Plastic Surgery

Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal surgery, also known as buccal lipectomy, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at reducing the fullness in the lower cheek area by removing the buccal fat pads. These fat pads are located between the facial muscles and contribute to the roundness of the face, often giving a fuller appearance, even in people who are not overweight.

Here’s a breakdown of the procedure:

  • Anatomy and Purpose: Buccal fat pads are naturally occurring pockets of fat situated between the cheekbones and jaw. Some individuals have larger buccal fat pads, which can make their face appear rounder or more full than desired. Buccal fat removal reduces the size of these fat pads to create a more defined facial contour, especially around the midface and jawline.
What are the benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?
  • A leaner facial appearance
  • Reduction in excessive facial fat
  • Improved definition in the cheeks and mid-face
Am I a candidate for surgery?

Before deciding whether to pursue surgery, you must consider if you are a good candidate for surgery:

  • Are good mental and physical health
  • If you have an unwanted “baby face” or rounded appearance as an adult
  • Are a nonsmoker 
  • Have realistic expectations of the outcome
  • Have sufficient skin elasticity
  • Understand the recovery process
  • You’re able to take sufficient recovery time off of work
  • You are a nonsmoker or are willing to stop smoking at least 8 weeks prior to surgery and 8 weeks post surgery

The first step in finding out more about surgery is to schedule a private consultation. In this consultation, you will meet directly with your specialist plastic surgeon. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns and get all of your questions answered.

To book a surgery date you can contact our team after a face to face consultation has been completed. You must wait 7 days from the consultation to book a procedure.  

During your personalised consultation for surgery, your surgeon will ask you about your medical history, as well as any issue of substance abuse, tobacco use, or alcohol use. Furthermore, you will need to bring in all medications and supplements you currently take. Part of the consultation involves a full and accurate medical history. Tell your surgeon about any past surgeries, procedures, and complications you have experienced in your life. He can then make a decision based upon your general health, and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure – most people are.

At the end of your consultation, your surgeon will make recommendations about the best course of action to take for your buccal fat removal to achieve the most attractive result. Every person is different, and the facial structure may need to be altered significantly or just minimally, depending upon what needs to be achieved.

Once you’ve booked your surgery date, a pre surgery appointment will be scheduled 4 weeks prior to your date. This is your chance to meet with your surgeon again, ask any further questions, go over the surgery plan and take some images. This appointment ensures you’re well prepared for the upcoming surgery date.

As this procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic, you’ll need to make your way into the clinic at your scheduled time. You will not need to fast for this surgery.

Once ready, your surgeon will mark out the surgical area. Local anaesthetic will be injected to the area and the procedure will start. the whole procedure takes around 45 minutes to complete.

 

Following your buccal fat removal, you will need to stay in the clinic for 45 minutes for observation. you will need to organise someone to pick you up from the clinic and stay with you.

Stick to a soft, bland diet for the first few days after your procedure. If you are able to tolerate other foods, you may advance your diet. Depending on the location of your incisions, you must follow any other specific dietary restrictions given to you at the time of discharge.

Promote proper healing and circulation by staying minimally active during the days following your procedure. This reduces the chances of developing complications, such as pneumonia or DVTs—dangerous blood clots in the deep tissues of the body. Don’t over-exert yourself, and don’t lift anything without being cleared to do so by your physician.

You must keep your head elevated when you sleep for a minimum of two weeks after your procedure. This reduces the amount of swelling and promotes proper healing of your incisions. Your face will swell significantly for the first few days after your surgery. If you notice any abnormal or excessive bleeding, elevated temperature, excessive pain, or severe bruising beyond the expectation, contact our team or go to an emergency medical centre immediately. 

The possible risks of buccal fat removal surgery include, but are not limited to:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Asymmetry
  • Bleeding
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Hematoma
  • Infection
  • Injury to a salivary duct
  • Injury to branches of the facial nerve, resulting in temporary or permanent facial muscle weakness
  • Numbness or other changes in sensation
  • Persistent pain
  • Poor healing of incisions
  • Possibility of revisional surgery
  • Prolonged swelling
  • Suboptimal aesthetic result and/or minimal changes
Frequently Asked Questions

We regularly get asked about our procedures, so we have put together a couple of questions we get asked on a regular basis. If there is something else you would like to know, please get in touch!

Unfortunately not. This procedure is seen as a cosmetic treatment, therefore health funds and Medicare will not contribute.

In some fortunate people, buccal fat will naturally disappear. 

Your body needs to heal completely before the final results become apparent. The healing process could take up to five months.

Before & After

Deep Plane Facelift Results

Real Patients,
Real Results

Lucy McDermid

PATIENT Coordinator

Lucy McDermid is a Front of House Patient Coordinator at One Cosmetic and the first point of contact for clients. She manages both surgical and non-surgical enquiries with professionalism and discretion, ensuring a seamless, informed, and elevated luxury experience. Known for her warm approach, Lucy welcomes every client with a smile and a commitment to exceptional service.

Christie Cameron

Award Winning Dermal Therapist

Christie Cameron is an award winning Senior Dermal Therapist, internationally trained facial sculpting specialist and educator with over 12 years of industry experience. Recently relocating from the Gold Coast, Christie began her career graduating as Valedictorian and top student from the prestigious French Beauty Academy. She has since been recognised as the Gold Coast’s Best Facialist for two consecutive years and, most recently, was awarded Australia’s Best in Beauty at the Australian Beauty Industry Awards, cementing her reputation as a national leader in advanced skin therapy.

