When I walked into the consultation room at Ambrosia Aesthetics and introduced myself as a medical journalist interested in buccal fat removal in Mumbai, I was greeted by Dr Siddharth Prakash, who kindly agreed to take me through his approach, his clinic setup, his experience and what patients considering this procedure need to know. What follows is a detailed, neutral and informative account of that conversation, combined with published data on cost, risks and after-care.
Qualifications, Experience & Clinic Setup
Dr Siddharth Prakash is a board-certified plastic surgeon practising in Mumbai, with qualifications including MBBS, MS and DNB in General Surgery and DNB in Plastic Surgery. He has undergone international fellowships including a fellowship in Aesthetic & Craniofacial Surgery at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, and training at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute in Brazil. He is listed among leading plastic surgeons in Mumbai, affiliated with hospitals such as Lilavati Hospital and Jaslok Hospital.
During my visit his clinic Ambrosia Aesthetics I noted that the consultation rooms are modern, well-lit, with clear charts and before/after photos on display, indicating a practice oriented to aesthetic detail and patient comfort. Dr Prakash told me that for buccal fat removal, the procedure is often done as a day-care basis (in-clinic or ambulatory centre) under local or light sedation, and the environment is organised accordingly.
The Discussion on “Buccal Fat Removal in Mumbai”
When I asked Dr Prakash about buccal fat removal in Mumbai, he explained that it is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce the buccal fat pads located in the cheeks (the lower part of the mid-face) so as to give a more contoured, less “round-cheeked” appearance. As he put it: “The goal is not to hollow the face, but to remove the bulk that is out of proportion and highlight cheekbones and jawline in a balanced way.” He noted that removing buccal fat is permanent but the final aesthetic result depends on careful planning: facial anatomy, skin thickness, age, weight fluctuations, and how much fat needs removal must all be weighed.
Dr Prakash emphasised that in his clinic, the assessment begins with: facial anatomy analysis, discussion of patient goals (how sharp, how subtle), risk review (nerve, salivary duct, hollowing) and realistic expectations. He pointed out that unlike fat reduction on the body, buccal fat removal requires ultra-careful technique because incisions are inside the mouth, the fat pad sits near facial muscles and nerves, and over-removal may lead to almost skeletally hollow cheeks in later years. He stressed patient selection and surgeon experience matter significantly.
Other Practitioners, Pros & Cons
For context and comparison, two other doctors in Mumbai who perform similar procedures include:
- Dr Vishal Patel (Plastic Surgeon, Mumbai) – his website lists buccal fat removal cost in Mumbai and details on cheek contour surgery.
- Dr Parit Ladani (Maxillofacial/Facial plastic surgeon, Mumbai) – his clinic offers buccal fat pad removal among facial aesthetic options.
Pros of Buccal Fat Removal:
- Permanent reduction of cheek bulk; once the fat pad is removed it does not regrow. (Dr Prakash confirmed this under proper technique.)
- Can yield a more defined jawline and cheekbone, offering improved facial contour for patients who naturally have fuller cheeks.
- Relatively quick recovery compared to major surgeries—often day-care, minimal external scars (incisions inside the mouth) if done well.
Cons of Buccal Fat Removal:
- Risk of over-hollowing: If too much fat is removed, or patient ages with further facial fat loss, the cheeks may appear gaunt. Dr Prakash emphasised this risk in our interview.
- There are potential complications: swelling, asymmetry, infection, damage to glands/ducts, nerve involvement.
- Cost and downtime are still non-trivial; multiple consultations required, and not all patients are ideal candidates (e.g., very thin faces, older patients with already reduced facial fat may not benefit).
- Results depend on surgeon skill and patient anatomy; less-experienced hands may not yield natural effect.
Approximate Cost Range
Based on Dr Siddharth Prakash clinic details and published cost data:
- According to one cost guide, the cost of buccal fat removal in Mumbai generally ranges between ₹ 40,000 to ₹ 80,000 depending on surgeon expertise and facility.
- Another source states the range in India for buccal fat removal as ₹ 20,000 to ₹ 1,00,000, with Mumbai figure around ₹ 40,000-₹ 50,000 on average.
- Given Dr Prakash’s credentials and clinic setup, one might reasonably expect costs in the higher end of the range (₹ 50,000-₹ 90,000) depending on complexity, bilateral vs unilateral, anaesthesia, and any associated procedures.
Precautions & Aftercare Advice Shared by the Doctor
From our interview with Dr Siddharth Prakash and corroborated by literature:
Precautions before surgery:
- Selective candidacy: Patients should have fuller cheeks, stable weight, good skin elasticity. Thinner faces or older patients with facial fat loss may not be ideal.
- Medical evaluation: Basic blood tests, overall health check, stop smoking or reduce it, inform about any facial asymmetries or prior surgeries.
- Realistic expectation-setting: Dr Prakash spends time explaining the limits (he said: “We cannot make someone look like a completely different person overnight”).
- Understand procedure details: Incisions are intra-oral, so strictly follow hygiene instructions to avoid infection.
After-care advice:
- Expect swelling and perhaps mild bruising for 5-7 days; recovery to normal activities usually within 7-10 days.
- Mouth hygiene: Since the incision is inside the cheek lining, maintain oral hygiene, avoid hard or crunchy foods initially, maybe use soft diet.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for about two weeks, avoid heavy chewing, orthodontic stress or contact sports.
- Maintain stable weight: Significant weight loss later can cause over-hollowing; Dr Prakash emphasised the need for stable body weight for best lasting result.
- Sun-protection and follow-up: Prevent further facial volume loss, stay hydrated, follow surgeon’s follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months.
- Report any persistent numbness, asymmetry, salivary gland swelling, or infection signs promptly.
My Take as a Medical Journalist
After spending time with Dr Prakash and reviewing the published data, I would recommend Dr Siddharth Prakash at Ambrosia Aesthetics for those seriously considering buccal fat removal in Mumbai, provided you are a good candidate (i.e., you have fuller cheeks, stable weight, realistic goals). His international training, hospital affiliations and the clinic’s visible infrastructure suggest a high standard of care.
However, as with any cosmetic surgery, I advise you to seek multiple consultations, ask about revision policy, look at before/after photos of similar patients, discuss what happens if you lose weight later, and be sure you understand cost breakdown.
📍 Ambrosia Aesthetics in Andheri West
Call: 9930993600 | 9930998023
Email: dr.siddharth@live.com