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Buccal Fat Pad Reduction
Buccal Fat Pad Reduction
Buccal Fat Pad Reduction
Buccal Fat Pad Reduction in Sandy Springs, GA
At Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center,
board-certified surgeons Dr. Carmen Kavali and
Dr. Teri Moak provide advanced procedures designed to enhance natural beauty while maintaining balance and harmony. One of the most requested options is buccal fat pad reduction, a treatment that addresses persistent fullness in the cheeks and allows for slimmer, more defined facial contours. This procedure is popular among patients in Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and Atlanta who want subtle yet lasting improvements that complement their natural features.
Facial contouring has become a cornerstone of modern aesthetics, with many people seeking ways to highlight their cheekbones, refine the midface, and achieve a more sculpted appearance. While nonsurgical options such as dermal fillers can restore volume and add lift to targeted areas, some individuals naturally carry larger buccal fat pads that give the cheeks a rounded look. These fat deposits often persist regardless of weight changes, creating a softer, less defined profile. For patients who want a lasting solution, buccal fat pad reduction offers precise surgical refinement.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons explains that buccal fat is present in everyone but varies in size. In some patients, it creates a “baby-faced” appearance that masks cheekbone definition and makes the face look fuller than desired. Reducing the buccal fat pad allows the cheekbones to stand out naturally, resulting in improved harmony between the midface and jawline. The procedure has gained popularity in recent years among those who want to appear more sculpted without dramatic changes to their overall look.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Pad Reduction
Patients often choose buccal fat pad reduction for its ability to refine and slim the lower face. By removing excess fat from the cheeks, the procedure enhances definition, highlights bone structure, and creates proportional balance across facial features. One of the most significant advantages is that results are long-lasting, since the fat removed does not regenerate. This provides enduring refinement that continues to look natural as the face ages.
Key benefits include enhanced cheek definition, a slimmer midface, better jawline proportion, and an overall sculpted profile. Unlike temporary solutions such as fillers, this surgery delivers permanent change. Patients frequently report improved self-confidence, particularly in photographs or professional settings where facial definition can strongly influence appearance. Because results are subtle and natural, friends and colleagues often notice that a patient looks refreshed or slimmer without realizing surgery was performed.
Buccal fat pad reduction can also be combined with other procedures for more comprehensive results. Many patients choose to pair it with a facelift for overall rejuvenation, chin augmentation for a stronger profile, or a neck lift for added contouring under the jawline. These complementary procedures can be customized to align with each patient’s anatomy and goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for buccal fat pad reduction are individuals who have naturally round or full cheeks that do not slim with diet or exercise. They are in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, and have realistic expectations for results. Patients should desire subtle refinement rather than dramatic alteration. The procedure is not recommended for people with already thin or narrow faces, as fat removal could create hollowing over time. During consultation, Dr. Kavali and Dr. Moak use advanced imaging to show potential outcomes and guide each patient toward the safest, most effective approach.
Candidacy also depends on lifestyle and health habits. Non-smokers typically heal more quickly, but patients who smoke can still undergo surgery if they are willing to stop during recovery. Good candidates also understand that while the results are long-lasting, natural aging continues to influence the face. This means that skin elasticity, bone structure, and genetics will still play a role in long-term appearance.
The Procedure
Buccal fat pad reduction is performed in our accredited surgical facility in Sandy Springs. The procedure usually takes less than an hour and is done on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day. Most receive local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia can be used if the procedure is combined with other surgeries.
A small incision is made discreetly inside the mouth near the upper molars. Through this incision, the surgeon carefully accesses and reduces the buccal fat pad. The amount removed is precisely tailored to avoid over-reduction and to ensure both cheeks remain symmetrical. Once complete, the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures that do not require removal. Because the incision is entirely internal, there are no visible external scars.
The surgery is designed to preserve natural proportion while achieving refinement. Patients who undergo buccal fat pad reduction at Monarch benefit from the meticulous technique of board-certified surgeons who understand the artistry required to balance subtle facial changes with long-term results.
Recovery and Results
Recovery is typically smooth and straightforward. Some swelling and tenderness are expected in the first few days, but these symptoms are usually mild and managed with over-the-counter medication. A soft or liquid diet is often recommended during the initial healing period to minimize strain on the incision site. Most patients return to light activities within a few days and resume normal routines within one to two weeks.
As swelling resolves, the refined contours of the cheeks become visible. The results are permanent because buccal fat pads do not return once removed. Patients notice slimmer cheeks, more defined cheekbones, and better harmony with the jawline. These changes enhance overall facial proportion while maintaining a natural look. Because the adjustment is subtle, results often appear as if the face has slimmed naturally rather than through surgery.
Long-term satisfaction with buccal fat pad reduction is high. Patients frequently describe improved self-confidence, particularly in settings where facial definition matters most. The results continue to evolve over several weeks, and final outcomes are typically seen within a few months of surgery.
Safety and Innovation
Safety is central to every procedure at Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center. Our Sandy Springs facility is fully accredited, meaning it adheres to the same standards for cleanliness and safety as hospital operating rooms. Patients can feel confident knowing their care is provided in a secure and well-equipped environment.
Our surgeons employ modern techniques that minimize trauma, reduce recovery time, and preserve natural balance. Advanced planning tools, such as imaging software, are used to visualize outcomes and guide surgical decisions. This ensures patients have realistic expectations and understand how changes will complement their unique features. Post-operative care is comprehensive, with detailed aftercare instructions and regular follow-ups to monitor healing.
