Please note online appointments can only be booked for our Wayne office at this time. Please call 267.627.6463 to schedule appointments with Dr. Ho in Center City (Philadelphia).

For consultations or treatment visits booked online, a consultation or deposit fee of $150 will be charged at the time of scheduling.

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Next Wrinkle Free Wednesday, September 7 & October 5

Please note online appointments can only be booked for our Wayne office at this time. Please call 267.627.6463 to schedule appointments with Dr. Ho in Center City (Philadelphia).

For consultations or treatment visits booked online, a consultation or deposit fee of $150 will be charged at the time of scheduling.

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Buccal Fat Removal in Philadelphia

Conveniently located to serve Philadelphia, Wayne, and the entire Main Line.

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Introduction to Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal is an increasingly popular facial contouring surgery that slims and adds more definition to the face. Dr. Tina Ho is a regional facial contouring specialist who frequently performs buccal fat removal in Philadelphia.

Behind the Scenes of Buccal Fat Removal

The Steps behind Buccal Fat Removal

Watch this behind the scenes video to see Dr. Tina Ho in action performing buccal fat removal. First, incisions are made inside the cheeks to gain access to the fat pads. Once each fat pad is exposed, it is gently teased out, and a walnut-sized amount of fat is removed from each cheek. This amount of fat equates to 5-6 milliliters of volume! Incisions are then closed using dissolvable sutures. Schedule your facial contouring consultation today!

5 Fast Facts: Buccal Fat Removal Edition
Buccal fat removal is an increasingly popular facial contouring surgery that slims and adds more definition to the face. Dr. Tina Ho is a regional facial contouring specialist who frequently performs buccal fat removal in Philadelphia.

In today’s edition of 5 Fast Facts, learn about the popular buccal fat removal surgery!
1.) Buccal fat removal results in a more contoured cheekbone appearance.
2.) The average amount of fat removed during this surgery is the size of a walnut, and equates to about 5-6 mL.
3.) This surgery leaves no external scars.
4.) Incisions are closed using dissolvable sutures.
5.) This surgery can boost confidence and self-esteem!

What is Buccal Lipectomy?

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Buccal lipectomy, or buccal fat removal, is a surgical procedure that removes excess focal fat pads from the buccal space, which is located below the cheek bones. The removal of buccal fat results in more sculpted facial features where the face appears slimmer with more accentuated cheek bones.

Patients with round, full cheeks who are seeking enhanced facial definition may be appropriate candidates for buccal fat removal. Dr. Ho is a facial contouring expert and often performs buccal fat removal in conjunction with other procedures to help patients achieve their treatment goals.

How Buccal Fat is Removed?

The buccal fat removal procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, usually under local anesthesia, and involves making small incisions inside the mouth through which the buccal fat pads are removed.

Dr. Ho begins by making a small incision on the inside of the cheek to expose the buccal fat pad. The fat is then carefully removed, sculpting the cheeks to provide a more contoured facial appearance. The incisions are then closed with sutures, which typically dissolve on their own within a few weeks.

The buccal fat removal surgery itself usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes to complete, depending on the extent of the fat removal required.

What is Dr. Ho’s approach to Buccal Fat Removal?

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in cosmetic procedures of the face. With facial contouring reigning as one of her most requested signature procedures, Dr. Tina Ho attracts patients from beyond Philadelphia and Wayne and from all across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. During consultation, Dr. Ho performs a thorough evaluation on every patient to establish the best treatment plan as well as realistic expectations with treatment.

Buccal fat removal is only indicated in a specific group of patients, and Dr. Ho carefully selects those who would most benefit from this surgery. Dr. Tina Ho routinely performs this surgery in the office setting under local anesthesia and ensures that each patient has a comfortable experience with surgery. She often performs concurrent submental liposuction, chin augmentation, and facial fat transfer or filler injections to optimize her surgical results.

What should patients expect after Buccal Fat Removal?

Each buccal lipectomy procedure is unique and tailored to the individual patient. Therefore, the types of incisions utilized as well as extent of swelling, bruising, and tenderness that occur after surgery will vary by patient. The incisions are usually placed inside the mouth with the wounds eventually closed with dissolvable sutures. Every patient is instructed to perform oral rinses for wound care and to follow a soft diet the first week following surgery. Every buccal fat removal patient will follow-up with Dr. Ho one week after surgery for follow-up evaluation.

Bruising and swelling associated with surgery can be managed well with icing and head elevation with the majority resolving by two weeks out from surgery. Post-operative pain is typically controlled well with prescribed pain medication. Improvement in the appearance of the face is typically observed at two to three months out from surgery. Dr. Ho seeks regular follow-up with her patients to make that each patient heals smoothly and is satisfied with their surgical results.

Beautiful smiling woman with clean skin

Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure that helps create a more sculpted, contoured face. The right image illustrates the location of the buccal space where buccal fat is removed from, as indicated by the asterisk (*).

Buccal Fat Removal Before and after videos

Buccal Fat Removal & Submental Liposuction: Before and After

25 year-old female who underwent buccal fat removal and submental liposuction for facial contouring and jawline contouring

Buccal Fat Removal & Facial Contouring: Before and After

This lovely female patient was bothered by her round, chubby cheeks and fullness under her chin. We pursued buccal fat removal and chin liposuction with added Botox injection to the masseters for added facial contouring effect. We are so thrilled with her results. Her photos illustrate her surgical outcome at six months out from surgery.

LM Buccal Fat Removal Testimonial

LM Buccal Fat Removal Testimonial

Learn more during a consultation

Dr. Thuy-Van Tina Ho will be available to discuss buccal fat removal in Philadelphia and the variety of other procedures we perform during a consultation. Set up an appointment for your consultation – contact our office today.

BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

Your Buccal Fat Removal in Philadelphia will be performed by Dr. Tina Ho in her surgery center in Philadelphia.

FAQ’s

What type of patient is the ideal candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
The ideal candidate for buccal fat removal is a healthy non-smoker patient who has no remarkable medical or surgical history, does not take blood-thinning medications, and possesses appropriate fullness in the buccal area that is amenable to slimming. They may be bothered by their “chipmunk cheek” appearance or rounded facial features. Patient with thin, narrow faces, on the other hand, should avoid this surgery as it may age their face more with the subtraction of volume.
What are other surgical and non-surgical procedures that are routinely performed with Buccal Fat Removal?
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It is not unusual for other facial contouring procedures to be performed at the same time and/or in stepwise fashion with buccal fat removal, depending on the patient’s anatomy and surgical goals. They include but are not limited to the following: dermal fillers, neurotoxin injection to masseters, facial fat transfer, submental liposuction, chin augmentation, facelift, and neck lift.

Dr. Ho is experienced in a wide range of facial rejuvenation procedures and will discuss with buccal lipectomy candidate whether they may benefit from additional procedures to optimize their facial contouring outcome.

How much does Buccal Fat Removal cost in Philadelphia?

When determining the price of a buccal fat removal procedure, many aspects of the surgery are taken into account. The amount of fat removed can impact buccal lipectomy cost, as can the overall procedure time and the exact techniques employed. The average cost for Dr. Ho to remove buccal fat is $4,000-$5,000, including facility fees. Financing options are available.

Keep in mind that the buccal fat removal procedure cost can be significantly reduced if combined with other procedures done together; procedures such as chin/neck liposuction, facelift, or facial fat transfer.