Buccal Fat Removal

Men and women who are otherwise in great physical shape can have unwanted fat deposits in the face that may not reflect the maturity or healthy vitality they feel within. People who are bothered by chubby or “hamster” cheeks know that facial fat is often unrelated to body fat. In fact, fat that accumulates in the cheeks, called buccal fat, often has a genetic component, making it resistant to moderate weight loss. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Edward Gross is pleased to offer surgical buccal fat removal to his metro Orlando patients as a minimal-downtime procedure that can yield significant changes in a person’s profile.

Communities We Serve

Dr. Gross’ expertise in facial plastic surgery attracts patients from throughout metro Orlando, including:

  • Melbourne
  • Tampa
  • Winter Park
  • Daytona Beach

If you’re considering buccal fat removal with Dr. Gross, request a consultation today, or call our office at (407) 333-3040.

Buccal Fat Removal
 Before & After Photos

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Before & After Buccal Fat Removal Case 675 Front View in Orlando, Florida
Before & After
Case: 1 of 8

Case# 675 | Buccal Fat Removal | Orlando. This 23 year old student was bothered by full/ round cheeks also known as chipmunk cheeks. Dr. Gross performed Buccal Fat (Bichat's Fat) Removal in about an hour in our Lake Mary surgery center. His recovery was a quick few days using dissolving sutures with no pain. His after photo shows a thinner fa... Read More
Before & After Buccal Fat Removal Case 407 view-1 View in Orlando, Florida
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Case: 2 of 8

Buccal Fat Removal. Orlando| Lake Mary, FL.  This 27-year-old woman consulted Dr. Gross for enlarged cheeks or chipmunk cheeks. She had this condition as a child and it continued to bother her, despite being thin and exercising. Dr. Edward Gross performed Buccal Fat Removal as an outpatient in our accredited surgical center in Lake Mary... Read More
Before & After Buccal Fat Removal Case 827 Left Side View in Orlando, Florida
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Case: 3 of 8

Buccal Fat Removal | Neck Liposuction | Chin Implant This 37-year-old Orlando man was bothered by excess fullness in his cheeks, jawline, and neck. Dr. Gross performed a Buccal Fat Extraction, removing the fat pads inside of the cheeks, along with Neck Liposuction to give his face and neck a more streamlined appearance. In profile especially,... Read More
Before & After Buccal Fat Removal Case 599 Front View in Orlando, Florida
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Buccal Fat Removal in Orlando, Florida. This 25-year-old woman was bothered by fullness and drooping of the cheeks (chipmunk cheeks). It was a hereditary factor in her family that did not respond to diet or weight loss. Dr. Gross performed buccal fat removal and neck liposuction at Primera Surgery Center in Lake Mary, Florida to achieve these... Read More
Before & After Buccal Fat Removal Case 649 Front View in Orlando, Florida
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Case: 5 of 8

BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL. This 43-year-old Orlando woman was bothered by hereditary fullness of her cheeks and a round facial appearance.  She did not like her profile view showing the chubby cheeks.  We performed buccal fat removal in our Orlando area - accredited surgical facility in about 1 hour and recovery was quick and easy. &n... Read More
Before & After Buccal Fat Removal Case 393 view-1 View in Orlando, Florida
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Case #393. Buccal Fat Removal. Orlando. This patient was bothered by a round face and very full cheeks. She was self- conscious of the perception that she looked too young. Dr. Gross performed buccal fat removal (cheek fat) at Primera Surgery center in Lake Mary. Her recovery was quick and easy. The After photo shows a nice contour in her che... Read More
Before & After Buccal Fat Removal Case 615 Front View in Orlando, Florida
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Case# 615. Buccal Fat Removal | Orlando, FL. This Orlando–area patient was bothered by roundness and heaviness in the cheeks.  This was a hereditary feature she did not like.  Dr. Gross performed buccal fat removal at Primera Surgery Center in Lake Mary Florida as an outpatient.  The procedure was less than 1 hour and recovery... Read More
Before & After Buccal Fat Removal Case 598 Front View in Orlando, Florida
Before & After
Case: 8 of 8

Buccal Fat Removal.  This 26-year-old Orlando, FL woman was bothered by full cheeks and a round face. She consulted with Dr. Gross to achieve a more chiseled/ thinner face and remove the chipmunk cheeks. Dr. Gross performed buccal fat removal at Primera Surgery Center in Lake Mary, Florida as an outpatient in less than 1 hour. Incisions... Read More

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

How Much Does Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Cost in the Orlando Area?

Buccal fat removal, also called cheek reduction surgery or buccal lipectomy, ranges in cost at our Orlando practice based on your specific aesthetic needs and goals. The price for your surgery will depend on whether it is combined with other procedures, such as chin lipo, as well as a number of other factors. Visit our pricing page for details. Dr. Gross is proud to offer financing through CareCredit® for qualified patients.

Proven Techniques, Outstanding Results

Buccal fat enlargement, or hypertrophy, gives the face a round, childish, cheeky appearance. Many people have the condition as a family trait and are dismayed to learn that it doesn’t typically respond to moderate weight loss and exercise. Each area of buccal fat is well-defined and typically about the size of a walnut or ping-pong ball. This fat is located between the Masseter muscle, the major muscle that aids in chewing, and the cheek. When enlarged, the buccal fat causes swelling and fullness in the lower face and cheeks.

Can Buccal Fat Be Reduced With KYBELLA®?

KYBELLA® is an injectable medication that reduces submental fat under the chin and along the jawline. It is not indicated for the treatment of buccal fat, and we do not use it for that purpose. Buccal fat must be surgically removed.

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From A Patient's Perspective

Read and hear real people discuss their unique experiences and get a perspective that is sometimes missing from shorter reviews. These stories feature some of our actual patients describing their personal journeys and what makes Primera Plastic Surgery such a special place.

