Northern Virginia & Washington DC
Many people in the greater Washington, D.C. area may consider full and round cheeks an attractive or even youthful attribute. For some people, their full cheeks have a negative effect on their appearance and their ability to be taken seriously. They have spent their lives being called “chipmunk cheeks.” Many people with full cheeks are hesitant to smile or laugh because they feel that their full cheeks make their eyes appear smaller, giving the face a fuller appearance. People living with these problems often experience low self-confidence, dissatisfaction with their appearance, and a decreased ability to express themselves and their emotions freely. These problems can lead to a decreased quality of life and low self-esteem.
Pain Level After Surgery
Mild-Moderate
Anesthesia
General or local with sedation
Duration of Surgery
1 Hours
Scars
MInimal
Final Results
6-12 Months
Return to Regular Work
1 Week
Resume Exercise
2-4 Weeks
Price Range
$7,600 & up
Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgery option that can help individuals achieve a slimmer face, reduce fullness in the cheeks, and enhance their overall sense of satisfaction with their appearance. Dr. George Bitar offers this procedure at the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Fairfax, VA, for patients interested in reshaping their cheeks to achieve a slimmer, sleeker look.
For many patients, the procedure results in increased confidence, a greater sense of happiness with their appearance, and the ability to smile, laugh, and express themselves more easily, leading to a significant improvement in their quality of life and overall enjoyment.
This targeted procedure, performed in the Washington, D.C., area, helps create more definition along the cheekbones and jawline, resulting in a slimmer, more contoured facial profile. For many, this not only enhances their natural bone structure but also restores harmony and balance to the face. The change can be subtle yet powerful, helping patients feel more confident in photographs, on video calls, and in social situations where their facial appearance plays a major role in self-expression.
Patients at the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute often report that after buccal fat removal, they feel more confident smiling, speaking, and presenting themselves without worrying that their cheeks will distract or misrepresent their age. And because the procedure is performed from inside the mouth, there are no visible scars—just a smoother, more sculpted appearance.
An initial consultation is scheduled, during which we will discuss the procedure and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. Your medical history will be reviewed, and you will be asked to see your medical doctor for a physical check-up and a few laboratory tests to ensure you can undergo the surgery safely. Good candidates for the buccal fat removal procedure will meet the following requirements:
While each patient’s experience and reasons for undergoing elective surgery are unique, there are some commonalities among patients who decide to have buccal fat removal performed. These include feeling self-conscious about their appearance, being teased and called unflattering names throughout childhood, and sometimes even into adulthood. They often feel that their full cheeks make them look fat or childish. Dr. Bitar will work with you to understand your goals and help you decide if the procedure is the best option for you. He will conduct a thorough and comprehensive consultation with you, ensuring you understand all the options available and the realistic results you can expect.
Ideal candidates for buccal fat removal in the Washington, D.C. area are generally healthy adults who are concerned about having overly full cheeks that make their face appear rounder or heavier than they’d like. If you’ve been told you have “baby cheeks” or a “cherubic” face and wish to bring more definition to your midface, this procedure may be right for you. Dr. Bitar recommends that patients be at least 18 years old and preferably in their mid-twenties or older, as the natural aging process often reduces cheek volume on its own. Those with a stable weight, no major underlying health issues, and realistic expectations for subtle yet effective facial refinement are most likely to benefit.
A well-prepared patient leads to a successful surgery and recovery. Whether you’re flying internationally or locally, our staff strives to provide you with a great experience. During your initial call to our office, one of our patient care coordinators will discuss the various options available to address the areas of concern you have. The doctor will review your medical history, spend the appropriate time to review all surgical and non-surgical options, and discuss whether surgery can be performed in-office under local sedation or at the hospital under general anesthesia. By sharing our before-and-after photos, you gain a better understanding of the quality of surgery our doctors provide and the outcomes you can expect to achieve. We will review pre- and post-operative care to ensure you are prepared for your role during surgery. You will be asked to stop smoking two weeks prior to and after surgery. Safety is our top priority, so we will ask you to visit your primary care physician to undergo a physical exam, lab work, and, in some cases, an EKG 30 days prior to surgery. Next, we will schedule a pre-operative appointment two weeks prior to surgery to address any questions you may have and review the surgery details, ensuring everyone is on the same page. You will then receive a courtesy call the evening before surgery to review instructions and any questions you may have.
The procedure is brief, lasting approximately an hour, and is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
Once local anesthesia is administered, the cheek area will be numb, and the patient will not feel the pain. Dr. Bitar will make an incision between the cheek and gums, starting in the back of the mouth just above the upper molars. The incision is between 2 and 3 centimeters long and exposes the fibers and fascia of the buccinator muscles, the major muscles of the cheeks. Once the muscle is exposed, Dr. Bitar will apply pressure to the external cheekbone, which forces the buccal fat to protrude from the incision, allowing it to be pulled out with tweezers or forceps. When the correct amount of fat has been removed to produce your desired results, Dr. Bitar will close the incision.
