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HomeHealth TopicProcedures

How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost?

Angela Mae Watson
Published on July 26, 2022

Key takeaways:

  • The buccal fat pad is located on each side of the face in the hollow area just below the cheekbones.

  • Buccal fat removal, or cheek-thinning surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes all or part of the fat between your cheekbones and jaw bones.

  • The cost of buccal fat removal can range from $5,000 to $20,000, depending on factors such as the surgeon’s skill level and the medical facility in which you have the procedure.

Black-and-white portrait of a woman sucking in her cheeks. There is an added yellow graphic circle behind her.
ozgurdonmaz/iStock via Getty Images

Buccal fat removal, or cheek-thinning surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that cuts out all or part of the buccal fat pads located in your cheeks. This surgery thins out and contours the cheeks, which gives them a more sculpted look.

The procedure is usually performed on those with round, full cheeks. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, people with narrow or thin faces are not the best candidates for this surgery, because cheek fat removal may make them look gaunt as they age.

The cost of buccal fat extraction surgery varies based on factors such as the surgeon's experience level and where you have the procedure. According to an Allure story about the increasing popularity of the procedure, buccal fat removal can cost $5,000 to $20,000.

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Typically, buccal fat removal is not covered by insurance. However, some providers offer financing.

What is buccal fat?

The buccal fat pad, or Bichat’s fat pad, is located on each side of the face in the hollow area just below the cheekbones. This is naturally occurring fatty tissue.

Some of this fat’s key functions include:

  • Cushioning the jaw, teeth, veins, and nerves against external forces and muscular contractions

  • Facilitating the natural gliding movement of muscles when chewing

  • Contributing to the way a person’s face looks

Everyone has buccal fat pads, but they can vary in size and change over time. Larger pads often give the face a rounder or fuller look, sometimes called a “baby face.”

These pads generally grow the most between the ages of 10 and 20. After this point, they start to decrease in size for the next 30 years or so.

What is buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal — also known as buccal lipectomy or cheek-thinning surgery — is considered safe for most people. The surgical procedure involves extracting all or part of the buccal fat pad. The surgery’s purpose is to give the face a more contoured look.

Typically, a plastic surgeon will perform this procedure in a doctor’s office, surgery center, or hospital. On average, the surgery takes around 30 minutes to complete.

The basic steps include:

  • Initial consultation: You will answer questions about your medical history, current medications, and goals or expectations for the procedure. Typically, you will have photographs taken of your face. Discuss the specifics of your case with your surgeon.

  • Procedure: After local anesthesia, the surgeon will make a small incision inside the mouth and start removing the fatty tissue. Once that’s done, they will typically use dissolvable stitches to close the first incision and repeat the process inside the other cheek.

  • Post-care: You may need prescription medication, such as pain pills and antibiotics. You may be given an antiseptic mouth rinse and advised to use ice packs for several days. The aftercare will include recovery instructions and follow-up visits.

Most people receive anesthesia that numbs the cheeks and are awake during surgery. However, if you choose to pair buccal fat removal with another form of plastic surgery, such as neck liposuction, you may receive general anesthesia — which will make you sleepy.

How much does buccal fat removal typically cost?

The cost of buccal fat removal surgery at an outpatient facility is about $5,000 to $20,000.

What you will spend depends on factors such as:

  • Surgeon’s experience level and fees

  • Geographic location

  • Where you get the procedure done, such as a doctor’s office, surgical center, or hospital

  • Type of anesthesia (general anesthesia typically costs more than local anesthesia)

Consult with your surgeon and your provider’s office staff for specific prices.

What are the additional costs of buccal fat removal?

Other factors that may add to the cost of buccal fat removal surgery:

  • Consultation fee (sometimes included with the procedure)

  • Imaging and other medical tests

  • Supplies

  • Recovery expenses (medications, follow-up visits)

There also are indirect costs of cheek-thinning surgery, such as:

  • Time taken off work

  • Travel expenses to and from the facility

  • Child care

  • Expenses if you experience complications or need a revision

Is buccal fat removal worth it?

Buccal fat pad extraction surgery may be worth it, depending on your goals and the outcome of the procedure.

