Buccal Fat Removal in Scottsdale, AZ

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Buccal fat removal surgery in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Paradise Valley, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Gruszynski.

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Scottsdale Buccal Fat Removal Specialist · Board Certified Plastic Surgeon · Thousands of Procedures · Scottsdale Buccal Fat Removal Specialist · Board Certified Plastic Surgeon · Thousands of Procedures ·

Do Round Cheeks Hide Your Definition?

You’ve tried makeup techniques and stayed committed to a healthy lifestyle, yet your cheeks still look fuller than you’d like. For some people, naturally prominent buccal fat pads create a round appearance that hides the structure of the cheekbones and jawline underneath.

This can feel frustrating when your features look softer or wider than you prefer, especially in photos where it may make the entire face seem less defined.

Buccal fat removal is a subtle procedure that carefully reduces this fullness to reveal more contour in the lower face and bring attention to your natural bone structure.

What To Know About Buccal Fat Removal in Scottsdale

Buccal fat removal or buccal lipectomy is a minimally invasive facial contouring procedure that reduces fullness in the lower cheeks.

The surgery targets a specific fat pad called the buccal fat pad, which sits between your cheekbones and jaw muscles. These fat deposits contribute to a rounded facial appearance, particularly in the lower cheek area.

The procedure is performed through small incisions placed inside the mouth. Dr. Mark gently removes just enough fat to create a slimmer contour while preserving natural facial softness. Since the incisions are hidden, there are no visible external scars.

Discover how buccal fat removal can create definition and harmony in your face.

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Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is a proven treatment for Scottsdale and Phoenix patients that can refine the lower face and create a more sculpted look. Here are the key benefits patients often notice:

Defines Cheek Contours: Removes excess fat from the lower cheeks to reveal sharper cheekbones.
Reduces Cheek Fullness: Targets a fat pad that does not usually grow back, which gives lasting results.
Improves Facial Balance: Brings better proportion to the face, especially when the lower cheeks look round or heavy.
Leaves No Visible Scars: Performed through a small incision inside the mouth.
Boosts Confidence: Many patients feel happier with their overall appearance soon after surgery.

Ideal Candidates
for Buccal Fat Removal

Not everyone with round cheeks is a candidate for this procedure. The best patients share certain qualities that make them good matches for buccal fat removal:

Full Lower Cheeks

Even at a healthy weight, excess cheek fullness hides natural bone structure.

Limited Makeup Results

Contouring gives only temporary definition and cannot create lasting change.

Desire a Leaner Look

Lower cheeks feel out of proportion compared to the cheekbones or jawline.

Prefer Hidden Incisions

Small incisions inside the mouth keep healing discreet and scar-free.

If these concerns sound familiar, a consultation with Dr. Mark at our Scottsdale office will give you clarity on whether buccal fat removal is the next step for your goals.

Take the first step toward a more sculpted look.

Contact Dr. Mark

Buccal Fat Removal Consultation At Our Scottsdale Office

Your consultation is the most crucial step in planning a buccal fat removal. This is where Dr. Mark takes the time to understand your goals and what matters to you most.

During the visit to our Scottsdale practice, he will carefully examine your facial shape, cheek fullness, and bone structure to get a better idea of how your features will age.

This will help him know how he will make your results stay natural and last for years. In case you’re also considering a complete facial makeover, he can discuss procedures like chin augmentation or jawline contouring with you.

You’ll be able to ask questions and learn exactly what to expect from the procedure and recovery. By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a personalized plan.

How to Prepare for Buccal Fat Removal

Our team will provide detailed pre-op instructions, but here are some common steps most patients follow:

Maintain Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss regularly for at least one week before surgery to keep the mouth clean.

Plan Soft Meals

Have foods like yogurt, smoothies, and soups ready, since chewing may feel tender for a few days.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Quit nicotine well before surgery and skip alcohol in the days leading up to the procedure to support healing.

Use Antibacterial Rinse

Follow our instructions for rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash to lower bacteria levels.

Stop Certain Medications

Pause aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E, and herbal supplements about a week before surgery as instructed.

Arrange a Ride Home

Have someone drive you home after your procedure and be available to help the first evening.

These steps help make surgery day easier and support a smoother start to recovery.

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How Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Works

This facial plastic surgery is performed through small incisions hidden inside the mouth. Here’s how the process typically works:

On the day of surgery, Dr. Mark reviews your anatomy and confirms the surgical plan. Careful markings are made to guide where the fat will be removed to make sure there’s symmetry and balance on both sides of the face.

You will receive local anesthesia with light sedation or general anesthesia to keep you completely comfortable from start to finish. The type of anesthesia will depend on your treatment plan and preferences, and it will be reviewed with you beforehand. A board-certified anesthesiologist monitors your breathing, heart rate, and comfort throughout the entire procedure.

Small incisions are made inside the mouth near the upper molars, where they stay completely hidden¹. This internal approach allows us to reach the buccal fat pad directly without leaving visible scars on the outside of the face.

Through these small incisions, Dr. Mark carefully locates and removes a precise amount of the buccal fat pad. This step is done slowly and methodically to create a slimmer, more defined contour while preserving natural softness in the cheeks. The goal is a balanced, refined look rather than an over-hollowed appearance.

