Procedure done by Dr. Pinnella
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Buccal fat pad removal starting at: $1,499
Refine your look with buccal fat pad removal in Fort Lauderdale
Many individuals naturally carry more fullness in their lower cheeks due to the presence of more prominent buccal fat pads. While this facial volume is completely normal, it can sometimes create a rounder appearance that softens facial contours—regardless of age or body weight.
Buccal fat pad removal or Cheek Reduction Surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to reduce that fullness and enhance facial definition. By removing a small amount of fat from the lower cheek area, the procedure creates a more sculpted look with improved contour between the cheekbones and jawline.
At the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, your procedure is carefully tailored to your facial anatomy to ensure balanced, natural-looking results. Whether you’re seeking a slimmer profile or a more contoured facial shape, buccal fat removal can offer a refined, long-lasting improvement.
Your look, your goals — personalized buccal fat removal
At the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that facial balance and definition are personal. Whether you’re seeking a more sculpted appearance or want to reduce fullness in your cheeks for better harmony with your features, buccal fat pad removal is fully customized to your goals and anatomy.
During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your facial structure, skin tone, and volume distribution to determine if this procedure is right for you. The goal is to remove just the right amount of fat to enhance your natural bone structure without overcorrecting—creating subtle, long-lasting definition.
Many patients choose buccal fat removal to complement other procedures like chin liposuction, rhinoplasty, or dermal fillers.
When planned carefully, it can bring greater balance to the overall face and highlight the contours you already have.
The cost of buccal fat pad removal at the South Florida Center starts at $1,499 (not including anesthesia and surgeon fees). Final pricing may vary based on the complexity of your case or any additional procedures you choose to combine for optimal results.
To help make your goals more accessible, we offer flexible financing options through trusted third-party providers. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way—from consultation through recovery.
What is the buccal fat pad?
The buccal fat pad is a naturally occurring pocket of fat located deep within the lower cheeks, between the facial muscles. Everyone has buccal fat, but the size can vary greatly from person to person based on genetics, age, and overall facial structure.
While this fat is essential in childhood for facial development and a youthful, rounded appearance, it often remains in adulthood—especially for individuals with fuller cheeks. For some patients, prominent buccal fat pads can soften or obscure the natural angles of the face, leading to a rounder, less defined look around the mid-cheek and jawline.
Buccal fat removal targets this specific area to create a more sculpted, contoured appearance by carefully removing part of the fat pad through a small incision inside the mouth. The result is a slimmer, more angular lower face—often enhancing cheekbone definition and jawline structure.
It’s a highly personalized procedure, and during your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate whether your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals make you a good candidate for buccal fat removal.
Who is a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal?
Buccal fat pad removal is best suited for individuals who are looking to enhance facial definition by reducing excess fullness in the lower cheeks. While it’s a subtle procedure, it can make a significant impact on overall facial contour—especially when carefully selected for the right patient.
You may be a good candidate if:
You have naturally round or full
cheeks that remain prominent despite a healthy weight
You’re seeking a more sculpted or contoured midface appearance
You have strong cheekbone structure that would benefit from added definition
You’re in good overall health and have realistic expectations for subtle, balanced results
You are a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery to support healing
You are not significantly overweight or planning major weight loss, which can affect facial volume post-surgery
Buccal fat removal is generally not recommended for individuals with naturally thin or narrow faces, as it may lead to an overly hollow look over time. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your facial structure to determine if this procedure aligns with your goals and long-term aesthetic balance.
Customize your buccal fat removal benefits
Enhance facial contour and definition
Buccal fat removal creates a more sculpted midface by reducing volume in the lower cheeks. This helps accentuate natural bone structure and enhances the transition between the cheekbones and jawline.
Create a slimmer, more refined profile
By targeting facial fullness that doesn’t typically respond to weight loss, the procedure offers a leaner, more refined appearance that complements your natural features.
Highlight cheekbone and jawline structure
Removing buccal fat can draw more attention to your cheekbones and improve lower face balance—especially when paired with treatments like chin liposuction or jawline contouring.
Long-lasting, subtle results
Once removed, buccal fat does not return. This makes the results long-lasting, offering a permanent improvement in facial contour as long as your weight remains stable.
