Face · Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon · Mayo Clinic–Trained

Sculpt a sharper, more defined face

Buccal fat pad removal by Dr. Humberto Palladino. A precise outpatient procedure that brings the cheekbone line forward.

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Mayo Clinic–Trained American Board of Plastic Surgery FACS RealSelf Top 500 Castle Connolly Top Doctors

Cheek Reduction Surgery

A leaner, more sculpted profile

The buccal fat pad is a golf ball-sized mass located on both sides of the face beneath the cheekbones. When oversized, it gives the cheeks a persistently full or round appearance, no matter how lean the rest of the body may be.

Removing part or all of the buccal fat pad can make your face look leaner and more contoured. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Humberto Palladino performs buccal fat pad removal for patients throughout South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, North Palm Beach, and the surrounding areas.

All surgery carries individual considerations. The best way to understand whether this procedure is right for you is a personal, one-on-one consultation with Dr. Palladino, where candidacy, realistic expectations, and your tailored plan are determined together.

Is this right for you?

Am I a candidate for buccal fat removal?

If you have excessively puffy or chubby cheeks, you are probably a candidate for buccal fat removal. The most important step is a conversation with Dr. Palladino to ensure the procedure aligns with your specific goals.

You may be a candidate if you have…

Persistently full or round cheeks unrelated to overall body weight
A face that appears younger or rounder than your age
A desire for more defined cheekbones and a slimmer facial silhouette
Realistic expectations about the outcomes of surgery
Good overall health with no medical conditions that impair healing

Your consultation with Dr. Palladino

After discussing your needs and expectations of surgery, together you will come up with a plan of correction to produce the most favorable results.

Once a surgery date is set, Dr. Palladino will provide all of the information you need to prepare, including any pre-operative guidelines tailored to your health profile.

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What to expect

Precision, and your comfort

Buccal fat pad extraction is usually performed on an outpatient basis. You should follow all of the pre-operative instructions given by Dr. Palladino, including refraining from eating or drinking at least eight hours before surgery.

On the day of surgery, please arrange for a companion to drive you to and from the surgery center and wait for updates during your procedure. When you arrive, Dr. Palladino will meet with you to answer any last-minute questions and address any concerns. You will then receive anesthesia with sedation to make the experience comfortable and painless.

After surgery, you can return home to rest and recover. Cheek reduction may be combined with another facial plastic surgery procedure such as eyelid lift, lip augmentation, or rhinoplasty. Treatment plans are drawn up based on your unique needs and cosmetic goals.

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Your day, step by step

Pre-op preparation
Follow Dr. Palladino's pre-operative guidelines. Fast (no food or drink) for at least eight hours before surgery.
Arrive with a companion
Your companion drives you to the surgery center and remains there for updates throughout.
Anesthesia & surgery
Anesthesia with sedation ensures a comfortable, painless procedure. Dr. Palladino performs the extraction with precision.
Return home to recover
Once cleared, your companion drives you home so you can rest and begin your recovery.

15,000+ Procedures Performed

20 yrs Surgical Experience

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4.9★ Patient Rating

Your recovery

Healing, day by day

Buccal fat pad removal is a streamlined outpatient procedure with a manageable recovery. Dr. Palladino and his team will guide you through every stage.

First few days

Your cheeks will be swollen after surgery, but this side effect typically disappears within several days. You may be asked to follow a liquid and soft diet for several days after surgery.

One to two weeks

Any special guidelines or instructions will be explained to you by Dr. Palladino or a member of his plastic surgery team. Follow-up appointments allow him to monitor your healing progress and clear you to return to work, exercise, and your everyday routine.

Final results

Your final results will become quickly apparent and you should notice a leaner and more sculpted facial contour. Results vary by individual, and Dr. Palladino will set realistic expectations during your consultation.

Before & After photos: individual results may vary. Some images may be models.

Investment

Transparent pricing

Starting price range

$2,000 – $3,000

The price range for buccal fat pad removal or cheek reduction is between $2,000 to $3,000. Your final cost depends on the extent of correction and any combination procedures discussed during consultation.

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