Buccal Fat Removal: The Social Media Trend That’s Reshaping Facial Contouring

In the ever-evolving world of aesthetic surgery, few procedures have captured public attention quite like buccal fat removal. This once-obscure facial contouring technique has exploded into mainstream consciousness, driven largely by social media influence and celebrity endorsements. From TikTok transformations to Instagram before-and-after photos, buccal fat removal has become one of the most searched cosmetic procedures of 2024 and 2025.

At Eden Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ali Charafeddine has witnessed this dramatic surge in interest firsthand. As a board-certified plastic surgeon trained at prestigious institutions including Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Charafeddine brings both extensive experience and a critical eye to this trending procedure. His expertise in facial anatomy and commitment to natural-looking results make him uniquely qualified to separate the social media hype from the medical reality of buccal fat removal.

Understanding Buccal Fat Removal: The Medical Perspective

Buccal fat removal, medically known as bichectomy, involves the surgical removal of fat from the buccal fat pads located deep within the cheeks. These naturally occurring fat deposits contribute to facial fullness and the rounded appearance of the lower face. The procedure aims to create more defined cheekbones and a sculpted facial contour by reducing this volume.

• Anatomical Considerations: The buccal fat pad is a specialized mass of fat located between the masseter and buccinator muscles in the cheek. Unlike subcutaneous fat that sits just beneath the skin, buccal fat is encapsulated and serves specific anatomical functions. It provides cushioning during chewing and contributes to facial volume that naturally decreases with age.
• Surgical Technique: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on patient preference and surgeon recommendation. Dr. Charafeddine creates small incisions inside the mouth, accessing the buccal fat pad through the oral cavity. This approach leaves no visible external scars, making it appealing to patients concerned about scarring.
• Duration and Recovery: The surgery itself usually takes 30-60 minutes, and patients can often return to work within a few days. However, final results may take several months to fully manifest as swelling subsides and tissues settle into their new contours.
• Precision and Artistry: Success in buccal fat removal requires not just surgical skill but also artistic judgment. The amount of fat removed must be carefully calibrated to each patient’s facial structure, age, and aesthetic goals. Removing too much fat can create an overly hollow, aged appearance, while removing too little may not achieve the desired contouring effect.

Dr. Charafeddine emphasizes that buccal fat removal is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Each patient requires individualized assessment and surgical planning to achieve optimal results that enhance rather than compromise their natural facial harmony.

The Social Media Phenomenon: Why Buccal Fat Removal Went Viral

The explosion of interest in buccal fat removal can be traced directly to social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, where the procedure has garnered millions of views and countless discussions. Understanding this phenomenon provides insight into modern beauty trends and patient motivations.

• Celebrity Influence: High-profile celebrities and influencers have openly discussed their buccal fat removal experiences, dramatically increasing public awareness. When celebrities share their cosmetic surgery journeys, it normalizes these procedures and makes them aspirational for their followers. The visibility of sculpted, defined cheekbones in celebrity culture has made this aesthetic highly desirable.
• Instagram Aesthetics: The rise of the “Instagram face” – characterized by sharp cheekbones, defined jawlines, and contoured features – has made buccal fat removal particularly appealing to younger demographics. The procedure promises to achieve this coveted look through surgical means rather than relying solely on makeup contouring techniques.
• Before-and-After Culture: Social media’s emphasis on dramatic transformations has created a culture where visible change is highly valued. Buccal fat removal often produces striking before-and-after photos that perform well on social platforms, further fueling interest in the procedure.
• Accessibility of Information: Unlike previous generations who relied primarily on consultations with surgeons for procedure information, today’s patients arrive at consultations already informed about techniques, recovery times, and expected results through social media research.
• Peer Influence: The democratization of cosmetic surgery through social media has made these procedures feel more accessible and less taboo. When friends and influencers share their experiences, it creates a sense of community around aesthetic enhancement.

However, Dr. Charafeddine cautions that social media can also spread misinformation and unrealistic expectations. Not every trending procedure is appropriate for every patient, and surgical decisions should always be based on medical consultation rather than social media trends.

