Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal Fat Removal
If your cheeks make you feel "rounder" than you’d like—even at your healthiest weight—buccal fat removal can help refine your look without making you unrecognizable. This minimally invasive procedure targets the buccal fat pads inside the cheeks to create more sculpted facial contours. It's not about changing your face. It's about revealing the structure that's already there.
Led by Dr. Ryan Diederich, MidAmerica Plastic Surgery offers buccal fat removal in Glen Carbon, IL, for patients looking for a more defined facial shape. Our practice serves patients from across the St. Louis metro area and Southern Illinois with trusted surgical expertise and personalized care.
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure that involves the careful extraction of the buccal fat pad—a naturally occurring pocket of fat located in the lower cheeks. This in-office procedure creates a slimmer appearance through the midface, especially helpful for patients who feel their cheeks remain full despite weight loss or healthy habits. It's often chosen by patients seeking facial balance or a sharper, more contoured jawline.
By removing a portion of the buccal fat pad, this procedure can bring more definition to the cheekbones and jawline. It’s subtle, but impactful, especially for those whose facial shape feels "baby-faced" or overly soft.
Benefits include:
Ideal candidates are healthy adults who feel their cheeks are overly full or rounded, especially in contrast to the rest of their features. This procedure isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about facial harmony. Good candidates often:
This treatment may not be ideal for those with very lean faces, significant facial aging, or certain health conditions that affect healing. A consultation will help determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Your consultation at MidAmerica Plastic Surgery is a one-on-one conversation about your goals, concerns, and medical history. Dr. Diederich will examine your facial structure and let you know whether buccal fat removal makes sense in your case, or if a different approach would be more beneficial.
If you're a good candidate, we’ll give you detailed pre-op instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications, supplements, and alcohol in the days before your procedure.
The procedure is typically performed in-office using local anesthesia. Dr. Diederich makes a small incision inside each cheek, then carefully removes the appropriate amount of buccal fat pad. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures.
The entire procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
Swelling and mild soreness are normal for the first few days. Most patients return to work within 2–5 days, depending on their comfort level. You'll want to stick to soft foods for a few days and avoid vigorous exercise until cleared by the team.
Visible results typically begin to emerge around 2–3 weeks post-procedure, with final contouring visible by 3 months as swelling fully subsides. Results are considered permanent.
Post-care includes:
Dr. Ryan Diederich is known throughout the St. Louis Metro Region for his attention to detail and patient-first philosophy. Our Glen Carbon facility blends modern technology with a warm, approachable team that truly listens. From first consult to final follow-up, you’ll feel supported, informed, and never rushed.
We’re proud to offer:
Ready to refine your facial shape in a way that feels like you—just more defined? Contact our Glen Carbon office today to schedule your consultation. Call us or reach out online to take the next step with MidAmerica Plastic Surgery.
Yes—when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, buccal fat removal is considered a safe and straightforward procedure.
No. Once the buccal fat pad is removed, it cannot be replaced, so it’s important to be sure about your decision.
When done conservatively on the right candidate, no. Over-removal can age the face over time, which is why choosing a skilled surgeon is key.
Most patients report minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, with soreness similar to a dental procedure.
Pricing can vary depending on the scope of the procedure and any complementary treatments. We’ll go over detailed costs during your consultation.
