Too much fat inside of my cheeks inside my mouth. Can I remove this extra fat? (Photo)

Question

I've always had a rather large amount of fat inside my mouth in the cheeks and I've noticed it getting more and more uncormfortable lately as I have been less focused on the way I eat as I usually focus on eating so as to not bite my cheeks. Is there any form of surgery i can have to remove this extra fat?

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, the fat can be removed, but make sure you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to have this done.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I've never treated anybody for excess intraoral fat. Excess cheekiness can be caused by the buccal fat pad that can be removed under local anesthesia through a small poke hole inside of the mouth. You need to consult with a skilled plastic surgeon for this.

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your photo.  Yes, you can remove this fat, especially if you are having issues with eating.  I do cheek fat pad removal in my office, combined with other procedures.  The results are very nice.  I suggest you find a board certified plastic surgeon to do this procedure.  Best wishes

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Removing the buccal fat pad can reduce cheek volume.  This involves a simple procedure where an incision in the mouth is used to access the buccal fat.

Dana Khuthaila, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. It is difficult to see from the photo, but in general fat can be removed from inside the cheek to reduce the appearance of fatty cheeks. A consultation with a plastic surgeon can help you determine what you need. All the best, Dr. Khuthaila

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You might have large amounts of buccal fat that can contribute to central or lower cheek fullness. Best to be evaluated in person.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and buccal fat excision can be performed via a small incision in the mouth to remove this fat if that is the cause.  So see an expert in your area and be examined.Dr. Corbin

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

Buccal fat pads can be removed to thin the cheeks and decrease a round face however I have never heard of its presence causing an internal fullness within the mouth.  Before having the procedure done try to determine with your plastic surgeon and/or dentist that there is not another cause.  If your cheeks are relatively flat and slender I would hesitate to perform the procedure.  Good luck and best wishes.Jon A Perlman MD FACSCertified, Am Bd of Plastic SurgeryMember, Am. Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)Beverly Hills, CA

Too much fat inside of my cheeks inside my mouth. Can I remove this extra fat? (Photo)

Answers (8)