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 different 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 Surgery in London, our consultant plastic surgeons specialise in advanced facial contouring 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 customised to the individual, ensuring natural and proportionate results that complement your facial structure.

What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal, sometimes called cheek reduction surgery, is designed to create a slimmer, more defined face by carefully removing 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 reflect the person’s overall body composition.

RELATED: 3 Questions to Ask Before Getting Buccal Fat Removal

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 fat 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 cheekbones and jawline become more pronounced. Buccal fat removal helps to bring out natural bone structure and gives the face a refined V-shaped contour.

RELATED: Buccal Fat Removal: Achieve a Slimmer, Defined Face

What is Dimpleplasty?

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 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 (Check This Out) 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 performed under local anaesthetic and usually takes around 30 minutes. Most patients are able to return to normal activities the same day.