This Is What Buccal Fat Removal Looks Like Before & After

One of the most buzzed-about procedures of the last decade, buccal fat removal has become a popular reshaping tool thanks to its ability to refine the face and enhance cheekbone definition without adding volume. By removing the buccal fat pads (the natural pockets of fat we have in the mid-cheek area) surgeons can slenderize the face for a more sculpted, chiseled look. For those who’ve always felt they had chubby cheeks or a wider face, this surgical tweak serves like a permanent contour. 

How long does buccal fat removal last?

The results of buccal fat removal are permanent. According to Palo Alto, CA facial plastic surgeon Jill Hessler, MD, “The buccal fat pad tends to be one of the last areas to lose volume as we age, so once it’s removed, that fullness is not likely to return.”

Is buccal fat removal usually done on its own?

While buccal fat removal can be performed as a standalone procedure, many surgeons opt to combine it with other facial surgeries like facelifts, necklifts or fat transfer for more comprehensive results. It’s often one part of a full-face rejuvenation or facial reshaping plan.

Can you tell if someone has had buccal fat removal?

Not when it’s done correctly. “The goal is not to hollow the face,” says Dr. Hessler. “We’re just reducing excess fullness and creating subtle shadowing. The result should look natural, not overdone.”

How much does it cost to remove buccal fat?

Buccal fat removal typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000, with the average around $3,142, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That number doesn’t include extras like anesthesia or facility fees, so the total price may be higher depending on the provider. Final costs can vary based on the surgeon’s experience, the technique used and where the office is located.

Who is not a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

“Patients with thin or hollow faces or those with naturally narrow features may not be ideal,” says Dr. Hessler. “You want to be careful about future skin laxity and avoid creating a look that doesn’t age well. It’s best for people with thicker skin and rounder faces who still carry fullness in the mid-cheek area.”

Buccal Fat Removal Before and After

1 / 5

Houston, TX plastic surgeon Henry Mentz, MD

This 42-year-old patient had buccal fat pad removal with a facelift, fat grafting and blepharoplasty. Dr. Mentz reshaped her face for a more elongated, elegant profile.

2 / 5

El Paso, TX plastic surgeon Ozan Sozer, MD

To address signs of facial aging and fullness in the mid-face, Dr. Sozer performed  a “Glidelift” facelift, mini-necklift,  buccal fat removal and tear trough implants on this 43-year-old patient.

3 / 5

Newport Beach, CA plastic surgeon Jonathan Zelken, MD

This 53-year-old patient had a deep plane facelift paired with buccal fat removal and fat transfer. The combination refined her cheek area while maintaining natural softness and lift.

4 / 5

New York facial plastic surgeon Dilip Madnani, MD

At 27, this patient was unhappy with the fullness in her lower face. Dr. Madnani performed buccal fat removal under local anesthesia, resulting in a slimmer, more sculpted lower face at three months post-op.

5 / 5

Palo Alto, CA facial plastic surgeons David Lieberman, MD and Sachin Parikh, MD

This 56-year-old patient underwent a deep plane face and necklift with buccal fat contouring by Drs. Lieberman and Parikh. Just three months post-op, she says she feels more alive and looks more like herself.