Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished your face looked more sculpted or defined? Buccal fat removal has become one of the most popular ways to enhance facial contours and achieve a slimmer, more chiseled appearance—all with minimal downtime.
As more people consider this subtle yet transformative procedure, the biggest question remains: What is the recovery process like? Understanding what to expect after cheek reduction surgery is key to making a confident, informed decision. Let’s break it all down.
How Long Does Buccal Fat Removal Take to Heal?
While initial healing from buccal fat removal typically takes just 1 to 2 weeks, allowing most patients to return to their daily routines comfortably, the full results take more time. Subtle facial changes continue over several weeks as swelling subsides and tissues settle. Most patients see their final, refined look develop after a couple of months, as we’ll explore in more detail below.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Day by Day
Recovery time from buccal fat reduction surgery is typically straightforward, but knowing what to expect each day can help you prepare mentally and physically. While individual experiences vary slightly, the timeline below offers a general guide to how your healing journey may unfold, from the first few days through to visible, long-term results.
Days 1-3: Initial Recovery
Right after the day of surgery and during the first two days of recovery, patients typically experience the most noticeable swelling and mild to moderate discomfort. This is a normal inflammatory response as the body begins the healing process. Prescribed pain medication and cold compresses are commonly recommended to help manage any soreness or puffiness. It’s also advised to follow a soft-food diet to avoid irritating the incision sites inside the mouth. Bruising may not yet be visible but can develop later. Rest is key during this stage—keep your head elevated, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity to encourage proper healing.
Initial Recovery
Days 4-7: The First Week
As the first week progresses, swelling begins to decrease, and any bruising becomes more noticeable, often peaking before it gradually fades. Patients usually feel more comfortable and may reduce or stop using pain medication by this point. It’s still essential to avoid chewing hard foods and to continue rinsing the mouth gently after meals to keep the incision sites clean. Light walking is usually permitted, but strenuous exercise should still be avoided. Many patients start to notice the early signs of facial contouring as inflammation eases. By the end of this phase, you’ll likely feel more like yourself again.
The First Week
Days 8-10: Returning to Work
By days 8 to 10, most patients feel well enough to return to work and resume light social activities. Swelling and bruising continue to diminish, and facial movements become more comfortable. Any remaining discomfort is usually mild and manageable without prescription medication. While you may look presentable in public, some residual puffiness can persist, especially in the mornings. It’s still a good idea to avoid intense physical activity and to follow all post-operative instructions, including dietary guidelines and oral hygiene. This stage marks a turning point in recovery, with many individuals starting to see encouraging signs of their refined facial shape.
Returning to Work
Weeks 1-2: Ongoing Healing
By the end of the second week, much of the noticeable swelling has resolved, although some residual puffiness may linger, particularly in the morning or late in the day. The incisions inside the mouth should be well on their way to healing, making daily activities like eating and speaking much more comfortable. Patients often begin to see clearer facial definition during this stage, though the final results are still developing. Gentle activity can be resumed if approved by your surgeon, but it’s important to continue avoiding contact sports or intense workouts. Adhering to post-op care guidelines remains essential.
Ongoing Healing
Weeks 2-3: Swelling Subsides
At this point in recovery, swelling continues to taper off noticeably, and most patients begin to feel confident about their appearance in day-to-day life. The cheeks become more defined as the bulk of residual puffiness diminishes. Any remaining bruising is typically minimal or gone altogether. If approved by your surgeon, light exercise such as walking or gentle stretching can usually be resumed. It’s important to remain mindful of healing incisions and to avoid any activities that might cause trauma to the face. Continued progress is expected during this stage, with results becoming increasingly apparent and encouraging.
Swelling Subsides
Weeks 3-4: Long-term Recovery Phase
Between weeks three and four, most of the external signs of surgery—like swelling and bruising—have significantly diminished, allowing the face to begin settling into its new contour. At this stage, patients often feel fully back to normal in their routines, though it’s still wise to be cautious with any physical activity that may impact the face. The internal healing process continues, especially around the incision sites, which should be fully closed by now. Facial definition becomes increasingly visible, but subtle refinements are still occurring. It’s a good time to check in with your surgeon to assess progress and ask questions.
