buccal-fat-harley-street

Buccal Fat Removal at 101 Harley Street

Buccal Fat Removal at our newly renovated day-surgery located at 101 Harley Street, Marylebone, London.

Buccal Fat Removal Procedure Snapshot

time-date-icon
Surgery Time
1 hour
oxygen-icon
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic, with or without light sedation
laptop-cross
Time Off Work
3–5 days
runner-icon
Back to Normal Activities
1–2 weeks
magnify-cross
Results Visible
Noticeable improvement from 4–6 weeks; final results at 3–6 months
swim-icon
Full Recovery
4–6 weeks
Price Based on
Consultation
All treatments are subject to a thorough consultation with our specialists where the treatment cost will be finalised.

Buccal fat removal also known as cheek reduction surgery is a delicate procedure that reduces the natural fat pads in the lower cheeks to create a slimmer, more contoured facial shape.

At 101 Harley Street, our surgeons prioritise precision, natural aesthetics, and bespoke planning, ensuring results that feel authentic to your features.

Located in the heart of Harley Street, London, our surgical centre is equipped with advanced facilities to ensure safety, precision, and a natural result that complements your unique facial features.

Buccal fat removal | 101 Harley Street, Marylebone | Medical Review by Dr Duncan Brennand
Read More
101-harley-street
Duncan-Brennand

What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal targets the “buccal fat pads”, pockets of fat located within the lower cheeks to create more angular, sculpted definition through the mid-face.

This procedure is ideal for patients who feel their cheeks appear fuller or rounder than they would like, or for those seeking more contour through the jawline and cheekbones.

At 101 Harley Street, your treatment is performed within our advanced day-surgery facility, where discretion, safety and precision are at the heart of every procedure.

Read our Blog
101-Harley-street-office
mel-theatre-manager

Our Reviews

At 101 Harley Street, patient satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. Our reviews reflect the expertise of our consultants, the quality of our care, and the exceptional results our patients experience. From your first consultation to full recovery, our team is dedicated to providing a seamless, supportive and reassuring journey, something our patients consistently highlight in their feedback. Below you can see our verified google reviews. You can also see more reviews on Doctify.

Doctor Dan Wright is not only one of the kindest and nicest human beings you could ever meet he’s one of the most professional. At every stage of my procedure I felt reassured and in very safe hands. I would not normally post a review of anything that isn’t a restaurant or a barber but I felt compelled to here because my experience was so wonderful. Fantastic stuff. Brilliant.

Mike Rodgers
Mike Rodgers
View on Google

I recently had surgery at 101 Harley Street and was impressed by the level of care and professionalism displayed by the entire team. I was greeted with friendly staff which immediately made me feel comforted, and this genuine care continued throughout the entire journey. I highly recommend this clinic to anyone seeking quality medical care.

Dr Dan and his team at 101 are exceptional. I was made to feel so comfortable and relaxed during my procedure and everything is done with the highest level of professionalism. Can’t recommend them enough!

Staff were all extremely kind and thoughtful all through the process. I always come away feeling like I’ve had the best chat with good friends over a delicious coffee in a gorgeous spot. And all the while… also leaving with healthier skin. I’ve loved working with Emma and Duncan and everyone else at 101!

megan swanson
megan swanson
View on Google

I had a procedure recently at 101 and I’m so happy with how it went! The staff and the consultant were super friendly and made me feel safe and welcome. The results of my procedure are fantastic and I will recommend to all of my friends and family.

Brianna Low
Brianna Low
View on Google

Who Can Benefit from Cheek Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal may be suitable for you if you:

  • Have naturally fuller or rounded cheeks

  • Wish to create more definition in the mid-face

  • Want a slimmer, more sculpted facial contour

  • Feel your facial shape lacks structure despite being at a healthy weight

  • Prefer a permanent alternative to contouring makeup

Your consultant will assess your facial anatomy and skin tone to confirm whether this treatment will achieve your desired look.

Learn More

What’s Included in Your Treatment

We focus on safety, comfort, and natural outcomes. Every step of your journey is overseen by our clinical team to ensure you feel informed and confident.

What’s Included in Your Treatment

A comprehensive consultation with your specialist surgeon

Pre-operative medical assessment and anaesthetic review

State-of-the-art day-surgery facilities in our Harley Street clinic

Procedure performed by an experienced consultant plastic or oculoplastic surgeon

Post-operative care plan, including review appointments and healing support

Got a question? Speak to us

Buccal Fat Removal on the NHS

Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure and is not available on the NHS. As an elective treatment with no clinical or medical indication, it falls outside the scope of NHS-funded care. Patients who wish to undergo cheek reduction surgery do so privately.

