Cheeks

Professionally referred to as “buccal fat pad reduction”, this surgery aims to remove or reduce the fatty padding of the cheeks to produce a more chiselled or slender appearance to the bottom third of the face. It is a great way for patients to eliminate the "chipmunk cheek" look and improve the youthful contour of the face.

The Benefits

• Gives the face a more chiseled or slender appearance
• Improves the contour of a round/full cheeks
• Results in minimal swelling/bruising
• No visible incisions
• Fast post-op recovery

The Procedure

Buccal fat pad reduction is a common cosmetic facial surgery procedure that is performed to slim the cheeks or face. The buccal fat pads are walnut sized fat deposits deep in the cheeks. It is the large buccal fat pads that give infants and young children the cheeks that grandma likes to pinch - i.e. the "chipmunk" look.

Buccal fat pad reduction must be performed carefully and judiciously. Total removal will slim the face, however, a decade later it can lead to a very gaunt and unhealthy appearance.

Most patients requesting buccal fat reduction present to Dr. Mascaró with a concern of chubby cheeks in relation to the rest of their face and body. If you suck in your cheeks and find this to be the look you are after, then this procedure may be for you.

Often patients will ask about liposuction of the buccal fat pads.  Dr. Mascaró does not perform this for a number of reasons. The buccal fat pads have heavy, fibrous capsules that do not lend themselves to even liposuction. Also, there are important structures such as branches of the facial nerve, the anterior facial vein and parotid duct which could be injured with blind liposuction producing facial paralysis or severe bleeding.

For this reason, Dr. Mascaró always performs a magnification assisted surgical reduction of the fat pads.

Our Philosophy

Dr. Mascaró is extensively trained and experienced in buccal fat pad reduction, making him one of the few doctors experienced in this particular surgery. As a result, he can tailor the procedure to the specific needs of each patient.

Dr. Mascaró performs the procedure under twilight anesthesia. The only thing to be mindful of is that some dietary restrictions may be necessary due to the intraoral incisions. Work and most other activities can usually be resumed after a few days

Dr. Mascaró’s goal during your consultation is to listen to your concerns and provide his recommendations for your surgery. He will tell you what he would like to do to provide you with the best result