Both Dr. Kavali and Dr. Moak remain active in continuing education, regularly attending medical conferences and collaborating with peers to stay at the forefront of innovation. Their commitment to lifelong learning ensures patients receive the safest, most effective treatments available.
Serving Patients in Sandy Springs and Beyond
Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center is located at 6045 Barfield Rd, Ste. 100, Atlanta, GA 30328, just minutes from the heart of Sandy Springs. The practice serves patients throughout Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Atlanta, and surrounding neighborhoods. Free, convenient parking and discreet facilities make it easy for patients to visit without stress. The location is accessible from GA-400 and I-285, allowing for simple travel from across the metro area.
Sandy Springs is a vibrant community known for its professional opportunities, upscale dining, and active lifestyle. Patients often seek buccal fat pad reduction to align their appearance with this dynamic environment. Whether preparing for professional growth, social confidence, or simply wanting to feel more comfortable in one’s skin, the procedure offers a way to achieve these goals while maintaining a natural look.
Our surgeons work with patients from neighborhoods such as Peachtree Hills, Garden Hills, Brookwood Hills, and Tuxedo Park. Each treatment plan is fully personalized, ensuring results reflect the individuality of each patient rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients have questions about buccal fat pad reduction before making their decision. Common topics include whether results will look natural, how recovery feels, and how long outcomes last. The procedure is designed to enhance facial features without creating a hollow appearance, and when performed by experienced surgeons, it delivers balanced and natural-looking results. Recovery is relatively quick, with most patients returning to work or school within a few days. Final outcomes are permanent, though natural aging will continue to shape facial appearance over time.
Patients also ask if buccal fat pad reduction can be combined with other procedures. The answer is yes—many choose to combine it with facelifts, chin augmentation, or neck lifts to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. Financing options are also available, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care.
Conclusion
Buccal fat pad reduction offers patients in Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and Atlanta the opportunity to achieve slimmer cheeks, enhanced cheekbone definition, and greater confidence in their appearance. At Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center, board-certified surgeons Dr. Carmen Kavali and Dr. Teri Moak provide safe, effective, and personalized treatment in a professional and welcoming environment. For those who want a more sculpted look without appearing overdone, buccal fat pad reduction delivers subtle and lasting results that align with individual goals.
Patient Testimonials
“From the warm welcome of the staff to the skilled hands of Dr. Moak, my experience as a first-time plastic surgery patient was exceptional. She explained every detail thoroughly and focused on my comfort and satisfaction.”
— Sue H.
“I came from out of state for this doctor to do my augmentation. The consultation was excellent, and the technology helped me see what my final result could look like. She truly is the doctor’s doctor.”
— Christine H.
“I recently had a procedure with Dr. Kavali. The results were better than I could have imagined, and the recovery was smooth. I felt cared for throughout the entire process.”
— Melissa T.
“Dr. Moak was incredibly thorough from consultation through recovery. I felt understood and respected at every stage, and my results look completely natural.”
— Elisabeth D.
Questions & Answers
Buccal fat pad reduction is a cosmetic surgery that improves facial proportions by slimming the cheek below the cheekbone. This treatment is ideal for those with facial fullness, which prevents the optimal contour of the cheekbones despite their weight or fitness status. Through a small incision inside the mouth, the buccal fat can be removed in a tailored fashion to generate optimal cheek contour.
The benefits of buccal fat pad reduction are unique to each individual. Buccal fat pad reduction can:
- Slim, bulky cheeks
- Accentuate cheekbone structure
- Add contour to the face
In addition to deciding whether buccal fat pad reduction can meet your personal goals, several factors must be considered in determining whether you are a good candidate for a buccal fat pad reduction. Good candidates for buccal fat pad reduction include those who:
- Want to improve cheek contour
- Want to achieve better proportion to the face
- Have enough excess buccal fat for removal
- You are a nonsmoker, or you are willing to stop smoking before your buccal fat pad reduction
While buccal fat pad reduction can address various concerns, it has limitations. Knowing these limitations and understanding when you may be a candidate for a different type of surgery is essential. Buccal fat pad reduction is not ideal for those with limited buccal fat. Buccal fat mustn’t be excessively removed, as this adds to an earlier-aged appearance if not done in a conservative, tailored fashion.
Buccal fat pad reduction can be performed in an office under local anesthesia or as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia in an operating room when combined with other methods. After your surgery, you will spend a short time in the recovery room before a friend or family member takes you home, where you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night. We will advise you on pain medication to ease any discomfort, give you detailed post-operative instructions, and schedule a follow-up appointment to check your progress.
It is expected to experience some pain and swelling in the first few days after surgery. You may also experience soreness while chewing food. You will have some food restrictions (i.e., crunchy or sharp foods) so as not to disturb your incisions. Incisions usually heal within 1 to 2 weeks following surgery.
You can usually return to work within days, depending on your type of work.
The results of a buccal fat reduction can be seen immediately following surgery. However, additional, more tailored shapes will occur as swelling around the area improves. These results are long-lasting.
Every patient’s recovery is different. Your recovery may be quicker or take more time than average.
Please visit our My Consult page to learn more about what happens during your consult.
Please visit our Financing page to learn more about financing options.