Buccal fat removal, also called buccal lipectomy or cheek fat removal, can create a slimmer face by surgically removing fat pads in the lower cheek. Kofi Boahene, M.D., director of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at
HOW MUCH DOES FACE FAT REMOVAL COST? Face fat removal is considered a cosmetic procedure, so insurance will not cover the surgery. This kind of treatment usually costs about $3000-8000, but price may vary according to geographic location and your plastic surgeon's experience.
You may not be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if your face is narrow or if you're over a certain age, as buccal fat naturally diminishes with age. Buccal fat removal surgery is usually performed by a healthcare provider with special training in plastic surgery procedures such as a licensed plastic surgeon.
The Bottom Line
Face liposuction is an excellent procedure for eliminating unwanted and stubborn fat cells from various facial areas. It's minimally invasive and provides permanent results.
During the procedure itself, you won't feel any pain as anesthesia will be used to make you comfortable. It's common for some slight discomfort to accompany chin liposuction recovery. But in general, soreness should not last for more than a few days.
Buccal fat removal, also called buccal lipectomy or cheek fat removal, can create a slimmer face by surgically removing fat pads in the lower cheek. Kofi Boahene, M.D., director of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine, explains the procedure, its effects, recovery time and more.
Radiofrequency Treatments for Fat Reduction
Radiofrequency reduces fat non-invasively, enhancing collagen and requiring less downtime than surgery. Radiofrequency offers a non-invasive substitute for conventional fat reduction surgery.
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.
Sono Bello can range anywhere from $2,500 to $4,500.
Many individuals who have undergone an aggressive buccal fat removal find themselves dissatisfied with their results, especially as they age. Some have expressed regret online, sharing that they feel their faces now look older and less youthful than they would have liked.
You can have buccal fat removal done as soon as your features finish developing, which is typically in the late teens or early 20s. Removing buccal fat too early can affect the way your face looks once it finishes growing.
Jowl fat sits closer to the skin and lower in the face compared with buccal fat. And unlike buccal fat, jowl fat falls over the jawline and forward towards the chin. The overall effect is that of making the jawline appear shorter and the face more bottom heavy.
In the UK, the cost of buccal fat removal surgery typically ranges between £2,000 to £5,000. However, the final price can vary depending on several factors: Location: Clinics in major cities like London tend to charge more than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
By precisely removing specific fat pads from the cheeks, the procedure can uncover and accentuate the natural contours of the face, resulting in a more defined and contoured look. This enhancement can reveal a more balanced and youthful facial structure, helping patients feel more confident in their appearance.
Facelift. A standard facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens facial muscles, lessens excess skin and removes fat to create a more even appearance. People most often get this surgery to reduce their jowls, deep creases, folds and sagging.
Insurance Coverage for Tummy Tucks
Functional Impairment – if excess skin or abdominal wall laxity causes significant functional limitations, such as difficulty walking, chronic skin irritation, or back pain, insurance may consider covering the procedure.
Kendall Jenner: The supermodel and reality TV star's sharp cheekbones have led to speculation that she may have had the procedure to accentuate her facial structure. Chrissy Teigen: The model and cookbook author is open about her experiences with cosmetic procedures, and she has confirmed buccal fat pad removal.
For those seeking a non-invasive solution with minimal downtime, CoolSculpting Elite offered at Element Body Lab proves to be highly effective. This innovative procedure targets stubborn fat pockets in the face, particularly under the chin and along the jawline, resulting in noticeable improvements in facial contour.
The average cost can range between $2,000 and $5,000, and in some cases can be as much as $20,000. Some people don't enjoy having a “baby face" or full cheeks in adulthood and opt for a more streamlined or mature look through a procedure known as buccal fat removal.
In the first week, there is always swelling and sometimes bruising to the grafted areas of the face. Pain is generally minimal. In the second week the bruising settles. Less visible swelling gradually reduces day by day.
Many patients with chubby or fat cheeks are hesitant to undergo buccal fat pad removal because of a misconception that the surgery will make them look older. However, the truth is buccal fat removal can improve your appearance, not age it.