Los Angeles San Gabriel Valley Orange County
Languages Spoken : EN | ES | 한국어 | 中文

Refine and Define Your Facial Contour

Many individuals are self-conscious about the shape of their cheeks, which can have an effect on the overall appearance of the face. Buccal fat removal is a procedure in which the buccal fat — a rounded concentration of fat in the middle of either cheek — is removed or reduced to decrease fullness of the face, help the cheekbones look more defined, and establish an overall more refined facial appearance.  

Why Choose Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a popular procedure in Los Angeles for individuals who are bothered by fullness in their cheeks. This extra fullness can often create an unwanted “baby face” or “chipmunk cheek” appearance. Some simply want a sleeker, more attractive contour. 

Cara Plastic Surgery Logo media

What are Buccal Fat Pads?

Everyone is born with buccal fat pads, which are found beneath the cheekbones on either side of the mouth. They are essentially just masses of round fat, and in some individuals, the buccal fat pads are more noticeable. Because these pads are genetic, it can be nearly impossible to reduce their size naturally. This is why buccal fat pad removal is the ideal option for many people who are bothered by this issue. The procedure achieves enhanced cheekbones and a more contoured facial appearance. 

Cara Plastic Surgery Banner media

Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal

  • Are bothered by their facial appearance because of the fullness of their cheeks
  • Are at a suitable age for the surgery
  • Are at a stable, healthy weight
  • Are non-smokers in general good health
  • Do not have progressive hemifacial atrophy (Parry-Romberg syndrome)
  • Have realistic expectations for what buccal fat removal can accomplish
  • Fully understand the procedure, risks, recovery, and what to expect

Buccal Fat Removal Procedure: What to Expect

Buccal fat removal is done through incisions that are hidden inside the mouth. The procedure is typically performed with the patient under local anesthesia or under IV sedation to achieve ultimate comfort, and takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour. When you have been properly anesthetized, Dr. Kahng will create an incision inside your mouth in the inner part of your cheek. He will then separate the buccinator muscle and locate the buccal fat, where he will either remove all or reduce the fat to match the ideal size for your unique facial structure. The incision will be closed, and Dr. Kahng will perform the same procedure on the other side of the mouth.  

After Buccal Fat Removal

  • Approximately one week of recovery
  • Expect tenderness and swelling for 1-2 weeks
  • Patients typically experience very little bruising
  • Soft diet for 2 weeks during recovery, with no acidic or crunchy foods
  • Normal diet/no restrictions in diet after 2 weeks
  • Head will need to be elevated while sleeping during recovery
  • Rinse mouth with the prescription antiseptic mouthwash multiple times a day to prevent infection
  • Early results at 1-2 weeks; final results at 3-4 months
  • Cheeks will be slimmer and more sculpted, with an improved contour
Cara Plastic Surgery Background media

Dr. Kahng for Buccal Fat Removal in Los Angeles

We know that you’re a unique individual with your own personal aesthetic concerns. Dr. David Kahng’s approach involves closely listening to your aesthetic goals and creating a personalized, customized treatment plan to improve your appearance, confidence, and quality of life. 

As a premier Los Angeles plastic surgeon, Dr. Kahng has dedicated his professional life to creating exquisite aesthetic enhancements of face and body. His ability to create symmetry, harmony, and balance with state-of-the-art techniques and technology has resulted in an outstanding reputation — as well as his exceptionally kind bedside manner. For added convenience, we provide caring supervision of our patients throughout the recovery process and three locations for you to choose from. 

Cara Plastic Surgery Contact us media
Los Angeles

Serrano Medical Building 
4220 W. 3rd St. #102
Los Angeles, CA 90020

(855) 212-9901
San Gabriel Valley

San Gabriel Valley
1320 E Las Tunas Dr. #201
San Gabriel, CA 91776

(855) 212-9901
Orange County

Village Circle on the beach
5161 Beach Blvd. #A
Buena Park, CA 90621

(855) 212-9901
Cara Plastic Surgery Reviews media

© Cara Plastic Surgery & Laser Center. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 855-212-9901.