Buccal fat removal in Seoul
for a softly sculpted face
Buccal fat removal is a minor procedure that takes out part of the buccal fat pad inside the cheek through a small incision in the mouth. It can slim round, full cheeks and refine the cheek-to-jaw contour without visible scars.
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What is buccal fat removal and is it worth it?
Buccal fat removal reduces a deep fat pad in the lower cheek through a 1–2 cm incision inside the mouth, usually under local anesthesia in under an hour. It can suit people with naturally round, full cheeks, but because the fat does not grow back and faces naturally lose volume with age, over-removal can lead to hollowing later — so we remove conservatively. If fullness comes from the jaw muscle or under-chin fat instead, jaw Botox, Shurink or double chin treatment may be the better choice.
Understanding the buccal fat pad
Facial fullness has several possible sources. Buccal fat is only one of them — choosing the right target is what keeps results natural.
Genetic cheek fullness
Some people simply have a larger buccal fat pad, giving a rounded, 'baby-faced' look even at a healthy weight.
Lower-face heaviness
A prominent pad can blur the line between cheek and jaw and make the lower face appear wider.
Not the same as jaw muscle
Width at the angle of the jaw is often the masseter muscle, which is treated with Botox rather than fat removal.
Age changes the picture
Faces lose volume over time, so a measured, conservative removal helps avoid a gaunt look in later years.
Concerns buccal fat removal can address
When the doctor confirms buccal fat is the main cause, the procedure may help with:
- Round, full cheeks that persist despite weight loss
- A heavy mid-to-lower face and soft cheek-to-jaw transition
- Subtle cheekbone definition by reducing fullness below it
- A slimmer facial outline when combined with HIFU lifting or jaw-slimming Botox
- Under-chin fullness is different – see double chin treatment instead
A slimmer, more defined cheek
How the procedure works
Facial assessment
Your doctor examines fat, muscle and bone structure to confirm buccal fat is the right target and discusses realistic goals.
Local anesthesia
The inside of the cheek is numbed; you stay awake and comfortable throughout.
Conservative removal
Through a small incision inside the mouth, a measured amount of fat is removed and closed with dissolvable stitches.
Recovery & review
Swelling peaks in the first days and settles over 1–2 weeks; the final contour shows over about 1–3 months.
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults with naturally round or full cheeks at a stable weight
- People wanting a subtle, more sculpted contour
- Patients with good cheekbones that are hidden by fullness
- Not recommended for naturally thin faces or those with sunken cheeks
- Not suitable during pregnancy, with active oral infection or with uncontrolled medical conditions
Recovery & aftercare
- Soft, cool foods for the first few days; avoid very hot or spicy food
- Rinse with the prescribed mouthwash after meals to keep the incision clean
- Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas and alcohol for about a week
- Sleep with your head raised to help swelling settle
- Attend your follow-up so the doctor can check healing; aftercare is explained in English
Buccal fat removal questions, answered
How long do buccal fat removal results last?
The removed fat does not grow back, so the change is long-lasting. However, your face will keep aging and losing volume naturally, which is why we remove conservatively rather than aggressively.
Does buccal fat removal leave scars?
No visible scars. The small incision is inside the mouth and is closed with dissolvable stitches.
How long is the swelling after buccal fat removal?
Most people have noticeable swelling for several days, settling largely within 1–2 weeks. The final contour is usually seen at around 1–3 months.
What are the risks?
As with any procedure, there can be swelling, bruising, infection or asymmetry, and rarely injury to nearby nerves or the salivary duct. Over-removal can cause hollowing with age. Your doctor will review these at consultation.
Is buccal fat removal or jaw Botox better for a slim face?
It depends on the cause. Fullness in the cheek centre is often buccal fat, while width at the jaw angle is usually the masseter muscle, which Botox can slim without surgery. Some people benefit from both.
How do I book a buccal fat removal consultation in Seoul?
Send us a WhatsApp message at +82-10-6396-5671. We reply in English with availability and a VAT-inclusive quote, and you can visit us near Seonjeongneung Station in Gangnam.
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Plan your buccal fat removal in Gangnam
English-speaking consultations, transparent VAT-inclusive pricing and a doctor-led plan for every patient. Message us on WhatsApp for availability and a quote.
- Address
- 5F SH Tower, 331 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Subway
- 1-min walk from Seonjeongneung Station, Exit 1
- Hours
- Mon·Thu 10–19 · Tue·Fri 10–21
Wed 13–18 · Sat 10–16 · Sun/holidays closed - +82-10-6396-5671
- Languages
- English · Korean
