Memes made sculpted cheekbones a punchline, but the camera-ready version is no joke. Buccal fat removal has moved from inside jokes to red carpet results because it refines the lower cheeks in a way that looks polished, not plastic. If the goal is a slimmer, more defined face that still looks like you, this quiet contouring procedure can be a smart, strategic choice. At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery in Lynnwood, Dr. Craig Jonov helps patients from Bellevue, and Kirkland decide if buccal fat reduction belongs in a natural, balanced plan that matches the “undetectable aesthetic” Hollywood loves.
What buccal fat removal actually does
Each cheek has a pad of fat that sits between facial muscles. In some faces, this pad is more prominent and gives a round or baby-faced look, even at a healthy weight. Buccal fat removal carefully removes a portion of that pad through small incisions inside the mouth, which means no visible external scars. The result is a smoother transition from cheekbone to jawline and a gentle shadow under the cheek that reads as definition, not hollowness.
The key is proportion. The goal is not a sharp, angular face on every patient. The goal is harmony between your cheekbones, midface, and jaw so light hits the face in a flattering way. When the plan is personalized, friends notice that your face looks slimmer and more defined, not that you had surgery.
Why celebrities quietly choose it
High-definition cameras amplify every contour. Under bright lights, a fuller lower cheek can pull attention away from the eyes and bone structure. Buccal fat removal refines the lower third so makeup, contour, and skincare do more with less. It pairs well with non-surgical treatments that soften fine lines or improve skin quality, which helps results look effortless on screen and in person. If you enjoy the deeper dive on subtle, natural upgrades, read our related feature Hollywood’s “Undetectable” Aesthetic (interlink to your undetectable-aesthetic blog).
Who makes a good candidate
You may be a candidate if you have:
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Persistent fullness in the lower cheeks that does not change with weight
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A round or boxy facial shape that lacks definition at the cheeks
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Realistic expectations about refinement rather than dramatic change
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Good oral health and no active infections
A consultation with Dr. Jonov confirms candidacy. Your facial fat distribution, bite, dental health, and skin quality matter. Some patients are better served by skin-focused treatments or jawline contouring. Others benefit from a combined approach that includes buccal fat removal.
How the procedure works
Buccal fat removal is typically performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation or under general anesthesia if combined with other procedures. The incision is inside the cheek. The fat pad is gently teased out and a conservative amount is trimmed, then the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures. You go home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions.
Most patients notice initial slimming as swelling settles over two to three weeks. Final definition continues to appear over several months as tissues refine. Because the incision is inside the mouth, there are no external scars to manage. You will use an antiseptic mouth rinse and follow a soft-food plan for a few days to protect healing.
Recovery, comfort, and safety
Expect mild to moderate swelling, temporary cheek tenderness, and a tight sensation when smiling during the first week. Cold compresses on the outside of the cheeks, head elevation, and prescribed medications help with comfort. You can usually resume light daily activities within a few days. As with any surgery, there are risks such as asymmetry, over-resection, or prolonged swelling. Choosing an experienced surgeon in an accredited setting helps reduce those risks and supports a smoother recovery. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery performs procedures in a rigorously accredited environment and provides attentive follow-up so questions are answered promptly.
The art of “just enough”: pairing for natural results
Buccal fat removal shines when it is part of a balanced plan. Removing too much volume or combining it with the wrong procedure can over-thin the face. Removing a conservative amount and combining it with treatments that improve skin quality or refine angles can look natural for years.
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Masseter Botox can relax bulky chewing muscles. This can soften a square jawline and complement lower-cheek slimming. Consider interlinking to your Botox page.
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Chin or jawline contouring with dermal fillers can add structure without changing your expressions. Consider interlinking to your fillers or jawline contouring page.
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Submental and neck refinement helps when lower-face fullness is paired with fullness under the chin. Some patients benefit from chin liposuction or a small lift. Consider interlinking to your neck lift or chin lipo page.
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Skin revitalization with laser resurfacing improves tone and texture so light reflects more evenly. Consider interlinking to your laser resurfacing page.
If you are interested in the broader trend of quiet, natural changes, cross-read Hollywood’s “Undetectable” Aesthetic: Celebs Embrace Subtle Surgery and link between both pieces to help readers and search engines connect the dots.
Results timeline and what to expect long term
You will see early contour changes once the first week of swelling settles. The most photogenic definition usually appears between two and four months as tissues remodel. Buccal fat does not regenerate, so results are long lasting. Natural aging still occurs, which is why many patients protect their results with healthy habits and periodic non-surgical maintenance.
Cost, financing, and value
Investment varies based on the complexity of your case and whether you combine procedures. Many patients bundle buccal fat removal with other treatments to consolidate downtime and optimize balance. During your consultation, you receive a personalized quote and information about financing options. The best value comes from results that look believable, age well, and fit your lifestyle.
Why choose The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery
Subtle work requires judgment and precision. Dr. Craig Jonov brings years of focused experience in facial aesthetics, a full menu of surgical and non-surgical options, and a commitment to natural outcomes. Patients appreciate clear guidance, thoughtful customization, and attentive follow-up. The practice serves Bellevue, and Kirkland from our Lynnwood location, and provides concierge-level care that emphasizes safety, comfort, and communication from consult to recovery.
FAQs
Will my face look hollow later in life
No, when the procedure is conservative and properly planned. The goal is refinement rather than aggressive debulking. Your existing cheekbone structure, skin quality, and long-term facial balance guide how much is removed.
How soon can I work out
Most patients return to light activity within several days and resume more strenuous workouts after about two weeks, as advised at follow-up. Avoid pressure on the cheeks and keep head elevation high the first few nights.
Can buccal fat removal fix a double chin
No, it targets the lower cheeks. If fullness under the chin is present, you may need a complementary treatment such as submental liposuction or skin tightening. Interlink to your neck or under-chin contouring page.
Is it better than fillers
They do different jobs. Fillers add volume or structure. Buccal fat removal reduces specific volume. Many patients combine both for shape that looks sculpted and natural.
Will I need to change my diet
You will follow a soft-food plan for a few days and use an antiseptic mouth rinse. After that, you resume normal nutrition as comfort allows. Good hydration and low-sodium choices help swelling resolve.
Your next step
If you are intrigued by the clean, camera-ready lines behind the “Handsome Squidward” jokes, schedule a private consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery in Lynnwood. Bring your goals, favorite photos, and questions. We will review whether buccal fat removal fits your anatomy, or if a different approach will serve you better. For ideas on subtle, natural upgrades across the face, read Hollywood’s “Undetectable” Aesthetic: Celebs Embrace Subtle Surgery and add an internal link between both articles to guide readers through your content hub. When you are ready to refine, we are ready to help you look like you on your best day.
