Dr Stefano Cotrufo is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in London Harley Street with over 15 years’ experience as a plastic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery specialist.
Results
Summary
Procedure time45min
AnaesthesiaLocal or twilight
Hospital stayOptional
Support garment2 weeks, face bra
ExerciseAfter 2 weeks
Recovery3 weeks
Final results3 months
Buccal fat removal in London, also known as cheek reduction surgery or buccal lipectomy, is a transformative facial contouring procedure that creates a slimmer, more defined facial appearance by removing excess fat from the lower cheeks. Performed by leading facial plastic surgeon Dr Stefano Cotrufo at his Harley Street clinic, this precise surgery targets the buccal fat pads – deep fat compartments located between your cheekbones and jawline – to enhance your natural bone structure and create elegant, sculpted cheek contours.
For patients concerned about facial fullness, rounded ‘chipmunk cheeks’, or a lack of cheekbone definition, buccal fat removal offers comprehensive, permanent solutions. Unlike weight loss or non-surgical treatments, this procedure specifically targets localised fat deposits that persist despite diet or exercise, creating lasting facial refinement that enhances your natural features.
With over 15 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr Cotrufo is known for his personalised approach, artistic eye for facial proportions, and naturally beautiful outcomes. Trained across Italy, Spain, and the USA, including advanced facial contouring techniques in New York, he brings both technical excellence and compassionate patient care to every procedure. If you’re looking for expert buccal fat removal in London, Dr Stefano Cotrufo could be your perfect solution.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal in London is a surgical procedure that addresses unwanted facial fullness by removing the buccal fat pads – specialised deep fat compartments that sit between your cheekbones and jaw. Also called buccal lipectomy or cheek reduction surgery, this transformative procedure creates a more sculpted, contoured appearance by reducing volume in the lower cheeks and enhancing your natural bone structure.
The buccal fat pad is a deep, elongated fat compartment extending from the upper midface to the lower face. Unlike subcutaneous facial fat that sits just beneath the skin, the buccal fat pad resides in a deeper anatomical layer, which is why it cannot be effectively reduced through diet, exercise, or non-surgical treatments.
Nevertheless, it is possible to successfully combine the reduction of the buccal fat pad with VASER liposuction of the lower face and upper neck, and Dr Cotrufo’s unique cases have already been published on several platforms over the last 10 years.
Dr Cotrufo leads the consultation process for any facial plastic surgery through “at least” two separate meetings. The exact anatomy of the buccal fat pad, from its zygomatic-temporal component to its lower-buccal extension, is explained thoroughly.
Using the ultrasound is standard practice in Dr Cotrufo’s clinic to assess the volumes and distribution of soft tissues before, during and after surgery. This advanced new approach during plastic surgery consultations helps understand 1) how thick the buccal fat pad is over the mid component of the cheek and 2) what impact should be expected after surgery. This radiologic application is also instrumental to confirm if the excision is more appropriate than VASER liposuction for the lower face or if the two procedures should be combined, ultimately depending on individual targets.
For some individuals, genetics causes these fat pads to remain prominent well into adulthood, creating a rounded, childish appearance or ‘puffy cheeks’ that feel disproportionate to their facial features.
During buccal fat removal surgery in London, Dr Cotrufo makes a small (2-3 cm) incision inside your mouth, between the inner cheek and upper gum near the second molar. This approach ensures no visible facial scarring. Through this discreet incision, the buccal fat pad is carefully accessed, and a precise amount is gently removed to create balanced, natural-looking facial contours. In fact, it is more accurate to describe the procedure as “ buccal fat pad reduction” rather than “excision” since the zygomatic-temporal components are never reduced through this approach. The procedure typically removes 2-6 cm³ of fat from each side, though the exact amount is tailored to your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
The incision is then closed with dissolvable sutures, requiring no removal. Because the surgery works at a deeper anatomical level and removes permanent fat structures, the results are lasting and stable. One of the most significant advantages of buccal fat removal is that it creates permanent facial refinement – the removed fat pads do not regenerate. Dr Cotrufo’s meticulous approach ensures you achieve elegantly sculpted cheeks with defined contours that enhance rather than overwhelm your natural features.
