What is recovery like after cheek or buccal fat reduction?

Buccal fat reduction is an outpatient procedure performed with IV sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes about an hour. Patients require a soft diet during the immediate recovery period. Most patients plan at least a few days or one week off from work. A longer period of recovery may be necessary for combined procedures. Regular exercise or similar strenuous activity is generally allowed after 2 weeks.