Buccal fat removal for Asian faces can slim the mid-cheek, but lower-face width often comes from the jaw muscle or jawbone as well, which this surgery doesn’t change. In a 2026 study of 38 Vietnamese patients, fat pad volume fell by about 30% at three months, and average satisfaction was 8.5 out of 10. Careful assessment first matters most.
This guide is part of our buccal fat removal overview. It covers what to consider and what results to expect.
Buccal fat removal Asian face considerations
Before surgery, it’s worth checking whether fullness comes from buccal fat, a strong jaw muscle, a wide jawbone or fat under the chin.
Many people seeking a slimmer, V-shaped lower face have more than one contributor. A surgeon quoted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US) noted that fullness is often caused by something other than buccal fat, and suggested Botox for an overactive jaw muscle, jawline work or neck tightening as alternatives.
| Cause of fullness | Where it shows | Usual treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Buccal fat | Mid to lower cheek, in front of the jaw muscle | Buccal fat reduction |
| Jaw muscle (masseter) | Over the jaw angle; firmer when clenching | Toxin injections |
| Wide jawbone | Bony width at the jaw angle | Jaw contouring surgery |
| Fat under the chin | Below the jaw line | Chin liposuction |
An ASPS article adds that good candidates have noticeable buccal fat, good skin elasticity and a stable weight for at least six months. Another surgeon quoted by ASPS considers family facial structure when judging candidacy, since faces naturally lose fat with age. In my practice, I check how the face changes when the patient clenches, smiles and sucks in the cheeks, which separates fat from muscle quite reliably.
Results
Expect a modest slimming of the mid-cheek and slightly clearer cheekbones, appearing over about three months as swelling settles.
A 2026 study in the Vietnam Journal of Community Medicine followed 38 adults (average age 29, 94.74% women) treated at a Ho Chi Minh City clinic. Main findings:
- Surgery was done under local anaesthesia through a 1.5 to 2 cm incision inside each cheek.
- Ultrasound showed average fat pad volume fell from 6.83 mL to 4.84 mL at three months.
- Average satisfaction was 8.5 out of 10.
- Four patients (10.53%) had notable complications, mostly temporary difficulty opening the mouth, which settled in about 10 days. Two had mild asymmetry at three months.
- There were no infections, saliva duct injuries or facial nerve injuries.
The study was small, uncontrolled and short, so long-term effects remain unknown. The authors cite a 2019 study of 13 patients reporting larger fat pads, about 11.7 mL before surgery, which suggests volumes vary between people.
Aging and long-term risk
Surgeons quoted by ASPS warn that removing too much buccal fat can look hollow years later. A 2018 review found no studies on long-term aging effects. Partial reduction is the safer approach. Our buccal fat removal before and after guide shows realistic results, and slimming cheeks without surgery covers reversible options. Men can read our guide to buccal fat removal for men.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers on V-line goals, jaw muscle Botox versus buccal fat removal, recovery and long-term results for Asian faces.
Will buccal fat removal give me a V-shaped face?
Only partly. It slims the mid-cheek, but the width of the lower face also depends on the jaw muscle and jawbone. Many people need toxin for the jaw muscle or other treatment to achieve a V-line look. A clear diagnosis helps avoid disappointment.
Should I try jaw Botox before buccal fat removal?
If your fullness is mainly over the jaw angle and firmer when you clench, toxin for the jaw muscle may help more and is reversible. A surgeon quoted by ASPS suggests it as an alternative. Buccal fat removal suits fullness in front of that muscle.
What is recovery like?
Expect swollen cheeks, a liquid then soft diet for a few days, mouthwash after meals and about five days off work. In the Vietnamese study, patients wore a compression garment for 48 hours, then at night for four weeks. Temporary jaw stiffness can occur.
Will the result last?
The removed fat doesn’t come back, but the face keeps changing with age and weight. Surgeons warn over-removal can look gaunt later, and no study has measured long-term aging effects. Conservative reduction gives the most room for natural aging.
If you’d like a careful analysis of what’s shaping your lower face, you can book a consultation with Metropole Clinic by ABmedi. For costs and risks, return to the buccal fat removal hub.
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
References
Show sources
- Nguyen VP. Efficacy and safety of intra-oral buccal fat pad excision for bilateral cheek slimming. Vietnam J Community Med. 2026;67(SI5):107-111. tapchiyhcd.vn
- Shacknai G. Facial fat is precious: Why your plastic surgeon shouldn’t be too aggressive with buccal fat removal. ASPS. 2021. plasticsurgery.org
- Frankeny A. Hollow cheeks: A focus on buccal fat removal. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2024. plasticsurgery.org
- Willson A. Facial fat: The good, the bad and the confusing. ASPS. 2024. plasticsurgery.org
- Moura LB, Spin JR, Spin-Neto R, Pereira-Filho VA. Buccal fat pad removal to improve facial aesthetics: an established technique? Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2018;23(4):e478-e484. repositorio.unesp.br