Why Choose Buccal Fat Removal with Dr Cotrufo?
Dr Cotrufo is a highly respected facial plastic surgeon who specialises in creating naturally refined, proportionate facial contours through buccal fat removal surgery in London. Using over 15 years of experience and comprehensive training across some of the world’s leading surgical units in Italy, Spain, London, and the USA, he provides patients with precisely tailored facial contouring that enhances their natural beauty.
Patients seeking buccal fat removal in London choose Dr Cotrufo because of his meticulous attention to detail, comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy, and artistic ability to create results that look naturally sculpted rather than overdone or artificial. His calm, honest, and expert approach ensures you feel safe, heard, and truly looked after throughout your entire journey. Dr Cotrufo takes time to understand your specific concerns and aesthetic goals, examining your facial structure in detail to create a personalised surgical plan designed precisely for your needs.
With impressive surgical training spanning Italy, Spain, London, and New York, Dr Cotrufo is fully registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and is a fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS). He is also a member of CAPSCO, BAHNO, and SICPRE. His blend of technical mastery, deep anatomical knowledge, and artistic sensibility has earned him a reputation for trust and excellence among patients seeking facial contouring surgery in London.
There are several cosmetic procedures that complement buccal fat removal to provide comprehensive facial enhancement. These may include chin augmentation or reduction for balanced facial proportions, neck liposuction to reduce fat in the lower face and neck, jawline enhancement with dermal fillers or implants, rhinoplasty for overall facial harmony, or non-surgical treatments like Profhilo for improved skin quality. Dr Cotrufo will advise which procedure or combination of procedures will best allow you to achieve your desired facial aesthetics.
Buccal Fat Removal: Natural, Permanent Results
Buccal fat removal surgery seeks to comprehensively address concerns about facial fullness and lack of definition in the cheek area, creating sculpted contours, eliminating ‘puffy cheeks’, enhancing natural cheekbone structure, and revealing a more refined, mature facial appearance. The procedure is highly effective for patients who feel that weight loss, diet, or non-surgical treatments have fallen short in addressing their lower facial fullness.
The results of buccal fat removal are permanent because the removed fat pads do not regenerate. This means you can enjoy your refined facial contours indefinitely, with the sculpted appearance lasting throughout your lifetime. Unlike temporary solutions such as dermal fillers or non-surgical contouring treatments that require ongoing maintenance, buccal fat removal provides a one-time surgical solution with lasting benefits.
Dr Cotrufo’s technique emphasises natural-looking results that enhance your existing facial features rather than creating an artificial or ‘overdone’ appearance. His patients regularly describe their buccal fat removal results as ‘exactly what I wanted’ and appreciate that friends and family notice they look more defined and refined, but can’t quite pinpoint what has changed. This subtle, natural facial sculpting is the hallmark of Dr Cotrufo’s surgical artistry.
Whether you choose to have buccal fat removal as a standalone procedure or combined with complementary treatments such as chin augmentation, rhinoplasty, or neck contouring, feeling relaxed and comfortable about your cheek reduction surgery starts with positive communication between you and your surgeon. This relationship begins with your consultation, where Dr Cotrufo will listen carefully to your concerns, examine your facial anatomy and structure, and develop a personalised surgical plan designed specifically for your goals.
What to Expect After Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
It is likely that you will go home on the same day after buccal fat removal surgery, during which time you may be advised to rest with your head elevated to reduce swelling. Mild to moderate swelling and bruising in the cheek area is normal and typically peaks around days 2-3, then gradually subsides over 2-3 weeks. Dr Cotrufo will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support optimal healing and the best possible results.
You’ll be advised to follow a soft food diet for the first week following surgery to avoid disrupting the healing incisions inside your mouth. Foods like soup, smoothies, mashed potatoes, yoghurt, and scrambled eggs are ideal during this initial recovery period. You should also maintain excellent oral hygiene by gently rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash several times daily to keep the surgical sites clean and reduce infection risk.
