Face
Buccal Fat Removal
Removes a portion of the buccal fat pad in the lower cheek to slim the face. Appropriate for patients with naturally fuller cheeks, not for general weight-related fullness.
Overview
Buccal fat removal involves extracting a portion of the buccal fat pad — a distinct, anatomically defined fat structure that sits deep in the lower cheek. The procedure is appropriate for patients with naturally fuller, rounder cheeks who want a more sculpted lower-face contour. It is not a treatment for weight-related facial fullness, which involves different fat layers. Buccal fat does not regrow once removed, so candidate selection matters: overaggressive removal in a young patient can lead to a gaunt appearance later as the face naturally loses volume with age.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
Patients with naturally fuller, rounder lower cheeks who want a more sculpted lower-face contour. Not appropriate for patients with weight-related fullness, older patients whose face is already losing volume, or those with thin facial fat overall.
Technique
How it's done.
Through a small incision inside the mouth, a measured portion of the buccal fat pad is removed. The buccal fat is a discrete anatomic structure, not generalized fat, so the removal is precise and the result is contoured rather than diffuse.
Where this happens
Our own surgery center.
One roof, one team.
Dr. Azadgoli operates at The Practice Healthcare's fully independent, on-property ambulatory surgery center — a Medicare-certified, physician-led facility recognized by Newsweek as one of California's top centers for independent, privately owned surgery.
Consultation, surgery, aftercare, and recovery all happen in one building, with the same team. No outside hospital. No new staff to meet the day of surgery. The same person who checked you in at the consult is there when you wake up.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
Outpatient under local with sedation or general anesthesia. Swelling for one to two weeks; soft diet for the first few days. Final result over two to three months.
Insurance & coverage
Patient Advocacy handles the paperwork.
Our advocacy team verifies benefits, pursues pre-authorizations, and appeals denials. You don't navigate insurance on your own.
Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by insurance. For reconstructive or medically necessary work, our advocacy team verifies your benefits and presents the out-of-pocket estimate before anything is scheduled.
How we work with insurance
- 1 Verification by expertsOur advocacy team verifies your benefits before any procedure — so we know exactly what is and is not covered.
- 2 Patient advocacy & follow-throughWe aggressively pursue pre-authorizations, appeal denials when appropriate, and hold carriers accountable to their commitments.
- 3 Financial transparencyYou receive a clear written estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs. No surprises on the day of surgery.
- 4 Collaboration with carriersOur team handles documentation and communication directly with your insurance company.
- 5 Options & supportIf a procedure is not covered, we walk you through cash-pay options, financing, and other pathways to care.
FAQ
Common questions.
Will I look gaunt later in life?
The face loses volume with age. Overaggressive buccal fat removal in a young patient can produce a hollow appearance decades later. Conservative removal and careful patient selection are important — Dr. Azadgoli will say no to patients who are not appropriate candidates.
Is the result permanent?
Yes. Buccal fat does not regrow once removed.
Will it slim my whole face?
No. Buccal fat removal addresses only the lower cheek hollow. It does not affect the upper cheeks, jawline, or chin.
Is it reversible?
No. Buccal fat does not regrow once removed. This is part of why conservative removal and careful patient selection matter.
When is it not a good idea?
Patients with already thin lower-face fat, weight-related fullness (not buccal-pad related), or those who would benefit more from a facelift or skin-tightening. Honest assessment up front avoids regret later.
How long until I see the final shape?
Subtle changes appear at two to four weeks. The final contour is visible at two to three months as residual swelling fully resolves.
Ready to discuss buccal fat removal?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azadgoli and her team to explore your options.
Request a consultation