Facial aesthetics have evolved beyond traditional anti-ageing treatments. Today, people are looking for ways to refine, contour, and enhance their natural features while maintaining harmony and balance. Two procedures that often draw attention for their ability to reshape and refine the cheeks are buccal fat removal and dimpleplasty. Although they are different in purpose and outcome, both share a focus on the cheek area and even involve similar surgical approaches through the inside of the mouth. Understanding how each works and which one is right for you is essential when considering facial enhancement.
At Centre for Surgery in London, our consultant plastic surgeons specialise in advanced facial contouring techniques, including buccal fat removal and dimpleplasty. We offer a refined and safe surgical experience in our Baker Street private hospital, designed exclusively for aesthetic procedures. Every treatment is customised to the individual, ensuring natural and proportionate results that complement your facial structure.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
Buccal fat removal, sometimes called cheek reduction surgery, is designed to create a slimmer, more defined face by carefully removing part of the buccal fat pad. The buccal fat pad is a naturally occurring pocket of fat found deep within the lower cheeks. In some people, it is more prominent, leading to a round or fuller facial appearance that doesn’t always reflect the person’s overall body composition.
RELATED: 3 Questions to Ask Before Getting Buccal Fat Removal
During the procedure, a small incision is made inside the mouth — usually between the upper and lower molars — so there are no visible scars on the face. The surgeon accesses the buccal fat pad through this incision and gently removes a measured amount. The remaining fat is left intact to preserve a natural contour and prevent hollowing over time. The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.
As the face heals, the cheeks gradually appear slimmer, and the cheekbones and jawline become more pronounced. Buccal fat removal helps to bring out natural bone structure and gives the face a refined V-shaped contour.
RELATED: Buccal Fat Removal: Achieve a Slimmer, Defined Face
What is Dimpleplasty?
Dimpleplasty, or dimple creation surgery, is a small but transformative procedure designed to create natural-looking dimples in the cheeks or chin. Dimples are often associated with youthfulness and charm, and while some people have them naturally, others choose to have them surgically created for a subtle and appealing enhancement.
Just like buccal fat removal, dimpleplasty involves a small incision inside the mouth. Through this incision, a fine suture is placed to create a gentle connection between the cheek skin and the underlying muscle (the buccinator). When the muscle contracts, the skin is pulled inward, forming a dimple. Initially, the dimple may be visible even when the face is at rest, but over a few weeks, it settles and appears only when smiling or laughing, just like a natural one.
The entire process is performed under local anaesthetic and usually takes around 30 minutes. Most patients are able to return to normal activities the same day.
Dimpleplasty vs Buccal Fat Removal – Key Differences and Goals
Although both procedures involve the cheek area and use an incision inside the mouth, their purposes and outcomes are distinct. Buccal fat removal sculpts and defines the face by reducing volume from inside the cheeks, while dimpleplasty adds a small, natural indentation that enhances facial expression.
Buccal fat removal focuses on contour and structure. It makes the face look more angular and defined. Dimpleplasty, however, focuses on expression and detail. It doesn’t change the overall shape of the face but enhances it with a delicate, attractive feature.
One of the most interesting similarities is that both surgeries avoid any external incisions. Because they are performed entirely from within the mouth, there are no visible scars, and recovery is straightforward.
In skilled hands, these two treatments can even complement each other — producing a slimmer, sculpted face with added definition and a touch of character through dimples.
Who Is the Right Candidate for Each Procedure?
Buccal fat removal is ideal for individuals who have naturally fuller cheeks and wish to achieve a slimmer or more chiselled look. It suits those who find their face appears round even at a healthy weight. However, people with thin or angular faces may not be suitable, as removing too much fat can lead to a hollow or aged appearance later in life.
Dimpleplasty is a perfect choice for those who want to enhance their smile without altering facial proportions. It’s suitable for patients of all skin types and face shapes, and because it’s minimally invasive, it’s often chosen by people seeking a quick, low-risk procedure with noticeable aesthetic appeal.
At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons always carry out an in-depth consultation and facial analysis. This helps determine whether buccal fat removal, dimpleplasty, or a combination of both will best achieve the patient’s desired look.
Similarities Between Buccal Fat Removal and Dimpleplasty
Although buccal fat removal and dimpleplasty achieve different outcomes, they share several important similarities. Both are performed through small incisions inside the mouth, avoiding any visible external scars. Both are typically carried out under local anaesthetic, meaning patients remain comfortable throughout without the need for general anaesthesia.
Each procedure is quick, lasting between 30 and 60 minutes, and involves minimal downtime. Because both surgeries involve the inner cheek area, patients follow similar post-operative care instructions, such as eating soft foods and rinsing the mouth with antiseptic solution to aid healing.
They also share a common recovery pattern — mild swelling and tenderness in the cheek area that subsides within days. When performed by a skilled facial surgeon, both treatments deliver long-lasting results that enhance facial symmetry and confidence.
Recovery and Healing – What to Expect
Buccal Fat Removal
Recovery from buccal fat removal usually takes one to two weeks. Mild swelling, tightness, or tenderness inside the mouth is expected. Patients should follow a soft food diet for several days to protect the incision sites. Good oral hygiene is essential during recovery, and most people return to work within a few days. The results gradually reveal themselves over the following weeks as swelling subsides, with final results visible within two to three months.
