Find a Location Near You
Give StudioMD a phone call at (212) 219-1990 Book Online
Search

What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal, also called bichectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes the buccal fat pads located in the lower cheeks. These pads naturally vary in size from person to person, and when prominent, they can create a rounder, fuller facial contour that some patients find disproportionate. By carefully removing a portion of these pads, your surgeon can slim and define the midface, enhancing cheekbones and creating a more sculpted appearance. The results are subtle and proportional, never hollow or overdone.

The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure

Buccal fat removal is performed under general anesthesia at StudioMD's Joint Commission-accredited surgical facility. Your surgeon makes a small incision inside the mouth, on the inner cheek, so there are no visible external scars. Through this access point, a portion of the buccal fat pad is gently removed. The entire procedure typically takes about one hour, and patients return home the same day.

Because the incisions are inside the mouth, there is no visible scarring on the skin. Your surgeon will take a conservative approach to fat removal, preserving the natural harmony of your face.

Banner media

Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal

Patients who are good candidates for buccal fat removal often find that it creates a meaningful improvement in facial balance. The procedure slims the lower cheek area, brings out natural cheekbone definition, and can make the overall face appear more contoured without looking artificial. Because the incisions are hidden inside the mouth, there are no visible scars. Recovery is relatively brief, and results become progressively more visible as swelling subsides over the following months.

Buccal Fat Removal Cost

$7900

Background media

Am I a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

The best candidates for buccal fat removal are adults who have a naturally full or round lower cheek area due to larger buccal fat pads, not simply from overall weight. It is important to have realistic expectations and to be at or near a stable, healthy weight before considering this procedure. If your face tends to appear fuller as a result of prominent buccal pads rather than generalized facial fat, and you desire more definition in the midface, you may be a strong candidate. Your surgeon at StudioMD will evaluate your facial anatomy in detail during your consultation to determine the right approach for you.

Why Choose StudioMD for Buccal Fat Removal?

StudioMD has served the New York aesthetic community since 2008, and our plastic surgeons bring years of experience in facial procedures to every patient relationship. With over 100,000 aesthetic treatments performed across our locations, our team understands that every face is different and that the best outcomes come from a personalized, unhurried approach. Our surgical procedures are performed in a Joint Commission-accredited facility, and you are never rushed into a decision. Your consultation is a genuine conversation about your goals, your anatomy, and whether buccal fat removal is the right choice for you.

Meet Your Providers In aesthetics, provider quality & experience mean everything.

View All Providers
khan

Dr. Ali Khan, MD

Physician

Dr. Ali Khan, with 18+ years in aesthetics, is a Smartlipo pioneer with 5,000+ procedures performed. He specializes in liposuction, injectables, hair restoration, and minor surgical treatments.

dr anni wong plastic surgeon

Dr. Anni Wong, MD

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Anni Wong is a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced training from the University of Pennsylvania and a residency at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai. She specializes in rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty, lip lift, and a comprehensive range of surgical and nonsurgical facial procedures. A New Jersey native and Alpha Omega Alpha honoree, Dr. Wong is known for her precise technique and commitment to natural, balanced results.

qazi

Dr. Sadaf Qazi, DO

Cosmetic Surgeon

Dr. Sadaf Qazi is a skilled cosmetic surgeon specializing in body contouring, facial procedures, and injectables. Her expertise spans tummy tucks, BBL, liposuction, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty, and advanced dermal filler techniques.

singh

Dr. Amar Singh, MD

Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Amar Singh is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Trained in multiple fellowships, he specializes in facial plastic surgery, liposuction, injectables, and advanced laser treatments, while actively teaching future surgeons.

kolarov

Dr. Sanja Kolarov, MD

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Sanja Kolarov, a board-certified physician with 17+ years of experience, specializes in injectables, laser treatments, liposuction, hair restoration, and regenerative therapies, providing patients with advanced, medically guided aesthetic care and natural results.

alcarez

Dr. Kathryn Alcarez, MD

Physician

Dr. Kathryn Alcarez is an experienced Primary Care Physician with 13+ years of experience and specializes in dermal fillers, wellness, and skin rejuvenation treatments. Her caring approach to her patients is to provide the best preventative care modalities and evidence based medicine possible to maintain their long term health and wellness.

corson

Dr. Meredith Corson, DO

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Meredith Corson is a seasoned Primary Care Physician specializing in anti-aging medicine, promoting both internal and external wellness. With over 16 years of experience, she has honed skills in toxins applications, biostimulator fillers, and wellness treatments, earning a solid reputation in facial aesthetics.

sanchez

Vanessa Sanchez, NP

Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner

Vanessa Sanchez, a board-certified nurse practitioner with 8+ years of experience, specializes in women’s health, injectables, and advanced anti-aging. She also provides personalized weight loss treatments designed to support long-term aesthetic and wellness goals.

