Treatment verdict library
Buccal fat removal
Surgical removal of the fat pad in the lower cheek for a more sculpted look. Permanent.
What the report examines on your face
- Cheekbone position and midface fullness: whether the face is actually full or only looks full in some photos
- Current hollowing under the cheekbone, which this procedure deepens
- Age-related volume trends in the midface, since faces lose fat over time
What patients report paying
$4,848 average ($2,200–$12,000) · patient-reported total. Source: RealSelf, 80 RealSelf patient reviews, 2024-07. Surgeon's fee range $3,000–$5,500 (ASPS 2024). ASPS fee ranges are the surgeon's fee only — they do not include anesthesia, operating-room facilities or other related expenses.
Downtime: 3–4 days social downtime; a week is better
How long it lasts: Permanent
Questions this treatment raises
- How will my face look at 45 and 55 if this fat is gone?
- Is any of what I dislike bloating, weight, or lighting rather than the fat pad?
- Have you treated patients who later wanted volume put back, and what did that take?
- What would a more conservative first step be?
Read the full guide · All treatments
Figures are the sources' printed numbers, not quotes. Every face differs. Built by a physician with over 20 years of experience in facial cosmetic surgery. Educational guidance, not medical advice.