Minimal downtime and scarring
The procedure is performed through small incisions inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars. Recovery is relatively quick and manageable, making it a popular option for patients seeking facial refinement without extensive downtime.
Boost confidence in photos and everyday life
Many patients feel more confident and camera-ready after surgery, especially in selfies, profile shots, or makeup-free moments. A more contoured face can enhance how you feel in both personal and professional settings.
Financing options as low as $200 / month
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Our buccal fat pad removal before and after results
Procedure done by Dr. Pinnella
Procedure done by Dr. Pinnella
Buccal fat pad removal consultation process
01 Complete our form
Fill out our virtual consult form online, so that we can get some more information about you and what you specific needs. Be sure to include any concerns and questions that you have for our staff or surgeons. There is also an option to attach photos for the surgeon to review when evaluating your case.
02 Receive a proposal
In most cases, you’ll receive a proposal within 24 hours of submitting a request via email from your assigned patient care consultant. This will show a breakdown of pricing, what’s included, and next steps to move forward with the surgery. You’ll also be able to contact your consultant moving forward with any questions or concerns about your surgery.
03 Submit photos for review
In order to move forward with your surgery, the surgeon must evaluate your body and your specific goals. Patients can either submit photos including multiple angles (front, both profiles, and back) along with comments about their goals and concerns, or can schedule a video call at their convenience to virtually meet with the surgeon. We offer virtual consultations with Dr. Robert Cucin, Dr. John Pinnella, Dr. Brandon Elnekaveh, and Dr. Rohan Policherla. We also offer in-person consultations with a $500 deposit that goes towards the overall cost of your surgery.
04 Get approved
After your consultation, whether by submitting photos, video call, or in-person, the surgeon will create a surgical plan and approve you as a candidate for surgery. The surgeon might also suggest another procedure. Your patient care consultant will reach out to you to confirm the surgeon’s approval and answer any remaining questions you may have.
05 Leave deposit to hold price
Once you are ready to move forward, you can leave a $500 deposit using a credit card, cash, or one of our trusted financing partners. This deposit goes towards the overall cost of your surgery. Deposits are non-refundable, but remain as a center credit for a period of one year.
06 Schedule surgery
After you leave your deposit, you are ready to schedule your surgery. Our scheduling supervisor will reach out to you and choose dates for your pre-operative and surgical appointments that work for you. If you’re not ready to schedule right away, just let us know when to reach out and we will be happy to follow up at a later time.
Request a buccal fat removal consultation in Fort Lauderdale
Get a free buccal fat pad removal consultation. Enter your information below and one of our coordinators will reach out to begin your consultation process.
Surgery and recovery process
30 - 1 Day Before Surgery
Before your procedure, you’ll attend a pre-operative consultation, complete any required medical clearance, and receive detailed instructions from your care team. Since buccal fat removal is performed under local anesthesia in most cases, there’s no need for an overnight stay or extended prep.
Surgery Day
The procedure takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes and is typically performed under local anesthesia. A small incision is made inside each cheek, and a precise amount of fat is removed from the buccal fat pad. You’ll return home the same day with post-op instructions and mild swelling in the lower face.
1 Day Post Op
Swelling and tightness in the cheek area are normal during the first 24–48 hours. You may be advised to stay on a soft food diet to minimize pressure on the surgical sites. Over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication can help manage any discomfort.
1 Week Post Op
Most swelling begins to subside, and you’ll attend a follow-up appointment to check healing. Any dissolvable sutures placed inside the cheeks will begin to break down naturally. Patients typically return to desk jobs and light activity by this point.
2-4 Weeks Post Op
Visible swelling continues to improve, though residual puffiness may linger slightly. You’ll begin to notice more definition in your midface and a subtle slimming effect. Most patients are cleared to resume exercise and regular activities around the 3-week mark.
2-12 Months Post Op
Your final results become more noticeable as swelling fully resolves. The cheek area appears slimmer and more defined, with natural enhancement of your facial structure.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Reviews & ratings in Fort Lauderdale
Verified
My whole experience at this location was perfect
Dr Ro did my buccal fat removal and chin lipo, I have never been happier with my face than I am now, thank you Dr. Ro for giving me my confidence back!
