A bichectomy — better known in English as buccal fat removal — is one of the most requested facial-contouring procedures of the last few years. The question almost everyone asks first is simple: how much does it cost, and why is the price so different from one country to the next?
If you are researching the procedure in the United States or Canada, you have probably noticed quotes that vary widely. In this guide, the Argaman Plastic Surgeries Mexico team breaks down realistic price ranges in the US and Canada, compares them with Mexico City, and explains exactly why the difference is so large — without any compromise on safety or results.
What is a bichectomy?
A bichectomy removes a small, carefully measured portion of the buccal fat pads — the rounded pockets of fat that sit deep in the cheeks. Reducing them slims the lower face, enhances the natural hollow beneath the cheekbone and creates a more sculpted, defined look. It is a short procedure, usually performed through tiny incisions inside the mouth so there are no visible scars, often under local anesthesia with sedation.
Because it is quick and the recovery is mild, buccal fat removal is an ideal procedure to combine with a short trip abroad. You can read more about the surgery itself on our dedicated buccal fat removal in Mexico page.
Bichectomy cost in the US and Canada
In the United States, a bichectomy typically costs between $2,500 and $6,000 USD. In high-demand metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, Miami or New York, the surgeon's fee alone can sit at the upper end of that range or beyond.
In Canada, prices generally fall between $3,000 and $6,500 CAD. As in the US, the quoted surgeon's fee frequently excludes several line items that you only discover later.
What is often left out of an initial North American quote:
- Anesthesiologist's fee — commonly $500 to $1,200 on top.
- Facility or operating-room fee — another $500 to $1,500.
- Pre-operative tests, medications and garments.
- Follow-up visits if any revision or extra care is needed.
Once these are added, a bichectomy in the US or Canada frequently lands closer to $4,000 to $8,000 all in.
Bichectomy cost in Mexico City
In Mexico City, the same procedure — performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited private hospital — costs a fraction of North American prices. At Argaman Plastic Surgeries Mexico, an all-inclusive bichectomy package typically represents savings of roughly 40 to 70% compared with US pricing.
Crucially, the Mexico City figure is an all-inclusive number, not a stripped-down surgeon's fee. The hidden extras that inflate North American totals are already built in, so the price you are quoted is very close to the price you actually pay. Because every patient's anatomy and goals differ, we provide a written, itemised quote after a short pre-consultation rather than a one-size-fits-all sticker price.
| Location | Typical surgeon's fee | Realistic all-in total |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2,500 – $6,000 USD | $4,000 – $8,000 USD |
| Canada | $3,000 – $6,500 CAD | $4,500 – $8,500 CAD |
| Mexico City (all-inclusive) | Significantly lower — typically 40 – 70% less than US pricing | |
Why Mexico is more affordable — not lower quality
The single most important thing to understand is that the lower price reflects lower operating costs and a favorable exchange rate — not lower quality. The savings come from economics, not corner-cutting.
- Lower overhead — staff salaries, facility costs, rent and malpractice insurance are simply lower in Mexico than in the US or Canada.
- Favorable exchange rate — the strength of the dollar against the peso stretches your budget further.
- Efficient, focused care — our coordination model concentrates resources on the surgery and recovery rather than on expensive administrative layers.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons use FDA-approved materials and operate exclusively in accredited private hospitals that follow the same modern safety standards you would expect in any major North American clinic. You are paying less for the same level of care — not less care.
What an all-inclusive package covers
When patients compare a North American quote with a Mexico City package, they are often not comparing the same thing. An all-inclusive bichectomy package at Argaman Plastic Surgeries Mexico is designed to be transparent and complete:
- The surgeon's fee and operating-room time.
- A dedicated, board-certified anesthesiologist.
- An accredited private hospital or surgical centre.
- Pre-operative tests, medications and post-operative follow-up.
- Airport transfers — and, for many patients, a stay at one of our partner hotels.
The only items you budget separately are your flights and any extra nights or meals. With realistic planning, the total — flights included — still comes in well under what the surgery alone would cost at home.
Why choose Argaman Plastic Surgeries Mexico
Since 2012, Argaman Plastic Surgeries Mexico has organised plastic surgery trips to Mexico City for international patients who want the quality of care they would receive at home, without the price tag.
- Board-certified plastic surgeons with decades of experience in facial contouring.
- FDA-approved materials and the safety standards of any major North American clinic.
- Transparent, itemised, all-inclusive quotes — no surprises after you arrive.
- A bilingual coordinator from your first message through your final virtual follow-up.
A bichectomy is a small procedure with a big impact on facial definition — and choosing Mexico City can make it dramatically more affordable while keeping the standard of care exactly where it should be. The next step is a simple, no-obligation conversation about your goals and an exact, written quote.
Want an exact bichectomy quote for Mexico City?
Book a free, no-obligation virtual consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. You will receive a transparent, all-inclusive quote and answers to every question — typically within 24 hours.
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