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buccal-fat-removal-vs-dimpleplasty-what-is-the-difference

Buccal Fat Removal Vs Dimpleplasty – What Is The Difference?

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Facial aesthetics have evolved beyond traditional anti-ageing treatments. Today, people are looking for ways to refine, contour, and enhance their natural features while maintaining harmony and balance. Two procedures that often draw attention for their ability to reshape and refine the cheeks are buccal fat removal and dimpleplasty. Although they are in purpose and outcome, both share a focus on the cheek area and even involve similar surgical approaches through the inside of the mouth. Understanding how each works and which one is right for you is essential when considering facial enhancement.

At Centre for in London, our consultant plastic surgeons specialise in advanced facial techniques, including buccal fat removal and dimpleplasty. We offer a refined and safe surgical experience in our Baker Street private hospital, designed exclusively for aesthetic procedures. Every treatment is to the individual, ensuring natural and proportionate results that complement your facial structure.

What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

, sometimes called cheek surgery, is designed to create a slimmer, more defined face by carefully part of the buccal fat pad. The buccal fat pad is a naturally occurring pocket of fat found deep within the lower cheeks. In some people, it is more prominent, leading to a round or fuller facial appearance that doesn’t always the person’s overall body composition.

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During the procedure, a small incision is made inside the mouth — usually between the upper and lower molars — so there are no visible scars on the face. The surgeon accesses the buccal OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow’s Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling pad through this incision and gently removes a measured amount. The remaining fat is left intact to preserve a natural contour and prevent hollowing over time. The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.

As the face heals, the cheeks gradually appear slimmer, and the and become more pronounced. Buccal fat removal helps to bring out bone structure and gives the face a refined V-shaped contour.

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What is Dimpleplasty?

, or dimple creation surgery, is a small but transformative procedure designed to create natural-looking dimples in the cheeks or chin. Dimples are often associated with youthfulness and charm, and while some people have them naturally, others choose to have them surgically created for a subtle and appealing enhancement.

Just like buccal fat removal, dimpleplasty involves a small incision inside the mouth. Through this incision, a fine suture is placed to create a gentle connection between the cheek skin and the underlying muscle (the buccinator). When the muscle contracts, the skin is pulled inward, forming a dimple. Initially, the dimple may be visible even when the face is at rest, but over a few weeks, it settles and appears only when smiling or laughing, just like a natural one.

The entire process is under local anaesthetic and usually takes around 30 minutes. Most patients are able to return to normal activities the same day.

Dimpleplasty vs Buccal Fat Removal – Key Differences and Goals

Although both procedures involve the cheek area and use an inside the mouth, their purposes and outcomes are distinct. Buccal fat removal sculpts and defines the face by reducing volume from inside the cheeks, while dimpleplasty adds a small, natural indentation that enhances facial expression.

Buccal fat removal focuses on and structure. It makes the face look more angular and defined. , however, focuses on expression and detail. It doesn’t change the overall shape of the face but enhances it with a delicate, attractive feature.

One of the most interesting similarities is that both surgeries avoid any incisions. Because they are performed entirely from within the mouth, there are no visible scars, and recovery is straightforward.

In hands, these two treatments can even complement each other — producing a slimmer, sculpted face with added definition and a touch of character through .

Who Is the Right Candidate for Each Procedure?

Buccal fat removal is ideal for individuals who have naturally fuller cheeks and wish to achieve a slimmer or more chiselled look. It suits those who find their face appears round even at a healthy weight. However, people with thin or angular faces may not be suitable, as removing too much fat can lead to a hollow or aged appearance later in life.

Dimpleplasty is a perfect choice for those who want to enhance their smile without altering facial proportions. It’s suitable for patients of all skin types and face shapes, and because it’s minimally invasive, it’s often chosen by people seeking a quick, low-risk procedure with noticeable aesthetic appeal.

At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons always carry out an in-depth consultation and facial analysis. This helps determine whether buccal fat removal, dimpleplasty, or a combination of both will best achieve the patient’s desired look.

Although buccal fat removal and dimpleplasty achieve different outcomes, they share several important similarities. Both are performed through small incisions inside the mouth, any visible external scars. Both are typically carried out under local anaesthetic, meaning remain comfortable throughout without the need for general anaesthesia.

Each procedure is quick, lasting between 30 and 60 minutes, and involves minimal downtime. both surgeries involve the inner cheek area, patients follow similar post-operative care instructions, such as eating soft foods and rinsing the mouth with antiseptic solution to aid healing.

