BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL
From fullness to definition sculpting the lower face
Buccal fat removal (bichectomy) reduces fullness in the lower cheeks to reveal a slimmer, more sculpted mid- and lower-face.
By removing a measured portion of the Bichat fat pad from inside the mouth, it enhances the transition between cheekbone, cheek hollow, and jawline—with no external scar.
Sculpting elegance, one contour at a time
Who it’s for (and who it isn’t)
Ideal candidates
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Persistent “chubby cheeks” despite diet/fitness
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Desire for cleaner cheek contours and better definition
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Stable weight, good skin quality, realistic goals
Usually not advised
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Very lean or angular faces (risk of over-hollowing)
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Significant skin laxity (a lift/other options may suit better)
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Major, ongoing weight loss plans after surgery
The procedure (simple & discreet)
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Duration: ~30–45 minutes
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Anaesthesia: local with or without light sedation (or light general, case-by-case)
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Incisions: inside the mouth (upper molar region) → no visible scar
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Technique: careful exposure and partial removal of the buccal fat pad; meticulous haemostasis and intraoral sutures
Outpatient surgery, no hospital stay
This is an ambulatory procedure, meaning patients return home the same day.
Recovery—what to expect
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Swelling/tightness: common for 7–10 days (feels like a deep cheek bruise)
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Diet: soft foods and mouth rinses for several days
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Work/social: many return in 3–5 days (sunglasses help early)
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Sports: resume after 2–3 weeks
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Final contour: visible by 2–3 months as swelling resolves
Results you can expect
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Slimmer lower cheeks and cleaner midface hollow
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More definition of cheekbones and jawline
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A refined, elegant profile that still looks like you
Safety & considerations
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Temporary numbness, prolonged swelling, or asymmetry can occur; injury to nearby structures is uncommon with expert technique.
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Good oral hygiene and following instructions reduce risks. Because the fat removed doesn’t return, stability of weight helps protect your result.
Combination planning (when helpful)
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Chin & neck liposuction for profile refinement - see page
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Masseter Botox® to soften a bulky angle in selected cases - See page
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Fillers see page or fat grafting see page higher in the cheek for lift/contour (not the same area)
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Deep Plane Facelift if laxity/jowls are present and definition is the goal - see page
Why Dr. Veber recommends it
For the right face, bichectomy is a quiet yet effective way to reveal structure—subtle slimming, natural balance, no visible scar, and a recovery counted in days, not months.
