Is Buccal Fat Removal Painful?

During surgery, you should be pain-free as you will be sedated. After your surgery, you may feel some minor pain and soreness, which should diminish within the first week or two. We recommend you use over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs for pain relief.

How Long Until I See Results?

While you can notice the difference right after surgery, your final impact will most likely become evident only once the swelling has resolved. You will have an initial drop in swelling during the first few weeks as the face heals from the shock and trauma of surgery, but there is a gradual drop in swelling that reveals the results in a slower manner. On average, it will take two to four months for the swelling to subside and the buccal pocket to close up.

Can I Combine a Buccal Fat Removal with Other Procedures?

Absolutely, you can! Many of our patients who have received buccal fat removal in Philadelphia combine their treatment with other facial contouring procedures, such as chin & neck liposuction or BOTOX . To find out which procedure will be best for you, surgical or non-surgical, for your face or body, please mention your aesthetic goals to Dr. Schafer; he will be happy to provide his expert opinions.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Buccal Fat Removal?

Subbio Plastic Surgery is not just interested in getting more business but also in getting the business that is right and safe for you. Since every patient can be prone to various risks, a detailed account of both the risks and benefits of procedures is essential. Some of the risks of getting a buccal fat removal are outlined below: Anesthesia risks Asymmetry Bleeding Cardiac/ Pulmonary complications Deep Vein Thrombosis Fluid Accumulation (seroma) Hematoma Infection Injury to branches of the facial nerve (temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness) Numbness or other changes in sensation Persistent pain Poor healing of incisions Possible revisional surgery Prolonged swelling Salivary Duct Injury Suboptimal aesthetic results and/or minimal changes If you are concerned or worried about your experience at any point during your recovery, please do not hesitate to call us.

Buccal Fat Removal In Philadelphia, PA

Introduction to Buccal Fat Removal

The buccal fat area is generally referred to as the outward curve in the cheeks, causing some people to have “baby faces.” The function of buccal fat is to pad, protect, and provide the cheek muscles with a certain lift and volume to prevent them from being chewed on. Some people’s buccal pads are larger in proportion to their facial anatomy, which is why they might be interested in buccal fat removal. Founded by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Subbio, Subbio Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa has become the one-stop shop for cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, including buccal fat removal in Philadelphia. At our distinguished practice on the Main Line in Newtown Square, Dr. Charles Schafer is the surgeon who specializes in this surgery, helping patients shape the faces of their dreams.

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal Fat Removal, also known as Bichectomy, is a highly sought-after cosmetic surgical procedure that can chisel the curves of your face by minimizing the appearance of “chipmunk cheeks.” The procedure helps patients achieve the very wanted “high cheekbone” look. Dr. Schafer at Subbio Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa is known to have the skilled and artistic knack to help design the mid-face.

What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?

Some of the major benefits our Buccal Fat Removal patients have seen from their treatment include:

More balanced facial anatomy
V-shaped lower ace
Enhancement of cheekbones
Improve the definition of the jawline
No visible scarring
Reduce excessive cheek fullness

Blonde woman with blue eyes face close-up

Who Are The Best Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal Procedure?

You could be a great candidate for Buccal Fat Removal in the Philadelphia area if you have the following characteristics:

Stable weight
Low self-esteem
Maintain realistic expectations
Full cheeks
No underlying medical conditions

What’s the First Step?

The first step in getting Buccal Fat Removal surgery at our office near Philadelphia is to have an evaluation and consultation with Dr. Schafer to see if this procedure will give you the results you desire. During your appointment, Dr. Schafer will discuss your medical history and your aesthetic goals for surgery and try to manage your expectations by outlining the procedure, techniques, and outcomes in detail. He will then evaluate your face and cheeks to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. If you both want to move forward, he will create a customized treatment plan for you.

If you are satisfied with the plan Dr. Schafer creates for you and would like to pursue the procedure, our Patient Care Coordinator will help you schedule your surgical date and provide some directions to follow.

What to Expect on the Day of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

On the day of your surgery, Dr. Schafer and his expert team will welcome you at the surgical center and get you settled in the procedure room. They will recap the treatment plan in case you have any outlying questions and/or concerns. Finally, depending on your preferences, the anesthetist will administer local or general anesthesia for your comfort.

