What Is Buccal Fat Removal for Men?

Buccal fat removal for men is a cosmetic surgery procedure in which a skilled surgeon carefully removes the excess buccal fat pads from the cheeks. The buccal fat pad is located below the prominent cheekbone and above the jawline — the area where unwanted fat often collects and softens the angles of the face.

These fat deposits can hide the natural bone structure, making the face look rounder and less defined. By removing this excess cheek fat, the procedure allows the jawline and cheekbones to stand out, highlighting the natural masculine framework of the face.

For men who want a sharper, more chiseled appearance, buccal fat removal is a powerful way to achieve one of the key markers of attractiveness: a defined and structured face.

How Buccal Fat Removal Is Performed in Men

The procedure of buccal fat removal for men involves several important steps:

1. Choosing the Right Surgeon

The first step is selecting a skilled and experienced surgeon. Reviewing their credentials and patient reviews is essential, since buccal fat surgery directly impacts the balance and appearance of the face.

2. Consultation and Medical Evaluation

During the consultation, you’ll discuss your goals and answer questions about your medical history, medications, and any conditions you may have. Full honesty is crucial, as the procedure has certain restrictions for some individuals. The surgeon may also request lab tests or lifestyle adjustments before surgery.

3. Preparing for Surgery

Before the procedure, patients may be advised to stop certain medications, follow a specific diet, or make lifestyle changes to ensure the best outcome.

4. The Surgery

• Performed under general anesthesia.

• The surgeon makes small incisions inside the cheeks (no visible scars).

• Using specialized instruments such as forceps or a liposuction device, the surgeon removes excess buccal fat pads.

• Only a safe amount of fat is removed to avoid an overly hollow or unnatural look.

• Finally, the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches, and the mouth is rinsed.

The main advantage of buccal fat removal is that all incisions are hidden inside the mouth, leaving no external scars.

Techniques of Buccal Fat Removal in Men

There are three common methods used:

• Double Area Reduction (Cheeks + Chin): Fat is removed from the buccal pads and under the chin, slimming both the cheeks and jawline for a sharper look.

• Liposuction Method: Instead of forceps, the surgeon uses a suction device (cannula) inserted through small incisions inside the mouth to extract fat.

• Standard Buccal Fat Excision (Fat Proplant): The most common technique, where cheek fat pads are carefully excised through intraoral incisions.

In some cases, the removed fat can be purified and reinjected into other areas of the face for additional contouring.

Applications of Buccal Fat Removal for Men

The main goals of this surgery include:

• Slimming a round, chubby face into a more defined and masculine shape

• Removing excess cheek and chin fat

• Eliminating double chin and redefining the jawline

• Enhancing jawline contouring and facial symmetry

• Creating a more sculpted, athletic appearance

• Highlighting cheekbones and facial bone structure

• Reusing extracted fat to add volume in other facial areas, if needed

Who Is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal in Men?

Not every man is an ideal candidate for buccal fat pad removal. This procedure is best suited for:

• Men with a round, full, or chubby face

• Those with genetic cheek fat deposits in the buccal area

• Men who want a sharper jawline in a short time

• Individuals who have not achieved facial slimming through exercise or diet

• Men with prominent, fat-filled cheeks that hide bone definition

• Those with a double chin who want a slimmer look

• Men who maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, reducing the chance of fat returning to the face

Who Should Avoid Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is not recommended for:

• Men under 18, since their facial structure is still developing

• Men with naturally thin or narrow faces – fat removal may create an unnatural, hollow appearance, which worsens with age

• Patients with certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, blood disorders, vascular disease) that make surgery risky

• Men with a weakened immune system, who may have difficulty healing

• Individuals with unrealistic expectations, assuming the procedure will completely transform their appearance. Buccal fat removal only improves contour and jawline definition – it will not make you look like a celebrity overnight.

How Long Does Buccal Fat Removal Last in Men?

It’s difficult to define an exact timeframe, as many factors influence the longevity of results. In general, buccal fat removal provides long-lasting changes, since the fat pads removed do not grow back. However, natural aging, weight fluctuations, and lifestyle choices can affect the outcome over time.

Factors that may reduce the longevity of results include:

• Poor diet (excess sugar and fatty foods)

• Unhealthy habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise)

• Repeated weight gain and loss

• Natural skin aging and changes in metabolism

With a healthy lifestyle, most men enjoy buccal fat removal results for many years.

Pre-Operative Recommendations for Buccal Fat Removal in Men

Before undergoing buccal fat removal, it’s important to prepare your body to minimize risks and ensure the best outcome. Here are the key guidelines:

• Choose an experienced surgeon – Since buccal fat removal is performed on the delicate facial area, the surgeon’s expertise significantly reduces risks and complications.

