Pretty Women With Hands On Her Face And Defined Cheekss

Buccal Fat RemovalBirmingham, AL

While chubby cheeks are common in children, some people are genetically prone to a rounder facial shape that persists into adulthood. A round or more childlike facial structure, often casually nicknamed “chipmunk cheeks” or “babyface,” can be frustrating for people who want a more elegant, sculpted look. To help achieve this more refined appearance for his patients, we perform buccal fat removal in Birmingham, AL.

What is buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal is a short surgical procedure that removes excess fat pads in the cheeks to provide better facial definition, resulting in a slimmer, V-shaped appearance. The surgery is performed with incisions on the inside of the cheeks, leaving no visible scars. Fat pads in the cheeks surround the muscles used for chewing and talking.

For some people, this pad is larger than others, in some cases so large that it gives the face a childlike, round appearance well past adulthood. For patients who are genetically inclined to have round cheeks, no amount of exercise or diet will reduce them. The only effective option to change this facial shape is buccal fat removal.

What are the benefits of buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal is a popular surgical procedure with many benefits. This simple surgery is highly effective but results in minimal trauma and requires a short period of downtime. The benefits of buccal fat removal include the following:

Short procedure time (30 minutes)
It does not require general anesthesia
Achieves a slimmer facial contour in a flattering V shape
Results in no visible scars (incisions are made inside the cheeks)
Low-risk procedure
Short downtime and recovery period
Improved confidence
Finally, say goodbye to round, childlike cheeks

Please schedule a consultation if you're interested in buccal fat removal in Birmingham & Montgomery, AL.

Acculift & Buccal Fat Pad Removal

What happens during the buccal fat removal procedure?

Buccal fat removal is generally performed with only local anesthesia, as it is a short, lower-risk procedure. At Rousso Adams, buccal fat removal in Birmingham, AL, takes only about 30 minutes.

Once the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Rousso or Dr. Adams will make precise incisions in your inner cheeks, and the excess fat will be removed. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures. You can return home once the surgery is complete.

What is the recovery time after buccal fat removal?

Downtime after buccal fat removal is short, lasting only a few days. There will be some swelling, discomfort and some bruising after your procedure. You can treat these side effects with cool packs and pain medication. We will provide a mouth rinse to help keep the incisions in the area clean.

During this period, you will need to follow a liquid diet. As your healing progresses, you can start eating soft foods. From there, you can slowly move back toward your usual diet and start eating all of your usual or favorite foods again.

It will take 2-4 weeks for the residual swelling to disappear fully. However, after about one week, most patients feel comfortable enough to return to sedentary work or other low-intensity activities.

Results after buccal fat removal

After you complete the healing period after buccal fat removal surgery, usually within about a month or less, you will be able to enjoy a more defined, V-shaped, and sculpted appearance.

Your results from this surgery are considered relatively permanent because the fat is physically removed and will not return. Results from buccal fat removal will not change due to weight fluctuations or other common factors.

How much does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?

Buccal fat removal surgery starts at $4,750. The price can vary depending on the details of your specific procedure. Please schedule a consultation to find out more about what your custom treatment plan will include. Once we have designed a surgical plan for you, your exact price will be included.

Who is a candidate for buccal fat removal?

Anyone unhappy about round, curving “chubby cheeks” who wants to achieve a V-shaped, more chiseled look might be a candidate for buccal fat removal.

However, because of how the face matures and changes as we age, this surgery should not be performed until the facial structure and fat pad have fully developed. Some people will experience a reduction of the fat pad once their facial lines have settled and their face has fully matured. If the fat pads are removed before this process is complete, buccal fat pad removal can result in a hollow or older appearance as you age. We recommend not having this surgery until you are at least 20 years old.

Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal should meet the following general qualifications:

Are in good health
Have no serious medical concerns, such as a bleeding disorder
Do not smoke
Are near or at their ideal weight
Have a fully developed facial structure
Childlike facial characteristics or a plump face remain after weight loss or into adulthood
Are realistic in their expectations about what buccal fat surgery can achieve

Why Choose Rousso Adams for Buccal Fat Removal in Birmingham, AL?

Buccal fat removal is a procedure where surgical experience and aesthetic restraint matter enormously; taking too much fat can leave the face hollow as it ages. Triple board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Rousso has spent more than three decades refining the art of facial proportion, performing over 100,000 procedures, and earning recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2004. The New York Times has also named him to its Top Doctors list.

Co-owner Dr. Austin Adams is double board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with training from Vanderbilt and Tulane and published research in peer-reviewed surgical journals. His attention to anatomical detail is essential in a procedure as delicate as buccal fat removal.

Both surgeons share a consistent philosophy: results should look elegant, balanced, and entirely natural. Procedures take place at the AAAHC-certified Rousso Adams surgical suite in Birmingham, AL, supported by a long-tenured team. To schedule your buccal fat removal consultation, contact us or call 205-930-9595.

FAQ

Will buccal fat removal make me look gaunt or hollow as I age?

This is one of the most important considerations during a buccal fat removal consultation. Because the face naturally loses volume over time, removing too much buccal fat, or performing the procedure too early, can result in a hollowed, aged appearance later in life.

Can buccal fat removal be reversed?

Buccal fat removal is considered permanent because the fat cells are physically removed from the cheeks and do not regenerate. Facial fat transfer or dermal fillers can add some volume back if a patient changes their mind, but the original buccal fat pad cannot be restored.

How is buccal fat removal different from BOTOX masseter slimming?

Both procedures slim the face, but they target completely different structures. Buccal fat removal extracts fat pads from inside the cheeks for a permanent V-shaped contour, while BOTOX masseter injections relax the chewing muscles at the back of the jaw to slim the lower face temporarily.

When will I see the final results from buccal fat removal?

While noticeable improvement begins to show as initial swelling subsides within the first week, the final, sculpted contour typically reveals itself between three and six months after surgery. Some patients continue to see subtle refinement up to one year post-procedure as tissues fully settle.

Can men have buccal fat removal in Birmingham, AL?

Yes, buccal fat removal is increasingly popular among male patients seeking a more sculpted, defined jawline. The procedure works the same way for all genders, though Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams tailor the amount of fat removed based on each patient's facial anatomy and desired aesthetic. Many men choose to combine buccal fat removal with chin augmentation or AccuLift for a comprehensive jawline enhancement.

What are the risks of buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal is considered a low-risk procedure, but as with any surgery, potential complications include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, prolonged swelling, or rare nerve-related issues.