Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic procedure to remove excess cheek fat, thus accentuating your cheekbones and creating a slimmer face. Brought to many people’s attention by celebrities such as Zoe Kravitz and Bella Hadid, buccal fat removal can resolve issues such as “cherub cheeks.”
If you’re considering this procedure and wondering if it’s a good choice for you, the first step is learning more about what to expect. Today, Dr. Jose Barrera explores buccal fat removal in detail, examines how it can affect your looks, and explains who can benefit most.
What Is Buccal Fat Removal?
The goal of buccal fat removal is to create a thinner-looking face by removing the naturally occurring buccal fat pads that are located near the corners of your mouth above the jawline. A qualified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Barrera can remove these pads to give your face a leaner, more contoured shape, bringing harmony to your features and providing you with a more symmetrical appearance.
Buccal fat removal surgery is a very customizable procedure to address concerns such as unwanted fullness or chubbiness in their cheeks. However, qualified cosmetic surgeons typically do not recommend it for people who already have narrow faces, as removing the buccal fat pads may cause thin people to look gaunt as they age.
In general, you may be a good buccal fat removal candidate if:
- You are in good physical and mental health and within your target body weight.
- You have realistic expectations for what this surgery can help you achieve.
- You do not smoke or are willing to quit.
- You are unhappy about the appearance of your chubby cheeks.
If you’re considering getting this surgery, spend some time reviewing before-and-after photos of buccal fat removal surgery patients and learning about what to expect during the healing process. Doing your homework will help you have practical goals expectations and a smoother recovery.
What Are the Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal?
For people with excess fat in their mid-face area, cheek reduction surgery offers many benefits, including:
- More defined cheekbones
- Better facial contours
- Enhanced facial shape and symmetry
- Eliminated “chipmunk cheeks”
- Improved self-esteem
Does Buccal Fat Removal Affect Your Jawline?
Depending on your unique facial anatomy, reducing cheek fullness can create a shaper, more defined jawline by making your jaw structure more noticeable.
Does Buccal Fat Turn Into Jowls?
Since buccal fat and jowls are separate structures, buccal fat cannot turn into jowls – however, the skin laxity and muscle weakness that occur with age can contribute to drooping along the chin and jawline.
Age, genetics, and lifestyle factors can contribute to the development of jowls, which you can treat with different procedures such as a necklift or facelift.
Does Buccal Fat Cause a Double Chin?
As with jowls, buccal fat pads don’t directly cause a double chin, because they are separate structures located in the upper cheeks. A double chin occurs when the skin underneath your chin starts to droop with fatty deposits. However, sagging buccal fat pads can compound a puffy, saggy face, making your double chin appear more pronounced.
As the skin and fatty structures in your face lose their structural integrity, you’ll experience an overall softening with increased laxity. Thus, while buccal fat removal won’t specifically treat a double chin, the procedure will improve contour and firmness.
Can Buccal Fat Removal Make Your Face More Symmetrical?
Facial symmetry is a desirable physical attribute because we unconsciously associate it with beauty and health. In studies, people rate photos of symmetrical faces as being more attractive and trustworthy than those of asymmetrical faces.
If one of your cheeks appears larger or rounder than the other, removing buccal fat can make your face look more balanced. Dr. Barrera can help you achieve a defined, sculpted cheek appearance based on your specific facial anatomy.
Is Buccal Fat Removal Noticeable?
Many patients enjoy the results of buccal fat removal because of the subtle enhancement the procedure delivers. Other facial procedures, such as a facelift, create a dramatic change – desirable for some patients, but not for all. Removing the buccal fat pads can provide increased symmetry, reduced swollen appearance, and a finer cheek contour without an obvious “worked-on” appearance.
Does Buccal Fat Shrink With Weight Loss?
A common question regarding buccal fat pads is whether weight fluctuations affect them. While significant weight gain or loss will make your face look correspondingly slimmer or rounder, you may have inherited plump cheeks from your parents. If you are at your ideal weight and still have large buccal fat pads, you can achieve a more harmonious facial appearance with surgery.
Does Buccal Fat Grow Back?
Buccal fat removal is a long-term solution to excessive facial fullness. Once those fat cells are gone, they are gone for good. However, if you gain a significant amount of weight, you’ll notice the difference in your face. Staying at a healthy body weight with consistent nutrition and fitness can help you enjoy the long-term benefits of cheek fat removal and any other body contouring procedure you might consider.
Buccal Fat Removal in San Antonio, TX
If you are considering buccal fat removal, start by scheduling a confidential consultation with Dr. Barrera. Many factors contribute to the decision to get plastic surgery, and honestly discussing your concerns and goals with a knowledgeable expert is the best way to get insight into your chosen procedure. Dr. Barrera prides himself on his patient satisfaction and the personalized, caring approach he takes to address each client’s individual needs. Please call (210) 468-5426 or fill out our online form to discuss how we can improve your life today.