• Follow all medical instructions – Take any prescribed medications as directed.

• Stop blood-thinning medications – Only under your doctor’s supervision, to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery.

• Stay hydrated – Drink 6–8 glasses of water or healthy fluids daily.

• Maintain a nutritious diet – Focus on protein, vitamins, and minerals to prepare your body for healing.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol – These weaken the immune system, slow healing, and increase fat accumulation.

• Fasting before surgery – Avoid eating for several hours before the procedure.

• Bring a companion – Anesthesia may leave you drowsy, so having someone accompany you is recommended.

Aftercare Tips for Buccal Fat Removal in Men

Proper aftercare is crucial for achieving the best, longest-lasting results from buccal fat removal:

• Follow your doctor’s personalized plan – Everyone heals differently, so stick to your surgeon’s prescribed medication, antibiotics, or pain relievers.

• Rest and limit activity – Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several days. If possible, take time off work.

• Keep your head elevated – Whether sitting or sleeping, this reduces swelling and prevents strain on stitches.

• Avoid pressure on the surgical area – Do not touch, press, or play with the stitches using fingers, tongue, or objects.

• Use cold compresses – Apply gently to reduce swelling and pain, without pressing directly on the incisions.

• Sleep on your back – Use two pillows or a neck pillow to keep your head raised and prevent facial pressure.

• Maintain oral hygiene – Brush gently with mild toothpaste after a few days, avoiding irritation of the stitches.

• Eat a soft-food diet – Consume soups, smoothies, and soft foods. Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods that may irritate wounds.

• Stay hydrated and eat healthy – Focus on fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods that support healing.

• Avoid smoking and alcohol – At least two weeks after surgery, as they delay recovery and increase complications.

Facial massage after buccal fat removal for men can significantly improve blood circulation, speed up wound healing, and help define the cheekbones and jawline. Massage can be performed by your doctor or even by yourself at home, as long as proper hygiene and technique are followed. It generally includes two phases: surface massage and deep massage.

Surface Massage

1. Choose the right oil – Use a natural, non-comedogenic oil such as olive, argan, or coconut oil to prevent dryness and protect the skin barrier.

2. Clean hands and face – Wash and disinfect your fingers and cleanse your face before starting.

3. Gentle upward motions – Apply circular, upward strokes. Avoid downward movements, as they may gradually loosen the skin.

4. Focus on jawline and buccal area – Massage from under the jawline toward the hollowed cheek area where fat was removed. Apply gentle but firm pressure.

5. Tapping technique – Use light tapping with your fingertips on the lower face to stimulate circulation and promote healing.

Deep Massage

1. Use gloves for hygiene – Since fingers will go inside the mouth, wear clean disposable gloves.

2. Thumb placement – Place your thumbs inside the mouth against the inner cheek walls.

3. Support from outside – At the same time, position your index and middle fingers on the outside of the cheeks.

4. Diagonal lift – With thumbs inside and fingers outside, gently lift the cheeks upward and diagonally toward the ears.

5. Final circular massage – Hold the cheeks between your thumbs (inside) and fingers (outside) and perform circular motions to finish.

Benefits of Post-Surgery Massage for Men

• Enhances blood circulation

• Supports faster wound healing

• Prevents stiffness in facial tissues

• Defines the jawline and cheekbones more effectively

• Reduces swelling and improves skin elasticity

⚠️ Always consult your surgeon before starting massage, as timing and pressure levels depend on your healing progress.

Side Effects of Buccal Fat Removal in Men

Like any cosmetic surgery, buccal fat removal for men may involve some temporary side effects. The most common include:

• Swelling, bruising, and mild inflammation for a few days

• Temporary pain or slight weakness in facial muscles

• Minor bleeding or risk of infection (rare when performed by an experienced surgeon)

• Excessive facial thinning if too much fat is removed

• Loss of facial symmetry in rare cases

• Allergic reactions to anesthesia or medications

Most of these side effects are temporary and subside with proper care and professional supervision. Choosing a skilled surgeon greatly reduces these risks.

Recovery Period After Buccal Fat Removal in Men

The recovery process varies from person to person. For some men, healing may take only a few weeks, while others may need several months to see final results. Factors that influence recovery include:

• Overall health and immune system strength

• Following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, hydration, and proper nutrition

With careful aftercare, swelling and bruising usually resolve within 1–2 weeks, while the final sculpted facial contours become visible after 2–3 months.

Cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Men

The average cost of buccal fat removal for men is around $400–$800, depending on several factors:

• The amount of fat to be removed

• The surgeon’s expertise and experience

• The clinic’s location and reputation

• Whether additional procedures (like jawline contouring or chin liposuction) are performed at the same time

Since this is considered a cosmetic procedure, it is usually not covered by insurance.