While facial liposuction can also be employed to remove fat from the cheek area, this method of buccal fat removal results in a slimmer face without tell-tale signs of surgical incisions or permanent, visible scarring to the face, and is usually the most aesthetically pleasing and preferred method by doctors and patients alike.
Our office will provide a comprehensive post-operative plan to ensure the best possible outcome. The plan will outline what to expect postoperatively, including estimated recovery time, pain management, garments or dressings, and anticipated activity level. For your safety, we require that an adult stay with you at least the first 24 hours after surgery and drive you to your next-day follow-up visit. With most facial procedures, you will be instructed to limit activity for the first week or two, which could include restrictions on driving, prolonged travel, and flying. Additionally, we recommend that you refrain from exercise until cleared by your physician, typically around four weeks post-surgery. You are asked to refrain from smoking for a minimum of two weeks. To optimize healing, we recommend that you eat a high-protein diet. You should anticipate a variable degree of bruising and swelling, as with any surgical procedure; light make-up may be used to cover bruises starting a week after surgery. We also offer scar creams at an additional cost to optimize results.
To promote healing and minimize complications, you will be seen in a series of post-op appointments, including the day after surgery. These appointments will continue throughout the first year after the procedure to make sure you are healing as planned. For your added convenience, you also have direct access to Dr. Bitar’s cell phone number, should you need to reach him outside of office hours. The final post-operative visit, one year after surgery, is one of our favorites, as the results are fully apparent, and we love seeing our patients happy. You are always welcome to return and visit us, even years after your surgery.
At our practice, we’re proud to be one of the few in the area offering Elixir MD, a cutting-edge LED-based device specifically designed to accelerate healing after cosmetic surgery. Elixir MD stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and enhances circulation, dramatically shortening recovery time and improving surgical outcomes. This advanced technology sets our practice apart, offering patients a faster, more comfortable healing experience with visibly better results.
At the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we take pride in providing our patients with the best possible surgical experience, emphasizing patient safety while striving to optimize surgical results. This process includes comprehensive pre-operative preparation and patient education, the development of a personalized operative plan, and a thoughtful post-operative care regimen that emphasizes patient comfort and promotes recovery.
The Institute has adopted several strategies to further ensure patient safety. We are selective and only offer surgery to patients whose overall health and lifestyle choices allow for healing and facilitate recovery. To minimize risk, we require a comprehensive preoperative assessment that includes a thorough history and physical examination, as well as targeted laboratory tests.
All surgeries are performed in-house at our AAAASF-accredited surgical suite, representing the gold standard in patient safety and care. This certification ensures we meet the highest standards, with board-certified anesthesiologists and nurses on-site, adhering to strict protocols to minimize risks and optimize outcomes. Dr. Bitar is committed to continuing education, refining his skills, and introducing new techniques, all with the goal of enhancing safety and surgical outcomes.
We emphasize patient safety in our peri-operative care plan, advocating early mobilization, optimizing nutrition, and providing detailed care instructions. After surgery, patients are seen in our office frequently and early, starting the day after their procedure, and a staff member is available around the clock for any questions or concerns. Our entire team is dedicated to our patients’ well-being, and every measure is designed to minimize potential complications, promote a comfortable and rapid recovery, and optimize surgical outcomes.
Our commitment to excellence and exceptional patient care is in every step of your doctor-patient experience. Dr. George Bitar is a distinguished board-certified plastic surgeon who stays on the cutting edge of advancements in cosmetic surgery and technology to offer the best possible results. With a blend of artistry and meticulous surgical technique, he achieves beautiful and natural results for our patients. We provide a high level of patient safety, and our experienced and caring staff will be with you every step of the way. Our institute offers a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical options, including skin care, injectables, and laser treatments, as well as in-office and hospital procedures, providing a versatile approach tailored to individual patient needs. Your aesthetic goals are our top priority, and each procedure is carefully customized to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
For more information, call our office at 703-206-0506.
The cost of Buccal Fat Removal in Fairfax and the Washington, D.C., area starts at $7,600 and may increase depending on the complexity of the case, whether the procedure is combined with other treatments, and whether local or general anesthesia is used. While this investment reflects a range, it includes your surgical fees, anesthesia, pre- and post-operative visits, and ongoing care throughout your recovery. Dr. Bitar’s team provides transparent pricing and will walk you through a personalized quote during your consultation, ensuring you understand the full scope of your care.
If you are in the Fairfax or greater Washington, D.C. area and would like further information about this procedure, please do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment by calling (703) 206-0506 or completing our online request form.
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“Natural beauty but doing a little somethin’ somethin’ to make beautiful features pop is what the Model Lift™ accomplishes.”
–
Dr. George Bitar
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