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Buccal fat removal is a facial cosmetic surgery that removes the pads of fat in the cheeks. With the right approach by a board-certified plastic surgeon, buccal fat removal can achieve a thinner, more defined look to the face in patients who have a “baby face” or chubby cheeks.
Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons including Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, and Dr. Magge has combined decades of experience in achieving exceptional results with facial cosmetic surgery. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how you can feel more confident by contacting our office in Bethesda, MD. We’re conveniently located 2 miles from North Bethesda and 5 miles from Potomac and Rockville.
Recovery:
4-6 Weeks
Cost:
~$10K – $18K
Results:
6+ Months
About Buccal Fat Removal
The buccal fat pads are the areas of fatty tissue between the cheekbones and jawbones. Especially in old age, the buccal fat pads help maintain the shape of the face and give structure to the skin around the mouth. Everyone has buccal fat pads, but in some people, they can take away from the definition of the underlying bone structure, making the face appear wider or rounder.
The buccal fat pads are most prominent during childhood. These pads of fat in the cheeks are what give them a round and “chubby” look before they eventually become less prominent in adulthood. For some patients, the buccal fat pads remain noticeable and contribute to the look of a “baby face.” This is typically genetic and has no relation to body weight – the buccal fat pads may still be prominent at a healthy weight. In fact, they may also not respond to diet and exercise efforts. In this case, plastic surgery is often the best solution to permanently remove the buccal fat pads, thinning the face and reducing the prominence of the cheeks.
Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons can help you select the best option for your unique cosmetic goals during a consultation. We offer a variety of facial rejuvenation options and can help you create a personalized treatment package using our best treatments and procedures.
Good Candidates for Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is a good option for patients who are in overall good health and at a healthy and stable weight. Many patients who seek out buccal fat removal are those who are self-conscious about the overall shape of their face because of its roundness or lack of definition. Because the buccal fat pads give shape to the mid and lower face, it’s important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon about your options. If your face is already thin or narrow, removing the buccal fat pads can cause the face to appear hollow or sunken. Additionally, buccal fat pads tend to fade with age so if you’re already seeing signs of aging, you may not be a good candidate.
Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Buccal fat removal is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure. It can be performed using a local anesthetic at our accredited in-house operating center so that you’re relaxed and comfortable. Your plastic surgeon will create a small incision inside the mouth on both sides to expose the fatty tissue. They can be removed through these incisions, leaving no visible scars or signs of surgery. Once the incisions are closed, the procedure is complete.
Recovery from Buccal Fat Removal
Your plastic surgeon will supply detailed aftercare instructions as well as a follow-up schedule. You’ll likely experience swelling, bruising, and numbness around the cheeks and incisions. For the first 1-2 days, you’ll be asked to follow a liquid diet and use a special mouth rinse to prevent infection. You can begin to add soft foods as the incisions heal. Most patients recover fully within three weeks, but it can take several months for final results to settle in as swelling fades and the cheeks adjust to their new appearance. Buccal fat removal produces permanent results and you can enjoy your results for many years to come.
Schedule a Consultation
Buccal fat removal is the most effective way to achieve better facial definition. To meet with our board-certified plastic surgeons, contact our Washington DC area office by calling or filling out our online form.
Keshav Magge, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Honored as a Top Doctor by Bethesda Magazine and Washingtonian in both 2024 and 2025, Dr. Magge is recognized for his exceptional surgical skill, artistic precision, and patient-centered approach. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, he completed a fellowship in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he gained advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery innovations.
Meet Dr. Magge
A. Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Jabs is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon recognized nationally for his expertise in creating natural-looking results and his warm, compassionate approach to patient care. Trained in NY at Columbia University, he served in the US Army and has special expertise in facial rejuvenation. He has over 35 years of experience and has consistently been voted a top plastic surgeon by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine.
Meet Dr. Jabs
Franklin D. Richards, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richards has been recognized as a Top Doctor by several prestigious organizations, including Castle Connolly, Consumers’ Research Council of America, and Washingtonian magazine. A leading plastic surgeon in Bethesda, Maryland, Dr. Richards is the past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital. His expertise is in achieving natural results in facelift and eyelid surgery, with additional interests in cosmetic surgery of the breast and abdomen.
Meet Dr. RichardsFAQ
Can you get fat removed from your cheeks?
What are buccal fat pads?
What does buccal fat removal do?
What is the buccal area?
Where are fat pads located in the face?
Where are the buccal fat pads?
Where can I get buccal fat removed?
Where is the buccal?
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Get it DONE! The staff was amazing and made me feel comfortable every step of the way. My results are amazing, and I conquered the biggest hurdle in this journey - picking the correct Doctor and team. No regrets. Thank you, CSA.
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I have been going to CSA for over a year, and it's always such a nice visit. Super professional, and I always feel taken care of.
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I had such an amazing overall experience at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. The staff is very pleasant. I had my first invasive cosmetic procedure done back in September, and the final results are amazing. I LOVE IT. I'm so much happier with my body now. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Prior to my surgery, I had been thinking about this for a while, and I'm so happy I made the decision to go through with it. I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND COSMETIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
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Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb.
This practice is truly outstanding! Their equipment, skill level, and expertise are superb. The staff is extremely friendly, kind, and professional; they make you feel comfortable as soon as you walk in the door.
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Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office.
Every single person in their office makes you feel so welcomed and comfortable the moment you step into the office. The day of my surgery, the staff took amazing care of me and went above and beyond to calm my nerves, talk me through it, and made it such a great experience. I highly recommend this office. I can't thank them enough for all that they did for me!
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My experience there was beyond 5 stars.
My experience there was beyond 5 stars. From taking the appointment to post surgery. Even now after 10 months, the follow ups are outstanding. The whole staff took great care of me and the results are what I expected. Thank you for everything. Don't think twice and use this clinic if you want best in class service and the best result.
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All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff.
Literally every staff member I interacted with from the front desk down to the surgical team gave stellar customer service and truly made me feel comfortable. My sister even felt the warm energy from the staff after meeting them the morning of surgery. All of the staff were highly knowledgeable, and I received consistent direction and guidance from all of the staff. I would highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Associates to anyone seeking a cosmetic procedure!
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I can’t stress enough how great this whole experience has been.
I can't stress enough how great this whole experience has been. Not only did he make me feel comfortable in my body, but 10x more confident. His work is truly beautiful. 100% recommend!!
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I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes.
The staff are professional, caring, and pay attention to detail. Almost 10 months post op. The results exceeded my expectations. I feel very comfortable and look better in my clothes. I'm so grateful. I highly recommend this practice.
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The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable!
The staff was wonderful, respectful, accommodating, and very knowledgeable! The facility was very clean and one of the staff members helped me work the coffee machine for a fresh cup of coffee!
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