and, rarely, injury to the saliva duct or a small facial nerve branch. The longer-term concern is over-removal leading to hollow cheeks with age; if that happens it can be improved with facial fat transfer, but it is better avoided by removing conservatively from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes. The removed fat does not regrow, which is why the amount is planned carefully.
Will I have a scar?
No visible scar. The incision is inside the mouth.
Will my face look hollow when I am older?
This is a real risk if too much is removed. Conservative removal and careful patient selection reduce it.
When will I see results?
Some change shows after about two weeks; the final look appears around two to three months.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes, often with jawline liposuction or chin work, depending on where your fullness sits.
How long should I stay in Seoul?
About five to seven days, for a check before you fly.