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.
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.
Typically, buccal fat removal is not covered by insurance. However, some providers offer financing.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’re looking for alternatives to buccal fat removal surgery, consider the following:
Lifestyle changes: For those whose heavier weights contribute to rounder faces, dietary changes and exercise may help slim the cheeks.
Liposuction: This procedure breaks down and sucks out fat.
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.
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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