Most patients return to work and normal social activities within 1-2 weeks, once the majority of visible swelling has resolved. Light activity and gentle walking can resume after a few days of rest, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and vigorous physical activity should be avoided for 3-4 weeks to allow complete healing. Dr Cotrufo provides comprehensive aftercare support, regular follow-up appointments, and phone access for any post-operative concerns throughout your recovery journey.
FAQs on Buccal Fat Removal Surgery
- What is buccal fat removal?
- Why choose Dr Stefano Cotrufo for buccal fat removal surgery?
- Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal in London?
- What can buccal fat removal achieve?
- What happens during a consultation for buccal fat removal?
- How long does buccal fat removal surgery take?
- What is recovery like after buccal fat removal in London?
- When will I see results from my buccal fat removal surgery?
- What are the alternatives to buccal fat removal surgery?
- Is buccal fat removal surgery safe?
- Can buccal fat removal be combined with other procedures?
- How much does buccal fat removal in London cost?
- How long do the results of buccal fat removal last?
- Will buccal fat removal make my face look gaunt as I age?
What is buccal fat removal?
Buccal fat removal in London is a surgical procedure that removes the buccal fat pads – deep fat compartments in the lower cheeks – to create a more sculpted, contoured facial appearance. Dr Stefano Cotrufo performs this cheek reduction surgery to enhance natural cheekbone definition, reduce facial fullness, and create elegant, refined facial contours. The procedure addresses permanent fat deposits that cannot be reduced through diet or exercise, delivering long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Why choose Dr Stefano Cotrufo for buccal fat removal surgery?
With over 15 years of experience and comprehensive training across Europe and the USA, Dr Cotrufo brings unparalleled expertise to every buccal fat removal procedure. He is fully registered with the GMC and EBOPRAS, and his patients consistently describe him as calm, attentive, and naturally gifted. Dr Cotrufo’s surgical artistry focuses on creating naturally sculpted results that enhance your existing features rather than creating an artificial appearance. His meticulous approach to facial anatomy ensures balanced, proportionate outcomes.
Who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal in London?
You may be a suitable candidate if you have excessive fullness in your lower cheeks, rounded ‘chipmunk cheeks’ that persist despite maintaining a healthy weight, a lack of cheekbone definition or facial contours, a desire for more sculpted, mature facial appearance, or facial proportions that feel unbalanced due to lower facial fullness. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, maintain a stable weight, have realistic expectations, and are seeking permanent facial contouring. Dr Cotrufo will assess your facial anatomy during a consultation and recommend the best approach for your goals.
What can buccal fat removal achieve?
Buccal fat removal in London can create elegantly sculpted cheek contours, eliminate ‘puffy cheeks’ and facial roundness, enhance natural cheekbone definition and prominence, create a more refined, mature facial appearance, improve facial proportions and balance, and deliver permanent results that last a lifetime. Dr Cotrufo’s technique ensures results look natural, proportionate, and harmonious with your overall facial features, creating subtle refinement rather than dramatic alteration.
What happens during a consultation for buccal fat removal?
During your consultation, Dr Cotrufo will listen carefully to your concerns and aesthetic goals, examine your facial anatomy, bone structure, and fat distribution, discuss the buccal fat removal technique and what it can achieve for you specifically, review your medical history and any previous cosmetic procedures, explain the procedure timeline, recovery process, and expected outcomes, show you before-and-after photos of previous patients with similar facial structures, and answer all your questions thoroughly. The consultation process is based on at least two meetings before proceeding with surgery to ensure all questions are answered, and you feel completely comfortable.
How long does buccal fat removal surgery take?
Buccal fat removal in London typically takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the amount of fat being removed and whether it’s combined with other procedures such as chin augmentation, neck liposuction, or rhinoplasty. The surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on your preference and the complexity of the procedure. All procedures are performed by Dr Cotrufo personally, ensuring the highest standards of care, precision, and safety throughout.
What is recovery like after buccal fat removal in London?
Most patients go home on the same day following buccal fat removal surgery. Swelling and bruising are normal and typically peak around days 2-3, then gradually subside over 2-3 weeks. You’ll follow a soft food diet for the first week and maintain excellent oral hygiene with antiseptic mouthwash. Most patients return to work and social activities within 1-2 weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3-4 weeks. Dr Cotrufo provides detailed aftercare instructions, regular follow-up appointments, and phone access for any post-operative concerns throughout your recovery.
