Dr. Luciano Ríos Lara
- Board certified by the Mexican Board of Plastic Surgery
- Trained at UNAM and Hospital General de México
- Teaches plastic surgery residents
Facial and neck surgery · CDMX
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.
Results
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Your safety
What if something goes wrong? Here is what protects you
A certified hospital
Your surgery takes place at Hospital Ángeles Clínica Londres in Roma Norte, Mexico City, under national and international safety protocols. The facility is also cardio-protected.
If a complication happens, we're with you
The doctor provides all the care you need with no additional surgeon's fees. Only extra hospital costs, if any, are covered by you.
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.
Is it for me?
Everything you need to know, in one place
Quick facts
- Duration
- Pending
- Anesthesia
- Pending
- Hospital stay
- Pending
- Recovery
- Pending
- Back to work
- Pending
- Results last
- Pending
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.
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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.
Your procedure, step by step
- Consultationyour surgeon determines where your cheek fullness comes from and whether buccal fat removal is the right option.
- Anesthesiausually local anesthesia, with or without sedation.
- Procedurethrough a small incision inside the mouth, the buccal fat pad is located and partially removed.
- Closurethe incision is closed, typically with dissolvable sutures.
- Same-day dischargeyou receive guidance on diet, oral hygiene and managing discomfort.
Recovery
How you'll feel, stage by stage
- 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.
- Week 1
Many people return to daily activities within a few days, although swelling is still noticeable.
- Following weeks
Swelling gradually goes down, and strenuous exercise is reintroduced as your surgeon advises.
- 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?
Price range to be confirmed
Your final price depends on your case. You'll get it in writing at your consultation, with everything it includes.
Get my quoteWhere we operate
Mexico City
Hospital Ángeles Clínica LondresFrontera 74, Consultorio 515
Roma Norte, Ciudad de México
Phone: 55 6232 9139
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Book your consultation
- Leave your details. Just name, email and phone; nothing medical.
- We contact you to choose a day and time.
- Consultation with the doctor: he reviews your case, answers your questions and gives you your quote.