Although the (sometimes unrealistic) beauty standards imposed on women receive more attention, men too can feel pressured to look a certain way. We don’t recommend getting plastic surgery because of this external pressure, of course, but we highly recommend it if you are personally unhappy with a particular aspect of your appearance. Men are increasingly interested in buccal fat removal in particular because it enhances jawline definition and reduces facial roundness. It’s ideal for men who feel that their lower face looks soft and puffy or lacks good contour.
Male buccal fat removal creates a more angular, chiseled appearance without adding artificial volume. Although any man can undergo the procedure, it is especially popular among men in industries such as fitness, modeling, and acting where confidence is key. Even if you don’t work in one of these industries, buccal fat removal can boost your self-esteem and give you just a bit more swagger.
During buccal fat removal surgery, an incision is made on the inside of the cheek and the buccal fat pad removed through it. This means no visible scarring, which is a great benefit. The procedure typically takes less than an hour and is often done using a local anesthetic and twilight sedation. Because men tend to have thicker skin and denser facial tissue than women, more fat may need to be removed during a male procedure and swelling may persist a bit longer.
When performed well, your buccal fat removal procedure should produce subtle results. While you and those close to you should notice a difference, the overall effect should enhance the balance, contours, and maturity of your face in a way that isn’t obvious to others. Common goals and desired outcomes include:
Although it can provide many benefits, buccal fat removal isn’t suitable for all men. You are a good candidate for the procedure if you:
Unfortunately, you’re not a good candidate if you already have a very thin face. Removing buccal fat when your face is thin can lead to a hollow look. This can appear unnatural and may make you look older than you are. Buccal fat removal is also not the best idea if you have extensive skin laxity or jowls. In these cases, a facelift or skin-tightening procedure is likely a better option.
Both men and women experience temporary swelling after a buccal fat removal procedure, but the initial swelling is often a bit more intense for men because of their thicker skin. Most men can return to their jobs and the gym (with some restrictions) within three to five days, but you should expect to be swollen for two to four weeks. Some expected but persistent swelling can last for up to four months, but most men see a noticeable difference in their cheeks about three weeks after surgery.
Be aware that because incisions are made on the inside of your cheek, you will be on a soft diet for a few days. You’ll also need to follow a strict oral hygiene routine that will include an alcohol-free mouthwash. You’ll be able (and encouraged) to brush your teeth, but do so carefully so you don’t smack your toothbrush into your incisions.
Want to learn more? Find more detailed buccal fat removal recovery information here.
While clearly not universally true, women tend to just want something to work while men want to know how it works. So how does buccal fat removal work to enhance your masculine features? Removing fat in the cheeks highlights your bone structure by making certain facial bones more prominent. It also creates more contrast between the cheeks and the jaw for a more angular, masculine look. Put simply, buccal cheek fat removal helps to eliminate a soft look in the face that some men feel detracts from a lean, athletic, or rugged appearance.
You can have buccal fat removed and stop there if the surgery meets your aesthetic goals. But this procedure is often combined with others that can further enhance each other’s outcomes. Chin liposuction, masseter Botox (jaw muscle Botox), and jawline filler are often paired with buccal fat removal.
Buccal fat removal offers men a permanent, subtle way to enhance their facial contours for a more sculpted appearance without looking “done.” When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the results are balanced, natural-looking, and long-lasting. Men who desire a more angular, masculine aesthetic may benefit greatly from this highly targeted procedure.
Yes. This procedure can help define the midface and jawline, giving a sharper, more angular appearance — ideal for masculine facial features.
Absolutely. These combinations are common for men wanting comprehensive facial sculpting.
If your lower cheeks appear full or rounded regardless of your weight, you may have genetically prominent buccal fat pads.
Swelling typically fades in two to three weeks, but final definition appears at around three months.
Yes. Once removed, the fat pads do not grow back, although facial fullness can still change with weight gain, weight loss, or aging.
Men may experience slightly longer swelling due to thicker skin and tissue density, but overall recovery is similar.
Yes, but avoid trimming or manipulating facial hair near the cheeks for the first week, especially if there’s swelling or tenderness.
Indirectly, yes. By removing excess fat beneath the cheekbones, they may appear more prominent and defined.
It doesn’t treat jowls directly, but slimming the lower cheeks can create a cleaner jawline and reduce heaviness above the jowl area.