Once sedated, your mouth will be propped open at a comfortable level, and your cheek will be gently pulled back. Dr. Schafer will make a tiny incision on the inner cheek to target the buccal fat pad. Once identified, he gently extracts the fat from its pocket. Once the pad is removed, Dr. Schafer will use dissolvable sutures to seal the incision.

*On average, the entire surgery should take under one hour without complications.

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

After surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room until your sedation wears off. For your utmost safety, you are encouraged to have a friend or relative provide you with a ride home, as you may still be recovering from anesthesia for the rest of the day.

Most patients find recovery to be generally easy and take about one or two days. You can expect to experience some mild swelling and soreness, which will resolve within the week. You are encouraged to use cold compresses and your mouth sparingly. During recovery, it’s important not to bite down on the cheek area so the incision can properly heal and the sutures can dissolve. For any pain, we encourage you to take pain medication as needed.

Your swelling will continue to subside, and your results will be seen as early as two to four weeks post-surgery and progressively improve for several months thereafter.

How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost In Philadelphia, PA

The cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Philadelphia will depend on multiple factors, including the techniques used, the complexity of your case, the anesthesia fees, and the surgeon fees. The best way to arrive at a final cost for your procedure is to consult with Dr. Charles Schafer. After you have made your procedure plan, our Patient Care Coordinator will be able to provide you with a complete breakdown of the total price.

Why Choose Subbio Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa on the Main Line?

Subbio Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Philadelphia has earned the reputation of being a leader in the area and its field. Its founding inspiration has come out of service, impact, and the importance of boosting self-esteem in its clients. Founder and board-certified plastic Surgeon Dr. Christian Subbio was inspired to become a surgeon after learning about plastic surgeons who volunteer their skill and artistic vision to help cleft lip and burn victims in India. Once he became a surgeon, he began volunteering and traveling to third-world countries once or twice a year. Dr. Christian Subbio is Board-certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by the prestigious American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Robert H. Ivy Society of Plastic Surgeons (RHIS).

Our buccal fat removal plastic surgeon, Dr. Charles Schafer, is an Emory-trained plastic surgeon and is a member of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Schedule Your Consultation

If you desire a more chiseled cheekbone area, consider learning more about buccal fat removal at our office in Newtown Square, PA. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Schafer as soon as possible to learn more about this simple procedure that has done wonders for people’s self-esteem. Please call our practice or use our website to schedule your appointment, and a member of our team will contact you.

Buccal Fat Removal FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

While you can notice the difference right after surgery, your final impact will most likely become evident only once the swelling has resolved. You will have an initial drop in swelling during the first few weeks as the face heals from the shock and trauma of surgery, but there is a gradual drop in swelling that reveals the results in a slower manner. On average, it will take two to four months for the swelling to subside and the buccal pocket to close up.
Absolutely, you can! Many of our patients who have received buccal fat removal in Philadelphia combine their treatment with other facial contouring procedures, such as chin & neck liposuction or BOTOX. To find out which procedure will be best for you, surgical or non-surgical, for your face or body, please mention your aesthetic goals to Dr. Schafer; he will be happy to provide his expert opinions.
Subbio Plastic Surgery is not just interested in getting more business but also in getting the business that is right and safe for you. Since every patient can be prone to various risks, a detailed account of both the risks and benefits of procedures is essential. Some of the risks of getting a buccal fat removal are outlined below:
- Anesthesia risks
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding
- Cardiac/ Pulmonary complications
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Fluid Accumulation (seroma)
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Injury to branches of the facial nerve (temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness)
- Numbness or other changes in sensation
- Persistent pain
- Poor healing of incisions
- Possible revisional surgery
- Prolonged swelling
- Salivary Duct Injury
- Suboptimal aesthetic results and/or minimal changes
If you are concerned or worried about your experience at any point during your recovery, please do not hesitate to call us.

Take the first step to becoming the best version of yourself.

3734 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073

In our office, you will be treated like a part of our family. It’s a relaxing, pressure-free haven where you can feel comfortable to ask all of your questions. We think you’ll sense immediately that we care as much about your safety and your beautiful results as you do. Contact us today for a consultation, and find out why Dr. Subbio has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and skilled plastic surgeons in Philadelphia.

Schedule A Consultation