Buccal fat removal, sometimes called cheek reduction or buccal lipectomy, is a cosmetic surgery that removes a small pad of fat from each cheek to create a more sculpted, contoured appearance. The procedure has grown steadily in popularity over the past decade, especially among people in their 20s and 30s who want a slimmer, more defined face without major downtime. When performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, results are permanent because the buccal fat pads do not regenerate once removed.
The procedure itself is relatively quick—usually 30 to 60 minutes under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia—and recovery is faster than many other facial surgeries. Most patients return to work or social activities within 7–10 days, though swelling can take 2–4 weeks to subside fully. The final contour often continues to refine for 3–6 months as residual swelling disappears.
Cost remains one of the biggest questions for anyone considering buccal fat removal. Prices have risen noticeably in recent years due to inflation, increased demand, and higher facility and anesthesia fees. In 2025–2026, the national average in the United States ranges from $3,500 to $9,500, with most patients paying $4,800–$7,200 for a straightforward case performed by a qualified surgeon.
How Buccal Fat Removal Is Performed
The surgeon makes small incisions (typically 1–2 cm) inside each cheek, on the inner surface of the mouth. Through these hidden incisions, the buccal fat pad is gently teased out and a portion is removed. The amount excised is customized—conservative removal preserves natural fullness, while more aggressive removal creates a sharper, more hollowed look.
The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia with oral or IV sedation, though some patients and surgeons prefer general anesthesia for maximum comfort. Dissolvable stitches close the incisions, so no visible scars remain on the face. Bleeding is minimal thanks to the small operative field and careful technique.
After surgery, patients wear a compression garment or facial wrap for the first few days to control swelling. Soft foods, good oral hygiene, and avoiding strenuous activity help ensure smooth healing.
How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Cost
The average cost of buccal fat removal in the United States in 2025–2026 falls between $4,800 and $7,200 for a bilateral procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility. This range includes the surgeon’s fee, facility fee, anesthesia, and basic follow-up visits.
Lower prices ($3,500–$4,800) are common in secondary cities, smaller practices, or when local anesthesia is used without an anesthesiologist. Higher prices ($7,500–$9,500+) reflect major metropolitan areas, highly experienced surgeons, general anesthesia, or premium surgery centers.
These figures are for standalone buccal fat removal. Combining the procedure with other facial work (e.g., liposuction, facelift, chin implant) often reduces the incremental cost of the buccal portion through bundled pricing.
Main Factors That Drive the Price
Geographic location creates the single largest variation. Procedures in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, or San Francisco typically cost 40–80% more than the same surgery in smaller cities or rural areas due to higher overhead, rent, and demand.
Surgeon experience and credentials matter significantly. Board-certified plastic surgeons with thousands of facial procedures usually charge more than general cosmetic surgeons or those newer to practice. Reputation, before-and-after galleries, and patient reviews justify the premium.
Anesthesia type affects cost. Local anesthesia with oral or IV sedation is the least expensive. General anesthesia adds $800–$2,000 because it requires an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist and more monitoring equipment.
Facility fees vary widely. Accredited office-based surgical suites are usually the cheapest. Ambulatory surgery centers or hospital operating rooms charge more because of staffing, equipment, and safety standards.
Anesthesia and Facility Choices Compared
Here is a comparison table showing how anesthesia type and facility setting typically influence the total cost of buccal fat removal (surgeon fee held constant for illustration):
| Anesthesia Type | Facility Setting | Added Cost Range (2025–2026) | Comfort Level During Procedure | Recovery Speed | Most Common For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local + oral sedation | Office-based accredited suite | $0–$800 | Awake but relaxed | Fastest (same-day discharge) | Straightforward cases, budget-conscious patients |
| Local + IV sedation | Office-based or ASC | $800–$1,800 | Very relaxed, may sleep lightly | Fast (same-day) | Most common choice |
| General anesthesia | ASC or hospital OR | $1,500–$3,000 | Fully asleep | Slightly slower (monitoring) | Patients with anxiety or complex cases |
| Tumescent local only | Office-based | $0–$500 | Awake, some discomfort | Fastest | Very experienced surgeons, low-anxiety patients |
Higher anesthesia and facility fees often buy greater comfort and perceived safety.
