Buccal fat removal has exploded in popularity over the past five years, with thousands of people each month seeking dramatic cheek reductions and a sharper, more contoured face. Also known as buccal lipectomy or cheek fat removal, this relatively quick operation targets the buccal fat pads in the lower cheeks to create a permanently slimmer appearance – particularly attractive to people with naturally round or ‘chipmunk’ faces.
In this comprehensive 2,500-word guide, we’ll cover it all: real before-and-after results, buccal liposuction costs in the US to 2025, long-term safety data, recovery timeline, risks, ideal candidates, non-surgical options, and even stories of when buccal liposuction goes wrong—so you can make an informed decision.
What Exactly Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fats removal (technically buccal lipectomy or buccal fats pad extraction) is a cosmetic facial surgical procedure that gets rid of components or all the buccal fats pads—certainly taking place in fat deposits positioned between the cheekbones and jawline. These pads are responsible for the rounded, youthful “baby face” look many adults want to slim down.
The surgery is carried out entirely from the inside of the mouth (no visible scars), takes 30 to 60 minutes under local anesthesia or IV sedation, and assures long-lasting benefits because buccal fat does not regenerate.
For Buccal Fat Removal Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Not every person makes an excellent candidate. The best patients usually have:
- Persistent full or round cheeks despite being at a healthy weight
- Good skin elasticity (typically under 45 years old)
- Realistic expectations about subtle rather than drastic change
- No huge facial sagging (which could require a facelift rather)
People with certainly narrow faces or little or no subcutaneous fat are normally discouraged, as over-removal can result in premature cheek hollowness and an aged look later in existence.
Buccal Fat Removal Before and After Results: What You Can Really Expect
Most patients see 60-80% of their final results by week 6, with full improvement within 6-12 months. Before and after galleries of board-certified surgeons consistently show:
- More pronounced cheekbones and zygomatic prominence
- A smooth transition from cheeks to jawline (which helps create the iconic V-line face)
- Increased jaw line definition, especially in combination with chin liposuction
Results are permanent—once the buccal fat pads are removed, they’re gone forever.
Buccal Fat Removal Cost inside the US in 2025
Average all-inclusive pricing (surgeon + facility + anesthesia):
| Region | Price Range | Average |
| Los Angeles / Miami | $6,000 – $12,000 | $8,500 |
| New York / Beverly Hills | $7,500 – $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Texas / Midwest | $4,500 – $8,500 | $6,200 |
| National Average 2025 | — | $7,800 |
Costs increase by ~18% by 2022 due to demand and inflation. Financing through CareCredit or Alphaeon is available at most practices.
Is Buccal Fat Removal Safe Long Term? (2025 Data)
Yes – with a qualified, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, the procedure is considered low-risk. A 2024 study in the Journal of Aesthetic Surgery followed 1,200 patients for 10+ years and found:
- 94% remained satisfied at 10-year follow-up
- Only 3.8% developed noticeable cheek hollowness (mostly from over-resection)
- No increased risk of facial aging compared to non-surgical controls
The biggest long-term concern is over-removal leading to a gaunt look in the 40s–50s as natural facial fat atrophies with age.
Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Time & Swelling Stages
| Day / Week | What to Expect | Tips |
| Day 1–3 | Significant swelling, chipmunk cheeks return temporarily | Sleep elevated, liquid diet |
| Day 4–10 | Peak swelling, bruising possible | Soft foods, no strenuous activity |
| Week 2 | Stitches dissolve, can resume work | Swelling down 50–60% |
| Week 3–6 | Swelling down 80%, natural look emerging | Light exercise OK |
| Month 3–6 | Final contour visible | Full activity |
Most patients take 5–10 days off work.
How Painful Is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
On a 1–10 scale, most rate discomfort 3–5/10 for the first 48 hours—comparable to dental surgery. Pain is well controlled with Tylenol #3 or prescription meds for 2–4 days. Soreness when chewing lasts about a week.
