Introduction
If you have been researching ways to achieve a slimmer, more sculpted facial appearance, you have likely come across the term buccal fat removal. Also known as bichectomy, it is one of the most searched facial procedures in the UK, and for good reason: when performed well, it can create a noticeably more defined cheek contour and a naturally refined facial silhouette.
But with so much content online, patients often come to us with the same set of questions. What exactly is buccal fat? Is the procedure safe? How much does buccal fat removal cost in the UK? And is it permanent?
This guide answers all of that clearly, based on the expertise of our GMC-registered surgeons at Signature Clinic.
What is buccal fat, and where is it located?
Buccal fat pads are naturally occurring deposits of fat located in the lower portion of the cheeks, sitting between the facial muscles in an area roughly level with the cheekbones and the corners of the mouth. Every person has them, though their size varies considerably from one individual to the next.
In some people, prominent buccal fat pads create a rounder, fuller facial appearance, sometimes described as a chubby or youthful-looking face. While this is entirely natural, many patients feel that their buccal fat pads create a heaviness in the mid-face that does not reflect how they want to look.
It is worth noting that buccal fat naturally reduces with age. As the face matures through the twenties and into the thirties, many patients find that their face gradually slims on its own. The procedure is suitable for patients aged 20 to 50 who have completed their facial development. Surgeons assess each patient individually to ensure the timing is right for their anatomy and long-term goals.
What is buccal fat removal (bichectomy)?
Buccal fat removal, also known by its clinical name bichectomy (or bichectomia) and referred to at Signature Clinic as buccal fat pad reduction, is a minor surgical procedure that removes some or all of the buccal fat pad from one or both cheeks to create a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance.
The procedure has been performed by plastic and cosmetic surgeons for decades. It gained significant mainstream attention in recent years following widespread coverage on social media, where before and after results showcased the striking cheek definition achievable through the surgery.
At Signature Clinic, buccal fat removal is performed by GMC-registered consultant surgeons who assess each patient individually to determine whether the procedure is appropriate for their facial anatomy, age, and long-term goals.
What does the buccal fat removal procedure involve?
Buccal fat removal is a relatively straightforward procedure carried out under local anaesthetic, making it a day case surgery with no overnight stay required.
The procedure step by step:
A small incision of around 1 to 2 centimetres is made on the inside of the cheek, within the mouth. Because the incision is internal, there is no visible external scarring from buccal fat removal. The surgeon then gently applies pressure to the outside of the cheek to expose the buccal fat pad, which is carefully identified, partially or fully removed, and the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Most patients are able to go home shortly after surgery once the clinical team is satisfied with their recovery from the local anaesthetic.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Buccal fat removal is frequently combined with chin liposuction, jawline treatments, or non-surgical procedures such as dermal fillers to achieve a more comprehensive facial contouring result. Your surgeon will discuss whether a combined approach is appropriate during your consultation.
Buccal fat removal before and after
The results of buccal fat removal are visible almost immediately, though the final outcome becomes clearer as post-operative swelling resolves over the first two to four weeks.
Patients typically notice a slimmer mid-face, more prominent cheekbones, and a greater degree of facial definition following the procedure. The change is most noticeable in patients who had prominent buccal fat pads to begin with and most subtle in patients with naturally moderate fat pad volume.
How much does buccal fat removal cost in the UK?
Many patients searching for buccal fat removal cost UK information find a wide range of figures online, which can make it difficult to know what to expect. Prices in the UK typically vary depending on the surgeon’s experience, clinic location, and whether the procedure is combined with other treatments.
At Signature Clinic, we provide transparent, fixed pricing for buccal fat removal with no hidden fees. Our buccal fat pad reduction is priced at a fixed cost of £2,295, which includes everything from your initial consultation through to your full aftercare, with no additional charges.
For a no-obligation quote tailored specifically to you, book a free consultation at your nearest Signature Clinic. Your requirements will be discussed in full confidence in a friendly and relaxed environment.
Following your consultation, the price you are quoted includes everything — there are no hidden costs. Advice, treatment, and aftercare are all part of our package to ensure a smooth journey from start to finish.
Prices shown were correct at the time of publishing. Please refer to our buccal fat removal pricing page for the most up-to-date figures.
Buccal fat removal recovery: how long does it take to heal?
One of the most common questions we receive is how long buccal fat removal recovery takes. Compared to most cosmetic surgical procedures, the recovery from a bichectomy is remarkably quick. Most patients prefer to have the procedure on a Friday so they are ready to return to work by Monday.
Days 1–3: Some swelling and mild discomfort inside the cheeks are normal and expected immediately after surgery. Most patients manage this comfortably with standard over-the-counter pain relief. Oral hygiene should be maintained carefully using an antibacterial mouthwash as directed by your surgeon.
