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.
What is Buccal Lipectomy?
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.
Educational videos
The Buccal Fat Removal Procedure
Learn more about the procedure and how it can subtly enhance your facial harmony with insights from Dr. Tina Ho.
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!
What Are Issues That Can Be Addressed With Buccal Fat Removal?
Weak jawline
Need a more masculine appearance
Lack of jawline definition
Underprojected chin
Lack of facial balance
Improves neck contouring
Dr. Ho is experienced in improving all of these issues with Buccal Fat Removal and will discuss with each patient her customized approach for each type of issue.
Why Choose Dr. Tina Ho?
Dr. Tina Ho stands out among other surgeons in Philadelphia and Wayne as a female, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with dedicated training in facial rejuvenation surgery. Unlike general plastic surgeons, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck.
She understands that a facial rejuvenation, whether surgical or non-surgical, is both an art and a science — a highly detailed and complex procedure that requires technical precision and an artistic eye to achieve natural, harmonious results. Dr. Ho stays at the forefront of modern products and techniques to deliver the most refined and lasting outcomes for her patients.
From the initial consultation to every follow-up visit, Dr. Ho maintains an unwavering commitment to each patient. She takes the time to listen, plan, and tailor every step of the rejuvenation process to align with the patient’s unique anatomy for realistic aesthetic goals and ensure each person feels confident, supported, and deeply satisfied with their results. Her approach focuses on preserving the patient’s natural appearance while maximizing safety and minimizing recovery time.
Dr. Ho received advanced fellowship training under world-renowned facial plastic surgeons Dr. Dean Toriumi and Dr. Steven Dayan. Dr. Ho continually refines her surgical knowledge and techniques to offer the best outcomes for her patients by regularly attending national and international aesthetic meetings and learning from leading plastic surgeons across the country in the operating room setting. Her expertise extends across all aspects of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Ho is recognized regionally and beyond as one of Philadelphia and the Maine Line’s most trusted female facial plastic surgeons, with patients traveling from throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York to seek her expertise.
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 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.
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 (*).
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
Post-Operative Instructions for Buccal Fat Removal
These post-operative care instructions are essential for all buccal fat removal procedures to achieve optimal results.
Expand each section below for more information.
Enhance Your Recovery with Elixir MD
The Elixir MD™ is an innovative recovery tool that offers various treatment programs using different LED light wavelengths to achieve specific pre and post-surgical goals. These programs are supported by advanced artificial intelligence temperature controls and adjustable settings to address a range of concerns and goals. This non-invasive therapy is safe, painless, and can reduce infections after surgery while also enhancing recovery and minimizing scarring after rhinoplasty surgery.
Benefits of Elixir MD
Enhanced post-operative recovery after rhinoplasty. Using LED light, Elixir MD™ stimulates the skin to accelerate wound healing and minimize scarring post-surgery.
Improved healing and cellular repair. Specific wavelengths stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are essential for healing after surgery.
Easier rhinoplasty recovery. Reduces inflammation responsible for swelling and pain after surgery.
Improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Enhances the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste for optimal healing.
Elixir MD Treatment Programs for Rhinoplasty
Elixir Detox
This pre-operative therapy uses blue light to reduce the number of bacteria, oils, and toxins on the skin, reducing surgical complications such as infection.
Elixir Cellular Repair
Post-rhinoplasty, Cellular Repair uses yellow light to improve circulation, reducing bruising and swelling, accelerating healing, and shortening recovery.
Elixir NeoXcell
The NeoXcell™ treatment program combines the benefits of Elixir Cellular and Thermal to boost healing and balance melanin production for a more even skin tone.
Elixir RoXium
RoXium™ uses yellow and blue light to reduce swelling/bruising, prevent skin oxidation, decrease sebum, minimize pores, and clear the complexion.
What is the cost of Buccal Fat Removal?
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 $6,000-$7,000, including facility fees. Financing options are available.
Keep in mind that the buccal fat removal cost can be significantly reduced if combined with other procedures done together; procedures such as chin/neck liposuction, facelift, or facial fat transfer.
Patient Testimonials
Real Stories from Buccal Fat Removal Patients
Buccal Fat Removal + Neck Lift: Patient Testimonial
I am truly grateful for this wonderful patient’s beautiful facial and jawline contouring surgery results and even more humbled by her kind testimonial. In this video, she describes and shows why she underwent buccal fat removal and neck lift and her recovery journey.
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.
As Seen In
Dr. Tina Ho in the Press
Dr. Tina Ho has been featured in leading media publications that highlight her expertise in facial plastic surgery.
Related Procedures
Explore additional procedures that complement a your procedure for balanced, natural-looking rejuvenation.
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.
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.
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 $6,000-$7,000, including facility fees. Financing options are available.
Keep in mind that the buccal fat removal cost can be significantly reduced if combined with other procedures done together; procedures such as chin/neck liposuction, facelift, or facial fat transfer.
