Introduction

Buccal fat removal (buccal lipectomy) is a facial contouring procedure aimed at reducing the appearance of round cheeks by removing deep cheek fat. In Korea, where facial balance and contoured jawlines are popular aesthetic goals, buccal fat removal is one of the most requested procedures for both men and women.

This guide outlines the various treatment options available in Korea, including surgical and non-surgical approaches, combinations with other contouring techniques, and pros/cons of each.

1. Surgical Buccal Fat Removal (Standard Treatment)

What It Is

A minor surgical procedure that removes the buccal fat pad through tiny incisions inside the mouth.

How It Works

• Small incision inside the cheek
• Surgeon carefully removes a portion of the buccal fat pad
• Incision closed (usually dissolvable stitches)

Best For

✔ Prominent buccal fat creating a “baby face” look
✔ Desire for permanent cheek slimming
✔ Good general health

Benefits

✨ Significant cheek reduction
✨ Permanent outcome
✨ Enhances jawline and cheek contour

Limitations

⚠ Surgical risks (bleeding/infection)
⚠ Recovery required

Recovery

• Mild swelling & soreness: 3–7 days
• Return to daily: ~1 week
• Final cheek contour: ~4–8 weeks

2. Modified or Partial Buccal Fat Removal

What It Is

Less aggressive removal or tailored reduction of buccal fat, often used when minimal slimming is desired.

How It Works

• Only a portion of the fat pad is removed
• Aims to prevent over-slimming or hollowing

Best For

✔ Subtle slimming
✔ Fear of over-correction
✔ Patients with moderate cheek fullness

Benefits

✨ Controlled result
✨ Reduces risk of long-term hollowing
✨ Natural contour

Limitations

⚠ May require later touch-ups

3. Non-Surgical Buccal Reduction Alternatives

While nothing replaces surgical removal for fat elimination, several non-surgical options support cheek contouring.

A) Radiofrequency (RF) & Ultrasound Tightening

How it works:
RF (e.g., Thermage, InMode) or ultrasound (HIFU) tightens skin and may reduce small fat pockets.

Best for:

• Mild cheek fullness
• Initial sagging
• Collagen stimulation

Benefits:
✔ No incisions
✔ Improves skin firmness
✔ Minimal downtime

Limitations:
⚠ Less dramatic than surgery
⚠ Cannot remove buccal fat

B) Thread Lift for Cheek & Jawline (PDO / PLLA / PCL)

How it works:
Threads are inserted to lift the soft tissue and stimulate collagen, creating a visual slimming effect.

Best for:

• Mild contour improvement
• Early aging
• Combined sagging and fullness

Benefits:
✔ Immediate lift effect
✔ Minimal downtime

Limitations:
⚠ No actual fat removal
⚠ Results temporary (~6–18 months)

C) Fat Dissolving Injections (e.g., Deoxycholic Acid)

How it works:
Injectables designed to break down fat cells in localized cheek areas.

Best for:

• Small, localized cheek fullness
• Non-surgical contour preference

Benefits:
✔ Non-invasive
✔ Gradual improvement with multiple sessions

Limitations:
⚠ Limited effectiveness for true buccal fat
⚠ Requires multiple sessions
⚠ Can cause swelling/bruising

4. Combination Contouring Plans

Why Combine?

Buccal fat removal often works best when paired with other treatments to balance facial proportions.

Common Combinations in Korea

A) Buccal Fat Removal + Chin Augmentation

✔ Improves lower face projection
✔ Enhances facial balance

B) Buccal Fat Removal + Jawline Contouring (Surgery)

✔ For deeper, structural definition
✔ Reduces jowls and rounds out lower face

C) Buccal Fat Removal + Neck Liposuction

✔ Refines cheek and neck line
✔ Stronger jawline silhouette

D) Buccal Fat Removal + RF Thread Lift

✔ Combines fat removal with skin tightening
✔ Helpful if mild sagging coexists

5. Korean Innovations & Personalized Protocols

Korean clinics often tailor buccal fat removal based on:

• Facial shape and bone structure
• Cheek hollowing risk assessment
• Age and skin elasticity

Experienced surgeons avoid over-slimming in patients with thin faces to prevent an aged or hollowed look later in life.

6. Choosing the Right Option

Surgical Removal Is Best If:

✔ You want permanent cheek slimming
✔ Buccal fat is prominent and structural
✔ You combine with structural contouring

Non-Surgical Options Work When:

✔ Your fullness is mild or early
✔ You prefer minimal downtime
✔ You want to improve tone rather than remove fat

7. Risks & Safety

Surgical Buccal Fat Removal

Risks include:

• Temporary swelling
• Bruising
• Infection (rare)
• Asymmetry

Mitigation:
✔ Choose experienced surgeons
✔ Follow post-op care strictly
✔ Understand your facial anatomy risk

Non-Surgical Options

Risks are low but may include:

• Temporary swelling
• Redness
• Mild discomfort

8. Recovery Expectations

Surgical Buccal Fat Removal

• Day 1–3: Most swelling
• Day 3–7: Noticeable reduction
• ~1–2 weeks: Return to normal activities
• ~4–8 weeks: Final contour

Threads / RF / Fat Dissolve

• Immediate: Mild swelling
• 1–3 days: Normal activities
• Up to 4–6 weeks: Gradual contour improvement

Final Thoughts

In Korea, buccal fat removal is not just one operation—it is a suite of options from surgical to minimally invasive that can be tailored to your facial structure, aging signs, and contour goals. The best approach depends on:

✔ How prominent your buccal fat is
✔ Whether sagging or laxity is present
✔ Your tolerance for downtime
✔ Long-term contour goals

Surgical removal provides the most dramatic and permanent outcome, while non-surgical treatments help with mild contour refinement and maintenance.