23yo with family history of chubby cheeks that stay full as they age. Am I a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

Question

I am only 23 and have been reading about how this procedure is not recommended if you're young, but my family has a history of chubby cheeks that stay full as they age. My biggest fear is a procedure gone wrong. Compared to other surgeries, is buccal fat removal dangerous in any way? What are the success/satisfaction rates and have you seen any that have gone poorly? (lumpy face/overly gaunt/etc). Also, what is the recovery time? thank you for your opinions!

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Young patients with asian background and family history of chubby cheeks that stay full as they age are usually excellent candidates for buccal fat removal. The reasons are basically two: one is the most obvious: the presence of chubby cheeks. The second one is the asian background. By definition anybody with asian background have amazing high cheek bones. Cheek bones are the foundation  a youthful looking face. Therefore, when someone with prominent asian cheek bones undergo buccal fat removal they achieve a great chiseled V-shaped facial look. Additionally they don't look older after the procedure because the face skin doesn't sag afterwards ( the high cheek bones maintain the face skin "lifted"The video below helps to understand who could be a candidate for buccal fat removal. 
John Mesa, MDAsian Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon New York City - New Jersey - Miami

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Buccal fat reduction may be a good option for patient with "chubby cheeks". Some people are just born with too much facial fat, which does not generally change with body weight changes.An incision is made inside the mouth and a small amount of the buccal fat pad is removed. The procedure takes less than an hour, and recovery is pretty quick. Patients have normally not reported pain, but rather a temporary mild ache or soreness. Most patients return to work within a couple days, while some like to a week off. The "final" results generally take several weeks after swelling resolves. Most plastic surgeons prefer to take away too little fat rather than too much fat to prevent "gaunt" appearance.Based on the photographs, you appear to be a possible candidate for buccal fat reduction. Speak with a plastic surgeon to perform a comprehensive evaluation.Best,Dr. Chaboki

23yo with family history of chubby cheeks that stay full as they age. Am I a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

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Everything you need to know about Buccal Fat Removal

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23yo with family history of chubby cheeks that stay full as they age. Am I a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

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Everything you need to know about Buccal Fat Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.