Options for Getting Rid of "Baby Face"?

Question

I was born with a lot of fat on my face, people always tell me I have a "baby face". I'm 26 and I had my buccal fat pads removed, which has helped. The only problem is that I have excess fat/tissue along my jawline. I don't know if there's enough to actually do a lower facelift, but there's too much of it to fix with just laser treatments or other skin-tightening procedures. What are my options?

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

For patients with a baby face, especially patients over 30, it may be possible to reduce the buccal fat pads.  This can establish a nice cheekbone-cheek contour.  Of course, the overall facial symmetry should be evaluated.  Chubby cheeks may arise from a deficient cheekbone area, so removal of the buccal fat pads might not be right for that patient.
The buccal fat pad can be easily accessed from inside the mouth.
For years, there has been resistance to removing the buccal fat pads, because of the fear of hollowness during old age.  However, the buccal fat pads atrophy anyway over time.  Also, you see photographs of many of the parents of patients requesting buccal fat pad removal, and the parents still have "chipmunk cheek" look, even in their 50's, 60's and 70's!
We have found removal or reduction of the buccal fat pad to be valuable in the right patient.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Patients who still have a "baby face" after buccal fat removal due to excess fat/tissue along the jawline could benefit from chin liposuction.Chin liposuction, when performed in an extended manner ( including the jaw line) will remove the double chin thus helping to achieve a more mature but youthful facial look in patient candidates.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Without seeing any photos or having an in-person exam, this is a difficult question.  Buccal fat reduction to remove fullness in the cheeks could be indicated.  You might also be a candidate for liposuction under the jawline to create a more chiseled look, or a series of Kybella treatments might be another option to help dissolve any submental fat.  A chin implant might also be used to create a more angular and defined jawline.  Even filler, strategically placed, could help with the look you are going for.  See a facial plastic surgeon and get an individualized consultation to find out what options might be best.Be sure to see an expert.All the best,

Jordan Cain, MD · Answer

Buccal fat pad reduction can help slim the cheeks, but as you have found it does not do much to change the jawline. There are several procedures available which can help provide a more sculpted jawline in a young person such as yourself. Excess fatty tissue underneath the chin and jawline can be removed with liposuction, or with a series of Kybella injections, which dissolves the fat in this area. Sometimes adding a chin implant or filler along the chin and jawline can help to improve the definition along the lower border of the face. It is difficult to say exactly what would be best in your particular case without any pictures, and really nothing is more valuable than an in-person evaluation. I recommend that you schedule a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon to determine which option will provide the best individualized result for you.
Best wishes,

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing.  Buccal fat pad reduction is a procedure that removes the deep lower cheek fat pad that gives one a chipmunk look or the baby fat face look. This fat pad can be removed under local anesthesia through incisions inside the mouth. Ultimately it will give you a more sculpted lower face.  The face will look less round and upper cheeks will appear for prominent.  I am glad you like the procedure. If  you think you do have extra skin there are new technologies like ulthera that uses ultrasound energy to tighten skin.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Rfrazar,

	
	Thank you for your question. Overall, the face is a delicate and a complex area of the body where the smallest facial procedures could reflect considerable facial changes. It is important to note that with age progression, buccal fat atrophy will take place at various intensities depending on multiple factors.

	With that perspective, de-fatting your face is best performed by a well experienced surgeon who can preserve your natural looks and the “identity” of your face by removing just the appropriate amount of buccal fat.

	Without your examination and your photographs, it is not possible to go over your case in more details and show the best of your facial features.

	 

	Best wishes.

	Dr. Sajjadian

Randy Wong, MD · Answer

A clear majority of my patients would love to switch places with you. If you look 30 years ahead, your "baby face" will be your most admired asset. I agree with Dr. Wallach's answer. Don't be too hasty in removing facial fat, because in the long term, it may cause you to age faster.

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

The Buccal Fat Pads are natural pockets of fat that are in your cheeks. The removal is permanent and the fat should not return if the entire fat pad was removed. 
The best candidates have overall slim faces but chubby cheeks. In your case, you may have needed other minor procedures to achieve the goals for your face such as facial liposuction, neck liposuction, adams apple reduction, chin implants, jawline augmentation.
Dr. Karan Chopra
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
Face * Body * Breast Expert

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

Buccal fat removal is commonly used to slim the face.  Please consult with a board certified specialist in the face who can assist you with achieving the results you seek.  3-dimensional computer imaging can also help you visualize what you may look like afterwards and serve as a useful communication tool with your surgeon.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

Liposuction above the jawline is a no-no, below the jawline may help to create a more angular face. Implants can take a way the rounded look you do not like. The combination of cheek implants and a chin implant can help in this regard. Of course, this is all hypothetical and your own facial features may not improve with this advice.

Options for Getting Rid of "Baby Face"?

Answers (12)

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