Facial and neck surgery

Buccal fat removal in Mexico City

A more sculpted face, with defined cheekbones and a contour that looks natural.

Buccal fat removal in Mexico City is a procedure that partially removes the buccal fat pads in the cheeks through a small incision inside the mouth, creating a slimmer, more defined midface.

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Dr. Luciano Ríos Lara operating at Hospital Ángeles Clínica Londres

The procedure

What is buccal fat removal?

The buccal fat pads are two pockets of fat, one in each cheek, sitting between the facial muscles. Their size varies from person to person and is largely genetic, which is why some people have full cheeks or a round face even with little body fat. Buccal fat removal reduces that volume to create a more sculpted cheek contour.

The procedure is done entirely through the mouth, with a small incision on the inside of the cheek, so there are no visible scars on the skin. Part of the buccal fat is removed, while enough volume is preserved so the face does not look hollow as it ages.

The change is moderate and appears gradually as swelling subsides. Because cheek fat also decreases naturally with age, a good evaluation considers how your face will look in the long run, not just in the next few months.

It is a short procedure with a relatively quick recovery, but it is still surgery and deserves the same care as any other. Removed buccal fat does not grow back, so the change is permanent. That is why the decision should be made carefully, after a thorough look at your facial structure, rather than to follow a trend.

Who is it for?

Buccal fat removal is for adults at a stable weight who have full cheeks due to buccal fat and want a slimmer face. During your consultation, your surgeon will confirm that the fullness actually comes from these fat pads and not from other factors, such as a strong masseter muscle, superficial fat or skin laxity.

It is generally not recommended for people with thin faces, since it could make the cheeks look hollow over time. It is often combined with other facial contouring procedures, such as double chin liposuction, and because it is typically done under local anesthesia with a relatively short recovery, it can fit well into a trip to Mexico City.

You may be a candidate if…

  • You have full cheeks or a round face due to buccal fat volume.
  • You are an adult and your face has finished developing.
  • Your weight is stable.
  • Your face is not naturally thin or prone to looking hollow.
  • You are in good general and oral health.
  • You do not smoke, or you can stop around the time of surgery.
  • You want a subtle change and have realistic expectations.
Risks, explained honestly
  • Expected, temporary effects: swelling, soreness when chewing and mild bruising.
  • Asymmetry between the cheeks.
  • A hollow look, especially with age, if too much fat is removed.
  • Infection or bleeding.
  • Injury to branches of the facial nerve or to the parotid (salivary) duct: uncommon.
Why patients travel from the US
Content pending. This section is pending content reviewed by the doctor.

What patients say

Google reviews

5.024 reviews on Google

  • ★★★★★

    El Dr. Luciano es súper profesional, te atiende con mucho respeto y te explica todo, y todo su equipo muy eficiente y muy amable. Todos los procedimientos que ofrece son de la mejor calidad y las operaciones increíbles. Lo recomiendo 100%

    Andrea Flores

  • ★★★★★

    El mejor médico cirujano, y con el mayor profesionalismo y humanismo; tratamientos estéticos faciales de lo mejor.

    Sandra Romandia

  • ★★★★★

    Excelente Doctor es muy atento y amable, al igual que todo su equipo de enfermería, están pendientes de ti en todo momento.

    Michelle Chávez Flores

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Recovery

What does recovery usually look like?

Quick facts

Duration
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Anesthesia
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Hospital stay
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Recovery
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Back to work
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Results last
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  1. First few days

    Cheek swelling and mild discomfort are common. A soft diet, mouth rinses as directed and sleeping with your head elevated are recommended.

  2. Week 1

    Many people return to daily activities within a few days, although swelling is still noticeable.

  3. Following weeks

    Swelling gradually goes down, and strenuous exercise is reintroduced as your surgeon advises.

  4. Following months

    The final cheek contour typically becomes visible over several months.

Common questions

What patients ask us most

Does buccal fat removal hurt?

It is usually done under local anesthesia, with or without sedation. In the first few days, cheek swelling and mild discomfort are common. You receive guidance on managing discomfort when you are discharged.

How long is recovery after buccal fat removal?

Many people return to daily activities within a few days, although swelling is still noticeable. Swelling gradually goes down, and strenuous exercise is reintroduced as your surgeon advises.

Is buccal fat removal permanent?

Yes. Removed buccal fat does not grow back, so the change is permanent. The change appears gradually as swelling subsides, and the final cheek contour typically becomes visible over several months.

What are the risks of buccal fat removal?

Expected, temporary effects include swelling, soreness when chewing and mild bruising. Risks include asymmetry between the cheeks, a hollow look with age if too much fat is removed, infection or bleeding and, uncommonly, injury to branches of the facial nerve or the parotid duct.

Does buccal fat removal leave scars?

There are no visible scars on the skin, because the procedure is done through a small incision inside the cheek. The incision is typically closed with dissolvable sutures.

Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

Adults at a stable weight who have full cheeks due to buccal fat. It is generally not recommended for people with thin faces, since it could make the cheeks look hollow over time.

How much does buccal fat removal cost in Mexico?

Pricing depends on your case and is confirmed at your consultation. At that visit, your surgeon determines where your cheek fullness comes from and whether buccal fat removal is the right option.

How long should I stay in Mexico City after buccal fat removal?

It depends on how your recovery goes and on your follow-up visits. Your surgeon will define the length of your stay with you at your consultation.

Price

How much does buccal fat removal cost in Mexico?

Your final price depends on your case. You'll get it in writing at your consultation, with everything it includes.

Request a consultation

Where we are

Mexico City

Hospital Ángeles Clínica Londres
Frontera 74, Consultorio 515
Roma Norte, Ciudad de México

Phone: 55 6232 9139

Getting here

Your next step

Book your consultation

  1. Leave your details. Just name, email and phone; nothing medical.
  2. We contact you to choose a day and time.
  3. Consultation with the doctor: he reviews your case, answers your questions and gives you your quote.

Tell me what you have in mind

Tell me whatever you'd like. If there's medical history, medication or test results, we'll go over those at the consultation — that's where they're handled privately.

We'll be in touch to schedule your consultation at the office. The diagnosis happens there — I need to see you to tell you what's really right for you, and that can't be done over a message.