Read Patient Stories

Why Choose Dr. Gross for Your Buccal Fat Removal?

With 2 board certifications and a practice focused solely on facial rejuvenation, Dr. Gross is uniquely qualified to remove buccal fat and reshape the face with an artistic touch. Specialized training and experience are required to perform this procedure and produce effective results, and Dr. Gross is one of the few surgeons with the necessary background.

Combining Procedures

Although many patients opt to have the procedure on its own, others choose to undergo it in conjunction with chin implant surgery, neck and jawline liposuction, or even rhinoplasty for a complete improvement of the facial contours. Dr. Gross uses the latest techniques and takes a conservative approach to ensure little scarring, natural-looking results, and a quick, comfortable recuperation.

Edward J. Gross, M.D.

Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

With 24 years in practice, Dr. Gross’ quality of care and results have earned the confidence and referrals of doctors throughout the region. His emphasis on patient education helps the men and women he treats feel comfortable and supported during their treatment.

Meet Dr. GrossRequest My Consultation Dr. Gross boards and certifications Dr. Gross boards and certifications

Buccal Fat Removal With a Facial Plastic Surgery Specialist

During your consultation with Dr. Gross, you work together to develop your desired results. He asks you many questions about your lifestyle and medical history and talks to you about the ultimate outcome you can expect. He uses computer imaging to help you visualize your anticipated results. The best candidates for this procedure must have a BMI below 30. You may also discuss alternative treatment options that may be better matched for you, such as facial liposuction.

Dr. Gross performs buccal fat removal (Bichat’s fat pad), sometimes called cheek contouring or reduction, as an outpatient procedure at our Orlando-area Primera Surgery Center. The surgery typically requires a light general anesthetic and lasts for about 1 hour. Buccal fat removal has a 91% Worth It Rating from RealSelf members.

Once you are fully anesthetized, Dr. Gross makes a small incision inside of your mouth, ensuring scars are completely invisible. Rather than using liposuction, Dr. Gross excises the fat directly using very small instruments. Typically, he removes about 1½ grams of fat from each patient — just enough to create an age-appropriate, chiseled visage. After a short period of observation, you’re able to return home.

Computer Imaging

See Your Results Before Surgery

Our practice is among the few that use computer imaging to show potential results. With the help of this technology, Dr. Gross can reliably tailor a surgical treatment plan for the unique needs of each patient.

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A Reputation Built on Results

I highly recommend this practice! Dr Gross did a wonderful job on my eyelids and brow lift. The front...
Dr Gross and his team are the best in the business,could not ask for more qualified staff
Using a throw-away account because I wish to remain anonymous. I went to Dr. Gross for a revision rhino...
Always great, thank you.

A Smooth Recovery

The length of your recuperation can vary depending on the specifics of your surgery, but most buccal fat removal patients are back to work and most other normal activities within 2 to 3 days. Initially, swelling may make it difficult to see your results. As swelling gradually dissipates, your new, defined profile will develop. After surgery, you may find it more comfortable to keep your head elevated as much as possible in order to reduce swelling. Dr. Gross will advise you on when you can return to more vigorous activities, including working out.

Dr. Gross uses dissolvable sutures during buccal fat removal procedures, so there’s no need to have stitches removed after surgery. During your follow-up appointment, Dr. Gross will examine your cheeks and ensure you’re healing on schedule.

The fat removed during this type of procedure won’t return, but it’s still important to practice healthy habits in order to avoid weight fluctuations that could alter the shape of your face. Dr. Gross will help you understand the type of results you can expect and give you more detailed instructions on how to maintain your new profile.

“Both men and women pursue buccal fat removal because it gives their faces a chiseled, more mature look that they can enjoy for years.”
– Dr. Gross

Buccal Fat Removal FAQ

  • How is buccal fat removal different from facial liposuction?
    With buccal fat removal, the buccal fat pad is removed surgically using a small incision inside the cheek. Facial liposuction uses a small cannula to suction excess fat from the lower face and jawline.
  • Once the buccal fat is removed, will it come back?
    Buccal fat removal is a long-term solution, but weight gain can cause any remaining buccal fat to enlarge.
  • Is there a non-surgical alternative to buccal fat removal surgery?
    Several non-surgical treatments can make the face appear more contoured, but they do not remove or reduce buccal fat pads. Sometimes, facial fullness is caused by factors other than a large buccal fat pad, including an overdeveloped jaw (masseter) muscle. In these cases, BOTOX® Cosmetic injections in the jawline make it appear slimmer, and dermal fillers add strategic fullness in other areas of the face to make facial contours look more chiseled.
  • Are there any downsides to removing the buccal fat pads?
    Buccal fat pad removal is considered a very low-risk procedure, and complications are rare. However, your surgeon needs a skilled touch during the procedure because removing too much of the buccal fat pad can make your face appear sunken as you age.
  • What’s the best age for this procedure?
    Your buccal fat pads continue to grow until your 20s, so it’s best to wait for growth to stop before having the procedure.
  • Will buccal fat go away on its own?
    Unlike many other types of body fat, buccal fat is encased in your cheek pad, so it doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.
  • You cannot typically get rid of the buccal fat pad naturally. This fat does not interfere with age. It also does not atrophy with weight loss. The key is it’s a deep fat pocket that leads to the lower third fullness in the cheek.

Take the Next Step

Women and men interested in buccal fat removal come from central Florida towns like Melbourne, Tampa, Gainesville, Winter Park, Daytona Beach, and beyond to have Dr. Gross perform their procedure. To learn more about buccal fat removal with Dr. Gross, please request a consultation online, book online now, or call (407) 333-3040.

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