Buccal Fat Removal
Selective refinement of the lower face in carefully chosen patients
When facial fullness doesn’t match the rest of your features
For some individuals, fullness in the lower cheeks persists even with weight loss, fitness and time. The face may appear rounder or heavier than intended, particularly in photos or profile, and may feel out of proportion with the rest of the facial structure.
Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure designed to reduce volume in the lower cheek by selectively and safely removing a portion of the buccal fat pad. When performed thoughtfully and for the right patient, it can help create subtle contour and improved definition along the cheek and jawline.
This is not a procedure meant to “chase sharpness” or hollow the face. In my practice, it is approached with restraint and long-term facial balance in mind.
Who this procedure is (and isn’t) right for
Buccal fat removal may be appropriate for women who:
Have persistent lower-cheek fullness despite stable/healthy weight.
Feel their face looks rounder or heavier than intended.
Have strong bone structure that can support subtle contouring.
Are seeking refinement rather than a dramatic or trendy change.
Just as importantly, this procedure is not right for everyone. It may not be recommended if:
Facial volume is already limited or likely to diminish with age.
Skin laxity or facial aging would be better addressed with other approaches.
The long-term impact on facial aging outweighs the short-term benefit.
A significant part of my role is helping patients understand whether buccal fat removal will still feel right five, 10 or 15 years from now; not just in the months after surgery.
Dr. Janet Chao Pearl’s approach to buccal fat removal surgery
Buccal fat removal is a deceptively simple procedure with permanent outcomes. Small decisions can significantly affect how the face ages over time.
My approach emphasizes:
Selective removal, never full excision.
Anatomy-driven planning, based on bone structure and soft tissue balance.
Preservation of facial support, avoiding premature hollowing.
Natural aging considerations, not short-term contour alone.
I perform this procedure only when it truly serves the patient’s long-term appearance. I am candid when I believe another approach (or no surgery at all) is the better choice.
What to expect from Dr. Chao Pearl
Timeless Faces is a boutique, concierge-style facial plastic surgery practice designed to offer a highly personal and continuous experience of care. This structure allows me to remain intimately involved at every stage of the process and to work thoughtfully with patients for whom surgery is truly the right choice.
From consultation through recovery, you work directly with me as your surgeon. There is no rotating team of doctors, no army of assistants, no handoffs.
Your evaluation includes:
A detailed assessment of facial structure and volume distribution.
A discussion of how buccal fat contributes to your overall facial balance.
An honest review of what this procedure can (and cannot) achieve.
Thoughtful consideration of how your face is likely to change with time.
If buccal fat removal is appropriate, the surgical plan is tailored carefully. If it is not, that guidance is given just as clearly.
Procedure, Recovery & Details
Buccal fat removal is typically performed through a small incision inside the mouth, leaving no external scars. The procedure itself is brief and well tolerated.
Recovery generally involves:
Mild to moderate swelling in the lower cheeks.
A soft-food diet for a short period.
Gradual refinement over several weeks as swelling resolves.
Final contour becomes more apparent over time as the tissues settle. Because changes are subtle by design, results tend to look integrated rather than obvious. Your specific recovery and duration will be discussed in advance, so expectations are clear.
Practical Details
Consultation: Initial review begins through a secure online form, followed by transparent pricing and next steps if appropriate.
Consultation fee: Applied toward a future procedure.
Scheduling: Surgery is scheduled only after careful planning and mutual agreement.