Before closing the incisions, he evaluates both sides of the face to confirm the contours match. Any minor adjustments are made to maintain symmetry and achieve an even, natural result.

The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches that do not need to be removed. Since they are inside the mouth, no external signs of surgery are visible.

Buccal Fat Removal Techniques

Buccal fat removal can be done using two different techniques. While it isn’t liposuction, it works similarly by carefully removing fat to contour the face. Dr. Mark will recommend the approach that fits your goals and anatomy.

Standard Buccal Fat Removal

This traditional approach involves removing a portion of the entire buccal fat pad through intraoral incisions. Dr. Mark carefully extracts the fat while preserving surrounding structures. This technique works well for those in Scottsdale with significantly full cheeks who want overall volume reduction.

The results provide comprehensive cheek contouring with permanent fat removal. Recovery involves managing swelling and following a soft diet for optimal healing.

Conservative Buccal Fat Removal

This refined technique removes smaller amounts of fat for subtle facial contouring. Dr. Mark focuses on specific areas of the buccal fat pad rather than removing the entire structure. This approach suits patients who want modest changes while avoiding an overly hollow appearance.

The conservative method maintains some natural fullness while creating definition. Results appear more gradual and natural, with less risk of creating a gaunt look over time.

Explore which technique is right for you. Schedule your buccal fat removal consultation at our Scottsdale office today.

Start Your Transformation

Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Timeline

Recovery after buccal fat removal is usually easy. Here’s a general timeline of healing you can expect:

Days 1–3

On the day of your procedure, your cheeks may feel puffy, sore, or tight. Swelling begins immediately and typically peaks within the first 48 hours. Cold compresses, a soft diet, and gentle oral rinses help.

Days 2-3

During the next couple of days, swelling and tenderness remain noticeable but manageable. It’s important to keep the mouth clean with antiseptic rinses after eating and to continue following Dr. Mark’s care instructions closely.

Week 1

By the end of the first week, swelling and mild bruising start to fade. Stitches placed inside the mouth usually dissolve on their own. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities.

Weeks 2-3

During the second and third weeks, swelling continues to decrease, and the cheeks begin to appear slimmer and more defined. Any lingering puffiness is subtle and often only noticeable to you.

Weeks 4-6

By one month, residual swelling has nearly resolved, and the new facial contours become more apparent. The results look natural as the tissues continue to settle and soften.

Months 2-3

Between two and three months, healing is complete, and your final results are visible. The cheeks have taken on a more sculpted, contoured shape that complements your facial features.

Dr. Mark’s Recovery Tips

Rinse your mouth after eating
Stick to soft foods for the first few days
Sleep with your head elevated
Avoid biting into hard foods until cleared
Do not press or massage the cheeks
Avoid smoking and alcohol during early healing

Why Choose
Dr. Mark Gruszynski

Dr. Mark is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon offering expert care to patients in Scottsdale and Phoenix with years of surgical experience. He completed advanced training at UCLA, where he focused on facial contouring and aesthetic procedures.

His approach to buccal fat removal is measured and precise, removing just enough fat to create definition while preserving natural softness.

Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Mark is known for his patient-centered approach. He takes time to understand each person’s goals and anatomy before creating a personalized surgical plan.

With clear communication and steady guidance, he helps people feel confident every step of the way

Meet Our Buccal Fat Removal Expert

Frequently Asked
Questions About Buccal Fat Removal

Results are permanent because the removed buccal fat pads don’t regenerate. However, natural aging and weight changes can still affect your facial appearance over time. Most patients maintain their improved cheek contours for life.

When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Mark, the procedure creates natural-looking definition rather than a hollow appearance. Conservative pad removal and proper patient selection prevent gaunt results.

Yes, many patients combine this procedure with chin augmentation, cheek implants, or other facial surgeries. Dr. Mark will discuss which combinations make sense for your specific goals and anatomy.

Potential risks include infection, nerve damage, asymmetry, and removing too much fat. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon significantly reduces these risks through proper technique and patient selection.

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain. Prescription pain medication effectively manages any discomfort during the first few days of recovery.

Initial results appear within 2-3 weeks as swelling decreases. Final results are visible after 3-6 months when all swelling completely resolves and tissues settle into their new position.

No, all incisions are made inside your mouth, so there are no visible external scars. The intraoral incisions heal well and become virtually undetectable over time.

You’ll need to follow a soft diet for about one week to allow proper healing. Most patients can return to normal eating habits within 10-14 days after surgery.

The ideal age range is typically 25-40 years old. Younger patients may lose facial fat naturally with age, while older patients might benefit more from other facial plastic surgery procedures.

This is considered a cosmetic procedure, so insurance typically doesn’t provide coverage. Dr. Mark’s team can discuss payment options and financing plans during your consultation.

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References

Feau. (2025, February 24). The buccal fat removal scar: An analysis from the perspective of a professional plastic surgeon. https://www.feau.com/article/the-buccal-fat-removal-scar-an-analysis-from-the-perspective-of-a?