They also share a common recovery pattern — mild swelling and tenderness in the cheek area that subsides within days. When performed by a skilled facial surgeon, both treatments deliver long-lasting results that enhance facial symmetry and confidence.

Recovery and Healing – What to Expect

Recovery from buccal fat removal usually takes one to two weeks. Mild swelling, tightness, or tenderness inside the mouth is expected. Patients should follow a soft food diet for several days to protect the incision sites. Good oral hygiene is essential during recovery, and most people return to work within a few days. The results gradually reveal themselves over the weeks as swelling subsides, with final results visible within two to three months.

Recovery from dimpleplasty is usually quicker. Most people experience mild swelling and sensitivity for a few days. As healing progresses, the initially visible dimples begin to soften and settle into a natural appearance. Normal activities can resume almost immediately, and because the incisions are internal, there are no visible signs of surgery.

Both procedures require minimal aftercare and have very low complication rates when performed by a surgeon at Centre for Surgery.

How Long Do Results Last?

The results from buccal fat are permanent. Once the buccal fat pad has been removed, it does not return, though a stable weight helps preserve the refined look.

Dimpleplasty results are also long-lasting. Initially, the may appear deeper and even when not smiling, but they naturally soften as tissues heal, leaving a subtle and attractive final result.

Can Buccal Fat Removal and Dimpleplasty Be Combined?

Many patients choose to combine these two procedures for a comprehensive facial enhancement. Buccal fat removal defines the lower face by removing excess volume, while dimpleplasty adds charm and detail to the mid-face. Together, they can create a sculpted yet expressive look that enhances both structure and personality.

At Centre for Surgery, combination procedures are planned with precision. Our surgeons take care to ensure that results look natural and in proportion with your existing features. Every treatment plan is fully bespoke, designed to achieve balance rather than exaggeration.

Both buccal fat removal and dimpleplasty are safe procedures when performed by experienced, qualified surgeons. The key to a successful outcome lies in precision and artistic . Over-removal of buccal fat can lead to a hollow appearance, and poorly placed dimples can look artificial. Choosing a reputable clinic with specialist facial surgeons ensures your results remain natural and harmonious.

At Centre for Surgery, we carry out all in our CQC-registered surgical facility on Baker Street. Our operating rooms are equipped with the latest technology, and our anaesthetists and surgical teams prioritise safety at every stage.

The can vary depending on the surgeon’s experience and the of the case. It generally costs more than dimpleplasty due to the surgical technique involved. Dimpleplasty is typically less expensive, as it’s performed under local anaesthetic with a shorter procedure time.

At Centre for Surgery, we provide transparent pricing and flexible options to make aesthetic treatments more accessible.

Both buccal fat removal and dimpleplasty should enhance your natural beauty rather than change it completely. Our goal is to refine, not redefine. The best results are those that look effortless — faces that appear slimmer and more sculpted without obvious signs of surgery, or smiles that gain extra warmth through placed dimples.

Our surgeons at Centre for Surgery focus on creating balance, proportion, and subtlety. Each face is unique, and every procedure is tailored to ensure results that align perfectly with your natural features and aesthetic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Both procedures are performed through small incisions inside the mouth, meaning there are no visible scars on the face.

Yes. Combining buccal fat removal and is safe and can enhance overall facial balance when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Both are comfortable procedures performed under local anaesthetic. You may feel mild pressure during surgery but no pain.

When performed conservatively, it will not. The aim is to sculpt the cheeks while preserving enough fat for a youthful contour.

Yes. Over time, the dimples soften and move naturally with your expressions, blending seamlessly with your facial .

Buccal fat removal results become more visible after the swelling subsides, typically within a few weeks. Dimpleplasty results are immediate but continue to refine as healing progresses.

Significant weight fluctuations can influence facial appearance, but the results of both procedures generally remain stable if you maintain a consistent weight.

Why Choose Centre for Surgery

At Centre for Surgery, we pride on being one of London’s leading cosmetic surgery clinics specialising in facial contouring. Located on Baker Street, our private hospital is purpose-built for surgical excellence and patient comfort. From consultation through to aftercare, you’ll receive comprehensive, support from our expert team.

Our consultant plastic surgeons are highly experienced in buccal fat removal, dimpleplasty, and other facial sculpting procedures. Each surgery is tailored to the individual, using the latest techniques to ensure results that are elegant, natural, and . Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do, and every treatment takes place in our CQC-registered medical facility.

Learn more about our approach by visiting our page, meet our expert surgeons on the page, and explore real results in our . You can also find further details in our , review our , and learn about our . For ongoing updates, visit our .

To book your consultation, please contact the Centre for Surgery at Baker Street, London W1U 6RN. Call or email .


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