Buccal fat removal before and after men results usually show a slightly slimmer lower cheek and more visible cheekbones, which can make the face look more angular. It won’t create a sharp jawline on its own, because jaw definition depends on bone, the chewing muscle and fat under the chin. Over-removal can make a male face look gaunt and older.
This guide is part of our buccal fat removal overview. It covers what men can expect and when another procedure may suit better.
Male results
Typical results in men are a subtle hollow below the cheekbone and slimmer mid-cheeks; most change shows by about three months.
The procedure is the same for men and women: a short incision inside each cheek, through which part of the fat pad is removed. An American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US) article describes a liquid diet for a couple of days, then soft food, mouthwash after meals for two weeks and about five days off work.
Most published patients are women. In a 2026 Vietnamese study of 38 patients, 94.74% were female, so evidence specific to men is limited. That study found average fat pad volume fell from about 6.8 mL to 4.8 mL at three months.
How to judge mens buccal fat removal results
| Feature | Good result | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Cheeks | Slightly slimmer, still masculine | Sunken, tired look |
| Cheekbones | More visible | Overly sharp, skeletal |
| Jawline | Unchanged or slightly clearer | No change if fullness was elsewhere |
| Symmetry | Both sides match | One side fuller |
Jawline definition
A defined male jawline usually comes from the jawbone, chin and neck; buccal fat removal changes the cheek, not the jaw line itself.
A surgeon quoted by ASPS noted that lower-face fullness is often caused by something other than buccal fat, and suggested alternatives such as Botox to relax an overactive jaw muscle, jawline augmentation or neck tightening. Depending on the cause, options include:
- Fat under the chin: chin liposuction, with a 2024 ASPS fee range of $3,000 to $5,500.
- Weak chin: chin augmentation, with a 2024 ASPS range of $4,000 to $6,000.
- Bulky jaw muscle: toxin injections to the muscle.
- Loose neck skin: a neck lift; see our neck lift for men guide.
In my practice, many men asking for buccal fat removal have fullness under the chin rather than in the cheek. Treating the right area gives a more convincing jawline than removing cheek fat.
Aging and long-term risk
Men often lose facial fat with age just as women do. Surgeons quoted by ASPS warn that over-removal can look hollow years later and that a mid-cheek furrow can add a decade or more to perceived age. A 2018 review found no studies on long-term aging effects. Ask for conservative reduction, especially if you are lean or plan to lose weight. Our before and after guide explains what a natural result looks like, and buccal fat removal for Asian faces covers jaw-muscle fullness in more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers on whether buccal fat removal gives men a sharper jaw, beard and scars, recovery and long-term aging for men.
Will buccal fat removal give me a sharper jawline?
Usually not by itself. It slims the cheek above the jaw. A sharper jawline more often comes from treating fat under the chin, a weak chin or loose neck skin. A surgeon can identify which area is driving the softness in your face.
Does buccal fat removal leave scars or affect a beard?
No external scar. The incision is inside the mouth, so beard and skin aren’t affected. Expect swelling for a few weeks, a soft diet for the first days and antiseptic mouthwash after meals for about two weeks, according to an ASPS article.
How long is recovery for men?
Recovery is similar to women. An ASPS article suggests about five days off work. Avoid heavy gym sessions until swelling settles and your surgeon agrees. Temporary difficulty opening the mouth, reported in a 2026 study, usually resolves within about 10 days.
Will I look older later on?
You might if too much is removed. Faces lose fat with age, and surgeons quoted by ASPS warn over-removal can look gaunt years later. Lean men and those who plan significant weight loss should be especially cautious and ask for partial reduction.
If you’d like to find out what’s softening your jawline, 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
- Frankeny A. Hollow cheeks: A focus on buccal fat removal. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2024. plasticsurgery.org
- Shacknai G. Facial fat is precious: Why your plastic surgeon shouldn’t be too aggressive with buccal fat removal. ASPS. 2021. plasticsurgery.org
- 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
- 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
- 2024 Cosmetic Procedures: Average Cost. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2025. plasticsurgery.org
