Buccal fat pad removal is when a portion of the buccal fat pad is removed to reduce the appearance of prominent cheeks. The buccal fat pad is an area of fat in the posterior region of the cheeks adjacent to the location of the molars in the mouth. A small incision is made on the inside lining of the cheeks and is moved towards the gum. The fibers of the main cheek muscle are exposed and external pressure is applied below the cheekbone so the buccal fat pad protrudes through the incision. Some fat is removed and the rest of the fat pad is positioned back into place before the incisions are closed with sutures.
