Cheek Reduction

Cheek reduction refines your full or prominent cheeks to create a more sculpted, balanced look.

Refine Your Facial Contours With Cheek Reduction

Facial proportions can have a significant impact on how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. Sometimes, naturally fuller cheeks or excess buccal fat can create an unbalanced look, drawing attention away from your other features. At pēkomd®, we understand that even the slightest adjustment can transform not just your appearance, but also your sense of self. Across our locations in Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo, our board-certified providers offer cheek reduction surgery to help patients achieve a more contoured, harmonious face. We invite you to schedule a one-on-one consultation and learn how this procedure can bring greater definition to your cheeks, enhancing your overall profile. By prioritizing your unique goals and comfort, our team strives to deliver a supportive, high-quality experience from start to finish.

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What Is Cheek Reduction?

Cheek reduction, often involving the removal or repositioning of buccal fat, is a surgical procedure designed to streamline the mid-face area. This process can help diminish the appearance of overly round or chubby cheeks, accentuating the natural angles of your face. Performed by a skilled surgeon, it typically involves small incisions inside the mouth, allowing for discreet fat removal and sculpting without visible external scarring.

At pēkomd®, every procedure begins with an in-depth evaluation of your facial structure and desired outcome. Our approach emphasizes subtle, natural-looking changes that highlight your unique features. Whether you're seeking a more angular look or simply wish to reduce fullness, we tailor each cheek reduction plan to align with your overall aesthetic and functional needs.

Benefits of Cheek Reduction

Choosing cheek reduction can lead to a variety of positive changes, including:

More defined facial contours
A slimmer, more angular mid-face
Enhanced balance between cheeks and jawline
Reduced roundness or “chipmunk cheeks”
Minimal scarring with intraoral incisions
A younger, more refined appearance
Customizable outcomes tailored to individual goals

What to Expect During Your Cheek Reduction Surgery at pēkomd®

Your journey starts with an in-depth consultation, where our team will review your medical history and listen carefully to your concerns. We may examine areas of natural fullness or volume in your cheeks, using advanced imaging or physical assessment to identify the best approach. Once we finalize a plan, you'll have a clear understanding of the surgical process, including incision placement and the likely degree of fat removal. On the day of surgery, you'll arrive at one of our accredited facilities, where patient comfort and safety are our top priorities. After anesthesia is administered—often local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your preferences—your surgeon will make small incisions inside the mouth.

This technique allows access to the buccal fat pads without leaving external scars. The surgeon will carefully remove or reposition the excess fat to sculpt a more contoured mid-face, taking care to maintain facial symmetry. Once the desired look is achieved, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, and you'll be monitored in a recovery area until you're ready to go home. Throughout this process, our team remains focused on delivering a supportive experience. We'll answer any last-minute questions, provide detailed aftercare instructions, and schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing. By the time you leave, you'll have a customized plan for your recovery so you can feel confident moving forward.

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Recovering After Your Cheek Reduction Procedure

Every patient's recovery timeline may differ, but you can generally expect some swelling, mild bruising, and tenderness in the cheek area for the first week or two. Because incisions are inside the mouth, you may need to follow specific dietary guidelines—often a soft-food diet initially—to avoid irritation and support healing. Our team may also recommend using an antiseptic mouth rinse to keep the incision sites clean and reduce the risk of infection.

Most people can resume light daily activities within a few days, though it's wise to avoid strenuous exercise and other vigorous activities until your surgeon confirms it's safe. Swelling usually improves steadily over the first few weeks, revealing more sculpted cheek contours. By closely following the post-operative instructions provided, you'll help ensure a smoother recovery and a final result that aligns with your goals.

Testimonials

Dr Koltz and his team are fantastic. I was always made to feel so comfortable and welcomed.

The team that he has assembled are just phenomenal women who truly brighten your day. They have offered me endless support and I will forever be grateful for them. I have received excellent care from everyone at pēkomd and would very highly recommend them. 10 out of 10!

Jennifer N.

Dr. Markov is one of the best microsurgeons in Southwest Ohio

I have had surgery is some of the top hospitals in Ohio and beyond. Dr. Markov is one of the best microsurgeons in Southwest Ohio, and the surrounding areas.His education, military background, and work experience speaks for itself. I have found him to be professional, highly-skilled, and he has excellent bedside manner. Dr. Markov treated me with respect, educated me about my options, and empowered me to decide what breast reconstruction option best for me. He approached my reconstruction surgery like Michelangelo to a painting. He was detailed oriented and cared about my final outcomes. I couldn't be happier with his performance. I highly recommend Dr. Markov for any cancer related or cosmetics surgery.

Candy

Mr. Dr. Fourman has been the best doctor hands down

Mr. Dr. Fourman has been the best doctor hands down so far that I have ever experienced in my life so far and I only have had my first office visit. He is so polite, listens and exsplained in full detail. He made me feel heard and he actually listened to me as his patient and did not belittle or make me feel like i was uneducated or wrong for my reasons to be vivisting his office. Thank you to Dr. Fourman and his wonderful staff members!

Heather

Dr. Straka is very personable, professional, and earned my trust right away!

My daughter first had some work done a few years ago with Dr. Straka. Of course she was/is a beautiful girl in every way, but this definitely enhanced things for her. I inherited the worst bags you could ever imagine. Getting older I thought let me do something for me! I scheduled a consult and I am truly sad that I had not gone sooner.

