How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?

Buccal fat removal surgery is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to remove fat from the cheeks, specifically the hollow part of the cheeks. It is also called cheek reduction surgery and is done to treat chubby or puffy cheeks. While natural cheeks give the face a soft, youthful appearance, some people desire to have buccal fat removed for a more defined facial shape. Continue reading to learn more about buccal fat removal, how much it costs, and what to expect from the procedure.

What Is Buccal Fat?

Buccal fat is a layer of adipose tissue (fat) located between the cheekbone and jaw bone on either side that helps to shape the face. The amount of buccal fat varies from patient to patient and depends on genetics, age, and body weight. 

The buccal fat pads are prominent in babies and support efficient suckling (breastfeeding). As children grow older and start eating solid food, the buccal fat pads become less prominent but continue to help the muscles of mastication (chewing) function. In addition, throughout life, the buccal fat pads act as cushions and protect underlying nerves and blood vessels from injuries. The adipose tissue also plays an important role in facial aesthetics. In the elderly, changes associated with natural aging can result in a loss of buccal fat and sunken cheeks. 

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Cheek Reduction Surgery?

Ideal candidates for buccal fat pad removal are patients who are bothered by full cheeks or a baby face and desire a more contoured appearance to their face, specifically the mid-face and lower face. 

The ideal candidate for this procedure is someone interested in surgery for their own benefit. There are times when patients desire surgery in order to please those around them which can make it difficult to achieve the desired outcome. Plastic surgeons also recommend that patients desiring a buccal fat pad removal procedure be in good overall health, at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can and cannot achieve.

Procedure Overview: What Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?

Before undergoing buccal fat removal, you will have a consultation with your plastic surgeon. During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss the surgical goals. They will also review your medical history, surgical history, medications, and allergies. 

In addition, the surgeon will carefully examine your face and take photographs from many different angles. They will discuss treatment options and expected outcomes as well as potential complications.

During the initial consultation, it’s important to be frank about your reasons for wanting buccal fat removal and your expectations for the procedure. Do not hesitate to take a list of questions with you to the visit. Answer the surgeon’s questions about your health and lifestyle honestly. This will ensure a successful and safe buccal fat removal surgery with the expected outcome. 

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

Some of the questions many patients ask their plastic surgeons are listed below:

• Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

• Do you specialize in any specific type of plastic surgery?

• Do you offer different types of buccal fat removal techniques?

• How many cheek reduction surgeries have you done?

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?

• What will I need to do to get good results?

• Where will you perform my procedure?

• What kind of anesthesia will you use?

• How long is the recovery period?

• Will I need help during my recovery?

• What happens if I am not happy with the results? 

• What are the risks and complications of the procedure?

• How do you handle complications?

• How long will my buccal fat removal last?

• Can you show me before-and-after photos of others who had the same procedure? 

Preparation

• Before your buccal fat removal surgery, the plastic surgery clinic may prescribe some lab tests and imaging studies. 

• They may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can increase the risk of bleeding.

• Your doctors may also adjust the doses of your medications or start you on some new medications.

• You will be asked to stop smoking because smoking can delay the healing process.

• You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for one night if you have the procedure with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

Procedure

• Step 1: Buccal fat removal is usually done using intravenous sedation or general anesthesia in the operating room of a hospital, ambulatory care center, or outpatient procedure room. You will be asleep during the procedure and won’t feel any pain. 

• Step 2: Your plastic surgeon will make a small incision in the inner cheek (inside your mouth). If you are also having a facelift at the same time, a separate incision inside the mouth will not be needed.

• Step 3: Once the excess fat has been removed to mold your cheeks into a more defined shape, your plastic surgeon will close the incisions on both sides. The suture (stitches) used are usually dissolvable and do not need to be removed. 

Post-Operative Care and Recovery Time

You should plan to take about a week off from work to recover from the surgery.

For the first few days after your operation, your surgeon may recommend a liquid diet or soft foods such as mashed potatoes and ice cream. Your surgeon may also recommend avoiding strenuous activity and heavy lifting in the first week. Keep all your follow-up appointments, so your surgeon can check the incision and ensure proper healing.

Most patients see the final results from their procedure after about 2 months. This gives the facial tissues time to settle after removal of the buccal fat pads.

