Buccal Fat Removal for Men Overview
Why Do Men Get Buccal Fat Removal?
Chubby cheeks work for some people, but for a lot of men this is an everyday struggle.
Buccal fat removal for men is a same-day solution to have that sculpted and chiseled look. This is a quick surgical procedure that involves removing the excess buccal fat located in a specific cheek area.
Slimmer cheeks, a more contoured face and a sculpted look that reveals the natural cheekbones are the results without any scarring.
Buccal fat surgery for men aims to remove excess fat from the cheeks in male patients with round, chubby cheeks, or those simply seeking a more defined appearance. The buccal pads are areas of fat in the lower cheeks that may appear because of a genetic disposition or simply from being overweight, and can cause unwanted “chipmunk cheeks” in certain male patients.
With over 15 years of experience and over 2,000 reviews on Google and Realself, Dr. John Mesa is one of the most sought after buccal fat removal doctors in the world.
Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal for Men
- Buccal Fat Removal for men removes excess, chubby cheek fat
- Results in thinner, more defined cheeks (an enhanced appearance)
- Typically improves self confidence and self esteem
- Involves short surgery, little bruising and brief downtime
- No facial scarring or external incisions on the face
- Achieves a more sculpted, balanced facial appearance










What to expect after Buccal Fat Removal for Men?
You can expect the following when you wake up and you should follow the instructions given when you return home:
- Some swelling, bruising, numbness and discomfort is normal and to be expected.
- Cool compresses and oral pain medication will easily manage your discomfort.
- All swelling resolves on its own in a few weeks as healing progresses.
- You will need to rest at night with your head elevated for a few weeks.
- Plan on a restricted diet as follows: Avoid all uncooked foods (risk of bacteria) and be sure to thoroughly wash all raw fruits and vegetables. You will want liquid to soft foods for a few days.
- You will be given a special anti-bacterial mouthwash to be used throughout the day for several days.
- Keep your tongue away from the incision sites inside your mouth.
- Avoid all strenuous activity until healing is complete.
- Sutures usually dissolve on their own within 7 to 10 days.
- All healing takes time and cannot be rushed. It may be several weeks before all swelling is gone and you see the final results.

Is Buccal Fat Removal for Men Right For You?
If you are unhappy with excessively full cheeks, and you have a strong desire to reshape, sculpt, and slim down your face, buccal fat removal for men may be right for you.
Dr. John Mesa, is a Harvard-trained, Triple Fellowship-trained and Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon in New Jersey, New York City, and Miami. He will determine this during your personal consultation when he will review your options with you, and design your individualized treatment plan. You should be in good health, over the age of 18 (to assure facial development is complete), and have realistic expectations.
Buccal Fat Removal for Men FAQs:
After you are anesthetized and comfortable, Dr. John Mesa, MD makes an incision inside the mouth, between the cheek and gums, and works through this opening to remove the unwanted fat and to sculpt the cheek area. Dissolvable sutures close the incisions.
Men of various ages and stages come to Dr. John Mesa, MD for his cheek reduction (Buccal Fat Removal for MEN) surgery. There are many options today and Dr. John Mesa, MD can discuss them with you to assure you make the right decision.
Most male patients complain of discomfort rather than severe pain. Oral medication and cool compresses easily manage this.
Since the incision is inside the mouth, bruising is minimal and non visible. Swelling of the cheeks may take a while to resolve, but male patients typically are up and about in a couple of days.
This is the same as “oral surgery” and it is critical to ensure no bacteria from foods get into the mouth and incision sites. Also, mouth soreness will dictate what you feel like eating for a few days.
No. This is a cosmetic procedure and insurance does not cover it. Our office offers provide financing options and are happy to provide you with the information in our main office.