Choosing to have your procedure performed privately at a specialist clinic like 101 Harley Street means your care is delivered entirely on your terms at a time that suits you, by a consultant surgeon you have met and chosen at consultation, and within a facility dedicated to your comfort and safety. There are no waiting lists, no referral requirements, and no compromise on the level of attention you receive.

At 101 Harley Street, buccal fat removal is performed in our newly renovated Marylebone day-surgery centre by experienced consultant plastic or oculoplastic surgeons. Your treatment cost is confirmed at consultation, where your surgeon will assess your facial anatomy and outline a personalised plan. Financing options are available to help spread the cost of your treatment.

Explore buccal fat removal

Face Slimming Without Surgery vs Buccal Fat Removal

For patients looking to reduce facial fullness or remove cheek fat, there are both surgical and non-surgical options available. Understanding the differences helps you make an informed decision about which approach is right for your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.

Differences

Contouring and makeupNon surgical and injectablesBuccal Fat removal

What it targets

Visual illusion of slimmer cheeks

Masseter muscle bulk or localised fat deposits

Buccal fat pads within the lower cheeks

Result type

Temporary, washes off

Semi-permanent, fades over months

Permanent, fat pads do not regenerate

Maintenance needed

Daily

Every 4–6 months (botulinum toxin); multiple sessions for injectables

None, single procedure

Downtime

None

Minimal, 1–2 days

3–5 days off work; normal activities at 1–2 weeks

Best for

Trying a look before committing to a procedure

Jaw slimming or patients not ready for surgery

Patients wanting permanent cheek reduction and mid-face definition

Your consultant at 101 Harley Street will assess your facial anatomy and advise you on the most effective route to achieving your desired result.
Speak to a specialist

Buccal Fat Removal Frequently Asked Questions

It is common to have questions about a surgical procedure. Some key questions here that we receive from patients considering a Buccal Fat Removal.

If you are looking for more general information about what happens from your first consultation to aftercare visit our Your Journey page to understand how we guide each patient through the consultation, surgery, and recovery process within our Harley Street surgical centre.

Your Journey With 101
Is buccal fat removal permanent?

Yes, buccal fat removal is a permanent procedure. The buccal fat pads are removed during surgery and do not regenerate. Once removed, the reduction in cheek volume and the improved facial definition is lasting. It is worth noting that natural ageing may cause some further changes to the face over time, and your consultant will discuss how these factors relate to your individual anatomy and goals during your consultation at 101 Harley Street.

What does buccal fat removal involve and how long does it take?

At 101 Harley Street, buccal fat removal is performed under local anaesthetic with or without light sedation and typically takes around one hour. Small incisions are made inside the mouth, meaning there are no visible external scars. Through these incisions, your surgeon carefully removes the buccal fat pads from both cheeks. Because the procedure is performed as a day case, you are able to go home the same day. Your surgeon will walk you through exactly what to expect at your pre-operative consultation.

How long is recovery after buccal fat removal?

Most patients take 3–5 days off work following buccal fat removal, with a return to normal activities at around 1–2 weeks. Some swelling inside the cheeks is expected in the days following surgery — this is a normal part of the healing process. Noticeable improvement in facial contour is visible from around 4–6 weeks as swelling fully resolves, with final results apparent between 3 and 6 months. Your 101 Harley Street clinical team will provide a full aftercare plan and remain available throughout your recovery.

Will buccal fat removal leave scars?

No visible external scarring is associated with buccal fat removal. The incisions are made entirely inside the mouth, so there are no marks on the surface of the skin. This makes the procedure particularly appealing to patients who want a discreet surgical result with no outward signs of having had a procedure.

Am I a suitable candidate for buccal fat removal?

Good candidates for buccal fat removal are individuals with naturally fuller or rounder lower cheeks who wish to create more definition and a slimmer facial contour, and who are at a stable, healthy weight. The procedure is not recommended for patients with naturally slim or thin faces, as removal of the buccal fat pads in these cases may lead to an overly gaunt appearance as natural ageing progresses. Suitability is assessed carefully at consultation — your surgeon at 101 Harley Street will examine your facial anatomy, skin quality, and overall facial structure to confirm whether buccal fat removal is the right procedure for you.

Will I look overly hollow after buccal fat removal?

No. At 101 Harley Street, the procedure is performed conservatively to ensure a refined, sculpted look without excessive hollowing.

Are the results permanent?

Yes. Once removed, buccal fat does not regenerate. Your results are long-lasting and stable.

How long before I see final results?

Initial improvements appear within 4–6 weeks, with full results visible at 3–6 months as swelling resolves.

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients experience mild discomfort or tightness only. This is well managed with simple pain relief

Can buccal fat removal be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Many patients combine this surgery with chin augmentation, neck liposuction, or facelift surgery for enhanced facial sculpting.

Who performs treatments at 101 Harley Street?

All procedures at 101 Harley Street are carried out by highly qualified consultants and specialists who are leaders in their respective fields. Each practitioner has extensive experience within both the NHS and private practice and is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). You can explore our consultants here.

Can I choose which consultant I see?

Absolutely. During your enquiry process, our patient team will recommend the most suitable consultant for your treatment, but you are always welcome to request a specific doctor or surgeon if you prefer.

Will I see the same consultant throughout my treatment?

Yes. You will meet your consultant during your initial consultation, and they will oversee your treatment plan and aftercare to ensure consistency, safety, and the highest standard of results.

Explore our buccal fat removal Specialists

At 101 Harley Street, we’ve brought together some of the UK’s leading consultants and surgeons, ensuring that whatever your treatment, you’ll be in the hands of one of the most experienced and highly regarded specialists in the country. Explore our different consultants below.

About Surgical Treatments at 101 Harley Street 

Our generously proportioned theatre can accommodate cases performed under general anaesthetic, intravenous sedation and local anaesthetic. We also have two treatment/consultation rooms where consultations and other minor operative procedures can be performed.

Our spacious, newly modernised operating theatre has been designed and equipped to provide surgeons and anaesthetists with an optimised environment to perform ambulatory day case surgical procedures. It is a very flexible space and can accommodate a wide range of non-infectious cases performed with local anaesthesia, IV sedation or full TIVA general anaesthesia (ASA Grade 1 and 2 only).

To learn more about what is involved before, during and after surgery, visit our journey page below.

What you need to know
101-Harley-street-office
patient-doctor-surgery-theatre

Exceptional, Friendly Staff

Each member of our team of friendly, welcoming and highly skilled nurses and administrative staff has been individually chosen for their compassion, enthusiasm and dedication to providing our patients and medical staff with an unparalleled level of care.

Meet the Team
surgery-team-square
surgery-team

Follow us on Instagram

✨✨✨A quiet moment at 101 Harley Street ✨

Where calm meets care, and every detail is designed with you in mind. Peaceful spaces, elevated experience. 🤍

#101HarleyStreet #HarleyStreet #DaySurgeryBehind the scenes ✨

Today, Dr Nicki Bystrzonowski is performing a labiaplasty with precision, care, and an all female team. Every procedure prioritises both comfort and confidence in a safe, clinical environment. 

Yesterday (April 21st) marked National Vulva Day! An important reminder to support education, reduce stigma, and empower individuals to make informed choices about their bodies. 

#101HarleyStreet #Labiaplasty #NationalVulvaDay #PatientCare #HarleyStreetA quiet moment of preparation before the work begins. ✨

#101HarleyStreet #DaySurgery #CosmeticSurgery #HarleyStreet #Theatre✨✨✨Precision in action 👁️✨

Mr Gino Vissers performing an upper blepharoplasty this morning at 101 Harley Street. Focused on subtle, natural results. @dr.ginovissers 

#Blepharoplasty #101HarleyStreet #AestheticSurgery #HarleyStreetWhere calm meets care ✨
Our beautiful waiting room at 101 Harley Street - designed to make your experience as comfortable and reassuring as possible before your day surgery. 🤍

#HarleyStreet #DaySurgery #PatientCare #101HarleyStreetStep inside our theatre space ✨
Where expertise, precision, and compassion come together in our day surgery unit at 101 Harley Street. Because every detail matters. 
#101HarleyStreet #DaySurgery #Theatre

How can you find us?

Our surgery is located on Harley Street in Marylebone, London, within one of the world’s most prestigious and historic medical districts. Situated at 101 Harley Street, the clinic offers a discreet and refined setting in the heart of Central London, bringing together leading consultants, advanced facilities and personalised care.

We welcome patients from across the world, as well as patients travelling to London from across the UK and internationally for specialist medical, surgical and aesthetic treatments.

Our location benefits from excellent transport connections. Regent’s Park, Oxford Circus and Baker Street Underground stations are all within easy walking distance, while major London rail stations and international airports  including Heathrow, Gatwick and London City provide convenient access for national and international visitors.

Whether you are travelling from within London or further afield, our Harley Street clinic provides a calm, professional environment designed to deliver exceptional care in one of the capital’s most respected medical locations.

 

Opening hours
Monday
9 am–5 pm
Tuesday
9 am–5 pm
Wednesday
9 am–5 pm
Thursday
9 am–5 pm
Friday
9 am–5 pm
Saturday
9 am–5 pm
Sunday
Closed
101 Harley Street Day Surgery
101 Harley St, London W1G 6AH
Get directions
Speak to a specialist
Whatsapp
Buccal Fat Removal London | Cheek Slimming Surgery — 101 Harley Street