Potential Side Effects and Complications  

Mild bruising and swelling is expected after buccal fat removal. An ice pack can help bring the swelling down. These side effects typically resolve within a week. 

Like all surgical procedures, buccal fat pad removal does carry some risks, including:

• Risks associated with anesthesia, including cardiac and pulmonary (heart and lung) complications

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)

• Seroma (fluid accumulation under or around the incision)

• Hematoma (blood accumulation under or around the incision)

• Injury to the facial nerve, resulting in temporary or permanent weakness of the facial muscles

• Injury to a salivary duct

• Prolonged pain or swelling

• Loss of sensation 

• Poor healing of incisions

• Asymmetric results

• Minimal or suboptimal aesthetic results

• Need for revision surgery

Results

The final result depends on multiple factors, some of which are controllable and others which are not. Cosmetic surgery is not an exact science, and further surgery may be needed to achieve your desired outcome However, the procedure gives long-lasting results, and the changes in your facial contour are permanent unless you experience significant weight gain or weight loss.

Procedure Pros & Cons

Pros: A buccal fat removal procedure removes fat from the hollows of your cheeks. It can give definition to your cheekbones and create contrast between your mid-face and lower face. This can give you more defined facial contours or a chiseled appearance. The procedure can make your face look less round and more V-shaped. This improved facial appearance can boost your self-confidence.

Cons: The buccal pad removal cost is over $3,000 on average. Additionally, like all surgeries, buccal fat removal carries some risks. The final result depends on individual patient factors on the skill of the surgeon. You may not get the natural-looking slimmer cheeks you wanted. Or you may require further reduction to get your desired facial contour.

Alternative Options

If you want to avoid buccal fat removal surgery but improve your facial appearance or symmetry, some of the cosmetic treatments you can discuss with your aesthetician include Vaser liposuction, lipectomy, radiofrequency skin tightening procedures, Botox, and dermal fillers. 

Many of these treatments are done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia or require no anesthesia. The average cost of these minimally invasive procedures is also less than a surgical procedure such as buccal fat pad removal. In addition, the postoperative recovery period is shorter.

How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?

The average buccal fat removal cost in the United States is $3,200, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, it is worth noting that the final cost of the entire procedure may be higher. Your plastic surgeon’s office will give you a detailed quote, including the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, hospital or surgical facility fees, cost of medical tests and X-rays, and prescription drugs such as pain medication. 

The cost of cosmetic or reconstructive surgery can vary widely, depending on location, the surgeon’s expertise, financing options, and other factors.

Geographic Location: How Much is Buccal Fat Removal in My Area?

The cost of cosmetic surgery, including buccal fat pad removal, is generally higher in major metropolitan areas compared to smaller towns or less densely populated regions. This is due to an overall higher cost of living, facility overhead costs, and local demand for cosmetic procedures in urban areas. Essentially, the price reflects the local economy and healthcare market where the surgery is performed.

Surgeon Expertise and Qualifications

Compared to surgeons with less experience, highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeons generally charge more due to their credentials, fellowship training, advanced skills, reputation, and track record of successful outcomes.

Financing and Insurance Options

Insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures such as buccal fat pad removal. The upfront out-of-pocket cost of the procedure can, however, be reduced if a plastic surgery clinic allows patients to spread the cost over time through loans or payment plans. In other words, financing options can make the upfront cost of buccal fat removal affordable, but it’s important to understand the terms and conditions. As an example, if you are financing the procedure, you may be charged interest which can increase the total cost of the procedure. 

Additional Costs

If you are undergoing other procedures at the same time as your buccal fat pad removal, the cost will be higher. For example, a rhinoplasty (nose job), neck lift, or facelift may be performed simultaneously with the fat removal procedure. Understandably, the cost of a facelift and buccal fat removal will be more than cheek reduction alone. However, you may make savings, for example, on anesthesia fees, compared to having two separate procedures.

Why Is Buccal Fat Removal So Expensive?

Buccal fat removal is expensive because it is performed by highly trained plastic surgeons at state-of-the-art surgery centers. 

How Long Does Buccal Fat Removal Last? 

The results of a buccal fat pad removal are permanent. The fat removed from chubby cheeks does not grow back. However, significant weight gain or weight loss can change the shape of your face.