How Long Does Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Take?

November 13, 2025

How Long Does Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Take? Dr. Matteo Vigo’s Tips, Do’s and Don’ts for Faster Healing

If you’re considering buccal fat removal, it’s completely normal to have a variety of questions, and we’re here to answer them!

Initially, you may wonder whether cheek reduction surgery is right for you, or you might ask how long the procedure takes. Beyond that, you’re likely most curious about the recovery process so you can plan accordingly and know what to expect before scheduling a consultation.

We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of everything involved in achieving more defined cheekbones. Below, we detail how long buccal fat removal recovery typically takes and share the crucial do’s and don’ts Dr. Matteo Vigo recommends for faster healing following this face slimming surgery Dubai.

Recovery Time After Buccal Fat Removal Dubai

One of the key attractions of this minimally invasive procedure is the speed at which it can be performed.

Board-certified and triple fellowship-trained plastic surgeons like Dr. Matteo Vigo can usually complete buccal fat pad removal Dubai in approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Despite the quick procedure, many patients assume recovery is immediate. We often hear, “How long does it take to recover from buccal fat removal?”

While the surgery itself is fast, realistic expectations are important. Recovery will not take just 2 to 4 days. Patients aiming to transform fuller cheeks into a more contoured facial silhouette should plan for at least one week of recovery, give or take.

By the third week post-surgery, noticeable improvements typically emerge. However, strictly following your surgeon’s instructions is crucial. Neglecting these can extend recovery time, increase the risk of complications, and affect final results.

Important Do’s in Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

Seeing remarkable before-and-after photos naturally makes patients eager for results. To help achieve optimal outcomes, here are essential do’s that can promote faster healing and minimize complications.

Rest, But Keep Moving

While resting after buccal fat removal Dubai is important, gentle movement is equally crucial. Research shows light activity reduces post-operative complications, enhances recovery, and improves patient satisfaction.

During the first week, focus on light mobility, such as short walks around your home, to improve circulation. Though the procedure targets your face, staying in bed for long periods increases the risk of blood clots. Move your legs, ankles, and walk every few hours while awake.

Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities at this stage. Gradually increase activity levels by approximately 15% daily in the second week. By the end of week two, most patients can resume normal routines, unless your surgeon provides specific guidance.

Make Dietary Adjustments

The advantage of buccal fat removal is no visible scarring, as the surgery is performed inside the mouth. While you can generally eat normally, minor dietary precautions enhance healing.

Dr. Matteo Vigo emphasizes that patients can consume almost any food immediately after cheek fat removal Dubai. Previously, hard foods like crackers were discouraged, but experience has shown these do not impact recovery significantly.

The only restriction is avoiding very hot foods or drinks—such as hot tea, coffee, or soup—on the day of surgery, as anesthesia numbs the mouth and may cause burns. After this day, no temperature restrictions apply.

Cold foods like smoothies, ice cream, and popsicles are recommended but not required, as they can help reduce post-surgical swelling.

Mouth Exercises After Surgery

After buccal fat extraction Dubai, it is common to experience tightness or mild stiffness when opening the mouth. This occurs because the masseter muscles adjacent to the surgical site can become irritated, slightly swollen, or sore.

Performing simple mouth exercises helps restore comfort, maintain flexibility, and prevent prolonged stiffness. Here’s a recommended routine:

• Gently open your mouth as wide as comfortably possible, then slowly close it.
• Repeat this motion 10 times in a row.
• Perform this exercise three times daily for the first few days following surgery.

It’s crucial to avoid exaggerated facial expressions, including wide smiles, puffing out your cheeks, or over-stretching the mouth until the area has fully healed. These actions can strain the surgical site and potentially affect recovery.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining proper oral hygiene after buccal fat lipectomy Dubai is essential for preventing infections and avoiding food particles from irritating the incisions. Proper care also promotes faster healing and ensures your results are optimal.

Your surgeon may prescribe a medical-grade oral rinse for use 2–4 times daily or after meals to maintain cleanliness. While brushing, be gentle and use up-and-down strokes instead of circular motions to reduce friction and irritation around the surgical sites.

Maintaining consistent oral hygiene not only reduces the risk of infection but also helps prevent complications that could interfere with the long-term appearance of your facial contours.

Take Prescribed Medications

Dr. Matteo Vigo advises patients to fill their prescriptions prior to the procedure to avoid post-operative stress. Taking medications as prescribed is critical to control pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection.

Commonly prescribed or recommended medications may include:

• Antibiotics to prevent infection at the surgical site
• Pain relievers to manage post-operative discomfort
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and promote healing
• Arnica to minimize bruising and aid in recovery
• Stool softeners or laxatives, since anesthesia and pain medications may slow bowel movements

Following the medication schedule diligently helps avoid setbacks and contributes to a smoother, faster recovery.

