Buccal Fat Removal in Toronto
Drs. Mark and Matthew McRae use refined techniques to reduce cheek fullness and highlight your natural bone structure.
The goal is a slimmer, lower face that still looks like you. Each treatment plan is shaped around your features, your comfort, and the level of contour you want to achieve.
Number of Procedures
1 procedure
Procedure Duration
30–60 minutes
Recovery Time
1–3 weeks
Cost
$6,000 – $9,000
Toronto Buccal Fat Removal: How the Procedure Works and What It Can Improve
Buccal fat removal reduces the deep fat pads inside the lower cheeks. Some people keep this fullness into adulthood because of genetics, while others feel that their cheeks look rounder than the rest of their features.
The procedure creates a slimmer shape by removing a small amount of fat through a short incision inside the mouth. It can help with round cheeks that hide your bone structure, a face shape that feels wide or soft, and lower-face fullness that doesn’t change with weight. Many patients also notice better symmetry and clearer definition as the swelling fades.
Leading Buccal Fat Removal Clinic in Toronto
McRae Plastic Surgery is a trusted choice for cheek sculpting in Canada. Our surgeons focus on safe, thoughtful techniques that create softer transitions, slimmer cheeks, and a balanced facial shape.
Why patients choose us:
- Procedures completed by board-certified surgeons
- More than 17 years of focused facial surgery experience
- Dual certifications in Canada and the United States
- Consultations shaped around your goals and facial structure
- Results that stay true to your natural features
- Health Canada and FDA-approved methods
- A long record of positive outcomes
Who Is a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal can help if you want slimmer cheeks and a cleaner transition from the mid-face to the jawline. Dr. McRae reviews your features, goals, and facial structure to decide if the procedure fits your needs.
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Fuller Cheeks That Don’t Change With Weight
Some people carry deep cheek fullness even when they’re at a steady weight. Buccal fat removal can help if the roundness stays the same no matter what you do. - A Softer or Wide Facial Shape
If your face feels wider through the lower cheeks, the procedure can create a slimmer, more contoured shape that fits the rest of your features. - A Desire for More Definition
People who want a clearer angle between their cheekbones and jawline often benefit from buccal fat removal. The reduction opens up more structure in the mid-face. - Cheek-Related Asymmetry
When one cheek holds more fullness than the other, removing a small amount of fat can create better balance.
How to Prepare for Buccal Fat Removal
Preparation supports a smooth experience and helps you feel ready for each stage of your treatment.
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Confirm Your Goals With Dr. McRae
Talk through the exact cheek shape you want. Bring reference photos if needed. This helps Dr. McRae plan how much fat to remove and where subtle contouring may help. -
Share Your Medical and Oral Health History
Tell us about recent dental work, gum sensitivity, frequent mouth sores, or any oral infections. Mention all medical conditions, even minor ones, so the plan fits your needs.
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Pause Items That Affect Healing
You will receive a short list of medications and supplements to stop before the procedure, such as anti-inflammatories or products that thin the blood. Follow the timeline you receive.
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Stop Nicotine Before the Procedure
Nicotine reduces blood flow and slows healing inside the mouth. Stop all nicotine products in advance and avoid them through the early recovery period.
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Start Your Antibacterial Mouth Rinse
Begin rinsing the night before surgery. Continue as directed to keep the incision clean. Avoid harsh brushing around the area.
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Prepare Soft Foods for the First Few Days Have easy meals ready so you don’t need to cook. Smoothies, blended soups, yogurt, mashed vegetables, and protein shakes are good choices. Avoid foods with sharp edges or strong spices.
The Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal offers clear, noticeable improvements for people who want slimmer cheeks without external scars or long downtime.
Benefits include:
- A slimmer lower face
Sharper transitions from cheekbones to jawline
A facial shape that feels more defined - A balanced look between your features
- A short, straightforward recovery
- No visible incisions
Aftercare and Recovery
Most people recover quickly after buccal fat removal because the incision is small and placed inside the mouth. You receive clear instructions before you leave the clinic, and the steps below outline what most patients experience.
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Swelling and Tenderness
Expect swelling inside the cheek during the first several days. This is normal and feels similar to mild dental work. The area may also feel slightly firm as the tissues settle.
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Oral Care
You will use an antibacterial mouth rinse several times a day. This keeps the incision clean and lowers irritation while the sutures dissolve. Gentle saltwater rinses may also be recommended after meals.
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Diet Progression
A soft-food diet helps protect the incision in the early days. Most patients stick to foods that require little chewing. You can slowly return to regular meals as the inside of the cheek becomes more comfortable.
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Activity Level
You can move around freely at home, but avoid intense exercise for about a week. Elevated heart rate can increase swelling inside the cheek, so a short break from workouts usually helps. -
Sleeping Position
Keep your head slightly elevated for the first few nights. This helps swelling fade and makes the inside of the cheek feel more comfortable.
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Suture Dissolving
The sutures inside your mouth dissolve on their own. You don’t need to return for removal, but you may feel the area soften as healing progresses. -
Returning to Work
Most people return to desk work or routine tasks within a few days. Cheek swelling can take several weeks to fade, so the final contour appears gradually. -
Long-Term Shape
Your cheeks continue to settle as the swelling decreases. The new shape becomes clearer over a few weeks, and the lower face appears more contoured as the tissues relax.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does buccal fat removal take?
Most procedures take 30 to 60 minutes. It is done as an outpatient treatment, and you go home the same day.
Will I have visible scars?
No. The incision sits inside the mouth, so the outside of your cheek stays smooth and clear.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Buccal fat removal can be combined with other facial treatments to create a more complete result. Many patients pair it with chin liposuction for added definition or choose it alongside a facelift when addressing aging changes in the lower face.
These combinations help shape the jawline, refine transitions between facial areas, and create a balanced, cohesive look. Our team explains how each option works and helps you choose the combination that fits your goals.
Does buccal fat removal age you?
When performed conservatively, buccal fat removal does not age you. Our doctors remove only the amount of fat needed to slim the lower cheeks, keeping your mid-face volume intact and your long-term appearance balanced.
When will I see the final results?
You may notice early changes within a few weeks, but the full result develops as swelling fades over two to three months.
What do the sutures feel like?
They are small dissolvable stitches inside the cheek. You may feel a slight texture at first, but they soften and disappear as the area heals.
Is buccal fat removal safe?
Yes, when performed by a trained facial surgeon in a surgical environment. The technique is controlled, and the incision is small.
How soon can I eat normally?
Start with soft foods for the first few days. Add your regular foods back slowly as the inside of your cheek becomes more comfortable.
Additional Procedures Provided at McRae Plastic Surgery
Meet Our Surgeons
Dr. Mark McRae and Dr. Matthew McRae lead our practice. Both surgeons hold board certification and bring extensive training in facial anatomy, surgical planning, and patient care. Their combined experience supports every step of your treatment.
McRae Plastic Surgery
Located in: St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton
Address: St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Ave E
Room G845, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada
Hours:
Monday 9 AM–3:30 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–3:30 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–3:30 PM
Thursday 9 AM–3:30 PM
Friday 9 AM–12 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
Phone: +1 905-522-1155 ext. 32145
Province: Ontario