What is buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal, often referred to as cheek reduction or buccal lipectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that helps sculpt and slim the lower portion of the face by targeting and reducing the fat pads located in the hollow areas beneath the cheekbones. This treatment is particularly popular among adults who still carry fuller, rounded cheeks and are seeking a more angular, refined facial appearance.

It's an ideal option for individuals who feel their face appears to be too soft or round and want to highlight their bone structure. The buccal fat pad, named from the Latin bucca, meaning cheek, and also known as Bichat’s fat pad, is a naturally occurring pocket of fat situated between facial muscles. Its size can vary widely due to genetics and isn't easily reduced through diet or exercise, making surgical removal a favored choice for lasting definition.

In many cases, buccal fat removal is performed alongside other facial contouring procedures. Patients often combine it with cheekbone enhancements like fillers, implants, or fat grafting to accentuate sculpted features. It also pairs well with jawline contouring treatments such as a mini facelift, chin liposuction, FaceTite, or chin augmentation to achieve a more harmonized, V-shaped profile. With quick recovery and subtle yet striking outcomes, it’s easy to see why this treatment is gaining traction among those looking to refine their facial silhouette.

How is buccal fat removal performed

Buccal fat removal is a relatively quick and minimally invasive procedure, often completed within an hour. To begin, your surgeon will first numb the inside of your cheeks with a topical anesthetic, followed by a few small injections of lidocaine to ensure you're completely comfortable. If you'd prefer to feel more relaxed, oral sedation may be offered, but full general anesthesia is rarely required unless you're combining this surgery with other procedures.

Once the area is numb, the surgeon creates a small incision, usually around half an inch, on the inner lining of each cheek. Through this tiny opening, they’ll gently locate and extract a measured amount of the buccal fat pad, typically about the size of a walnut, to create more definition in the mid- and lower face. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable stitches that don’t need to be removed. After surgery, you’ll be sent home with a supportive chin strap, a prescription for antibiotics, and a medicated mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection during healing. Most patients are able to resume light activities within a couple of days.

How much does buccal fat removal cost

The cost of buccal fat removal can vary widely depending on where you undergo the procedure, the clinic’s reputation, and the surgeon’s expertise. In the United States, prices typically range between $2,000 USD and $5,000 USD, though in some high-end practices, fees can climb to $20,000 USD. Australia tends to be on the higher end as well, with procedures costing anywhere from $4,500 AUD to over $10,000 AUD. For more affordable options, many patients look abroad: in Mexico, costs generally fall between $800 USD and $2,500 USD, with cities like Tijuana offering competitive pricing that can dip as low as $750 USD. Turkey also has a growing reputation in cosmetic surgery, offering buccal fat removal at rates between $1,000 USD and $2,500 USD, often bundled with accommodation and travel perks. Several factors influence the total price—such as the surgeon’s credentials, facility standards, anesthesia fees, and any additional services offered as part of a package. Before committing, it’s essential to gather multiple quotes, review before-and-after portfolios, and ensure your chosen provider has the experience to deliver safe, natural-looking results.

What are the risks and possible side effects of buccal fat removal

Buccal fat removal is widely regarded as a safe and straightforward cosmetic procedure, but like any surgery, it does come with some potential risks and side effects that should be considered ahead of time. Most patients experience only minor, short-lived symptoms such as swelling, bruising, or temporary numbness in the cheeks, these are expected parts of the healing process and usually resolve within a few weeks. Pain is typically mild and manageable with standard pain relief, while numbness or tingling near the incision site often fades as the nerves recover.

Still, complications, though uncommon, can occur. Infections, bleeding beneath the skin (hematoma), and irritation or injury to nearby facial nerves or salivary glands are possible, especially if post-op care instructions aren’t closely followed. There's also the chance of asymmetry if uneven fat is removed or if the fat pads naturally differ in size. One of the main long-term concerns is the risk of over-removal, which can leave the face looking overly hollow or sunken with time, potentially contributing to an older appearance. This may lead some individuals to consider revision surgery down the line.

Choosing a highly experienced, board-certified surgeon and openly discussing all potential outcomes—including the technique used, expected results, and any medications or supplements you're taking—can help minimize these risks and ensure the safest, most satisfying outcome.

Is buccal fat removal permanent

Once buccal fat pads are surgically removed, they’re gone for good, this part of the procedure is permanent. The extracted fat does not regenerate, so the sculpted, more contoured look achieved through buccal fat removal typically lasts for the long term.

That said, gaining weight after the procedure can still affect the overall appearance of your face. While the specific fat pads removed won’t return, surrounding fat cells in other areas of the cheeks and face can enlarge, potentially softening or obscuring the definition you achieved. That’s why maintaining a stable, healthy weight is key to preserving your facial contour and maximizing the longevity of your results.

Does buccal fat removal age you and can the procedure be reversed

Buccal fat removal can create a more sculpted, mature-looking face, especially when paired with naturally high cheekbones. For those with fuller cheeks and less defined bone structure, enhancing the cheekbones with dermal fillers, fat transfer, or implants before or during the procedure can help prevent a hollowed or aged look.

While the results are long-lasting, there’s ongoing debate about how buccal fat removal holds up over time. The buccal fat pad naturally shrinks with age, though the rate varies from person to person. Some experts worry that removing too much fat could lead to premature sagging or jowling later in life, especially as facial volume decreases. In certain ethnic groups, cheek volume may actually increase with age due to fat hypertrophy.

Because buccal fat is unique and doesn’t regenerate once removed, reversing the procedure is difficult. Still, for those experiencing excessive hollowness or regret years later, subtle restoration is possible through dermal fillers or collagen-boosting injectables like Sculptra or dilute Radiesse, which offer more natural-looking volume. In more advanced cases, facial fat grafting, with microfat or nanofat, may be used, although it’s a technically challenging area to treat, requiring an experienced surgeon for the best results.

How long is recovery from buccal fat removal

Recovering from buccal fat removal is usually straightforward, with most people finding that three to four days of laying low is enough to manage any visible swelling or bruising. If you have the flexibility to take a full week, even better, it allows a bit more time for your face to settle before jumping back into social settings. During the early recovery period, expect some puffiness and mild discomfort, which is often easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relief. Interestingly, your cheeks may actually appear fuller at first due to post-surgical swelling, but this is temporary and will gradually diminish.

By the three-week mark, much of the swelling should have eased, revealing more of the sculpted look you're after. To help your body heal and minimize puffiness, there are a few go-to recovery tips. Stick with soft foods and steer clear of anything spicy or overly hot for at least the first day to avoid aggravating the incision sites. Gently icing your cheeks and sipping on iced water can also offer soothing relief, especially in the first 24 hours. Many surgeons also recommend wearing a compression chin strap at night for the first couple of weeks—this supports the healing tissue and helps your skin adapt smoothly to the new contours. And finally, sleeping on your back with your head elevated for the first week can further ease swelling and encourage optimal healing.