Buccal Fat Removal in Houston, TX

Buccal Fat Removal Benefits

More Definition

Usually, patients seek this procedure out because they feel they have a wide or round face and would like a little more definition around and under their cheekbones. This procedure can reduce the width of round faces and allow the face to look slimmer and more defined. A good candidate for this procedure is someone who has round cheeks that are resistant to weight loss, dislikes the fullness of their cheeks, is in good physical health, is at a healthy weight, has realistic expectations, and does not smoke. Houston buccal fat removal providers have found patients who have older relatives who also have full cheeks, and who retain this fullness as they age, to be the best candidates.

Buccal fat removal is a procedure that is not always meant for every patient. Patients who have an already narrow face naturally should stay away from this procedure because it could cause sunken cheeks as they age. Age also plays a role in deciding if you are a good candidate or not. Young patients may still be a candidate but should look carefully at older relatives to get an idea of how their face is likely to age. As you age, your face naturally loses volume in its fat pockets. Patients who have older relatives with thin or hollow-looking faces may also lose volume in their faces when they are older. If so, this procedure might exaggerate hollow cheeks and other signs that cause your face to look older. In these cases, buccal fat removal should be modified to only partially remove fat or avoided altogether.

What is the Buccal Fat Removal Procedure like?

The Day of Your Treatment

Buccal fat removal can be done in an office setting under local anesthesia or combined with other procedures and can be performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Typically when the procedure is done in the office, the patient will arrive a little earlier than their procedure time so we can get all vitals, prep you in our in-office surgical room and can decide if you would like to be given medication to relax your nerves and make you more comfortable while the procedure takes place. The preparation, intake, and procedure normally take about one to two hours from start to finish. The incision is inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars on the face. Dr. Rodman uses a very small incision, allowing for little downtime and a quick recovery. The sutures that are used are dissolvable, so they will not need to be removed.

Will I Look Hollow After Buccal Fat Removal?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. The goal of buccal fat removal is to sculpt—not hollow—the face. Dr. Rodman evaluates facial structure, genetics, and age-related fat loss before recommending treatment. For patients with full cheeks and stable facial volume, this procedure offers long-term improvement in definition. However, it’s not ideal for individuals with naturally narrow faces or older patients already experiencing volume loss. In some cases, a conservative or partial removal is more appropriate.

Dr. Rodman’s experience allows her to tailor the procedure so results look refined, not overdone.

Buccal Fat Removal Results

Initial results from buccal fat removal become noticeable once the swelling resolves—typically after 2–3 weeks. However, the final outcome takes shape gradually over the next 2–3 months as your facial contours refine and the tissues settle into place.

Most patients see a subtle but striking improvement: more defined cheeks, a narrower facial shape, and a smoother transition from cheek to jawline. These results are long-lasting and can help your facial features appear more sculpted and youthful.