You may have heard about this procedure after celebrity Chrissy Teigen revealed to her Instagram followers that she had this done to enhance the shape of her face. Naturally, this put Buccal Fat Pad Removal on the map and left many people asking “What exactly IS it and how does it work?”.

 LET’S EXPLAIN:

 A common cause of an overly round face are the buccal fat pads, which are located beneath the cheekbones on the sides of the mouth. Reducing or removing the extra fullness caused by buccal fat pads creates a more defined facial appearance and makes cheekbones look more prominent.

 Many individuals dislike their “baby face” or “chipmunk cheeks” and want to achieve a more sculpted appearance. The issue is typically caused by the buccal pat pads, which we’re all born with. For some, these fat pads are simply more prominent, and their face can look more round than others. Adding to this problem is the fact that prominent buccal pat pads are often genetic, which can make it very difficult to do anything to improve them. That’s where buccal fat removal can help. This effective surgery removes the buccal fat pads from inside the mouth, resulting in a more contoured appearance.

 WHAT HAPPENS DURING SURGERY?  

Buccal fat removal is performed through incisions that are hidden within the  mouth. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. Injections of local anesthesia will be administered on both sides of the mouth, and once you’re numb, the incision will be made. The surgeon will carefully separate the muscle from the buccal fat pad, remove the fat pad, and trim it to the ideal size for the patient’s facial structure.

It will then be placed back within the cheek, the incision will be closed, and the surgeon will repeat the process on the other side. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

 ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?

 There are a number of factors to consider before having your buccal fat pads removed. For example, removing too much buccal fat can lead to a gaunt appearance (especially as natural aging occurs). That is also why this procedure is not typically recommended for people with a naturally thin or narrow face. It is imperative to consult with a reputable surgeon before having this or any other procedure done. The most important part of plastic surgery is determining what will benefit you and your unique circumstances and features.