Long-term Recovery Phase
Weeks 4-6: Final Results
By weeks four to six, most of the residual swelling has resolved, and patients can fully appreciate the results of their buccal fat removal. The cheeks appear more sculpted, and the overall facial contour is smoother and more refined. This stage often brings a sense of satisfaction as the final look begins to match the initial vision discussed with the surgeon. Although healing continues subtly beneath the surface, no significant external signs remain. Patients are typically cleared for normal physical activities, and any long-term care instructions should be followed to preserve results and maintain facial harmony.
Final Results
Tips for a Smooth Recovery from Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
A successful recovery from buccal fat removal doesn’t just happen—it comes down to preparation, attention to post-op care, and understanding what your body needs at each step. Following these tried-and-true tips can make a big difference in both your comfort and the final outcome of your procedure.
- Follow all post-operative instructions: Your surgeon’s aftercare guidelines are tailored specifically for your procedure and healing pace. Stick to them diligently to minimize complications and promote faster recovery.
- Stick to a soft-food diet: Chewing can irritate the incision sites during the first week. Opt for smoothies, yogurt, soup, and mashed foods until you’re cleared to resume normal eating.
- Keep your head elevated: Sleeping with your head elevated helps reduce swelling and speeds up healing. Use an extra pillow or a wedge to keep your head above heart level, especially during the first week.
- Avoid strenuous activity: Heavy lifting and vigorous workouts can increase blood pressure and swelling. Wait until your surgeon gives you the green light before returning to your normal fitness routine.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Since incisions are made inside the mouth, maintaining oral cleanliness is critical. Use a prescribed mouth rinse or warm saltwater after meals to prevent infection.
- Be patient with the results: Swelling can take weeks to fully subside. Avoid assessing your final results too early—true facial contouring becomes visible only after the tissues have fully healed.
Potential Complications During Buccal Fat Pad Removal
While buccal fat removal is considered a safe and routine procedure when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, like any surgery, it carries certain risks. Being aware of the potential complications can help you make informed decisions and understand the importance of proper aftercare and surgical expertise.
- Infection: As with any surgical procedure, infection is a risk, especially since incisions are made inside the mouth. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and using prescribed rinses are crucial to preventing this.
- Excessive Swelling or Bruising: While some swelling and bruising are expected, excessive or prolonged symptoms may indicate a complication and should be reported to your surgeon.
- Facial Asymmetry: Removing too much or too little fat from one cheek can result in uneven contours. This underscores the importance of a highly skilled, experienced surgeon.
- Nerve Damage: Although rare, there’s a slight risk of affecting the buccal branch of the facial nerve, which could cause temporary or, in very rare cases, permanent numbness or muscle weakness.
- Poor Healing or Scarring: Internal incisions generally heal well, but factors like poor nutrition, smoking, or improper care can slow healing or lead to scar tissue.
- Unsatisfactory Results: In some cases, patients may feel their results are either too subtle or too pronounced. A consultation with an experienced surgeon helps manage expectations and reduce this risk.
SPECIALIST CARE YOU CAN TRUST
Dr. Steinbrech is supported by a brilliant team of caring staff members. You can trust the entire staff to help make your visit as comfortable and safe as possible! Learn more about Dr. Steinbrech and our Staff.
Benefits of Combining Your Buccal Fat Removal with Other Procedures
Many patients choose to combine buccal fat removal with other cosmetic procedures, such as chin liposuction, neck contouring, or facelift techniques, to maximize their results and streamline recovery. Consolidating multiple treatments into a single surgical session means just one round of anesthesia, one recovery period, and often lower overall costs due to shared facility and anesthesia fees. It also allows for a more comprehensive facial transformation, enhancing balance and definition in one go. For the right candidate, this approach can be both efficient and cost-effective while minimizing the overall time spent healing.
Choosing an Expert for Your Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Choosing an experienced facial plastic surgeon for your buccal fat removal is crucial for achieving safe, natural-looking results. While the procedure itself is relatively straightforward, the anatomy of the face is complex. A skilled specialist ensures the right amount of fat is removed and that facial harmony is preserved, minimizing risks and optimizing outcomes.
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized training from the prestigious NYU Institute of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Recognized as one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, he is known for his mastery of minimally invasive aesthetic techniques and facial plastic surgery, including buccal fat removal. Ready to explore your options? Call us at 646-949-0580 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.
