Compared to other cosmetic surgeries, recovery after buccal fat pad removal is easier. The first few days are the hardest because patients must adhere to a soft diet until their incisions have adequately healed. Some patients may also experience noticeable swelling. This is normal, but can cause discomfort. Patients can take prescription pain medication, but most patients switch to over-the-counter pain relievers within a few days.
Patients usually return to work in a week and some may be able to go out socially in about ten days. This timeline will vary for each patient and some patients do not experience much swelling.