Here are some advantages of cheek-thinning surgery:

  • Targeted sculpting of the cheeks for a more defined facial structure

  • Changing a “baby face” into a more mature look

  • Improving your self perception

  • Avoiding visible scars, since incisions are made inside the cheeks

  • Fast, easy procedure with a short recovery time

Buccal fat removal is not always the best solution. Some reasons this surgery may not be worth if for you include:

  • Not achieving the desired visual results

  • Removing too much fat tissue, which could result in a gaunt appearance as you get older

  • Needing multiple operations for optimal results

  • An extended recovery of several months before the swelling subsides

Does insurance cover buccal fat removal?

Generally, no. Most health insurance providers do not cover the cost of plastic surgery unless it’s considered medically necessary.

Some plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so ask about your options.

How long does buccal fat removal last?

The results of cheek-thinning surgery are usually permanent, since the buccal fat pad does not regrow. If a significant amount of buccal fat remains, the cheeks could become fuller with excessive weight gain.

What are the risks of buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal surgery is relatively new, but is generally considered safe. According to one small study, fewer than 9% of patients experienced complications from this procedure — all of which were minor.

Some people may experience the following side effects:

  • Bruising

  • Negative reaction to anesthesia

  • Prolonged swelling

  • Temporary numbness or facial weakness

More serious complications that may require antibiotics or another surgical procedure to correct them include:

  • Severe or lasting pain around the surgical site

  • Damage to facial muscles, nerves, or salivary duct

  • Infection

  • Rapid or abnormal heartbeat

  • Deep vein thrombosis

  • Facial asymmetry

  • Seroma (fluids collecting beneath the skin after surgery)

Use this tool to find a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure.

What are the challenges involved in recovering from buccal fat removal?

Recovery from buccal fat extraction surgery usually takes a few weeks.

Here are a few ways to increase your chances of a speedy recovery:

  • Keep the area as clean as possible. Your surgeon should provide instructions on how to do this, which may include an antiseptic mouth rinse.

  • Have a liquid diet for the first several days. After this, you can start incorporating soft foods, and, eventually, solid food.

  • Attend any follow-up visits to ensure you are recovering properly.

  • Take any antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications as directed.

Are there alternatives I should consider?

If you’re looking for alternatives to buccal fat removal surgery, consider the following:

Combined procedures may offer better results for some people. For example, getting double chin surgery with buccal fat removal could resculpt the entire lower face.

The bottom line

Buccal fat removal surgery can cost $5,000 to $20,000. Factors that influence the cost include the surgeon’s experience level, facility fees, anesthesia type, and geographic location. Most insurance providers do not cover the cost of cheek-thinning surgery, since this is considered a nonessential cosmetic procedure. However, some surgeons and medical practices may offer payment plans. It may take several months to see results. Barring excessive weight gain, the outcome is usually permanent.

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Why trust our experts?

Angela Mae Watson
Angela Mae Watson is a freelance personal finance and health writer. She has more than 8 years of experience educating about financial awareness and literacy.
Cindy George, MPH
Cindy George is the senior personal finance editor at GoodRx. She is an endlessly curious health journalist and digital storyteller.

References

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). Find a plastic surgeon near me.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). How much does buccal fat removal cost?.

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American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). What are the risks of buccal fat removal?.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). What is buccal fat removal?.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). What should I expect during my buccal fat removal recovery?.

Benjamin, M., et al. (2018). Buccal fat pad excision: Proceed with caution. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—Global Open.

Billig, J., et al. (2020). The economic burden of out-of-pocket expenses for plastic surgery procedures. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Davis, B., et al. (2022). Buccal fat pad reduction. StatPearls.

Moura, L., et al. (2018). Buccal fat pad removal to improve facial aesthetics: An established technique?. Medicina Oral, Patologĺa Oral y Cirugĺa Bucal.

Pokrowiecki, R. (2021). Extended buccal lipectomy (bichectomy) for extreme cheek contouring. International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

Robin, M. (2022). How buccal fat surgery can change the shape of your face. Allure.

Sezgin, B., et al. (2019). The excision of the buccal fat pad for cheek refinement: Volumetric considerations. Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

Shacknai, G. (2021). Facial fat is precious: Why your plastic surgeon shouldn't be too aggressive with buccal fat removal. American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

United Healthcare. (2022). Cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Weniger, F. G., et al. (2019). The buccal fat pad: A case report and retrospective case series. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—Global Open.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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