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December 13, 2025
Facial contouring treatments can help create highly sought-after features like sharp jawlines and sculpted, defined chins. Among these options, buccal fat removal has become increasingly popular for individuals looking to achieve more prominent, chiseled cheekbones.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how buccal fat removal is carried out and discuss who may be an ideal candidate for the procedure.
What Is Buccal Fat?
Buccal (pronounced “buckle”) fat is located in the lower face beneath the cheekbone, and in some individuals, it can create a fuller or rounder facial appearance. This fat is largely influenced by genetics rather than body weight, which means that even with weight loss, this area typically does not slim down significantly. Cheek contouring Dubai uses various techniques, including fat removal, to enhance the natural shape of the cheeks.
Surgically removing a portion of this fat helps achieve a more sculpted and defined look. During a buccal fat removal procedure, Dr. Matteo Vigo usually removes about 1.5 grams of fat—an amount carefully selected to contour the cheeks without producing an unnatural result. Once the buccal fat is removed, it does not grow back.
The Rise of Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
The buccal fat removal procedure has existed for many years, but it was not widely performed in the past because it requires a high level of surgical precision and expertise. Since the early 2020s, however, the demand for buccal fat removal has increased dramatically, especially among younger patients. This rise in popularity is driven by several factors:
- The surge in video communication during the pandemic (“Zoom boom”)
- Celebrities openly sharing their experiences with the procedure
With people becoming more aware of how their faces look on camera—particularly during virtual meetings—interest in facial contouring treatments has grown significantly. Buccal fat removal Dubai is a popular cosmetic procedure to create a more sculpted and defined facial appearance.
Ideal Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal
Even though buccal fat removal has recently become extremely popular, it isn’t an appropriate choice for everyone. Ideal candidates typically meet several specific criteria, including:
Having Excess Cheek Fat
This may seem obvious, but some individuals considering the procedure do not actually have enough buccal fat to remove. Cheek fat removal Dubai helps reduce fullness in the cheeks, giving the face a slimmer, contoured look. Patients with naturally slim or narrow facial structures are not suitable candidates, as removing fat can cause the cheeks to appear hollow or sunken, especially with age.
Being in Your 20s to 30s
Most people who undergo buccal fat removal are younger adults. They often have genetically fuller cheeks—sometimes described as “chipmunk cheeks” or a baby face. For older patients, removing buccal fat may contribute to an aged or fatigued look, making it a less suitable option.
Having Realistic Expectations
Understanding what the surgery can and cannot achieve is essential. Buccal fat removal enhances facial contours but does not address every cosmetic concern. Patients must recognize its limitations and approach the procedure with reasonable expectations.
Being at a Stable Weight
Since weight fluctuations can alter facial fat distribution, stable weight is important for maintaining results. Buccal lipectomy Dubai is a surgical technique to remove excess fat from the lower cheeks for a refined facial profile. Frequent weight changes could affect the long-term appearance of the cheeks after surgery.
Seeking Long-Lasting Results
Because buccal fat does not regenerate once removed, the outcome is permanent. Individuals who want a long-term solution to persistent facial fullness often find this procedure highly beneficial. Buccal fat extraction Dubai allows patients to achieve sharper cheekbones and a more balanced facial structure.
Being in Good Overall Health
Like other elective cosmetic procedures, candidates should be emotionally and physically healthy. Good overall health supports a smoother recovery and reduces the risk of complications.
Buccal Fat Removal Alternatives
Buccal fat removal isn’t the only method for refining facial contours. Face slimming surgery Dubai targets cheek fat and other areas to enhance the overall facial contours. Cheek liposuction is a commonly chosen alternative for those who need fat removed from a wider area of the lower face. Liposuction can also sculpt the region beneath the chin, creating a sharper jawline. In select cases, Dr. Matteo Vigo may combine buccal fat removal with facial liposuction to enhance overall results.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Buccal Fat Removal
While buccal fat removal can significantly enhance facial definition for the appropriate candidates, selecting a plastic surgeon with substantial expertise in this specific procedure is essential. Buccal fat pad removal Dubai is an effective procedure for reducing cheek fullness and improving facial definition. Achieving optimal results depends on proper patient evaluation, maintaining realistic expectations, and ensuring the surgery is performed with precision and advanced technical skill.
To learn more, you can request a consultation through our online form to meet Dr. Matteo Vigo in person, or call us at +971 56 2825 825 to schedule your appointment.
FAQs
Good candidates typically have fuller cheeks or a rounder face, often referred to as “chipmunk cheeks.” Buccal fat removal is ideal for those who want to create a more sculpted and defined facial appearance. Individuals with naturally thin or narrow faces are generally not suitable, as removing fat could result in a gaunt or hollow look, especially with aging.
The procedure is most commonly performed on patients in their 20s and 30s. Younger candidates often have genetically fuller cheeks, giving a youthful or baby-faced appearance. Older individuals may risk a prematurely aged look if too much fat is removed, so careful assessment is crucial to ensure natural-looking results.
Candidates should be in good physical and emotional health to minimize surgical risks and ensure a smooth recovery. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, immune disorders, or poor healing capacity may disqualify someone from the procedure. A thorough medical evaluation is essential before undergoing surgery.
Yes, maintaining a stable weight is important. Significant weight gain or loss after the procedure can alter the appearance of the face and potentially affect the long-term results. Ideal candidates should have a consistent weight to ensure that the surgical outcomes remain balanced and proportional.
Yes, options such as cheek liposuction or submental (under-chin) liposuction can help sculpt the lower face and jawline without removing buccal fat. In some cases, surgeons may combine buccal fat removal with facial liposuction to achieve a more refined and harmonious contour.