When will I see results from my buccal fat removal surgery?
You’ll notice an immediate improvement in facial contours, though initial swelling will mask some of the final results. Swelling begins to reduce significantly after 2 weeks, and the most visible swelling resolves within 4-6 weeks. Final results are typically apparent within 3-6 months as all tissues settle and any residual swelling completely resolves. The results of buccal fat removal are permanent and long-lasting, with the refined facial contours remaining stable throughout your lifetime as the removed fat pads do not regenerate.
What are the alternatives to buccal fat removal surgery?
Dr Cotrufo also offers complementary facial contouring options, including facial liposuction for broader fat reduction in the cheeks and jawline, dermal fillers strategically placed to enhance cheekbone definition (though this adds volume rather than removing it), Profhilo for improved skin quality and subtle lifting effects, VASER liposuction for minimally invasive fat reduction, and combination non-surgical treatments. During your consultation, Dr Cotrufo will discuss all options and honestly recommend the approach best suited to achieving your specific goals and the degree of facial refinement you desire.
Is buccal fat removal surgery safe?
It is a delicate procedure because there are several delicate structures surrounding the buccal fat pad, such as the salivary system and the facial nerve; several large vascular structures can also branch just beneath the buccal fat pad. And yet, like any other surgery, when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr Cotrufo, buccal fat removal surgery is very safe simply because he uses the microscope to avoid damaging any of the above-mentioned anatomical structures. The procedure is minimally invasive (through a very short incision) and can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, reducing risks associated with general anaesthesia. Dr Cotrufo follows the highest safety standards and is registered with the GMC, EBOPRAS, CAPSCO, BAHNO, and SICPRE. He performs all surgeries at accredited facilities with experienced anaesthetists and dedicated nursing staff. Choosing an experienced facial plastic surgeon in London like Dr Cotrufo ensures both your safety and beautiful, natural results.
Can buccal fat removal be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine buccal fat removal with chin augmentation or reduction for balanced facial proportions, neck liposuction for comprehensive lower facial contouring, rhinoplasty for overall facial harmony, jawline enhancement with fillers or implants for defined contours, or facelift surgery for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Combining procedures can be more cost-effective and may reduce overall recovery time. Dr Cotrufo will discuss combination approaches during your consultation and recommend the treatment plan that will best achieve your aesthetic goals.
How much does buccal fat removal in London cost?
The cost of buccal fat removal depends on the complexity of your procedure, the amount of fat being removed, whether it’s combined with other procedures, and the type of anaesthesia used. Typical costs in London range from £2,250 to £3,500 for buccal fat removal alone. Dr Cotrufo will provide a detailed, transparent quote during your consultation that includes all surgical fees, anaesthesia, facility fees, and comprehensive aftercare. All pricing is transparent with no hidden costs and includes follow-up appointments and Dr Cotrufo’s personal attention throughout your journey.
How long do the results of buccal fat removal last?
The results of buccal fat removal are permanent. Once the buccal fat pads are removed, they do not regenerate, meaning your refined facial contours will last throughout your lifetime. Your facial appearance will continue to age naturally, but you will always maintain the improved definition and sculpted contours achieved through surgery. Many patients find that their buccal fat removal results inspire them to maintain better overall self-care, including healthy lifestyle habits and good skincare routines that further preserve their results.
Will buccal fat removal make my face look gaunt as I age?
This is an important consideration that Dr Cotrufo discusses thoroughly during consultations. The key is removing the appropriate amount of fat – not too much, not too little – based on your unique facial anatomy, age, and long-term aesthetic goals. Dr Cotrufo’s conservative, artistic approach ensures he removes only the amount necessary to create elegant definition while preserving sufficient volume for a youthful appearance as you age. His extensive experience and understanding of facial ageing patterns allow him to predict how your results will evolve over time, ensuring you enjoy beautiful, natural contours for decades to come.
Still Have Questions About Getting Buccal Fat Removal in London?
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Dr Stefano Cotrufo
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