Should I get buccal fat reduction or masseter Botox for a slimmer face? (photos)

Thank you for your question and photos. Since you are considering both Botox and a buccal lipectomy for slimming your face, I suggest trying out Botox first as the results would last for approximately 3-4 months.
If you’re unsatisfied with the Botox treatments or you’re interested in a permanent solution, you may benefit from buccal fat pad removal. This procedure is ideal for reducing excess fullness in the face and contouring the cheekbones and jawline. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can help you select the best option for achieving your aesthetic goals.

If your aesthetic goal is to taper down the lower third of your face, there are a few different options. Buccal fat removal is ideal for patients with excess buccal (cheek fat). This would provide lasting results that do not require touchups. If you are looking for a more temporary, less invasive option you may consider masseter reduction with Botox. It would benefit you to follow up with a board certified facial plastic surgeon for a full physical examination to determine which treatment option is best for you. Looking at computer-morphed images with your surgeon during consultation will give you a good idea of what is possible, and also give you a great chance to convey to your surgeon what you envision. @drdonyoo

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Some more information as well as an in-person consultation would be very helpful to determine optimal treatment options. You appear to be a good candidate for facial liposuction (as you already mentioned), and if you are looking to maximize lower facial slimming, then I would recommend at the same time as the lipo procedure, proceeding with buccal fat pad removal. You may also want to consider additional contouring or skin tightening procedures such as FaceTite and MyEllevate. You can always add the botox at a later time in the office. Understand that the surgical options will be a one-time treatment but the botox will have to be done 3-4 times per year to maintain results.

Make absolutely sure you are seeing a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Best of luck!

Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Hi aguthrie97,
Thanks for your question and sharing your photos. To slim your face, there are a couple options. To improve the bulkiness of your cheeks, buccal fat reduction is a good option. For contouring of your chin and neck, liposuction will help by removing the superficial fat. You have bulky and thick skin that is causing heaviness to your lower face. To improve this, I would recommend a skin tightening procedure called Facetite. The combination of Facetite, liposuction and buccal fat reduction will help slim and contour your lower face. Masseter Botox can be added to your treatment plan after you heal from your surgery if you are looking for more lower face contouring.
I hope this helps answer your question!
All the best,Dr. Sanan, MD
Double board certified facial plastic surgeonAkshay Sanan MD Facial Plastic SurgeryLos Angeles, CA