Use Ice Packs

Applying ice packs is a simple, cost-effective, and highly effective way to control swelling and discomfort following cheek contouring Dubai.

For best results, use ice packs immediately after surgery and throughout the first day. Consistent use can significantly minimize swelling and provide relief to the treated areas. Ice therapy also helps reduce the perception of pain and supports the body’s natural healing process.

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is fundamental to a successful recovery from buccal fat removal. Drinking 8–10 glasses of water daily helps maintain blood circulation, supports cellular repair, flushes out anesthesia remnants, and promotes wound healing.

In addition to water, patients can hydrate with:

• Non-citrus fruit juices, which are gentle on the mouth
• Broth or light soups to nourish and hydrate simultaneously
• Decaffeinated teas, which provide fluid without interfering with rest or medications

Adequate hydration also helps reduce swelling and keeps the skin and tissues supple, further aiding recovery.

Communicate With Your Surgeon

Open communication with your surgeon is crucial throughout your buccal fat removal Dubai recovery. Inform your surgical team about any allergies to medications or health concerns prior to the procedure.

Although rare, some patients may experience allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, or mild rashes, to prescribed medications. If any concerning symptoms arise, contact your care team immediately and discontinue the medication under guidance.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Continuous, heavy bleeding
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Vision changes
• Signs of infection, including warmth, pus, swelling, or intensifying pain

Lastly, attend all follow-up appointments. These visits allow your surgeon to monitor healing, address any concerns, and provide additional recommendations to ensure a smooth recovery.

3 Definite Don’ts in Buccal Fat Removal Recovery

While following the do’s of post-operative care is crucial, avoiding certain habits is equally important to ensure a smooth, complication-free recovery after buccal fat removal. Ignoring these warnings can slow healing, increase the risk of side effects, and negatively impact your final results.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking can significantly hinder the recovery process after buccal fat removal Dubai. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes reduce the body’s oxygen supply, which is essential for wound healing. Oxygen is critical for cellular repair, tissue regeneration, and fighting potential infections, all of which are vital during the early stages of recovery.

Moreover, nicotine constricts blood vessels, thickens the blood, and increases the risk of clot formation. These effects can delay healing, worsen swelling, and increase the likelihood of complications such as infection or prolonged bruising.

For these reasons, it is strongly recommended to avoid smoking for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Maintaining a smoke-free period allows your body to maximize oxygen delivery to tissues, improve circulation, and support the natural healing process, ensuring the best possible results from your procedure.

Do Not Consume Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can negatively impact recovery after buccal fat pad removal Dubai in several ways. First, alcohol thins the blood, which increases the risk of post-surgical bleeding and bruising. Excessive bleeding can prolong swelling and discomfort and may complicate the healing process.

Second, alcohol may interfere with prescribed medications, reducing their effectiveness or causing unwanted reactions. This is particularly relevant for pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics, which are commonly prescribed after facial procedures.

For optimal healing, avoid alcohol for at least one week before and after surgery. Abstaining from alcohol ensures your blood clotting mechanism remains normal, medications work as intended, and your recovery progresses without unnecessary delays or complications.

Don’t Eat an Unhealthy Diet

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in post-operative recovery after buccal fat removal. Consuming an unhealthy diet lacking essential vitamins, minerals, and protein can slow tissue repair, increase inflammation, and prolong recovery time.

Focus on nutrient-dense meals that support the healing process. Protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy, provide the building blocks for tissue repair and collagen formation. Vitamins and minerals found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains strengthen your immune system and enhance cellular regeneration.

By prioritizing a healthy diet during recovery, you not only accelerate healing but also help maintain your new facial contours and achieve optimal results from your buccal fat removal Dubai procedure.

Schedule Your Buccal Fat Removal Consultation

After learning about the essential do’s and don’ts for a smooth buccal fat removal recovery, the next step is to take action toward achieving your desired facial contour. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Matteo Vigo, a renowned specialist in facial contouring and aesthetic surgery in Dubai, is the best way to begin your journey.

During your consultation, Dr. Vigo will carefully assess your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine whether buccal fat removal Dubai is the right procedure for you. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, recovery timeline, and expected outcomes. This personalized approach ensures that your goals are realistic and aligned with what can be safely achieved through surgery.

Our experienced team in Dubai is committed to guiding you every step of the way. From your initial consultation to post-operative care, we provide comprehensive support, helping you plan your procedure, understand aftercare requirements, and prepare for optimal results. By collaborating closely with Dr. Vigo, you can feel confident and informed as you take the first step toward a more sculpted, defined facial appearance.

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