_Dr. Hamid Ali Esmaeilpour checking his patient for Buccal fat removal in Dubai

Full, rounded cheeks can make even a healthy-weight face look softer and less defined than you’d like — and unlike body fat, buccal fat doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, no matter how consistent you are. Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy) in Dubai & Abu Dhabi, part of our Cosmetic Surgery offering, removes these specific fat pads from the lower cheeks to reveal a slimmer, more sculpted jawline and cheekbone definition, performed by Dr. Hamid Ali Esmaeilpour, who brings over 15 years of surgical experience to every case.

Quick Facts:

  • Cost: AED 8,000 – 15,000
  • Procedure duration: 30–60 minutes
  • Anesthesia: Local, with sedation available on request
  • Incision: Inside the mouth — no visible external scarring
  • Downtime: Minimal — most patients return to light activity within days
  • Full recovery: ~3 months
  • Results: Permanent — buccal fat does not regenerate
  • Lead surgeon: Dr. Hamid Ali Esmaeilpour, 15+ years’ experience

What Is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal, also known as bichectomy or buccal pad lipectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes the buccal fat pads — natural fat deposits located in the lower cheeks between the cheekbone and jawline. Removing some of this fat creates a more contoured, angular, “V-shaped” facial profile by revealing the cheekbone and jawline structure that fullness in this area can otherwise obscure. Because incisions are made entirely inside the mouth, there’s no visible external scarring.

Results of Buccal Fat Removal:

  • Immediate mild slimming is visible once initial swelling settles, typically within the first 2–4 days.
  • Noticeable cheek and jaw definition develops over the following weeks as swelling continues to reduce.
  • Final, fully refined contour is visible at around 3 months, once all residual swelling has resolved.
  • Because buccal fat pads don’t regenerate once removed, results are considered permanent  there’s no ongoing maintenance required, unlike injectable contouring options.

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Am I a Good Candidate?

Good candidates typically have:

  • Rounded or “chubby” cheeks that persist regardless of body weight or fitness level
  • A desire for a slimmer, more sculpted, or more mature-looking facial profile
  • Realistic expectations — this procedure refines cheek fullness, it doesn’t reshape the entire face
  • Overall good health with no active oral or facial infections

Buccal fat removal may not be right if you:

  • Already have a naturally slim or narrow face, where removing more fat could look hollow or aged prematurely, especially later in life as natural facial fat loss continues with age
  • Are under 18, since facial fat distribution is still developing
  • Have an active dental or gum infection, since the incision is made inside the mouth

Many patients considering buccal fat removal are also exploring other facial refinement options — see our Rhinoplasty page if nasal profile is part of your goal, or Brow Lift Surgery if brow or forehead sagging is a concern alongside cheek fullness.

The Procedure, Step by Step:

  1. Consultation – your facial structure and goals are assessed to determine the right amount of fat to remove for a balanced result.
  2. Anesthesia – local anesthesia is administered, with sedation available for patients who prefer it.
  3. Incision – a small incision is made inside the cheek, near the back of the mouth, leaving no visible external scar.
  4. Fat removal – the buccal fat pad is carefully accessed and a measured amount is removed to achieve your desired contour.
  5. Closure – the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures that don’t require removal.

Recovery Timeline:

Period What to Expect
Days 1–4 Swelling, mild bruising, and some discomfort; a soft-food diet is recommended
Week 1–2 Swelling begins to subside noticeably, dissolvable sutures continue healing
Weeks 3–4 Most patients return to full normal activity
Month 3 Final, fully refined facial contour becomes visible as remaining swelling resolves

Aftercare Guidelines:

  • Stick to soft foods for the first several days to avoid disturbing the incision site
  • Avoid excessive facial movement (wide yawning, vigorous chewing) during initial healing
  • Use a doctor-recommended antiseptic mouth rinse to keep the incision area clean
  • Apply ice packs externally to help manage swelling
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 1–2 weeks

Risks to Be Aware Of:

Buccal fat removal is generally a low-risk procedure, but as with any surgery, some risks exist:

  • Swelling and bruising, typically resolving within 1–2 weeks
  • Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the cheek area
  • Asymmetry, which is minimized through careful surgical planning
  • Rare risk of injury to the facial nerve’s buccal branch, which is why experienced surgical technique matters significantly for this procedure
  • Over-removal, which can create a hollow or aged appearance later in life — a key reason to have this performed by an experienced surgeon who removes a conservative, measured amount

Cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Dubai:

Buccal fat removal in Dubai typically ranges from AED 8,000 to AED 15,000. Pricing depends on:

  • Surgeon’s experience and technique
  • Anesthesia type (local vs. sedation)
  • Whether it’s combined with other facial procedures
  • Individual facial anatomy and complexity
Option Estimated Price (AED)
Standard Buccal Fat Removal (local anesthesia) 8,000 – 11,000
With Sedation 10,000 – 13,000
Combined with Other Facial Procedures 13,000 – 15,000+

Your exact price is confirmed after an in-person consultation with Dr. Hamid Ali Esmaeilpour.

Buccal Fat Removal vs Facial Liposuction: What’s the Difference?

Facial liposuction targets fat beneath the skin’s surface across a broader area of the face and jawline, while buccal fat removal specifically targets the deeper buccal fat pads inside the cheek. Many patients with persistently round cheeks need buccal fat removal specifically, since traditional liposuction techniques can’t access this particular fat pocket. It’s also commonly paired with Dimple Creation in the same consultation, for patients wanting both a slimmer cheek contour and a subtle dimple accent.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Yes. Once the buccal fat pads are removed, they don't regenerate, so results are considered permanent with no ongoing maintenance required.

No visible external scar — the incision is made entirely inside the mouth and heals with dissolvable sutures.

Yes, when performed by an experienced surgeon. The main risk to manage carefully is removing too much fat, which is why a conservative, measured approach matters more than dramatic results in a single session.

Most patients return to normal activity within 1–2 weeks, with the final, fully refined facial contour visible at around 3 months.

This procedure is generally recommended for adults, since facial fat distribution is still developing before 18. It's also worth discussing with your surgeon if you're already fairly slim-faced, since natural facial fat loss continues with age and removing too much now could look hollow later.

Book Your Free Consultation:

Ready for a more defined, sculpted facial profile? Book a free consultation with Dr. Hamid Ali Esmaeilpour at Glam Clinic Dubai to find out if buccal fat removal is the right fit for your face shape.

Book Your Free Consultation Now →

Related treatments: Brow Lift Surgery · Rhinoplasty Nose Surgery · Dimple Creation · Cosmetic Surgery Hub