Achieving Natural Facial Definition and Balance
Buccal fat removal, also known as buccal fat pad reduction, is a surgical procedure that reduces
a portion of the naturally occurring fat within the lower cheek.
Dr Nizar Hamadeh takes an individualised approach to facial contouring, carefully considering facial anatomy, existing facial volume, skin quality and the natural ageing process before
recommending treatment.
The procedure is performed through incisions inside the mouth, meaning there are no external surgical incisions on the face.
The buccal fat pads are naturally occurring areas of fat located deep within the cheeks. Their size and prominence vary between individuals and can contribute to fullness in the lower face.
Surgery reduces only a carefully considered portion of the buccal fat pads. The aim is not to remove all facial volume, but to soften fullness in the lower cheeks while keeping the face in balance with the patient's overall features.Surgery reduces only a carefully considered portion of the buccal fat pads. The aim is not to remove all facial volume, but to soften fullness in the lower cheeks while keeping the face in balance with the patient's overall features.
Buccal fat removal may be considered in selected patients where reduction of lower cheek fullness
could contribute to overall facial balance.
Reduction of buccal fat can contribute to a more defined lower facial contour, depending on individual anatomy.
Treatment may support improved facial proportions when planned in the context of the whole face.
Surgical planning is tailored to each patient to maintain natural facial characteristics and avoid overreduction.
Recovery is typically straightforward, although timelines vary and will be discussed during consultation.
At your visit, Dr Hamadeh will check your facial anatomy, the quality of your skin, and your age. If the real problem is sagging, he could tell you to try a mini facelift. If your concern is around the jawline and neck, he could suggest a neck lift instead.
Buccal fat removal is performed through a small incision inside the mouth. Through this incision, Dr Hamadeh carefully accesses the buccal fat pad and removes an appropriate amount of tissue according to the patient’s individual anatomy and treatment plan.
The incision is then closed with dissolvable sutures. As the incisions are located inside the mouth, there are no external surgical incisions on the face.
The anaesthetic used, expected duration of surgery and your individual surgical plan will be discussed during your consultation.
The procedure takes about 60 minutes. It is a day case. Most people go home the same day.
Recovery varies between patients. Swelling and some discomfort can be expected during the early stages of healing and will gradually settle with time.
As the incisions are located inside the mouth, you will be given specific instructions regarding oral hygiene, eating and drinking during the initial recovery period. It is important to follow the post-operative guidance provided by Dr Hamadeh and the clinical team.
As swelling subsides, changes to the contours of the lower face gradually become more apparent. Healing continues over the following weeks and months, and individual recovery times vary.
Follow-up appointments allow Dr Hamadeh and the clinical team to monitor your healing and provide appropriate advice throughout your recovery.
Buccal fat cells that are surgically removed are not expected to regenerate. However, buccal fat removal does not stop the natural ageing process, and the appearance of the face can continue to change over time. Changes in weight and other individual factors may also affect facial appearance.
For this reason, careful patient selection and conservative treatment planning are important when considering buccal fat removal.
As with any surgical procedure, buccal fat removal carries potential risks and complications. These may include bleeding, infection, swelling, asymmetry, changes in facial contour and injury to nearby structures, including branches of the facial nerve or salivary duct. There is also the potential for excessive hollowing or changes in facial appearance as natural ageing progresses.
Dr Hamadeh will discuss the potential risks, benefits and limitations of surgery with you during your consultation so that you have the information needed to make an informed decision.
Buccal fat removal with Dr Nizar Hamadeh starts from £3,995. Your surgical fee includes Dr Hamadeh's surgical fee, hospital and theatre fees, anaesthetic fees, medication associated with your procedure, pre-operative appointments and post-operative care and follow-up appointments.
As every procedure is individually planned, the final cost will depend on your individual surgical requirements. Following your consultation, you will receive a personalised treatment plan and a clear quotation before deciding whether you would like to proceed.
An initial consultation with Dr Hamadeh is arranged separately from your surgical fee. The consultation fee of £100 is redeemable against the cost of surgery when surgery is booked within six months of your consultation.
When considering any cosmetic surgical procedure, it is important to understand the surgeon’s qualifications, experience, approach to patient selection and the aftercare available to you.
Dr Nizar Hamadeh is an ENT and Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and is listed on the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council (GMC). Consultations take place at Harley Street, London, and surgery is performed in appropriate private hospital facilities.
During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, the proposed surgical approach, potential risks and limitations, recovery and the aftercare available following surgery.
You can read more about Dr Hamadeh and his training.
The surgical incisions for buccal fat removal are made inside the mouth, so there are no external surgical incisions on the face. As with all surgery, the internal incisions undergo a healing process. Dr Hamadeh will explain incision placement and post-operative care during your consultation.
Recovery varies between patients and depends on individual healing and the extent of surgery.
Swelling is expected during the early recovery period and gradually settles with time. Dr Hamadeh will discuss the anticipated recovery timeline with you and provide guidance on
returning to work and normal activities.
Buccal fat removal with Dr Nizar Hamadeh starts from £3,995. Following your consultation, you will receive a personalised treatment plan and a clear quotation based on your individual surgical requirements.
In some circumstances, more than one procedure may be considered as part of an individual treatment plan. Whether this is appropriate depends on your anatomy, concerns, general health and the procedures being considered. Dr Hamadeh will advise you during your
consultation.
Facial volume naturally changes with age, which is one reason careful patient selection is important when considering buccal fat removal. Excessive removal of buccal fat may contribute to a hollow appearance over time.
Dr Hamadeh will consider your existing facial volume, anatomy, skin quality and how the face may change with age when assessing whether the procedure is appropriate for you.
A consultation with Dr Hamadeh provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns and expectations and to have your facial anatomy assessed in person.
Dr Hamadeh will advise whether buccal fat removal may be appropriate for you and discuss the potential benefits,limitations, risks and alternative treatment options where relevant.
Appointments are available in London.