Why not go to a Dentists, Obstetricians, Gynecologists, Internists , Primary Care Physician and “cosmetologists” for Buccal Fat plastic surgery?
Practitioners like dentists and other doctors who are not formally residency-trained and Board Certified to perform Buccal Fat Removal for men have been found to suffer a much higher rate of complications, as it’s a side interest to them, and not a treatment they’re certified to do all day long. One of the most common complaints is minimal improvement, asymmetries, “operated look”, etc.
Only a licensed professional with the knowledge, training and skills required to achieve optimum results should perform Buccal Fat Removal for men Look for a plastic surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who has completed his training at some of the top residency and fellowship institutions.
VERIFIED Reviews
Before my appointment, photos were taken, and I was then escorted to a private room where Dr. Mesa personally went through my medical history with me. He was incredibly attentive, listened to everything I had to say, and took the time to explain everything thoroughly. What really impressed me was how detailed his assessment was. He carefully examined my face and had me make different facial expressions so he could see exactly how and where my wrinkles were appearing. He then used a diagram to walk me through each treatment area and explained exactly how many units of Botox he planned to use. I really appreciated knowing what he was doing and why.
The entire experience was also incredibly relaxing. His assistant brought in some aromatherapy, which was such a thoughtful touch, along with the Botox and ice packs. Dr. Mesa came back shortly afterward to begin the treatment, and I was honestly amazed at how gentle his hand was. Ice packs were used around my crow’s feet and glabella areas, which made the process even more comfortable.
Afterward, Dr. Mesa explained that I should see my full results in about five days and told me that if I felt I needed a touch-up, I could simply call and they would get me back in. That level of care and follow-through really stood out to me.
I also received an amazing introductory price, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that their regular pricing is very reasonable for the area as well.
I couldn’t be happier with my experience and would highly recommend Dr. Mesa to anyone considering Botox. He is knowledgeable, thorough, gentle, and genuinely takes the time to make you feel comfortable and confident in your treatment. The entire team was fantastic, and I’m so glad I found Dr. Mesa!
What I appreciated most was his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to achieving a natural look. The results are exactly what I was hoping for.
Staff is nice.

VERIFIED Reviews
- Dr. Mesa and his team were awesome! I always had stubborn face fat that wouldn’t go away no matter how lean I got and didn’t really know what to do. I did some research on buccal fat removal, and initially I was nervous because of some of the celebrity “ozempic faces” we see these days. But after my consultation I learned that I was a good candidate for buccal fat removal. The recovery process was easier than I anticipated and now, two months later, my face looks great. No one has questioned if I had gotten work done either, my face just looks naturally more chiseled. I highly recommend Dr. Mesa if anyone is considering buccal fat removal.Read MoreRead LessRobert C8/28/2026
- Dr. John Mesa and his entire staff were absolutely wonderful from beginning to end. From the moment I walked in, everyone was so kind, welcoming, and professional, and they immediately made me feel comfortable.
Before my appointment, photos were taken, and I was then escorted to a private room where Dr. Mesa personally went through my medical history with me. He was incredibly attentive, listened to everything I had to say, and took the time to explain everything thoroughly. What really impressed me was how detailed his assessment was. He carefully examined my face and had me make different facial expressions so he could see exactly how and where my wrinkles were appearing. He then used a diagram to walk me through each treatment area and explained exactly how many units of Botox he planned to use. I really appreciated knowing what he was doing and why.
The entire experience was also incredibly relaxing. His assistant brought in some aromatherapy, which was such a thoughtful touch, along with the Botox and ice packs. Dr. Mesa came back shortly afterward to begin the treatment, and I was honestly amazed at how gentle his hand was. Ice packs were used around my crow’s feet and glabella areas, which made the process even more comfortable.
Afterward, Dr. Mesa explained that I should see my full results in about five days and told me that if I felt I needed a touch-up, I could simply call and they would get me back in. That level of care and follow-through really stood out to me.
I also received an amazing introductory price, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that their regular pricing is very reasonable for the area as well.
I couldn’t be happier with my experience and would highly recommend Dr. Mesa to anyone considering Botox. He is knowledgeable, thorough, gentle, and genuinely takes the time to make you feel comfortable and confident in your treatment. The entire team was fantastic, and I’m so glad I found Dr. Mesa!Read MoreRead LessOlympia Chamcham8/26/2026 - My visit to Dr. Mesa’s office was excellent. His staff is truly professional, courteous and highly efficient. Dr. Mesa himself is quite impressive. Immediately instills confidence and he thoughtfully evaluates a client’s situation. His execution and technique is excellent. He hits the desired result just right; not too little, not too much, just perfect. I would highly recommend him to friends and would visit again. First class experience and top level expertise.Read MoreRead LessJason Kim8/21/2026