Having worked across some of the world’s most luxurious spas and leading clinical skin practices, Christie is known for her uncompromising standards, innovation, and results driven approach. Her treatments seamlessly integrate advanced skin science, product chemistry, and biohacking inspired techniques with wellness led practices that support the parasympathetic nervous system through breathwork and mindfulness. Blending ancient techniques with modern day technology, the result is a deeply restorative yet clinically effective experience designed to optimise skin health while delivering visible transformation.

Christie’s elevated approach to treatment and exceptional client experience has attracted a long list of clientele, including celebrities, influencers, beauty editors, media personalities, and high profile individuals.

Beyond the treatment room, Christie is a published contributor to leading beauty publications and a respected educator, dedicated to shaping the next generation of skin therapists. Through her teaching, she inspires practitioners to unite artistry, innovation, and scientific precision setting a new standard for modern skin health.

Jade Pike

Patient Coordinator

Jade is the friendly and approachable face you’ll first meet at One Cosmetic, dedicated to making each client’s experience smooth and enjoyable. From the moment you book your appointment to the time you leave feeling rejuvenated. With a love for natural beauty, she brings genuine care and intention to every interaction.

Dr. Negin Sedaghat

SPECIALIST BREAST AND GENERAL SURGEON

FRACS MBBS BAS (Phys)(Hons)
Sydney Professional Certificate in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery (USYD)
Full Member BreastSurgANZ
VMO Surgeon BreastScreen NSW

Dr Negin Sedaghat FRACS leads the breast care program after breast implant surgery at One Cosmetic, an essential component of maintaining breast health.

Dr Sedaghat is an Australian-trained Specialist General Surgeon with subspecialisation in Breast Surgery and Breast Surgical Oncology. She is BreastSurgANZ certified in breast surgery and awarded professional certification with distinction in oncoplastic breast surgery from the University of Sydney.

Dr Sedaghat combines her highly qualified and experienced surgical expertise with a compassionate and holistic approach to patient care. In addition to breast implant care, Dr Sedaghat accepts consultations for women seeking comprehensive breast assessment and treatment for a wide range of breast concerns at the welcoming and luxurious environment of One Cosmetic in Double Bay – a valid GP referral at the time of consultation will be needed.

Maree Riitano

Nurse

With a clinical background in perioperative nursing, Maree brings medical precision and a strong eye for detail to her work in aesthetic medicine. She is an experienced cosmetic nurse and over the years has trained under leading injectors in the space. She is passionate about combining science with artistry to deliver natural and refined results.

Maree offers all aesthetic medicine treatments and takes a personalised, multi-modality approach when creating treatment plans. She has a focus on restoring and enhancing her clients’ natural anatomy rather than altering them. Her philosophy is centered on subtle, confident beauty and helping clients feel empowered in their own skin.

Maree stays at the forefront of the industry by regularly attending advanced training and cosmetic conferences, ensuring she brings the latest techniques and highest standard of care to every client.

Ailiya Greaves

Senior Dermal

Ailiya Greaves is an experienced Senior Dermal Aesthetician with over seven years in the aesthetics and skin health industry.

Throughout her career, Ailiya has built a strong reputation for delivering advanced, results-driven treatments with a focus on safety, precision, and patient care. Her extensive clinical experience spans a wide range of skin concerns, including rosacea, acne, pigmentation, scarring, and age-related changes. She takes pride in creating personalised treatment plans that integrate evidence-based dermal therapies to achieve optimal skin health and natural outcomes.

Currently undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing, Ailiya continues to advance her clinical knowledge and professional capabilities. This additional qualification enhances her holistic approach to treatment, combining nursing principles with her dermal expertise to ensure the highest standards of care.

As a valued member of OC’s Dermal Team, Ailiya is recognised for her professionalism, approachable manner, and commitment to empowering clients to feel confident in their skin. Her dedication to continuous learning, coupled with years of hands-on experience, ensures her clients receive exceptional care and outstanding results.

Katie O'Connor

Practice Coordinator

Katie is our beautiful clinic coordinator at OC and one of the first faces you’ll see when you walk through the doors or call our team. She has several years of experience in a customer service role and brings a wealth of knowledge in managing patients and understands what it takes to support our patients through their cosmetic journeys.

Katie is passionate about skin and skin health, which is so important when patents are seeking advice on where to start. Katie has also recently been through the surgery process herself, so she can give first hand experience when it comes to any surgery related questions.

Chelsea Scutts

REGISTERED NURSE

Chelsea has been with One Cosmetic since it’s inception, handpicked by Dr Wessels to manage his practice and patients. Having been in the health & beauty industry for over 8 years Chelsea has a passion for all aesthetic treatments! Her ever evolving thirst for knowledge and passion for delivering the very best to our patient is why Chelsea has a strong base of clients.

Chelsea treatments include anti wrinkle, dermal filler, PDO threads, lip enhancements, Morpheus8 face and body sculpting and much more! She has an eye for natural beauty and enhancing her patients features. She regularly attends seminars to learn new techniques for best practice.

Dr. Louis Wessels

SPECIALIST PLASTIC SURGEON

MBChB FRACS (Plast) FCS Plastics (SA) MAdv Plastic Surgery (Macq Uni) Mmed Plastics (SA)
Dr Wessels is a cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeon and is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Macquarie University.

His practice covers the whole range of procedures in cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery with special emphasis on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast (augmentation, reduction and breast lift) as well as facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr Wessels received his MBChB in South Africa, completing his internship and general surgery residency, training in one of the most challenging clinical environments, before completing his Fellowship and his Master of Medicine in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dr Wessels successfully completed his second Fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery when he was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2015. He has published world leading research on breast implant infection and outcomes following breast augmentation surgery.