Ideal Candidates: Who Benefits Most from Buccal Fat Removal

Determining appropriate candidacy for buccal fat removal requires careful evaluation of facial anatomy, age, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Charafeddine emphasizes that this procedure is not suitable for everyone and requires expert assessment to ensure positive outcomes.

• Facial Structure Considerations: The best candidates typically have naturally full cheeks due to prominent buccal fat pads, not facial fullness from other sources like overall weight or facial bones. Patients with round or square face shapes often see the most dramatic improvements, while those with already lean faces may not be good candidates.
• Age Factors: Most appropriate candidates are typically in their twenties to forties. Younger patients may have fuller buccal fat pads that will naturally diminish with age, while older patients may already have experienced natural volume loss that could be exacerbated by surgical removal.
• Realistic Expectations: Ideal candidates understand that the procedure creates subtle to moderate changes rather than dramatic facial transformation. They seek refinement of their existing features rather than complete facial restructuring.
• Good Overall Health: As with any surgical procedure, candidates should be in good physical and mental health, with stable weight and realistic expectations about outcomes and recovery.
• Specific Aesthetic Goals: Candidates who specifically desire more defined cheekbones and a slimmer lower face contour are more likely to be satisfied with results than those seeking general facial improvement.
• Understanding Permanence: Since buccal fat removal permanently reduces facial volume, ideal candidates understand that this change will be lasting and may become more pronounced as they age naturally.
• Facial Harmony: Dr. Charafeddine evaluates how buccal fat removal will affect overall facial balance and harmony. Candidates whose facial features will be enhanced rather than compromised by cheek volume reduction are the best suited for this procedure.

It’s important to note that trends in beauty standards change over time, but surgical alterations are permanent. Dr. Charafeddine always considers long-term aesthetic implications when evaluating candidacy for buccal fat removal.

The Procedure: What to Expect at Eden Plastic Surgery

At Eden Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charafeddine follows a meticulous approach to buccal fat removal that prioritizes both safety and aesthetic excellence. Understanding the complete process helps patients make informed decisions and prepare appropriately for their surgery.

• Comprehensive Consultation: The journey begins with an in-depth consultation where Dr. Charafeddine evaluates facial anatomy, discusses aesthetic goals, and determines candidacy. Using advanced imaging technology, patients can visualize potential outcomes and understand how the procedure will affect their unique facial structure.
• Personalized Surgical Planning: No two buccal fat removal procedures are identical. Dr. Charafeddine develops individualized surgical plans based on each patient’s facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle factors. This personalized approach ensures optimal results that enhance natural beauty.
• Pre-Operative Preparation: Patients receive detailed pre-operative instructions including guidelines about medications, eating, and activity restrictions. Dr. Charafeddine’s team provides comprehensive support to ensure patients feel confident and prepared for their procedure.
• Surgical Technique: The procedure is performed in Eden Plastic Surgery’s state-of-the-art surgical facility. Dr. Charafeddine typically uses local anesthesia with gentle IV sedation, though general anesthesia may be recommended for certain patients. The intraoral approach ensures no visible scarring.
• Precision and Safety: Dr. Charafeddine’s extensive training at Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic ensures the highest standards of surgical precision and safety. Each step of the procedure is performed with meticulous attention to detail and anatomical preservation.
• Immediate Post-Operative Care: Patients are monitored in a comfortable recovery area before being discharged with detailed post-operative instructions. Dr. Charafeddine’s team provides around-the-clock support for any questions or concerns during recovery.
• Follow-Up Protocol: Regular follow-up appointments allow Dr. Charafeddine to monitor healing, address any concerns, and ensure optimal results. This ongoing care is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes.

The entire experience at Eden Plastic Surgery is designed to provide patients with exceptional care, natural-looking results, and the confidence that comes from working with a world-renowned specialist in facial surgery.

Potential Risks and Complications: The Reality Behind the Trend

While buccal fat removal is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by qualified surgeons, it’s essential for patients to understand potential risks and complications. Dr. Charafeddine believes in transparent communication about all aspects of surgery, including possible adverse outcomes.