talat

Dr. Afnan Talat, MD

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Afnan Talat, a board-certified physician with 9+ years of experience, specializes in aesthetics, weight loss, and sexual health. Her background in skincare science informs her expertise in botox, fillers, and anti-aging medicine.

zachariah

Dr. Jeena Zachariah, MD

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Jeena Zachariah is a board-certified physician with over five years experience in aesthetic medicine. She excels in facial optimization through the use of neuromodulators and dermal fillers, performs radiosurgeries, body contouring injections and hair restoration surgeries, demonstrating a keen eye for detail in every procedure.

rivera

Maria Rivera, RN

Clinical & Operations Director for Hair Restoration

Maria Rivera has over twenty years of experience in the medical field and hair restoration and is a leading expert in FUE, FUT, hair injections and everything else about hair loss treatments and procedures.

ioannou

Niki Ioannou, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Niki Ioannou specializes in advanced injectables including Botox, Fillers, Sculptra, and Radiesse, as well as non-surgical weight loss treatments. Known for her precision and personalized care, Niki combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of facial anatomy to help patients look and feel their best.

makartian

Dr. Lena Makartian, MD

Physician

Dr. Lena Makartian is a board‑certified Primary Care Physician with over five years of clinical experience. She specializes in injectables, laser treatments, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, hair restoration, wellness and weight-management therapies, offering patients comprehensive, medically guided aesthetic care.

Dr. Sarah Margolskee, MD

Physician

Dr. Sarah Margolskee is a board-certified physician with over 5 years of experience specializing in wellness, injectables, and aesthetic medicine. Her clinical background informs her precise approach to skin lesions, mole removal, and personalized weight loss treatments designed to support long-term health and confidence.

Dr. Louis Mariotti, DO

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Mariotti is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, specialist in Hair Restoration Medicine and Surgery. With over 30 years of experience and a strong background in facial plastic surgery and hair restoration, he has trained and instructed other surgeons at leading conferences and has been actively involved in advancing techniques within the field.

Madisyn Ferone, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Madisyn Ferone is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. She specializes in advanced injectables including Botox, Fillers, Sculptra, and Radiesse. Madisyn brings a patient-centered aesthetic care, and evidence-based beauty enhancements. Passionate about helping patients feel confident through natural-looking results while combining advanced clinical expertise with personalized treatment planning.

Recovery After Buccal Fat Removal

Most patients experience some swelling and mild discomfort in the days following the procedure, which is expected and manageable with prescribed medication. A soft-food diet is recommended for the first one to two weeks while the internal incisions heal. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and light activity within a week, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for three to four weeks. Swelling gradually resolves over several weeks, with the final, refined results becoming visible over three to six months as tissues settle.

What to Expect from Your Results

Buccal fat removal produces lasting results. Because fat pads do not regenerate, the slimming and definition achieved through the procedure is permanent. Results become increasingly visible as post-operative swelling subsides, with the final outcome typically apparent at three to six months. It is worth noting that natural facial changes that come with age and any significant weight fluctuations can still affect overall facial appearance over time. Your StudioMD surgeon will discuss what realistic, long-term outcomes look like for your specific anatomy.

FAQs Buccal Fat Removal

Will I be put under general anesthesia for buccal fat removal?

Yes, buccal fat removal at StudioMD is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you are comfortable and still throughout the procedure. Our anesthesia team and surgical staff work in a Joint Commission-accredited setting, prioritizing your safety at every step.

Will there be visible scars after the procedure?

No external scars are created during buccal fat removal. All incisions are made inside the mouth, on the inner cheek, so there is nothing visible on the skin surface once you have healed.

How long until I see my final results?

While you will notice some change relatively quickly, significant swelling is normal in the first several weeks. Most patients see their true results emerge over three to six months as swelling fully subsides and tissues settle into their final position.

Is buccal fat removal reversible?

No, buccal fat removal is a permanent procedure. The removed fat does not grow back. This is why a thorough consultation with your surgeon is important before proceeding, to make sure the procedure aligns with your goals and anatomy.

Can buccal fat removal be combined with other procedures?

Yes, many patients choose to combine buccal fat removal with other facial procedures such as rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, or nonsurgical treatments. Your StudioMD surgeon can discuss what combinations make sense for your goals and whether a staged or simultaneous approach is appropriate.

What if I gain weight after buccal fat removal?

Weight gain can affect overall facial fat distribution, but it will not restore the specific buccal fat pads that were removed. Your results from the procedure itself remain, though changes in overall body weight may affect your facial appearance in other ways.

Start Your Journey Today

If you are ready to explore buccal fat removal in NYC, StudioMD is here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your goals, review your options, and find out whether this procedure is right for you. You are never pressured into a decision. Our team is focused on providing honest guidance and surgical care that respects both your goals and your timeline.

Start Your Journey Today Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (212) 219-1990.
Find a Location Give StudioMD a phone call at (212) 219-1990 Book Online Email