Buccal Fat Removal: TikTok’s Latest Darling

Join Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editor Keri Stephens as she talks to Michael Tantillo, MD, MBA, a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Clareo Centers in Massachusetts, about the popular trend of buccal fat removal. The conversation covers what the procedure is, how it works, and its benefits and risks. 

Tantillo explains that buccal fat removal has been around for decades but has gained significant popularity recently, particularly among Gen Z patients who are more open-minded to aesthetic procedures. He notes that the procedure is safe when performed by a properly trained surgeon and has minimal risks and downtime. The surgery involves a partial removal of the buccal fat pad, which lies in the mid-face between the muscles, through an incision inside the mouth. Patients can expect a quick recovery and high satisfaction rate, as the procedure results in a slimmed mid-face with reliable and reproducible results, according to Tantillo.

The episode also discusses the reasons behind the trend of buccal fat removal, which Tantillo attributes to a drive toward slimming down the mid-face and avoiding the “round face” look. The popularity of buccal fat removal has been driven by its virality on social media platforms like TikTok, Tantillo says. Learn more about the procedure in this informative podcast.