My whole experience at this location was perfect, from first communication, to payment, to operating table and healing. Staff was friendly and communicative, Dr Ro is awesome and I truly feel like they cared about my experience and healing. They didn’t try to push anything unnecessary on me and I feel like the Dr did a wonderful job. I will be back.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Verified
Exceptional care
I can confidently say that Dr. Rohan and Ella’s team provided exceptional care throughout my entire experience, from pre-operative preparation through to my departure.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Verified
Very happy with my results
My experience was amazing and I am very happy with my results. I have a very minimum down time and was back to my regular routine in no time.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal
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Verified
Excellent and top notch
Dr Rohan and the team at the South Florida Center were most professional, kind and friendly.
The service is excellent and top notch, they are willing to answer your questions and get to know your background and are most helpful in every way.
Their commitment is exceptional and the results are the best, visible from day one. I experienced no pain and the day of surgery I spent the evening recovering watching tv and having a good chat, almost as if nothing had happened.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Verified
I am very pleased with the results
Dr. Ro has been wonderful. He has been extremely thorough in explaining what I should expect before and after my surgery and has been very transparent in the healing process. I am very pleased with the results. The staff has also been a pleasure to work with. They have been so patient and polite throughout the entire process.
Buccal Fat Pad Removal
Real patients, Real results.
Our buccal fat pad removal experts
M.D.
Dr. Brandon Elnekaveh
Brandon Elnekaveh, MD is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in aesthetic surgery.
M.D.
Dr. Robert Cucin
Robert Cucin, MD is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in aesthetic surgery.
M.D.
Dr. Rohan Policherla
Rohan Policherla, MD is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in aesthetic surgery.
The Florida Center Difference
South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery has been around for over 20 years. We have two Florida Health Department Certified Office Based Surgery locations in Fort Lauderdale and Miami and a number of board certified plastic surgeons on our staff who specialize in a variety of procedures. We have been recognized by Boca Magazine’s Top Doctors, Fort Lauderdale Magazine’s Top Docs, RealSelf and have over 500 5-Star reviews.
Awards and recognition
Frequently asked buccal fat pad removal questions
What is buccal fat pad removal?
Buccal fat pad removal is a facial contouring procedure designed to reduce fullness in the lower cheeks by removing small fat pads located deep between the facial muscles. These fat pads contribute to a rounder or fuller midface appearance, especially in patients who naturally carry more value in this area. By carefully removing a portion of this fat, the face appears slimmer and more sculpted. The procedure enhances cheekbone definition and creates more contrast between the midface and jawline. It is meant to refine facial structure rather than dramatically change facial identity. Results are subtle, natural, and focused on balance.
Am I a good candidate for buccal fat removal?
Good candidates for buccal fat removal are individuals with naturally fuller or rounder cheeks who desire more facial definition. Patients should have good skin elasticity and stable facial volume before considering the procedure. It is especially popular among patients who feel their face appears “baby-faced” or overly soft despite being fit or lean. During consultation, your surgeon evaluates facial proportions, age, and long-term aging considerations. Buccal fat removal is not recommended for everyone, particularly those with already thin faces. Careful patient selection is key to achieving balanced results.
How is buccal fat pad removal performed?
Buccal fat pad removal is performed through small incisions made inside the mouth, along the inner cheek. This approach allows the surgeon to access the fat pads without creating any visible external scars. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, sometimes with light sedation depending on patient preference. Once the fat pad is identified, a precise amount is removed to maintain facial harmony. The incisions are then closed using dissolvable sutures. Because the approach is internal, healing is generally straightforward.
How long does buccal fat removal surgery take?
The procedure usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes to complete. It is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients return home the same day. Because the surgery is relatively short, anesthesia exposure is minimal. Many patients are surprised by how quick and efficient the process feels. While the surgery itself is brief, proper planning and precision are essential. Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities within a few days.
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes, buccal fat pad removal is considered a permanent procedure. Once the fat pads are removed, they do not regenerate or grow back. However, overall facial volume can still change with significant weight fluctuations or natural aging. The long-term contour remains stable when weight is maintained. This permanence is why conservative removal is so important. The goal is long- lasting refinement, not excessive hollowing.
Will I have scars after surgery?
