Alternatives to Buccal Fat Removal, or is This the Best Option?

Thanks for your question. I find buccal fat pad reduction to be a great procedure in the properly selected patient. Fullness in the lower cheeks or "chipmunk cheeks" can be treated this way to give a more defined lower face. Liposuction or skin tightening technologies will not be the right choice when buccal fullness is apparent. The buccal fat pad sits deeper in the lower cheek area under muscle. This is different from skin fat that can be liposuctioned or laser lipo'd. Proper diagnosis is important to understand how to treat. Also, this fat pad may get smaller when we are elderly possibly giving a hollow look in this area. Performed properly in the right patient buccal fat reduction is easily performed and gives a slimmer lower face that is difficult to achieve otherwise. I have many happy patients with this procedure. Careful selection and counseling are key. Results evolve nicely over a period of weeks to months. This is a safe procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia. Recovery is minimal. Please talk to a board certified surgeon experienced in buccal fat reduction to see if you are a candidate.

Can my cheeks fullness (chipmunk cheeks, chubby cheeks) be improved with other procedures rather than buccal fat excision for example Liposuction of the cheeks)? Buccal fat (Bichat’s fat or buccal fat pad) is an isolated fat pocket that is located deep to the facial muscles, and it can’t be access directly with a liposuction cannula. Liposuction is best used to address the superficial fat of the face and neck areas.  
Who are ideal candidates for Buccal Fat pad Removal? Ideal candidates for buccal fat excision surgery are both men and women with excessive fullness in the lower cheek area, round face, chubby cheeks or chipmunk cheeks who would like to have a chiseled face.   
Am I a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal? Buccal fat removal is an option for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their chubby cheeks (excessive fullness in the lower cheek area) and would like to achieve a sleek chiseled face. A consultation with Dr. Basil Pakeman can be helpful to decide if buccal fat pad excision is right for you.

Big cheeks are usually caused by enlarged buccal fat pads. Big buccal fat pads usually run int the families,and are commonly resistant to decrease in size with diet and exercise. Buccal fat removal is the plastic surgery procedure that permanently manes the face thinner by removing the buccal fat pads. Therefore, buccal fat removal is generally the only best procedure to decrease the fullness of the chubby cheeks. The video below helps to understand who could be a candidate for buccal fat removal.  

You have many options. It is all about fat (or volume) in the right places. The key is Hot is HOT! Buccal fat removal and/or manipulation can be a great and transformational procedure in the right patient.  Oftentimes fat transfer or filler injection in conjunction with this procedure is able to give a more “ideal” heart shaped face. Sometimes fillers alone can make the difference. So one option would be to trial fillers in the upper cheek/malar area and see if that gets you were you want.  This can make a significant difference in patients as a combo. We are able to create shadows and sharpness where you want it. It may seem counterintuitive to add fat when you say your problem is chubby cheeks but what we do is add volume to the highest and most projected point of the cheek bone and taper it to the lower face. This helps to create a shadow just under the malar area.  This is especially helpful in thin patients and in combination with buccal fat pad removal is a powerful maneuver. Liposuction of the jawline and sculpting is also helpful in some patients. It really depends on your specific anatomy. All of this can be done in clinic with some calming medications and local anesthesia.
I recommend getting a consult with a surgeon who does this procedure frequently to get a full facial analysis to make sure your specific goals are addressed.
Hope this helps.
Best of luck.
DrC

Dear ChubbyCheeks,

 

Buccal fat pad removal is a delicate procedure best fitting candidates with chubby cheeks that will not be prone to atrophy with age progression. Suffering from a hollow face later on in life is not that pleasant. This procedure is best performed by surgeons of ample experience in that field.

 

If you are looking for permanent results in term of slimmer "heart shaped" face, I encourage you to seek a consultation with an extensively experienced surgeon who will provide you with the best advises so you will be making a well informed decision.

 

It looks like facial contouring with fillers and Botox could be an option for you. Only through physical examination that a surgeon is able to provide definitive solutions.

Thank you for sharing you photographs.

 

Best of luck to you.
Dr. Sajjadian