Buccal Fat Removal Q&A
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Cheek Fat Removal or Jaw Implants?
asked 2 years ago by cwsf in SF
Latest answer by Philip Young, MD
Question viewed 3,405 times
Tags: cheeks, jaw
I have chubby cheeks and for a while I have considered buccal fat removal. However, I feel that part of the reason my cheeks look chubby is because I have a rather short mandible. In other words, when my mouth is open my cheeks don't look so big, but when it is closed they do. So would I be better off getting jaw implants to "stretch" my face a bit, or should I get the fat removal? I am somewhat reserved about the latter because I'm only 26 and don't want to end up looking gaunt when I am older.
9 answers to Cheek Fat Removal or Jaw Implants?
+2
Jaw implants can fill up your face and decrease the chubby cheeks look
But everybody is different and has different anatomy. Cheek implants can also help this issue as well to fill up your face. Chin implants can also fill out the lower third of your face and help achieve this as well. I included a video for you to watch below.
see video
+1
Proportion RULES
When talking about the face many people focus on the feature they don't like.
Be sure to sit with a plastic surgeon who will put the whole thing in perspective, including analyzing your face according to upper, middle and lower thirds, as well as their relationships.
Depending on your goal, the surgical options may not be obvious to you, and sometimes the answer can be unexpectedly simple, or involved.
+1
Buccal fat pad removal versus jaw implants
You bring up a very good question, and you should really have an xray done of your cheek bones first to determine the size and relationship of all of you facial bones. Then, discuss with your plastic surgeon what your goals are. These are two very different operations with different outcomes, so be careful in deciding what to do. You're right, you also may have a gaunt look when you're older if you get your buccal fat pads removed. This is a question better answered in person after a...
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+1
Buccal fat pad removal to correct chubby cheeks can produce nice results
You are very astute in your evaluation of your face. A short mandible does accentuate cheek fullness or chubby cheeks.
A picture would help me evaluate your condition more accurately. However, I have treated several young women with complaints similar to yours.
If your chin is also recessive (weak chin) as I susoect it is, a mandibular advancement rather than mandibular implants is more likely the correct procedure.
It is common to do a buccal fat pad resection in combination with the...
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+1
Facial fat removal vs. mandibular implant.
The description of your condition is excellent. Without seeing you though, it's tough to recommend what's best. Do you have a round, Asian face? If so, BOTOX to the masseter muscles may be helpful.
I do share your concern about fat removal, and the aging process. So in general, I've never been a big fan of buccal fat removal.
You should consult several board certified facial plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns in person. Or post a picture for us to see.
I hope this helps, and best...
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+1
Mandibular implants versus buccal fat pad excision
This is a very good question. It really depends upon your anatomy. Yes, buccal fat pad excision can thin out a very full face if the buccal fat pad is the problem. However, if the mandible is narrow and you want it a bit wider, sometimes mandibular implants can be added to widen the jaw.
+1
Get a consultation so that you better understand your needs
Dear Cwsf
Your aesthetic concerns seem very theoretical. I am wondering if you have had a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon or a general plastic surgeon who focuses on facial issues? Also it would be helpful to have your photographs.
It is very important for you to understand the consequences of your choices given your age. You will find someone to operate on you. That is the way the world works. The risk is that you elect to do something and are very disappointed with the...
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+1
You might benefit by mandibular implants.
Hi!
Hard to tell without examining you, but from your description, giving you a stronger jaw line may be what you need. In New York, we usually do this with an anatomical chin implant and with mandibular implants. Jaw advancement (fracturing the jaw), is more radical and seldom indicated.
You can always have your buccal fat pads trimmed later. This is a minor procedure.
+1
Jaw surgery versus buccal fat extraction
Your concern about looking gaunt is a valid one. We generally lose facial fat as we age and so it is a possibility that buccal fat extraction could accentuate this appearance, However, in some instances this can be an excellent option.
The choice of jaw surgery or implants depends heavily on your dental occlusion. IT may be prudent for you to first be evaluated by your dentist for a malocclusion.
Once this has been determined, the choice of oral surgery versus implants will be easier....
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Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon