Is Buccal Fat Reduction Painful?

Most people are surprised at how smooth the recovery is. Since the procedure is done from inside the mouth using local anesthesia (sometimes with a bit of sedation), there’s no external incision, no bandages, and honestly, very little discomfort during the actual surgery. You may feel some pressure or tugging, but no pain will occur while it’s happening.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

In most cases, you’ll have your initial consultation, the procedure itself, and one or two follow-up visits to monitor healing. If you’re combining buccal fat reduction with another treatment, your appointments may be adjusted accordingly.

How Long Until I See Results?

While the actual fat removal is immediate, the final, refined results aren’t visible right away, so don’t panic if you don’t wake up with chiseled cheekbones the next morning.In the first week or two, expect some swelling (totally normal). Your cheeks may even look fuller at first—kind of ironic, right? But once that swelling begins to fade, you’ll start to see the early signs of that more contoured, sculpted look you came in for. Most patients notice a visible difference around the 4 to 6-week mark, with the most refined, photo-ready results typically appearing around the 3-month mark.

Can I Combine Buccal Fat Reduction With Other Procedures?

Absolutely. Buccal fat removal is often paired with procedures such as rhinoplasty , chin augmentation, or facelift surgery for a more comprehensive facial refinement. Dr. Mather is a big believer in balance, so if he feels another procedure will help achieve a more harmonious result, he’ll let you know.

What Are the Risks Associated With Buccal Fat Reduction?

The most common side effects are mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness, which typically resolve within one to two weeks. There is also a small risk of infection, but proper aftercare helps keep things clean and uncomplicated. More rare risks include asymmetry, excessive fat removal (which can result in a hollow appearance), or minor nerve irritation. However, with Dr. Mather’s specialized training in both maxillofacial and aesthetic surgery, these risks are minimized.

Edmonton, Alberta

Buccal Fat Reduction

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Introduction

CONTOUR TO THE CHEEKS WITH BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL BY DR. MATHER

The Beauty of a Subtle Change

In our formative years, the fat deposits that give us those adorable, round baby cheeks usually diminish, yielding to a more sculpted and defined adult face. When these fat deposits, known as buccal fat pads, fail to recede on their own, they can be reduced through a buccal fat reduction.

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and wished your face looked a little more sculpted—like those naturally snatched cheekbones celebs seem to be born with—buccal fat reduction might be what you’ve been searching for. This refined cosmetic procedure is gaining popularity for one significant reason: it can subtly yet dramatically refine the midface and accentuate your natural bone structure. At Dr. Andrew Mather Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Edmonton, this advanced treatment is performed with expert precision by Dr. Mather himself, a leading facial aging surgeon known for blending form, function, and artistry in every procedure.

Before & After Photos

Buccal Fat Reduction Results

Before
After

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“I am very happy with the end result and now feel more confident. Would highly recommend.”

“I had the Buccal Fat Removal Procedure done with Dr. Mather. All the staff were incredible! I’ve never felt more supported, heard, and taken care of. I am very happy with the end result and now feel more confident. Would highly recommend.”

– S.T. / Google Review

What is Buccal Fat Reduction?

Buccal fat is a specific fat pad within the soft portion of the cheek, positioned in the region beneath the cheekbone, located on each side of the corners of the mouth. Excess or enlarged fat in this area can cause aesthetic issues, such as a rounded or chubby appearance. Protrusion of this fat can give the appearance of jowls.

This can be fixed using the right cosmetic procedure—buccal fat removal. In this procedure, excess buccal fat is removed from the lower cheeks to reduce puffiness and fullness, and to achieve a more defined and lean lower facial contour. Through this process, a more sculpted appearance can be achieved.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Buccal Fat Reduction?

Buccal fat removal is ideal for individuals who:

Feel their cheeks look too full or round, even at a healthy weight
Want more definition in their face, especially around the cheekbones
Are in good overall health and don’t smoke
Have realistic expectations about what the procedure can and cannot achieve

What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Reduction?

If you feel that your face and cheeks are overly round, buccal fat removal surgery may be the right procedure to slim and sculpt the lower third of the face, giving you permanent, contoured results that you’ll love.

When performed by a skilled facial surgeon like Dr. Mather, buccal fat reduction can:

Slim and contour the midface for a more V-shaped facial profile
Enhance the appearance of cheekbones without the need for implants or filler
Create a more defined, mature look (especially helpful if you feel your face looks too round or youthful)
Offer a permanent solution to genetically full cheeks
Pair beautifully with other facial procedures, such as rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, or facelift surgery, for a harmonious overall appearance.

The goal is not to make everyone look the same but to refine your existing features so they shine. This is artistry—not just surgery.

What’s the First Step?

Your journey starts with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Mather at his Edmonton practice. During this visit, he’ll examine your facial anatomy, talk about your goals, and explain the pros and cons of buccal fat reduction in your specific case. Because Dr. Mather specializes in both maxillofacial surgery and aesthetics, he approaches every procedure with precision and safety top of mind.

If you’re a good candidate, he’ll customize a surgical plan just for you, sometimes combining the procedure with others for a more complete facial rejuvenation.

What to Expect on the Day of Buccal Fat Reduction Surgery

On the day of your buccal fat reduction, you’ll arrive at Dr. Mather’s Edmonton clinic feeling prepared and taken care of. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll be awake but completely comfortable throughout. It’s quick—typically about 30 to 45 minutes—and done right in the office.

Dr. Mather makes a small incision inside each cheek, removes just the right amount of fat for a natural, contoured look, and then closes the area with dissolvable stitches. No visible scarring, no general anesthesia, and no overnight stay needed.

After a short monitoring period, you’ll be able to head home the same day. We recommend arranging a ride and planning to rest for the evening.

Buccal Fat Reduction Recovery

Expect mild swelling and some soreness, similar to what you might experience after a dental procedure. You’ll be asked to follow a soft food diet for a few days and rinse with a special mouthwash to prevent infection. Bruising is minimal, and any swelling generally resolves within 1-2 weeks.

Dr. Mather’s patients often describe the recovery as surprisingly manageable. Because of the internal incisions, there are no visible scars—just a gradually more sculpted face as swelling goes down and the contours start to show.

How Much Does Buccal Fat Reduction Cost in Edmonton, Alberta?

The cost of buccal fat reduction in Edmonton varies depending on the complexity of your case and whether additional procedures are being performed simultaneously. Your personalized quote will be provided during your consultation. While this is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and isn’t covered by insurance, financing options are available to help make your aesthetic goals more accessible.

Buccal Fat Reduction FAQ’S

Most people are surprised at how smooth the recovery is. Since the procedure is done from inside the mouth using local anesthesia (sometimes with a bit of sedation), there’s no external incision, no bandages, and honestly, very little discomfort during the actual surgery. You may feel some pressure or tugging, but no pain will occur while it’s happening.
While the actual fat removal is immediate, the final, refined results aren’t visible right away, so don’t panic if you don’t wake up with chiseled cheekbones the next morning.In the first week or two, expect some swelling (totally normal). Your cheeks may even look fuller at first—kind of ironic, right? But once that swelling begins to fade, you’ll start to see the early signs of that more contoured, sculpted look you came in for. Most patients notice a visible difference around the 4 to 6-week mark, with the most refined, photo-ready results typically appearing around the 3-month mark.
The most common side effects are mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness, which typically resolve within one to two weeks. There is also a small risk of infection, but proper aftercare helps keep things clean and uncomplicated.

More rare risks include asymmetry, excessive fat removal (which can result in a hollow appearance), or minor nerve irritation. However, with Dr. Mather’s specialized training in both maxillofacial and aesthetic surgery, these risks are minimized.

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Schedule Your Consultation

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Andrew Mather to explore if buccal fat reduction is right for you. With over 15 years of experience and a practice dedicated solely to facial procedures, Dr. Mather provides expert, personalized care in Edmonton. Call (780) 249-3838 or visit drmather.ca to get started.