Buccal Fat Reduction
Facial Slimming & Contour Enhancement
Buccal fat reduction is a highly selective facial contouring procedure designed to enhance cheek definition and jawline contours by reducing excess fat in the lower cheeks. When performed on the right candidate, this procedure can create a more sculpted, elegant facial appearance while maintaining natural balance. At Dr. Catherina Greenberg’s practice, buccal fat reduction is approached conservatively and strategically. Not every patient is a candidate, and careful evaluation is essential to ensure results that age well over time.
What Is Buccal Fat Reduction?
Buccal fat reduction (also called buccal fat removal) is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the buccal fat pad, a naturally occurring fat pocket in the mid-cheek. Reducing this fat can help define:
The cheekbones
The hollow beneath the cheekbone
The jawline
The overall facial contour
The goal is refinement—not excessive hollowing.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Reduction?
Buccal fat reduction is not appropriate for everyone. Ideal candidates typically:
Have naturally fuller or rounder lower cheeks
Desire a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance
Have stable weight
Are in good overall health
Patients with naturally thin faces or signs of early facial aging may not be ideal candidates, as buccal fat removal can exaggerate hollowing over time.
Dr. Greenberg’s Conservative Approach
Dr. Greenberg emphasizes facial harmony and long-term aesthetics. Her approach to buccal fat reduction prioritizes:
Subtle contour enhancement
Avoiding premature aging
Preservation of natural fullness
Thoughtful patient selection
This conservative philosophy helps ensure results that remain balanced as the face matures.
Buccal Fat Reduction & Combination Procedures
Buccal fat reduction is sometimes combined with:
Facelift or mini facelift
Chin augmentation
Jawline contouring
Lip lift
Facial fat transfer
Combining procedures can enhance overall facial balance while minimizing total downtime.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering buccal fat reduction, a thorough consultation with Dr. Greenberg is essential to determine whether this procedure is right for you.
FAQs
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Buccal fat reduction (also called buccal fat removal) is a surgical procedure that reduces excess fat in the lower cheeks to enhance facial contour and definition. The goal is to create a slimmer, more sculpted appearance while maintaining natural facial balance.
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Yes. The removed buccal fat does not regenerate, making the results permanent. For this reason, careful patient selection and conservative removal are essential to ensure results that age well.
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You may be a good candidate if you have naturally full or round lower cheeks and desire more definition. Patients with thin faces or early signs of facial aging may not be ideal candidates, as removal can lead to excessive hollowing over time.
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When performed aggressively or on the wrong patient, buccal fat removal can accentuate aging. Dr. Greenberg takes a conservative, anatomy-driven approach to avoid premature hollowing and preserve youthful facial volume.
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The procedure is performed through a small incision inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars. Only a portion of the buccal fat pad is removed to allow precise contouring.
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Swelling is most noticeable during the first 1–2 weeks
Most patients return to work within a week
Final facial contours develop gradually over 3–4 months
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No. All incisions are made inside the mouth, so there are no external scars.
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While early slimming may be visible within a few weeks, final results typically appear at 3–4 months as swelling fully resolves and the face settles.
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Yes. Buccal fat reduction is often combined with:
Facelift or mini facelift
Chin or jawline contouring
Lip lift
Facial fat transfer
Combining procedures can enhance overall facial harmony.