Dimpleplasty
Recovery from dimpleplasty is usually quicker. Most people experience mild swelling and sensitivity for a few days. As healing progresses, the initially visible dimples begin to soften and settle into a natural appearance. Normal activities can resume almost immediately, and because the incisions are internal, there are no visible signs of surgery.
Both procedures require minimal aftercare and have very low complication rates when performed by a specialist surgeon at Centre for Surgery.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results from buccal fat removal are permanent. Once the buccal fat pad has been removed, it does not return, though maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the refined look.
Dimpleplasty results are also long-lasting. Initially, the dimples may appear deeper and visible even when not smiling, but they naturally soften as tissues heal, leaving a subtle and attractive final result.
Can Buccal Fat Removal and Dimpleplasty Be Combined?
Many patients choose to combine these two procedures for a comprehensive facial enhancement. Buccal fat removal defines the lower face by removing excess volume, while dimpleplasty adds charm and detail to the mid-face. Together, they can create a sculpted yet expressive look that enhances both structure and personality.
At Centre for Surgery, combination procedures are planned with precision. Our surgeons take care to ensure that results look natural and in proportion with your existing features. Every treatment plan is fully bespoke, designed to achieve balance rather than exaggeration.
Safety and Expertise Matter
Both buccal fat removal and dimpleplasty are safe procedures when performed by experienced, qualified surgeons. The key to a successful outcome lies in surgical precision and artistic judgement. Over-removal of buccal fat can lead to a hollow appearance, and poorly placed dimples can look artificial. Choosing a reputable clinic with specialist facial surgeons ensures your results remain natural and harmonious.
At Centre for Surgery, we carry out all procedures in our CQC-registered surgical facility on Baker Street. Our operating rooms are equipped with the latest medical technology, and our anaesthetists and surgical teams prioritise safety at every stage.
Costs and Finance Options in the UK
The cost of buccal fat removal in the UK can vary depending on the surgeon’s experience and the complexity of the case. It generally costs more than dimpleplasty due to the surgical technique involved. Dimpleplasty is typically less expensive, as it’s performed under local anaesthetic with a shorter procedure time.
At Centre for Surgery, we provide transparent pricing and flexible finance options to make aesthetic treatments more accessible.
Achieving a Natural Look
Both buccal fat removal and dimpleplasty should enhance your natural beauty rather than change it completely. Our goal is to refine, not redefine. The best results are those that look effortless — faces that appear slimmer and more sculpted without obvious signs of surgery, or smiles that gain extra warmth through perfectly placed dimples.
Our surgeons at Centre for Surgery focus on creating balance, proportion, and subtlety. Each face is unique, and every procedure is tailored to ensure results that align perfectly with your natural features and aesthetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Buccal Fat Removal and Dimpleplasty Leave Scars?
No. Both procedures are performed through small incisions inside the mouth, meaning there are no visible scars on the face.
Can I Have Both Procedures Done at the Same Time?
Yes. Combining buccal fat removal and dimpleplasty is safe and can enhance overall facial balance when performed by an experienced surgeon.
How Painful Are These Procedures?
Both are comfortable procedures performed under local anaesthetic. You may feel mild pressure during surgery but no pain.
Will Buccal Fat Removal Make My Face Look Older?
When performed conservatively, it will not. The aim is to sculpt the cheeks while preserving enough fat for a youthful contour.
Do Dimples Created by Surgery Look Natural?
Yes. Over time, the dimples soften and move naturally with your expressions, blending seamlessly with your facial features.
How Soon Can I See the Final Results?
Buccal fat removal results become more visible after the swelling subsides, typically within a few weeks. Dimpleplasty results are immediate but continue to refine as healing progresses.
Can Weight Gain Affect the Results?
Significant weight fluctuations can influence facial appearance, but the results of both procedures generally remain stable if you maintain a consistent weight.
Why Choose Centre for Surgery
At Centre for Surgery, we pride ourselves on being one of London’s leading cosmetic surgery clinics specialising in facial contouring. Located on Baker Street, our private hospital is purpose-built for surgical excellence and patient comfort. From consultation through to aftercare, you’ll receive comprehensive, personalised support from our expert team.
Our consultant plastic surgeons are highly experienced in buccal fat removal, dimpleplasty, and other facial sculpting procedures. Each surgery is tailored to the individual, using the latest techniques to ensure results that are elegant, natural, and long-lasting. Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do, and every treatment takes place in our CQC-registered medical facility.
Learn more about our approach by visiting our About Us page, meet our expert surgeons on the Team Member page, and explore real results in our Before & After Photos. You can also find further details in our FAQs & Guides, review our Finance Options, and learn about our Baker Street Clinic. For ongoing updates, visit our Plastic Surgery Blog.
To book your consultation, please contact the Centre for Surgery at 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN. Call 0207 993 4849 or email contact@centreforsurgery.com.
[contact-form-7 id=”256″ title=”Treatments form”]