• Overcorrection Concerns: The most significant risk is removing too much buccal fat, which can create an overly hollow, gaunt appearance that may worsen with natural aging. This overcorrection is often irreversible and can result in an unnatural, skeletal appearance that becomes more pronounced over time.
• Asymmetry: While surgeons strive for symmetrical results, natural facial asymmetries and healing variations can result in uneven outcomes. Minor asymmetries are common and often not noticeable, but significant asymmetries may require revision surgery.
• Nerve Damage: The facial nerve runs through the surgical area, and while permanent nerve damage is rare when the procedure is performed by experienced surgeons, temporary numbness or weakness can occur. Most nerve-related complications resolve within weeks to months.
• Infection and Healing Issues: As with any surgical procedure, there’s a risk of infection, bleeding, or poor wound healing. The intraoral approach generally heals well, but proper post-operative care is essential to minimize complications.
• Cheek Indentation: Some patients may develop visible indentations or irregularities in the cheek contour, particularly if they have thin skin or minimal subcutaneous fat coverage.
• Aging Acceleration: Removing buccal fat may accelerate the appearance of facial aging by reducing volume that would naturally diminish over time anyway. Patients who undergo the procedure young may find their faces appear older than their chronological age as they mature.
• Revision Limitations: Unlike procedures where volume can be added back, buccal fat removal is largely irreversible. Fat grafting can restore some volume, but it cannot perfectly recreate the natural buccal fat pad.
• Dr. Charafeddine’s extensive experience and surgical expertise significantly minimize these risks, but patients must understand that no surgical procedure is completely risk-free. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with specific expertise in facial surgery is crucial for optimal outcomes.

Alternatives to Consider: Non-Surgical and Surgical Options

Not every patient seeking facial contouring requires buccal fat removal. Dr. Charafeddine often recommends alternative approaches that can achieve similar aesthetic goals with different risk profiles and recovery requirements.

• Non-Surgical Contouring: Injectable treatments can create the appearance of more defined cheekbones without surgery. Strategic placement of dermal fillers in the cheek and temple areas can enhance facial contours, while techniques like Kybella can reduce localized fat deposits in other facial areas.
• Facial Liposuction: For patients with facial fullness primarily due to subcutaneous fat rather than buccal fat pads, targeted facial liposuction may be more appropriate. This technique can reduce overall facial volume while preserving the deeper fat structures.
• Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation: Sometimes the desire for more defined cheekbones is better addressed through procedures that enhance other facial features. Dr. Charafeddine’s signature EVELift® can create overall facial harmony that makes cheekbones appear more prominent without removing buccal fat.
• Combination Approaches: Many patients benefit from combining multiple techniques to achieve their aesthetic goals. This might include buccal fat removal with dermal fillers, facial liposuction with skin tightening, or surgical contouring with non-surgical enhancements.
• Makeup and Contouring: For patients hesitant about permanent surgical changes, professional makeup techniques can create dramatic cheek contouring effects without any invasive procedures.
• Facial Implants: In some cases, adding volume through cheek implants or fat grafting to other areas of the face can create the appearance of more defined cheekbones without removing existing volume.
• Temporal Considerations: Young patients especially should consider waiting to see how their facial structure develops naturally before pursuing permanent surgical changes.

Dr. Charafeddine takes time to explore all options with each patient, ensuring they choose the approach that best aligns with their goals, lifestyle, and long-term aesthetic vision.

Age Considerations: Why Timing Matters

One of the most important factors in buccal fat removal success is timing. Dr. Charafeddine emphasizes that age plays a crucial role in determining both candidacy and likely satisfaction with results.

• The Young Patient Dilemma: Many patients in their early twenties seek buccal fat removal after seeing dramatic results on social media. However, facial fat naturally diminishes with age, and what appears full at 22 may become naturally sculpted by 30. Patients who undergo the procedure too young risk appearing gaunt as they age.
• Natural Aging Process: The face loses volume progressively throughout life, with the most significant changes typically beginning in the thirties and accelerating thereafter. Buccal fat removal accelerates this process in the cheek area, potentially creating an aged appearance prematurely.
• Optimal Age Range: Most facial plastic surgeons consider the late twenties through forties the optimal age range for buccal fat removal, when facial structure is mature but natural volume loss hasn’t yet created hollowing.
• Generational Perspectives: Beauty standards change over generations. The current preference for sharp, angular facial features may not persist, but surgical changes are permanent. Patients should consider whether their aesthetic preferences align with long-term satisfaction.
• Reversibility Limitations: Unlike many cosmetic procedures that can be revised or reversed, buccal fat removal creates permanent changes. While fat grafting can restore some volume, it cannot perfectly recreate the natural buccal fat pad structure.
• Future Planning: Patients should consider how the procedure will affect their appearance throughout their lifetime, not just their current aesthetic goals. Dr. Charafeddine discusses these long-term implications with every patient.
• Maturity and Decision-Making: The decision to undergo any permanent cosmetic surgery requires emotional maturity and realistic expectations about outcomes and aging.

