Guide:
- What Is Face Liposuction?
- What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
- Side-by-Side Comparison: Face Lipo vs. Buccal Fat Removal
- Book Your Facial Contouring Consultation in New Jersey
Facial contouring has become one of the most in-demand aesthetic procedures — especially for those patients looking to slim, sculpt, and define their features with precision.
While injectable treatments can provide subtle enhancements, surgical contouring offers more dramatic, long-lasting results.
Two of the most popular facial slimming surgeries are face liposuction and buccal fat removal. Though often confused, these procedures target very different areas of the face and address different cosmetic concerns.
Understanding the difference between face liposuction vs. buccal fat removal can help you make the right decision—or even combine both for optimal results.
Let’s explore the differences, benefits, and who’s best suited for each…
What Is Face Liposuction?
Face liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to remove stubborn fat deposits along the jawline, under the chin, and around the jowls.
Also known as “chin lipo” or submental liposuction, this procedure enhances jawline definition and reduces fullness in the lower face.
Ideal Candidates:
- Fuller lower face or under-chin fullness
- Good skin elasticity (important for optimal skin retraction)
- No major sagging or loose skin
What to Expect:
- Performed under local or light sedation
- Small cannula inserted to suction fat from targeted areas
- Minimal incisions, usually behind the ears or under the chin
- Downtime: 3–5 days of swelling and bruising
- Results: Begin to show around 1 month, with full contour visible in 2–3 months
Face liposuction is ideal for patients who feel their chin or jawline lacks definition due to excess fat, not necessarily excess skin. In some cases, it can be paired with skin tightening treatments.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that targets the buccal fat pads — a deep fat compartment located in the mid-cheek area. This fat can create a rounder, “baby face” appearance even in lean individuals.
Ideal Candidates:
- Fuller, rounded cheeks that don’t slim with weight loss
- Desire for more sculpted cheek hollows
- Good overall health with stable weight
What to Expect:
- Small incision made inside the cheek (no visible scars)
- Buccal fat pad is gently teased out and removed
- Local anesthesia or IV sedation
- Downtime: 5–7 days of swelling and cheek tenderness
- Results: Begin to show in 3–4 weeks, final definition by 1–2 months
Buccal fat removal is not ideal for very lean individuals or those with naturally narrow faces, as removing too much cheek volume can result in a gaunt or aged appearance over time.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Face Lipo vs. Buccal Fat Removal
| Feature | Face Liposuction | Buccal Fat Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Target Area | Chin, jawline, jowls | Mid-cheek hollow (buccal pad) |
| Procedure Type | Surgical (cannula suction) | Surgical (internal cheek incision) |
| Downtime | 3–5 days | 5–7 days |
| Best For | Jawline fullness, double chin | Rounded cheeks, cheek volume |
| Skin Tightening | May need adjunct treatment | No skin tightening effect |
| Results Timeline | 1–3 months | 1–2 months |
How to Decide Which Is Right for You
Choosing between buccal fat removal vs. face lipo depends on where you carry volume and how your facial structure is naturally built.
If your main concern is a double chin or lack of jawline definition, face liposuction is likely the best fit. If you have full cheeks that give a rounded or baby-face look, buccal fat removal may be the better option.
Other factors to consider include:
- Skin quality (laxity may require skin tightening or lifting)
- Face shape (long, narrow, square, round)
- Age-related volume loss (buccal fat removal not recommended for mature patients with existing volume loss)
Many patients benefit from a combination of both procedures to slim the cheeks and sculpt the jawline for a complete lower-face transformation. A personalized consultation with a qualified facial plastic surgeon is the best way to determine what’s right for you.
Book Your Facial Contouring Consultation in New Jersey
At The Kaplan Center in Edgewater, New Jersey, Dr. Gordon Kaplan specializes in advanced facial contouring, offering both face liposuction and buccal fat removal with a focus on natural-looking results.
As a board-certified NJ facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Kaplan uses his deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics to create personalized treatment plans for every patient. Ready to explore your best facial slimming treatment options? Book your consultation today and take the next step toward refined, confident results.
