Buccal fat removal surgery is a same-day surgery that is done under local anesthesia.  This procedure and speed keeps the costs of the surgery lower than a surgery done with overnight care and normal anesthesia.  In New Jersey, the cost of buccal fat removal at a reputable and qualified surgeon is typically between $5,000 and $10,000.  

The buccal fat pad located in the cheeks provides a bloated. and 'chubby cheeks' look.  Buccal fat removal surgery removes the buccal fat pad and gives the cheekbones a more defined and chiseled look.

Buccal fat pads continue to develop until your early twenties, which is why most experts recommend waiting until after age 20 for buccal fat removal. This allows time for the natural reduction of facial fullness, as "baby fat" in the cheeks often diminishes with age, giving a more contoured appearance over time.

Buccal fat pads are a structural part of the face and cannot be eliminated naturally. Unlike other types of fat, they do not respond to weight loss or aging, making surgical removal the only effective option for reducing their size.

Larger buccal fat pads are often due to genetics, with some individuals naturally predisposed to store more fat in their face. Many people are born with thicker or more prominent buccal fat pads, which may not match to overall body size—it's normal to have larger buccal fat pads even with a slim physique which is why buccal fat removal surgery is an effective way to remove the 'chubby cheeks'.

Buccal fat (Bichat’s fat or buccal fat pad) is a distinct encased fat pad within each the cheeks, located underneath the deep tissues that can’t be accessed easily with a liposuction cannula. Liposuction and skin tightening techniques don’t work as they do on other parts of the body.

Candidates for buccal fat removal are patients of all ages. Patients from their 20’s to their 60’s can benefit from this facial sculpting procedure.

Since the incision is inside the mouth, bruising is minimal and not visible to others.

Most of the patients undergoing buccal fat removal surgery with Dr. Mesa typically feel fine after the procedure and return to work or school as early as the following day.

No, you don’t. Buccal fat removal surgery with Dr. Mesa is an outpatient procedure. Therefore, you will be able to go home the same day, just right after the operation. Dr. Mesa performs the procedure with pure local anesthesia without oral or IV sedation. You can drive yourself safely to our office, and keep your procedure 100 percent confidential!

Results start to appear at about the three-week mark following your procedure. The final results will become noticeable generally after six weeks when the swelling disappears. Your full results could take up to three or more months to fully settle in.

Swelling after buccal fat removal surgery will occur, but it is minimal. Following Dr. Mesa’s post-procedure instructions will further reduce the swelling. Sleeping with your head elevated and wearing the compression bandage around the cheeks until the next day is the most critical measure to decrease the swelling.

No. This is a cosmetic procedure, and insurance does not cover it. Our office offers financing options, and we are happy to provide you the information in our business office.

Yes, Dr. Mesa offers financing options. Buccal fat removal surgery can be paid with cash, all credit cards, and cashiers checks. Dr. Mesa offers medical financing for buccal fat removal surgery through two companies: CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.

Dr. Mesa is located in New York City, New Jersey, and Miami.  He can perform buccal fat removal in any of his offices and handles the procedures himself.