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Cosmetic Surgery · San Francisco, California

Buccal Fat Removal in San Francisco

A short procedure that removes the buccal fat pad from the lower cheek to create a more sculpted, hollowed look, and the operation most likely to be regretted if done at the wrong age. Compare San Francisco clinics below and request a free consultation.

Typical cost in San Francisco

$2,500–$6,000

per procedure · USD

A general range for San Francisco, rounded for guidance. Confirm exact pricing with each clinic.

Surgeon directory

Buccal Fat Removal surgeons in San Francisco

Plastic surgeons in San Francisco who list buccal fat removal among their procedures. Tap any surgeon to view details and request a consultation.

Miguel Delgado, M.D. in San Francisco

Miguel Delgado, M.D.

San Francisco

4.9 (146) · Google

Financing available

Miguel Delgado, M.D. is a plastic surgery practice in San Francisco, California, rated 4.9 stars across 146 Google reviews, performing 21 tracked procedures.

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Larry Fan, MD - 77 Plastic Surgery San Francisco in San Francisco

Larry Fan, MD - 77 Plastic Surgery San Francisco

San Francisco

4.9 (111) · Google

Financing available

Larry Fan, MD - 77 Plastic Surgery San Francisco is a plastic surgery practice in San Francisco, California, rated 4.9 stars across 111 Google reviews, performing 22 tracked procedures.

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Ethos Plastic Surgery: Ginger Xu, M.D. in San Francisco

Ethos Plastic Surgery: Ginger Xu, M.D.

San Francisco

4.9 (102) · Google

Ethos Plastic Surgery: Ginger Xu, M.D. is a plastic surgery practice in San Francisco, California, rated 4.9 stars across 102 Google reviews, performing 22 tracked procedures.

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Raj Dedhia, MD Facial Plastic Surgery in San Francisco

Raj Dedhia, MD Facial Plastic Surgery

San Francisco

4.9 (84) · Google

Financing available

Raj Dedhia, MD Facial Plastic Surgery is a plastic surgery practice in San Francisco, California, rated 4.9 stars across 84 Google reviews, performing 14 tracked procedures.

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Evan R. Ransom, MD, FACS in San Francisco

Evan R. Ransom, MD, FACS

San Francisco

4.9 (76) · Google

Financing available

Evan R. Ransom, MD, FACS is a plastic surgery practice in San Francisco, California, rated 4.9 stars across 76 Google reviews, performing 13 tracked procedures.

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The Maas Clinic San Francisco in San Francisco

The Maas Clinic San Francisco

San Francisco

4.8 (142) · Google

Financing available

The Maas Clinic San Francisco is a plastic surgery practice in San Francisco, California, rated 4.8 stars across 142 Google reviews, performing 24 tracked procedures.

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Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery in San Francisco

Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

San Francisco

4.9 (41) · Google

Financing available

Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery is a plastic surgery practice in San Francisco, California, rated 4.9 stars across 41 Google reviews, performing 15 tracked procedures.

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See all 17 plastic surgeons in San Francisco →

About Buccal Fat Removal

A short procedure that removes the buccal fat pad from the lower cheek to create a more sculpted, hollowed look, and the operation most likely to be regretted if done at the wrong age.

Sessions

One procedure, permanent and not reversible

Downtime

3 to 7 days of visible swelling, final result at 3 to 6 months

Good candidate

Adults typically over 25 with genuinely full lower cheeks that have persisted at a stable, healthy weight, who understand the change is permanent

  • Defines the cheekbone and creates a more sculpted lower face
  • Short procedure, often under an hour, usually with local anesthesia
  • Incisions are inside the mouth, leaving no visible scar
  • Permanent result
Read the full Buccal Fat Removal guide →
At a glance

Buccal Fat Removal in San Francisco: the numbers

7 plastic surgery practices in the San Francisco area list buccal fat removal. From Google Places listings; hours and locations change, so confirm with the practice.

  • Together the 7 with Google reviews hold 702 reviews at an average rating of 4.9; 4 have 100 or more.
From their own websites

What San Francisco buccal fat removal practices state about themselves

What 7 San Francisco practices that list buccal fat removal say on their own websites (checked September 2026); one that does not mention something may still offer it, so ask at your consultation.