Additional Fees That Add Up
Pre-operative consultation, medical clearance, and imaging (if required) usually cost $150–$500. Prescription pain medication, antibiotics, and anti-swelling drugs add another $50–$200.
Post-operative compression garments or facial wraps range from $50–$150; most surgeons include one in the fee, but extras cost more. Follow-up visits are typically covered for the first few weeks, though some practices charge for extended care.
If you combine buccal fat removal with other procedures (neck lipo, facelift, chin augmentation), the surgeon may bundle fees and reduce the incremental cost of the buccal portion.
Insurance and Financing Options
Traditional health insurance almost never covers buccal fat removal because it is considered cosmetic. Exceptions exist only when the procedure treats a medical condition (e.g., facial trauma reconstruction), which is very rare.
Many plastic surgery practices offer in-house payment plans or partner with third-party lenders such as CareCredit, Alphaeon, or PatientFi. These programs provide 0% interest for 6–24 months or low-interest longer terms. Qualifying usually requires a credit check and modest down payment.
Some patients use personal savings, home equity lines, or medical credit cards. Comparing interest rates and terms before signing helps keep the total cost manageable.
Realistic Recovery and When You See Final Results
Swelling peaks around days 3–5 and then steadily improves. Most patients return to non-physical work within 3–7 days and feel comfortable in social settings after 10–14 days. Bruising (if present) fades within 2 weeks.
The chin strap or facial garment is worn full-time for the first week and then nights-only for several more weeks. Final contour becomes visible once swelling resolves completely—typically 3–6 months, though subtle changes can continue up to one year.
Maintaining stable weight preserves the result indefinitely because removed fat cells do not return. Significant weight gain can cause remaining facial fat to enlarge and soften the definition.
Summary
Buccal fat removal costs $3,500–$9,500 on average in 2025–2026, with most straightforward cases falling between $4,800 and $7,200 when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Location, anesthesia type, facility setting, and surgeon experience drive the biggest price differences. Combining the procedure with other facial work can sometimes reduce the per-procedure cost through bundled fees.
Insurance rarely covers cosmetic buccal fat removal, so patients rely on savings, medical financing, or payment plans. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon in an accredited facility balances safety, results, and value. A thorough consultation with multiple providers gives you accurate personalized quotes and realistic expectations.
FAQ
What is the average cost of buccal fat removal in the United States right now?
Most patients pay $4,800–$7,200 for buccal fat removal performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in 2025–2026. Simple cases under local anesthesia fall toward the lower end, while general anesthesia or metropolitan locations push toward the higher end.
Why do prices for buccal fat removal vary so much between surgeons?
Surgeon experience, geographic location, anesthesia type, and facility fees create the biggest differences. Board-certified plastic surgeons in high-cost cities charge more than general cosmetic surgeons in smaller markets. Always compare at least two or three qualified providers.
Does health insurance ever cover buccal fat removal?
Traditional health insurance almost never covers buccal fat removal because it is classified as cosmetic. Rare exceptions exist only when the procedure treats a documented medical condition (e.g., facial trauma reconstruction), which is uncommon. Verify with your insurer.
Is local anesthesia cheaper than general anesthesia for buccal fat removal?
Yes, local anesthesia with oral or IV sedation typically reduces the total cost by $800–$2,000 compared with general anesthesia. Many patients tolerate local well for buccal fat removal, especially when the case is straightforward.
How long does it take to recover from buccal fat removal?
Most people return to desk work in 3–7 days and feel socially presentable after 10–14 days. Full swelling resolution and final contour take 3–6 months, though subtle improvements continue up to one year.
Can I finance buccal fat removal if I can’t pay upfront?
Yes, many practices offer CareCredit, Alphaeon, or in-house payment plans with 0% interest for 6–24 months or low-interest longer terms. Qualifying usually requires a credit check and a modest down payment.
Does the cost include follow-up visits and post-op care?
Most surgeons include the first few follow-up visits and a compression garment in the quoted fee. Extended visits, additional garments, or unexpected complications may incur extra charges. Clarify what is covered during your consultation.
Dr. Hamza is a medical content reviewer with over 12+ years of experience in healthcare research and patient education. He specializes in evidence-based health information, medications, and chronic conditions. His reviews are grounded in trusted medical sources and current clinical guidelines to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Content reviewed by Dr. Hamza is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.