Timeless Rejuvenation
For some people, fullness in the lower cheeks can create a rounder look, even when the rest of the face is relatively lean.
At Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, CA, the approach is to remove only the amount of fat that makes sense for your facial structure, so your result looks balanced.
Buccal fat removal reduces the fullness in the lower cheeks by removing a portion of the buccal fat pads.
Buccal fat pads are deep within the cheek, beneath the muscles, and contribute to the overall shape of the midface. During the removal procedure, a small incision is made inside the mouth, which allows access to the fat pad without creating any visible external scars. A controlled amount of fat is then removed, and the incision is closed.
Our goal is not to eliminate volume entirely, but to reduce it enough to enhance midface contour while maintaining a natural appearance.
The best candidates for buccal fat removal are individuals who feel their lower cheeks look fuller than the rest of their face, even when they are at a stable weight. This tends to be something structural rather than weight-related, which is why diet and exercise don’t always change it.
The patients who benefit most from buccal fat removal are those with sufficient natural bone structure in the cheekbones and jawline to support a more defined look once the fullness is reduced. If the face is already narrow or naturally lean, removing buccal fat may not be the right approach, since it can lead to a hollow appearance over time.
The primary benefit of buccal fat removal is improved facial definition, particularly in the area just below the cheekbones.
By reducing fullness in the lower cheeks, the natural contours of the face tend to stand out more. This can create a more structured look, especially in the transition between the cheeks and jawline.
Patients often notice that their face appears slimmer, and in some cases, more angular, though the change is typically subtle rather than dramatic. Because the fat that is removed does not return, the results are long-lasting.
Your first step in undergoing buccal fat removal in San Francisco is to call our office and speak with our friendly practice manager, Julie. She will answer your questions, explain what the treatment process involves, and help you determine whether booking a more comprehensive consultation with Dr. Wes is appropriate. There is no charge, pressure, or commitment connected with this call.
If you feel comfortable moving forward, we will then book a full in-person consultation, which entails a thorough medical and physical assessment. During this appointment, Dr. Wes will assess the overall shape of your face, not just the lower cheeks. That includes how the cheekbones, jawline, and midface work together. The point is to figure out whether reducing volume will actually improve definition or whether a different approach would get you a better result.
Your buccal fat removal procedure will be done under local anesthesia, sometimes with light sedation. Once the area is numb, a small incision will be made inside each cheek. Through this, the buccal fat pad is gently accessed, and a measured amount is removed.
Only enough fat is taken to improve contour without flattening the face. Once that’s done, the incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures.
Your Guide to Post-Buccal Fat Removal Care
Swelling is expected in the cheeks, and the face may look slightly fuller at first before it begins to slim down. This can take a couple of weeks to improve, with more gradual refinement over the following months.
Because the incisions are inside the mouth, we advise you to follow a soft diet for a few days and to maintain good oral hygiene to support healing.
Most buccal fat removal patients return to normal activities within a few days, though it might take several weeks for your final contour to become visible as your swelling continues to resolve.
The cost of buccal fat removal in San Francisco depends on the specifics of the procedure and what is included in your treatment plan. Factors like anesthesia, surgical technique, and facility fees all contribute to the final cost.
Because the amount of fat removed and the overall approach can vary from patient to patient, pricing is determined after an in-person evaluation. At Wes Plastic Surgery, you’ll receive a clear explanation of the cost based on your plan, so you understand what is included before moving forward.
Ari Wes fuses a prestigious surgical training background, academic depth, and aesthetic precision, delivering exemplary outcomes for those in and beyond San Francisco. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr. Wes is the author of over 50 peer-reviewed publications. He has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, reflecting a deep commitment to evidence-based care that goes well beyond the operating room.
What further sets Dr. Wes apart is his detail-oriented and patient-centric approach. He believes that great results come from gaining a true understanding of each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. He listens actively, educates thoroughly, and designs surgical plans that help patients achieve the refreshed, vibrant look they desire.
At Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, patients receive the full benefit of Dr. Wes’s elite training and thoughtful philosophy in a boutique setting where quality is more important than volume. For buccal fat removal, individualized care means a full facial assessment before anything is planned, because removing volume only makes sense if it will still look right as your face changes over time.
If you are considering buccal fat removal, the next step is a consultation at Wes Plastic Surgery in San Francisco.
Call (415) 746-9363 to schedule your appointment and find out if reducing fullness in the lower cheeks is the right approach for you.