  • 1 of 7 state certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Other boards named: American Board of Otolaryngology (2), American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2)
  • 2 of 7 state they are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
  • 1 of 7 state an accredited surgical facility
  • 1 of 7 mention virtual consultations
  • 1 of 7 state a free consultation
  • Languages practices say they speak: Spanish (1)
  • 2 of 7 show before-and-after photos on their site

In their words

Raj Dedhia, MD Facial Plastic SurgeryWith a tiny incision made inside the cheeks, the buccal fat pad is extracted from the cheek area before the incisions are closed.
Evan R. Ransom, MD, FACSAnyone who desires a slimmer face, with decreased projection or fullness in the middle cheek area may be a candidate for buccal fat reduction
Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive SurgeryWhile buccal fat removal yields excellent results on its own, it is often combined with other facial rejuvenation techniques, such as jawline contouring or a lip lift
Miguel Delgado, M.D.Buccal fat removal may be considered for individuals of any age group, and can be performed in conjunction with other facial procedures, such as a facelift
Larry Fan, MD - 77 Plastic Surgery San FranciscoAs buccal fat removal addresses the fullness in the lower cheeks, it can contribute to a more youthful and toned appearance.
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Raj Dedhia, MD Facial Plastic SurgeryHe will then gently extract the buccal fat pad, before sealing the incision with dissolvable stitches.
Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive SurgeryFor patients unhappy with the appearance of bulging, overly round cheeks, buccal fat removal offers an elegant cosmetic transformation and enhanced confidence.
Miguel Delgado, M.D.Buccal fat removal results are often visible immediately after the procedure, with continued improvement over time as swelling subsides.
The Maas Clinic San Franciscooffers buccal fat removal or cheek reduction surgery for patients with this aesthetic concern to slim down the midfacePatients can undergo buccal fat pad removal using local anesthetic with or without sedation or general anesthesia that allows them to sleep through the surgery.
FAQ

Buccal Fat Removal in San Francisco: common questions

How much does Buccal Fat Removal cost in San Francisco?

Buccal Fat Removal generally runs $2,500–$6,000 per procedure, and each San Francisco clinic sets its own price. The biggest variables are the provider's experience level and the specific device or product used. Newer technology and senior injectors price at the upper end. Pricing is quoted in US dollars (USD). Request a consultation from any of our listed San Francisco clinics for a personalized quote.

When will I see results from Buccal Fat Removal?

Initial results in 2–4 weeks, with full results developing over 3 months as collagen builds. San Francisco providers typically schedule follow-ups to track progress.

How long do Buccal Fat Removal results last?

Results vary by patient, but most San Francisco providers report 6–18 months of sustained benefit from a full Buccal Fat Removal series.

What is the buccal fat pad?

It is a distinct, encapsulated pad of fat sitting in the hollow of your cheek, separate from the fat layer just under the skin. It is not the same thing as general facial fullness or weight. Removing it narrows the lower cheek specifically. Because it is a discrete structure, the result is predictable, and because it does not grow back, the result is permanent.

What is the catch?

Faces lose volume with age, naturally and progressively. Fullness in your twenties often becomes hollowness in your forties without any surgery at all. Removing the buccal fat pad accelerates that trajectory permanently, and a result that looks sculpted at 25 can look gaunt at 45. Many surgeons decline to perform it on younger patients for exactly this reason, and that refusal is good judgment rather than lost business.

Can it be reversed?

Not really. The pad cannot be put back. Volume can be restored with fillers or fat grafting, which means ongoing cost and maintenance for the rest of your life to replace something you paid to have removed. Treat this as a permanent decision, because functionally it is.

How much does it cost?

Nationally, $2,500 to $6,000, which makes it one of the least expensive procedures on this list. That affordability, combined with heavy social media promotion, is part of why it is so frequently performed on people who are poor candidates. Low cost is not a reason to have an irreversible operation.

Who is a genuinely good candidate?

Someone with true buccal fat pad prominence, meaning full lower cheeks that persist even at a stable healthy weight, who is old enough that their facial fat distribution has settled, generally mid-twenties and beyond, and who understands the aging trajectory. Someone who simply wants a more contoured face and has seen it online is usually better served by makeup, weight stability, or nothing at all.

Request a free Buccal Fat Removal consult