Days 2–3: Most patients return to normal daily activities and desk-based work within 2 to 3 days. The dissolvable sutures inside the mouth will dissolve naturally and do not need to be removed.
1 week: Full recovery typically takes around one week. Results become very noticeable within the first few weeks as any residual swelling continues to subside, revealing the slimmer, more contoured facial appearance.
Your surgeon will provide detailed postoperative care instructions to ensure a smooth healing process throughout.
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes. Buccal fat removal is a permanent procedure. Once the buccal fat pad has been removed, it does not regenerate. The reduction in cheek volume achieved through the surgery is long-lasting.
However, it is important to understand that the overall appearance of the face will continue to change naturally with age. The face loses volume over time as part of the natural ageing process, and patients who have had buccal fat removed may notice a more gaunt or hollow appearance in the mid-face as they get older. This is one of the key reasons why surgeons assess patient age and anatomy carefully before recommending the procedure.
Can buccal fat removal be reversed?
No. Because the fat pad is physically removed during surgery, buccal fat removal cannot be reversed in the traditional sense. This is why the consultation process is important — it ensures that patients fully understand the permanence of the outcome and have realistic, considered expectations before proceeding.
In cases where a patient feels the result is too hollow following surgery, fat transfer to the face (where fat is harvested from another area of the body and injected into the cheeks) can be used to restore some volume. This is, however, a separate procedure and is rarely required when the surgery has been planned and executed carefully.
Does buccal fat removal leave a scar?
No external scarring results from buccal fat removal. Because the incision is made entirely inside the mouth, on the inner surface of the cheek, there is no visible scar on the face. The internal incision heals well and is closed with dissolvable sutures that do not need to be removed.
This is one of the key advantages of bichectomy over other facial contouring procedures and one of the reasons it has become such a popular option for patients who want meaningful facial definition without visible surgical marks.
Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal is most suitable for patients who:
- Have naturally prominent or full cheeks that they feel create an overly round facial appearance
- Are in good overall health with no contraindications to minor surgery under local anaesthetic
- Are aged between 20 and 50 and have completed their facial development
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome and understand that the procedure is permanent
- Are at a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuation after surgery can affect facial appearance
It is generally not recommended for patients who already have a naturally slim face, as further reduction of cheek volume could create an overly hollowed or aged appearance over time.
Buccal fat removal at Signature Clinic
At Signature Clinic, we are the UK’s largest provider of cosmetic surgery, with 9 regulated clinic locations and a team of GMC-registered consultant surgeons with extensive experience in facial procedures.
Every buccal fat removal consultation at Signature Clinic includes a thorough assessment of your facial anatomy, a candid discussion of realistic outcomes, and a clear fixed price quote with no hidden fees. We follow a mandatory cooling-off period before any procedure is booked.
Frequently asked questions
What is buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal, also known as ‘bichectomy’, is a minor surgical procedure that removes the buccal fat pads from the cheeks to create a slimmer, more contoured facial appearance. The incision is made inside the mouth, leaving no external scarring.
How much does buccal fat removal cost in the UK?
At Signature Clinic, buccal fat pad reduction is priced at a fixed, all-inclusive rate of £2,295. Please refer to our pricing page for the most current figures.
Is buccal fat removal the same as a bichectomy?
Yes. ‘bichectomy’ and ‘buccal fat removal’ refer to the same procedure. ‘Bichectomy’ is the clinical term used by surgeons, while ‘buccal fat removal’ is the more commonly used consumer term.
How long does buccal fat removal recovery take?
Recovery is very quick compared to most cosmetic procedures. Most patients return to normal daily activities within 2 to 3 days, with full recovery taking around one week. Results become increasingly noticeable over the following weeks as swelling subsides.
Is buccal fat removal permanent?
Yes. Buccal fat removal is a permanent procedure. The removed fat does not regenerate.
Can buccal fat removal be reversed?
No. The fat pad is permanently removed during surgery and cannot be replaced. In rare cases where additional volume is desired after surgery, fat transfer to the face can be considered as a separate procedure.
Does buccal fat removal leave a scar?
No. The incision is made inside the mouth and leaves no visible external scar on the face.
How long does buccal fat removal take?
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and is carried out under local anaesthetic as a day case.
Is buccal fat removal suitable for men?
Yes. Buccal fat removal is performed for both male and female patients. Male patients often seek the procedure to achieve a more angular, defined facial structure.
What is the difference between buccal fat removal and cheek liposuction?
Buccal fat removal specifically targets and removes the buccal fat pad, which is a distinct anatomical structure in the lower cheek. Cheek liposuction removes generalised fat deposits from around the face and jaw. Your surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your anatomy during your consultation.
*Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any cosmetic or medical procedure.
