What Makes Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Unique?
The same chubby cheeks that look so adorable on your sister’s new baby might make you feel as though you look like a chipmunk if you see them on yourself. If you feel that your cheeks are a bit too cherub-like, buccal fat removal surgery can help by removing the fat pad in your lower cheeks, creating a sleeker facial appearance.
Although still considered a plastic or cosmetic surgery, buccal fat pad removal has some traits that set it apart from other cosmetic procedures.
Perhaps the most striking difference is that buccal pads are removed through small incisions inside the mouth. This makes for a unique healing and post-op care process. This tissue heals differently than the skin and muscle tissues typically involved in plastic surgery.
One thing that remains the same, however, is that post-surgical swelling will ease gradually. This means your final outcome will take several weeks to become visible.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Timeline
Recovering from buccal fat removal may be different from many other cosmetic procedures, but it still follows a fairly predictable timeline. An overview of this timeline will help you know what to expect as you heal after surgery so you know if you’re on track or perhaps need to check in with your plastic surgeon.
Days 1–3
- Mild to moderate cheek swelling and tightness; ice packs may be used externally
- Expect discomfort while chewing; most patients are on a soft or liquid diet
- No visible external bruising, but the inside of the cheek may feel sore or tender
- Avoid hot foods, spicy foods, and mouthwash with alcohol
Week 1
- Most patients return to work or daily activities after three to five days, though swelling persists
- Sutures (if placed) will begin dissolving
- Must continue to follow a gentle oral hygiene routine, avoiding toothbrush contact with incision area
- Strenuous activity remains restricted
Weeks 2–3
- Noticeable reduction in swelling, but some residual puffiness remains in lower cheeks
- Patients can resume light exercise if cleared
- Chewing becomes easier, but continue to avoid sharp foods and aggressive facial movements
Weeks 4–6
- Swelling mostly resolves; early changes in cheek definition become more visible
- Final results are not fully visible yet, but facial contour starts appearing more sculpted
- Normal diet, workouts, and oral care may resume fully unless otherwise advised
3 Months and Beyond
- Most patients see final results in three to six months
- Internal healing continues long after surface swelling resolves
- Fat removal is permanent, but weight fluctuations may still affect facial fullness moving forward
Tips for a Smooth Buccal Fat Removal Recovery
Both you and your plastic surgeon want your recovery to go smoothly and proceed without any hiccups. These tips will help you achieve a comfortable and drama-free recovery:
- Stick to soft foods: Smoothies, yogurt, broths, and protein shakes for the first week
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash as prescribed to keep incisions clean
- Avoid puffing your cheeks or using straws, which can disturb internal healing
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated to reduce swelling
- Don’t manipulate your cheeks — no massaging, squeezing, or pressing
- Report any sharp or poking sensations, suture issues, or irritation to your surgeon
What to Expect in Terms of Pain, Swelling, and Appearance
Good news! Pain after buccal fat removal is usually mild to moderate and easily managed with over-the-counter medications. Bruises on the cheeks are rare, too, since the incisions are internal rather than external.
Happily, there is no real bad news to report. There is, however, some news that we’ll call… less than good. Your cheeks won’t look slimmer right away. They may actually look puffier for about a week after surgery because of normal surgical swelling. This is often most noticeable when you’re smiling or talking, but please don’t refrain from either—smiling is just plain good for the soul!
You may also notice some asymmetry in your cheeks since swelling won’t occur evenly.
How Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Compares to Other Facial Procedures
Sometimes our patients have buccal fat removal after they or someone they know has had other facial surgeries. In this case, they often ask how recovering from this surgery compares.
Recovering from buccal fat removal is less painful than recovering from jaw surgeries, facelifts, or rhinoplasties (nose jobs). Swelling in the lower face does tend to last a bit longer, however, and may subtly linger for several weeks.
The most important difference may be the fact that the incisions made during buccal fat removal are located inside your mouth. This means no visible scars, but it also makes it critical that you adhere to a strict oral hygiene regimen after your surgery. Failure to do so is likely to result in infection.
Recap
Buccal fat removal has a low risk and easily manageable recovery process for most patients. You can aid a smooth recovery by following the oral care guidelines, diet restrictions, and activity limitations that your plastic surgeon gives you.
Always follow your surgeon’s post-op plan for the best and safest results. And have patience. The shape of your face will gradually change and become slimmer, but it will take several weeks for your new facial contour to fully emerge.