Dr. Straka is very personable, professional, and earned my trust right away! I am only 10 days post op and I love my new look already! Cristina has been very attentive from day one. I am still being checked on today. Dr. Straka is doing great things at pekomd! I highly recommend him to anyone!!!!!!! He gets a 100 stars

Youlanda J.

Thank You for saving my life!!

Dr. Fourman and his whole team have always made me feel not judged and welcomed. They are helpful, knowledgeable, informative and take time to discuss my health. There are few physicians that don’t make patients feel comfortable and Dr. Fourman is not one. So thankful I chose him as my bariatric doctor!! Thank You for saving my life!!

Amanda L

Make you feel like your best self.

Every experience I’ve had at pēkomd® has been amazing. The staff and providers truly take the time to make you feel like your best self. Dr. Koltz takes the time to get to know his patients and listens to their needs, concerns and dreams. I would absolutely recommend giving them a call and taking the steps to feeling the best version of yourself!

Megan M.

I would say Dr. Markov is a bit of a perfectionist.

After learning I had breast cancer a second time in 2023 I opted to have a bilateral mastectomy with a DIEP flap reconstruction. I looked into 3 different doctors and while I am sure they are all very capable, I chose Dr. Markov. He was straight forward and to the point and he was local. I really liked his approach and he made me feel very comfortable. Today I had my 4 week post op appointment from the final phase of the reconstruction and I am thrilled with the results. I feel and look like myself again. Honestly they look better than they did before my mastectomy. I would say Dr. Markov is a bit of a perfectionist. The only thing left, if I opt to do this, is the tattooing. I am not sure if I am going to do that just yet, because they already look so good. Anyhow, I would 100 % recommend Dr. Markov.

Susan T.

Wish I had done this 10 years sooner.

Don't put it off any longer!
If you have thought about weight-loss surgery, Dr. Fourman is the Dr. you need to see! He's very personable, understands and is caring.I followed all the pre op instructions, did out patient, in the morning, and was up and moving around very well by that evening. He's staff is wonderful too. There are no scary front desk reception. Everyone there knows what your going through. Wish I had done this 10 years sooner. Like I said...Don't put it off for another year!

Patricia M

I couldn't be more pleased with my experience with Dr. Straka

I couldn't be more pleased with my experience with Dr. Straka and Kaleigh! Dr. Straka took the time to thoroughly explain my condition, answer all my questions, and walk me through the entire procedure. The follow-up care has been excellent as well, and I am so happy with my results. I highly recommend!!

Hannah

It’s like meeting with a friend at every consult.

Dr Koltz is one in a million. He sits down and listens to every concern. It’s like meeting with a friend at every consult. He has worked miracles for me on correcting another local surgeon mistake. He is very skilled and knowledgeable in profession. Dr Koltz and his staff treat you like family. I love them and you will too! For me there is no other choice!

Jen. H.

Feel beautiful from the inside out

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Are You an Ideal Candidate for Cheek Reduction?

If you feel your cheeks appear disproportionately round or full, cheek reduction could be a good choice for achieving a more contoured appearance. Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health, have stable body weight, and hold realistic expectations about the scope and outcome of surgery. It's also important to be prepared for a brief but essential recovery period, since proper aftercare helps optimize results and reduces the risk of complications. During your consultation at pēkomd®, our board-certified providers will evaluate your facial structure, discuss any pertinent medical details, and explore what you hope to gain from the procedure. If you meet these criteria and have areas of excess fat that can safely be removed, our team will create a customized plan to help you reach your desired level of facial refinement.

Why Choose pēkomd® for Your Cheek Reduction Procedure?

At pēkomd®, we aim to blend expertise, integrity, and genuine patient-centered care in every treatment we offer. Our board-certified surgical team employs advanced techniques to ensure your cheek reduction aligns with your distinct facial anatomy, leading to results that feel natural and balanced. With our full spectrum of aesthetic procedures, we're able to tailor each treatment plan to your individual goals—rather than steering you toward a one-size-fits-all approach. Across our Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo locations, you'll encounter the same focus on warmth, clarity, and meticulous attention to detail. Whether you're seeking a subtle contour or a significant change, our priority is to help you feel truly confident in the choices you make about your appearance.

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Cheek Reduction Frequently Asked Questions

If you're ready to discover how cheek reduction can create a sleeker, more refined facial profile, we encourage you to get in touch with pēkomd®. Our compassionate team stands ready to answer your questions, develop a personalized plan, and help you step into the confident, revitalized look you've been envisioning.

How soon will I see my final results?

While you may notice an immediate difference in your facial contours once the swelling subsides, it can take several weeks—or even a few months—for the final shape to fully reveal itself as the tissues settle.

Will cheek reduction leave scars on my face?

In most cases, the incisions are made inside the mouth, which means there are no visible external scars. This discreet approach is designed to maintain a natural look.

Can cheek reduction be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely. Many patients opt to combine cheek reduction with other facial surgeries or cosmetic treatments for more comprehensive results. Your surgeon will advise on the best approach based on your goals and anatomy.

Is the procedure painful?

Patients often report mild to moderate discomfort, typically well-managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. We also suggest following a soft-food diet initially to minimize irritation during recovery.

What if I lose or gain weight after surgery?

Significant weight changes can affect your facial contours over time. However, minor fluctuations shouldn't drastically alter your results, as the removed buccal fat pads do not regenerate.