Buccal fat reduction (also known as buccal fat pad removal) reduces the naturally occurring fat pads in your cheeks. It can soften fullness in your cheek area and enhance the definition of your cheekbones and jawline.
The size of the buccal fat pad varies between individuals. So this procedure is most suitable if you have naturally fuller or round cheeks and want a subtle, long-lasting improvement in the contour of your face.
Procedure Time
60-90 minutes. Day surgery.
Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic
Recovery
Back to normal activity in 1 week. Dissolvable sutures usually fall off within 2 weeks.
Full Results
6 – 12 weeks
Reducing the buccal fat pad can create a slimmer, more sculpted appearance in your cheeks.
Subtle internal contouring can help your natural bone structure appear more visible.
Once removed, buccal fat does not usually return, offering a durable alternative to contouring injections.
Smoothing cheek fullness can improve harmony between your cheeks, jawline and overall facial silhouette.
Incisions are made inside your mouth, leaving your outer skin completely unmarked.
We support you through surgery and beyond
Your consultation will be private and unhurried. Your surgeon will assess your cheek fullness, facial proportions and skin thickness, and explain whether buccal fat reduction is appropriate for you.
You will receive a personalised clinic letter detailing your proposed plan, expected results and recovery.
To help you prepare safely:
Buccal fat reduction is usually performed under general anaesthetic. Small internal incisions are made on the inner lining of each cheek near the upper molars. The buccal fat pad is gently teased out, reduced or removed, and the incision closed with dissolvable sutures.
There are no external scars, and you can go home the same day.
Mild swelling, tightness and bruising inside the cheeks are normal for the first few days.
Use mouthwash or saltwater rinses after meals and maintain a soft diet for one week.
Avoid smoking, alcohol and vigorous rinsing during early healing.
Most swelling improves within 7 – 14 days, and your final results become visible over 6 – 12 weeks.
At The Antler Clinic, you’ll be cared for by Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr David Izadi, whose work combines advanced surgical expertise with the calm, honest approach patients value most.
With over two decades of experience in reconstructive, aesthetic, and hand surgery – including a dedicated cosmetic surgery fellowship, and international fellowships in rhinoplasty and hand surgery – every plan begins with listening to what matters most to you.
A quick guide to the things most people want to know before and after their procedure.
Results of buccal fat pad reduction are long-lasting. Once removed, buccal fat does not usually return, although ageing and weight changes can affect the shape of your face over time.
Your surgeon will assess whether you are a suitable candidate. Buccal fat reduction is not recommended for thin or narrow faces due to the risk of hollowing.
Most swelling improves within 1–2 weeks of your buccal fat pad reduction. Your final contour continues to refine over 6–12 weeks.
Most people report mild discomfort or tightness inside the cheeks for a few days after their buccal fat pad reduction. Pain is usually well-managed with simple medication.
People with naturally full or rounded cheeks, good skin quality and stable weight may benefit from buccal fat pad reduction. We’ll work out whether you’re suitable for the procedure at your consultation.
Buccal fat pad reduction can enhance cheekbone and jawline definition by reducing fullness in your lower cheek area.
Most people return to normal activity one week after their buccal fat pad reduction. Soft foods are recommended for the first few days.
All incisions for your buccal fat pad reduction are made inside your mouth, so there are no visible scars.
Buccal fat reduction is considered safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. All procedures carry risks, and we’ll discuss these during your consultation. Your surgeon will send a comprehensive list of complications to you after your consultation
The removed fat does not usually return after buccal fat pad reduction. However, significant weight changes can affect your overall facial volume.
clear and transparent costs
You will receive a clear quotation setting out the cost of your treatment and what is included before you decide whether to proceed.
A new consultation is charged at £200.
Follow-up consultations are charged at £150, unless the appointment forms part of an agreed surgical package or postoperative follow-up pathway.
Consultation fees are payable regardless of whether surgery is subsequently arranged. A consultation provides assessment, advice and discussion of treatment options; it does not guarantee that surgery will be recommended or offered.
Patients are kindly asked to provide at least three working days’ notice if they need to cancel or rearrange an appointment.
Non-attendance, or cancellation with less than three working days’ notice, will incur a fee of £125. This fee reflects the clinical time reserved for the appointment and the difficulty of offering the appointment to another patient at short notice.
For self-pay patients, surgery is usually provided as a fixed-price package. This is intended to give patients clarity and reassurance about the cost of their planned procedure.
Your written quotation will confirm what is included. In most cases, the package price includes:
Hospital fees for the planned procedure
Surgeon’s fee
Anaesthetist’s fee, where applicable
Standard postoperative follow-up appointments relating to the procedure
Routine aftercare directly related to the planned surgery, as specified in your quotation
Package prices are based on the procedure agreed at the time of booking. If the surgical plan changes, if additional procedures are requested, or if further treatment is required outside the agreed package, additional fees may apply.
Self-pay surgical packages usually include a period of cover for the treatment of complications directly related to the procedure. The exact terms, duration and exclusions of this cover are set by the hospital where your surgery is performed.
Depending on the hospital, complication cover may apply for a defined period, which may be 6 or 12 months. Full details will be provided by the relevant hospital before surgery.
Complication cover is not a guarantee that all future treatment, revision surgery or additional procedures will be provided without charge. Cover may not apply to unrelated medical problems, pre-existing conditions, treatment required outside the hospital’s terms, or surgery requested for aesthetic preference rather than a recognised complication.
In an emergency, patients should seek urgent medical attention through the most appropriate service, including NHS emergency care where necessary.
Every effort is made to achieve the best possible outcome, but no surgical procedure can guarantee a specific result, perfect symmetry, invisible scarring or complete satisfaction. Healing, scarring, swelling and final results vary between individuals.
If revision surgery is required because of a complication, eligibility for cover will depend on the hospital’s package terms and the clinical circumstances.
If surgery has been performed to an appropriate clinical standard, but a patient remains dissatisfied with the aesthetic outcome or wishes to pursue further refinement, any revision or additional surgery will usually incur further charges. These may include hospital fees, surgeon’s fees and anaesthetic fees.
Unless specifically included in your written quotation, additional costs may apply for investigations, scans, specialist opinions, extra procedures, further hospital admissions, prescriptions, dressings, garments, travel, accommodation, time off work or treatment unrelated to the planned surgery.
The written quotation and the hospital’s own terms and conditions will take precedence over any general information provided on this website.
Payment terms, deposits, cancellation policies and refund arrangements are determined by the hospital where your procedure is booked. These will be provided to you before surgery.
Surgery can only proceed once all required payments have been received and all relevant consent, preoperative assessment and hospital requirements have been completed.
To help make treatment more affordable, you may choose to spread the cost of your procedure through a personal medical loan with Chrysalis Finance. Subject to eligibility and approval, Chrysalis offers a range of flexible finance options, allowing you to pay for your treatment in manageable monthly instalments rather than a single upfront payment.
The hospitals we work with offer finance options through Chrysalis Finance. Please contact your chosen hospital directly for further information or to discuss any questions.
Get in Touch
A consultation at The Antler Clinic is simply a chance to talk – to ask questions, explore your options, and decide what feels right for you.
You’ll leave with clarity, reassurance, and the same calm support that defines everything we do.