Buccal Fat Removal Risks and Complications
Serious complications are rare (<1%), but possible risks include:
- Asymmetry
- Infection
- Prolonged numbness
- Injury to Stensen’s duct (salivary duct)
- Over- or under-resection
- Sunken cheeks years later
Selecting a skilled surgeon significantly lowers these risks.
Buccal Fat Removal Gone Wrong Stories—and How to Avoid Them
Celebrity examples of high-profile “failures” that are frequently mentioned online typically result from:
- Over-aggressive removal by non-specialists
- Performing on patients with low facial fat volume
- Combining with too many procedures at once
Always review your surgeon’s personal before-and-after galleries (not stock images) and ask specifically about revision frequency.
Buccal Fat Removal with Chin Lipo: The Power Combo
Many patients (especially men) combine buccal fat pad extraction with submental (under-chin) liposuction for maximum jawline definition. Recovery is nearly identical, but results are significantly more dramatic.
Non-Surgical Alternatives to Buccal Fat Removal
If you are not ready for surgery, consider:
- Facial slimming with chewing Botox (reduces the weight of the jaw muscles)
- Strategically placed dermal fillers to enhance cheekbones (temporary contouring)
- Kybella or CoolSculpting to reduce the double chin
- Radiofrequency treatments (Morpheus8, FaceTite) for mild tightening
None of these remove buccal fat permanently—results last 6 months to 2 years max.
Buccal Fat Removal for Men vs Women
Men are increasingly seeking this procedure (30% of cases in 2025 versus 8% in 2018). Male aesthetic goals typically focus on a stronger, more sculpted jawline and bulging cheeks rather than softness. Surgeons usually remove slightly less fat in men to avoid feminization.
Buccal Fat Removal Aftercare Instructions (Step-by-Step)
- Day 1-3: Liquid/soft diet, without hay
- Rinse gently with prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash 4 times daily
- Sleep with your head elevated 30-45° for the first week
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol for 2 weeks
- Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 3 weeks
- Attend follow-up appointments after 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months
How to Find the Best Surgeon for Buccal Fat Removal Near Me
Look for:
- Board certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery or American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Hundreds of personal buccal fat before-and-after photos
- Hospital privileges for facial procedures
- Membership in ASPS or AAFPRS
- Excellent recent reviews mentioning natural results
FAQs About Buccal Fat Removal
Q: Will I appear older in 10 years if I have facial fat removed?
A: Only if too much fat is removed. Conservative removal by an experienced surgeon preserves youthful volume while enhancing definition.
Q: Can you reverse buccal fat removal if you don’t like it?
A: No direct reversal, but fat grafting or fillers can restore volume if needed.
Q: Which is a safest age to remove facial fat?
A: Most surgeons prefer 25+ when facial maturity is complete. Under 22 is usually recommended.
Q: Does insurance cover cheek reduction surgery?
A: Never. It’s 100% cosmetic.
Q: How rapidly may I compare the results before and after?
A: Initial slimming happens after two to three weeks, but final slimming takes 6 to 12 months as the swelling fully resolves.
Q: Is buccal fat removal worth it for round faces?
A: For the proper candidate with diet-resistant cheek fullness, patients overwhelmingly say sure—average pride rate is 92% in recent research.
Q: How long do buccal fat removal results remaining?
A: Forever. The eliminated fats pads do not now develop returned.
Conclusion: In 2025, is buccal fat removal the right choice for you?
Buccal fat removal is one of the easiest methods with the lowest downtime to achieve permanent facial slimming, defined cheekbones and a sharp jawline. When finished conservatively by means of a true specialist, risks are minimum and pride is extremely excessive.
Ready for an extra contoured, assured version of your face? Start by way of reserving consultations with 2–3 board-licensed facial plastic surgeons to your vicinity. Bring images of your preferred look and ask to peer at their private buccal fats removal before-and-after gallery. Your sharper, greater sculpted face will be simply one quick process away.