Will buccal fat removal cause me premature sagging? (photos)

Question

I really want smaller cheeks but I'm so afraid of premature sagging. I keep coming across horror stories of people who have developed drooping eyes, early laugh lines and wrinkles, sagging cheeks/jowls and drooping lips 10 years or so after buccal fat removal. I'm seeing a facial surgeon in November for a consultation so I have a lot of time to think but I really don't know if the uncertainty is worth it. Can I get some real answers please? Thank you. I'm getting submental lipo too btw.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, it appears you would be a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal. In my experience, I have not seen this procedure accelerate the aging process when it is performed correctly by an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. The procedure is performed with local anesthesia and incisions inside the mouth. Recovery is generally just a few days. Make sure the surgeon you are working with has the experience and expertise to produce an optimal outcome for you.

Ali Gurlek, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and Pictures
The buccal fat pad is a rounded mass of fat in the middle of your cheek. It’s located between facial muscles, in the hollow area beneath your cheekbone. The size of your buccal fat pads affects your face shape.
Everyone has buccal fat pads. However, the size of buccal fat pads can vary greatly.
If you have larger buccal fat pads, you might feel like your face is too round or full.
You can be a candidate for a Buccal Pad removal surgery.
Best of Luck

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The adverse sequelae of which you speak from buccal lipectomies I have never seen or heard of in performing the procedure for thirty years. You do have to be careful in the thinner face that they do not end up overly gaunt looking years later but that does not apply to your rounder and fuller face. What you need to be aware of is that the buccal lipectomy is not capable of fully treating the areas you have circled. You would need to supplement the buccal lipectomies with perioral liposuction for a more complete effect.

Will buccal fat removal cause me premature sagging? (photos)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

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.

Will buccal fat removal cause me premature sagging? (photos)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

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.