Dr. Charafeddine often counsels younger patients to wait and observe how their facial structure develops naturally before pursuing permanent surgical alterations. This patience often leads to better long-term satisfaction and more appropriate surgical timing.

The Expertise Factor: Why Surgeon Selection Matters

The dramatic rise in buccal fat removal popularity has led to increased availability of the procedure, but not all surgeons possess the specialized expertise required for optimal outcomes. Dr. Charafeddine’s unique qualifications demonstrate why surgeon selection is paramount.

• Board Certification Importance: Board certification in plastic surgery ensures that surgeons have completed rigorous training and passed comprehensive examinations. However, not all board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in facial procedures, making additional specialization crucial.
• Facial Surgery Specialization: Dr. Charafeddine’s fellowship training in advanced facial aesthetic surgery at Cleveland Clinic provides specialized expertise beyond general plastic surgery training. This additional year of focused education specifically addresses the complexities of facial anatomy and aesthetics.
• Institutional Training: Training at prestigious institutions like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic exposes surgeons to the highest standards of care, cutting-edge techniques, and complex cases that enhance their expertise and judgment.
• Experience Volume: Surgeons who regularly perform facial procedures develop nuanced understanding of facial anatomy, aesthetic proportions, and patient selection that cannot be gained through occasional surgery.
• Artistic Vision: Successful facial plastic surgery requires not just technical skill but also artistic vision. Dr. Charafeddine’s ability to visualize and create harmonious facial proportions sets him apart from surgeons who focus primarily on technical execution.
• Complication Management: Experienced facial surgeons are better equipped to prevent complications and manage them effectively if they occur. Their expertise often means the difference between optimal outcomes and suboptimal results.
• Patient Education: Qualified surgeons invest time in educating patients about procedures, alternatives, and realistic expectations. They may recommend against surgery when it’s not in the patient’s best interest.
• Facility Standards: Dr. Charafeddine operates in an accredited surgical facility that meets the highest safety standards, with trained staff and emergency protocols that ensure patient safety.
• Continuing Education: The field of facial plastic surgery constantly evolves, and leading surgeons like Dr. Charafeddine stay current with the latest techniques, technologies, and research.

Patients considering buccal fat removal should thoroughly research their surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and results before making this important decision.

Long-Term Results: What to Expect Years After Surgery

Understanding the long-term implications of buccal fat removal is crucial for making an informed decision about the procedure. Dr. Charafeddine provides patients with realistic expectations about how their results will evolve over time.

• Immediate vs. Final Results: Initial results from buccal fat removal are visible immediately after surgery, but final outcomes take several months to appear as swelling subsides and tissues settle. The most dramatic changes typically become apparent 3-6 months post-surgery.
• Aging Trajectory: The removed buccal fat will not regenerate, making the changes permanent. As patients age naturally and lose facial volume elsewhere, the cheek area may become increasingly hollow. This can create an aged appearance that becomes more pronounced over time.
• Five-Year Outlook: Most patients maintain their satisfaction with results for the first five years post-surgery, especially if they were appropriate candidates. The contouring effects remain visible, and the face maintains a sculpted appearance.
• Ten-Year Considerations: By the ten-year mark, natural aging processes may create more noticeable changes. Some patients may benefit from volume restoration through fat grafting or dermal fillers to address excessive hollowing.
• Individual Variation: Results vary significantly among patients based on factors like genetics, skin quality, lifestyle, and overall aging patterns. Some patients maintain excellent results for decades, while others may develop concerns earlier.
• Lifestyle Factors: Weight fluctuations, sun exposure, smoking, and other lifestyle factors can affect long-term results and overall facial aging patterns.
• Revision Possibilities: While the removed fat cannot be replaced exactly, skilled surgeons can use fat grafting or other techniques to address concerns that develop over time. However, these revision procedures cannot perfectly recreate the original anatomy.
• Satisfaction Trends: Research suggests that patient satisfaction with buccal fat removal remains high when appropriate candidates are selected and realistic expectations are maintained.

Dr. Charafeddine ensures patients understand these long-term implications and helps them weigh the benefits against potential future concerns based on their individual circumstances and goals.

Making an Informed Decision: Questions to Ask

Deciding whether to pursue buccal fat removal requires careful consideration and thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon. Dr. Charafeddine encourages patients to ask comprehensive questions to ensure they’re making informed decisions.

Essential Questions for Your Surgeon:

• “Am I a good candidate for this procedure, and why or why not?” This fundamental question helps determine if your facial anatomy and goals align with likely positive outcomes.
• “What are the specific risks in my case?” Individual risk factors vary, and understanding your personal risk profile is crucial for decision-making.
• “How will this procedure affect my appearance as I age?” Long-term implications should be thoroughly discussed and understood.
• “What alternatives might achieve similar results?” Exploring all options ensures you’re choosing the best approach for your goals.
• “Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with similar facial structures?” Reviewing relevant results helps set realistic expectations.
• “What is your specific experience with this procedure?” Understanding your surgeon’s expertise and case volume provides confidence in their abilities.
• “What should I expect during recovery, and when will I see final results?” Realistic recovery expectations help with planning and satisfaction.

Questions for Self-Reflection:

• “Why do I want this procedure?” Understanding your motivations helps ensure they’re appropriate and likely to lead to satisfaction.
• “Am I prepared for permanent changes?” The irreversible nature of the procedure requires careful consideration.
• “How will I feel if trends change but my results are permanent?” Beauty standards evolve, but surgical results last.
• “Have I considered non-surgical alternatives?” Exploring all options ensures you’re making the best choice.
• “Am I emotionally ready for surgery and recovery?” Physical and emotional preparation are both important for success.
• Taking time to thoroughly consider these questions and discuss them with Dr. Charafeddine ensures that patients make decisions aligned with their goals and values.

The Eden Plastic Surgery Difference

At Eden Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ali Charafeddine brings unparalleled expertise to facial contouring procedures like buccal fat removal. His unique combination of world-class training, artistic vision, and commitment to natural results sets him apart in the field of facial plastic surgery.

• World-Class Training: Dr. Charafeddine’s education at prestigious institutions including Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic provides the foundation for exceptional surgical skill and patient care. His fellowship training in advanced facial aesthetic surgery offers specialized expertise that few surgeons possess.
• Innovative Techniques: As the creator of the trademarked EVELift® facelift technique, Dr. Charafeddine demonstrates his commitment to innovation and excellence in facial surgery. This experience with advanced facial procedures enhances his ability to achieve superior results in all facial contouring procedures.
• Artistic Vision: Successful facial plastic surgery requires both technical skill and artistic judgment. Dr. Charafeddine’s ability to visualize and create harmonious facial proportions ensures that every procedure enhances rather than compromises natural beauty.
• Patient-Centered Care: The Eden Plastic Surgery experience prioritizes patient comfort, education, and satisfaction. Dr. Charafeddine takes time to understand each patient’s goals and concerns, developing personalized treatment plans that align with their vision.
• State-of-the-Art Facility: The surgical facility at Eden Plastic Surgery meets the highest safety and quality standards, providing patients with confidence in their care and outcomes.
• Comprehensive Support: From initial consultation through long-term follow-up, patients receive comprehensive support throughout their surgical journey. This ongoing care ensures optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction.
• Honest Communication: Dr. Charafeddine believes in transparent communication about procedures, risks, and realistic expectations. He may recommend against surgery when it’s not in the patient’s best interest, prioritizing patient welfare over commercial interests.

Learn If You Are a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal

If you’re considering buccal fat removal or other facial contouring procedures, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali Charafeddine at Eden Plastic Surgery. His expertise, artistry, and commitment to excellence ensure that you receive the highest quality care and achieve results that enhance your natural beauty for years to come.