No visible scars are associated with buccal fat pad removal. All incisions are made inside the mouth, leaving no marks on the exterior of the face. Once healed, the incision lines are completely hidden within the oral tissue. Most patients do not notice any lasting signs of surgery when smiling or speaking. Proper oral hygiene during recovery helps ensure smooth healing. From an aesthetic standpoint, this is a scar-free facial procedure.
What is recovery like after buccal fat removal?
Recovery after buccal fat pad removal is generally mild compared to other facial surgeries. Patients typically experience swelling, tightness, or mild soreness in the cheeks for the first few days. Swelling gradually improves over the following weeks. Most patients return to work and normal routines within a few days, avoiding strenuous activity initially. Final results take time to appear as swelling fully resolves. By two to three months, the new facial contour becomes clearly visible.
Is buccal fat removal painful?
Buccal fat removal is usually associated with minimal discomfort. Most patients describe the sensations as mild soreness or pressure rather than pain. Any discomfort is typically well controlled with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Because the incisions are inside the mouth, there may be temporary sensitivity when chewing or speaking. This improves quickly during the first week. Overall, recovery is considered very manageable.
When will I see the results?
Initial swelling can temporarily hide the final outcome during the early recovery period. Most patients begin noticing changes in cheek contour within three to four weeks. As swelling continues to subside, facial definition becomes more apparent. Final results are typically visible around two to three months after surgery. The gradual nature of the result helps maintain a natural appearance. Patience during healing is essential for optimal outcome.
Can buccal fat removal be combined with other procedures?
Yes, buccal fat removal is frequently combined with other facial procedures to enhance overall balance. Common combination treatments include chin liposuction, neck lift, facelift, or injectable contouring. Combining procedures can help refine multiple areas of the face at once. Your surgeon will assess whether combining treatments is appropriate for safety and esthetic harmony. Not every patient needs additional procedures. The goal is cohesive facial refinement rather than overcorrection.
Can buccal fat removal make my face look too hollow?
If performed on the wrong candidate or too aggressively, buccal fat removal can contribute to an overly hollow appearance. That is why a conservative approach and proper patient selection are essential. Your surgeon carefully evaluates facial structure, age, and future aging patterns before recommending surgery. The goal is definition, not gauntness. When done correctly, the face appears sculpted but still youthful. Long-term balance is always prioritized.
Is there an age limit for buccal fat pad removal?
There is no strict age limit, but buccal fat removal is most commonly recommended for patients in their twenties to forties. Younger patients often have fuller cheeks and good skin elasticity, making them better candidates. Older patients may already experience natural facial volume loss, which can make the procedure less appropriate. Each case is evaluated individually rather than by age alone. Facial anatomy matters more. A consultation is the best way to determine suitability.
How much does buccal fat pad removal cost?
At the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, buccal fat pad removal starts at $1,499, excluding anesthesia and surgeon fees. Final pricing depends on whether the procedure is performed alone or combined with other treatments. During consultation, you’ll receive a personalized cost estimate based on your surgical plan. Financing options may be available to help make treatment more accessible. Because every face is different, pricing is tailored rather than fixed. A consultation provides the most accurate information.
Will weight loss affect my results after buccal fat removal?
Significant weight loss can affect overall facial fat distribution. However, since the buccal fat pads are permanently removed, that specific volume will not return. Patients who maintain a stable weight tend to enjoy consistent long-term results. Extreme weight changes may impact other areas of the face. This is why surgeons recommend stable weight before undergoing the procedure. Long-term facial balance is best preserved with healthy, steady habits.
Other plastic surgery procedures you may be interested in
Our buccal fat pad removal surgery specialist in Fort Lauderdale.
At the South Florida Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our Buccal Fat Pad Removal procedure is performed by a team of experienced plastic surgeons, including Dr. Brandon Elnekaveh who is known for his meticulous technique and commitment to delivering natural, balanced results.
Dr. Elnekaveh brings a refined approach to Buccal Fat Pad Removal, focusing on enhancing each patient’s natural shape while restoring balanced proportions and body confidence.
Our team performs Buccal Fat Pad Removal surgeries at our modern Fort Lauderdale facility, serving patients locally from Miami, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach, as well as clients who travel from across the U.S. and internationally seeking high-quality aesthetic care in South Florida.
Contact Us
915 Middle River Dr. #213
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Phone: (954) 565-7575
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