Buccal fat removal regret - will filler or fat transfer provide support or should I leave it alone? (Photos)

Question

Hi, I am 35F, I had buccal fat removal a year ago, I've given it a year to settle and I regret it. Taking it out has caused my face to drop and appear heavier, my chin is less pointy too. I've been looking into filler or fat transfer, I'm wondering though if either of those would provide the same support the original buccal fat pad had of if I'm better off just leaving it alone. Thanks

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Given that your buccal fat removal has led to midface hollowing and a less defined jawline, I recommend filler as the most practical way to restore support and contour. Deep, structural filler placed in the cheeks, malar area, and jawline can recreate the volume and lift that the buccal fat pad once provided, softening the heaviness and improving facial proportions without surgery. While fat transfer is also an option, filler is less invasive, more controllable, and can be adjusted over time to achieve a natural, symmetrical result.

Jaeil Lee, MD · Answer

From your photos, the changes you’re seeing after buccal fat removal look more related to early descent and reduced mid-cheek support rather than true volume loss. In cases like this, adding weight with filler or fat transfer can sometimes make the lower face look heavier, so these options need to be used very cautiously.
A non-volumizing approach&mdash;such as a conservative lifting treatment to improve soft-tissue support&mdash;may be more appropriate than trying to replace the buccal fat with volume. That said, the best plan depends on your tissue quality, skin thickness, and how much support was lost, which can only be assessed in person.
An in-person consultation is the most reliable way to determine whether a small amount of structural filler, a lifting treatment, or simply observation would give you the most natural result.

Buccal fat removal regret - will filler or fat transfer provide support or should I leave it alone? (Photos)

Answers (2)

More Buccal Fat Removal Questions

Chubby cheeks - how can I achieve a skinnier, more defined face? (Photo)

What procedure(s) would help define the lower third of my face? (Photos)

Fat pockets under mouth - What can be done to remove these or lessen the appearance? (Photos)

What should I do about my wide lower face? Buccal fat removal? Masseter botox?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS