Atlanta, GA
For many in Atlanta, a rounded or cherubic face is a matter of inherited anatomy. You can maintain a rigorous fitness regimen at Piedmont Park and stay at your target BMI, yet carry deep-seated cheek fullness that obscures your natural bone structure. Buccal fat removal at Kerolus Facial Plastic Surgery isn't about a radical hollowing out of the face. It is a strategic surgical refinement designed to reveal the chiseled cheekbones and tapered contours that have always been there.
This procedure sits at a specific intersection of modern aesthetics, where the goal is discernment rather than a total transformation. Dr. Julia Kerolus, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, treats the face as a whole, focusing on how different compartments of facial fat interact to create a balanced profile. By selectively removing the buccal fat pads, we can provide a slimmer facial profile that feels integrated and authentic to your unique proportions.
Precision in the deep fat
Buccal fat reduction, sometimes called a bichectomy, is a surgical procedure that targets a specialized mass of fat in the mid-cheek.
Unlike superficial fat that fluctuates with weight loss, buccal fat is structural. It sits just on top of the buccinator muscle. Because this fat is largely non-functional in adults, we can selectively reduce it to refine the facial structure..
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Buckhead Office |
| Duration | Under 30 Minutes |
| Anesthesia | Local (Additional options available if needed) |
| Downtime | 2–3 Days |
| Direct Care | Direct contact number for Dr. Kerolus provided |
Precision in the Deep Fat
At our Atlanta, GA practice, Dr. Kerolus approaches this procedure with surgical mastery. She understands that the goal is harmony, not depletion. By accessing the fat pad through a small, internal incision inside the mouth, she can tease out the precise amount of volume needed to sharpen the jawline and highlight the cheekbones without leaving any visible scarring on the skin's surface.
Sculpting the mid-face
The Foundation Fat Rule
Not everyone with full cheeks is a good Buccal Fat Removal candidate. Because buccal fat provides structural support, removing too much—or treating the wrong person—can lead to a gaunt appearance as the face naturally leans out with age. Dr. Kerolus is highly selective to ensure your results look as balanced at age 60 as they do today.
Small incisions, subtle shifts
Your surgical appointment at our Buckhead office is designed for comfort and precision. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, though we can discuss other options for additional anesthesia if needed.
Once you are numb, Dr. Kerolus makes a small incision (roughly one centimeter) on the inside of the cheek near the upper molars. She then applies gentle pressure to the exterior of the cheek, allowing the buccal fat pad to present itself. You may feel a slight tugging sensation, but the process is not painful. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures, and the entire plastic surgery procedure is often finished in under 30 minutes.
The Wisdom Tooth Timeline
Buccal fat reduction recovery is often compared to having wisdom teeth removed. For the first 48 hours, you will actually look fuller than you did before the procedure due to temporary swelling.
Reveal the architecture
You will not see your final Buccal Fat Removal results immediately. Because the tissues need time to contract over the new, smaller volume, the reveal is a slow burn.
Initial swelling subsides significantly in the first two weeks, but it takes three to six months for the facial proportions to settle into their final, chiseled state. Because buccal fat removal is permanent, these results are lasting. We often combine buccal fat removal with other procedures, such as neck surgery or facial contouring, to further enhance facial harmony.
Transparency in planning
The buccal fat removal cost is not a flat fee. Pricing reflects the customization required for your anatomy, the complexity of the fat removal, and whether we are performing other facial procedures simultaneously.
During your Buccal Fat Removal consultation, our patient coordinator will provide a detailed breakdown of the final cost, including surgeon fees and facility costs. We offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit to ensure your aesthetic goals remain accessible.
A specialist’s mastery
The buccal fat pad sits in close proximity to critical facial anatomy, including the parotid duct and the facial nerves. Entrusting this procedure to a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes only in the head and neck is vital for safety and excellence.
Dr. Kerolus brings a rare combination of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery expertise to her Atlanta practice. Her background in reconstructive surgery and facial nerve reanimation gives her a thorough understanding of the delicate structures beneath the skin's surface. When you choose Dr. Kerolus, you aren't just getting a surgeon; you're getting a specialist dedicated to a sculpted facial appearance that never looks done.
Schedule your consultation at (404) 233-3937 or via our website.
No. Because Dr. Kerolus makes the tiny incision entirely inside the mouth, there is no external scarring or marks on the face.
Most Atlanta Buccal Fat Removal patients describe the sensation as a 2 out of 10. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and the tug felt during the fat removal is more about pressure than pain.
While you will notice a difference as swelling subsides in the first month, it typically takes three to six months to see the final results of your slimmer facial profile.
No. Buccal fat is structural and largely resistant to weight loss. This is why even very lean individuals can still have chubby cheeks.
Many patients choose to combine buccal fat removal with other procedures like a chin implant, neck liposuction, or jawline contouring to maximize facial harmony.
Because the buccal fat removed is gone permanently, your face will retain its new contours. Significant weight fluctuations might affect your overall facial appearance, but the specific V-line shape will remain.
Schedule a Consultation
Taking care of yourself is about more than just annual check-ups and eating right. You also want to preserve your ability to look and feel your best. If you feel like you have an area that you want to improve through plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kerolus. She will make sure you find the right treatment for your best results.
1218 West Paces Ferry Road Northwest, Suite 108, Atlanta, GA 30327
Mon-Thurs: 9am - 5pm
Fri: 9am - 1pm
