Some people hang on to "baby fat" in their faces well into their 30s and beyond. No matter how lean you are, it seems like your cheeks just won’t slim down. Buccal fat removal takes out the fat pad beneath the cheekbone, helping to sharpen your natural bone structure. We offer this service at Bella Cosmetic Surgery in National Harbor, Maryland.
Board-certified in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Anya Costeloe knows how to fine-tune your features with a mix of surgical skill and aesthetic judgment. Patients in Alexandria and across Maryland and Virginia value her expertise.
Why People Choose Buccal Fat Reduction
Buccal fat can impact how you feel about your appearance. Younger patients may feel they have a “chipmunk cheek” look, while older patients might notice the fullness shifting lower, adding weight to their face or contributing to early jowls.
Removing buccal fat can bring out your cheekbones and create better facial balance. It’s a popular choice for anyone who feels like their face looks a little rounder than they’d like, regardless of weight or age.
Procedure Details
This is a quick, in-office surgery, usually done with local anesthesia or light sedation. You’ll stay comfortable the whole time, and it generally wraps up in under an hour.
Dr. Costeloe makes a small incision inside your mouth (so there are no visible scars), then gently removes the buccal fat pad from each cheek. Once the fat is out, she closes the incisions with dissolvable stitches. That’s it – you’re done and on your way home the same day.
Recovery Process
You’ll likely notice some swelling and mild soreness for a few days, but most people bounce back quickly. You can get back to your usual routine within a few days, though you’ll want to hold off on intense workouts for about a week.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- You can wear make-up the next day
- Stick to a soft diet for one week
- Wait one week before exercising
- Final results will show up gradually in three to six months.
Dr. Costeloe will walk you through all the aftercare steps, including how to keep the area clean and how to avoid anything that could slow healing.
Risks and Considerations
Every surgery comes with some level of risk, and buccal fat removal is no different. Things like infection, nerve irritation, or asymmetry are rare but possible.
That’s why choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon matters. Dr. Costeloe has the experience and training to lower the risk of complications and help you get the natural result you're after. She’ll talk through everything in your consultation so you feel confident in your decision.
Why Choose Bella Cosmetic Surgery?
When it comes to facial contouring, experience and precision matter, and you get both at Bella Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Anya Costeloe is board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology, with specialized training focused entirely on the face, head, and neck. She specializes in refining your features without overcorrecting them. Working alongside her is Dr. Michael Chiaramonte, another board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience.
What sets Bella apart is the way we care for our patients. Every treatment plan is customized, and every detail is handled with intention. Located in National Harbor, our practice offers the convenience of an accredited surgical center with the warmth and discretion of a boutique cosmetic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is a Candidate for Buccal Fat Reduction?
This treatment tends to work best for people who:
- Are in good overall health
- Feel self-conscious about full or rounded cheeks
- Often hear they have a “baby face” or “chipmunk cheeks”
- Want to define their features without making drastic changes
- Understand what this procedure can (and can’t) do
If that sounds like you, the next step is meeting with Dr. Costeloe.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Buccal Fat Reduction as the Face Ages?
As we age, we naturally lose facial fat, which can lead to a more hollowed or gaunt appearance. If too much buccal fat is removed early on, it may exaggerate these effects later. That’s why it’s important to work with a skilled facial plastic surgeon who can balance current goals with long-term facial harmony.
How Does Buccal Fat Removal Compare to Non-Surgical Contouring?
Buccal fat removal is a surgical solution that offers permanent reduction in cheek fullness, while non-surgical contouring treatments like fillers or BOTOX temporarily enhance facial definition without removing volume.
Non-surgical options involve less downtime but will require ongoing maintenance. The best choice depends on your goals, anatomy, and comfort level with surgery.
What Is the Ideal Age Range or Facial Maturity for Buccal Fat Removal?
Most providers recommend waiting until your mid-20s, when facial fat distribution and bone structure have matured. This helps ensure you're making changes to a face that’s done developing. Age is less important than facial anatomy, so individual assessment is key.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Yes, it’s often performed alongside other facial procedures like chin liposuction/augmentation, neck lift, or dermal fillers. Combining treatments can reduce the need for multiple recovery periods.
Can Buccal Fat Grow Back After Removal?
Once the buccal fat pads are removed, they do not regenerate. However, significant weight gain can cause the remaining fat cells in the face to enlarge, which may impact facial fullness. For most patients, the slimming effect is long-lasting.
Fine-Tune Your Features With Expert Care
Sometimes, small changes can make a big difference. If you’re ready to explore what buccal fat removal can do for your facial contour, we’re here to help. Call 301-567-6767 to book a consultation with Dr. Costeloe at Bella Cosmetic Surgery.
