Buccal fat removal, lift or Botox to masseter to slim my face?

Question

I’ve always hated my lower face and feel like it’s gotten worse with age (I’m 34) but am not sure what type of procedure is right for me. I’d like a more heart shaped face or a slimmer lower half. Thanks!

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Buccal fat pad removal is a great operation when performed in properly selected patients and not just utilized haphazardly to create enhanced definition in a face. If your lower cheeks or submalar area (the area below your cheekbones themselves) are somewhat thin or narrow, taking out the buccal fat will highlight your cheekbones but possibly, with a trade off-that, could result in a gaunt, older looking face. To get more customized approach to your concerns it is best to have an in person consultation for a board certified plastic surgeon.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Treatment of ‘chubby cheeks’ cannot be achieved alone with buccal fat pad removal; a fact that I encounter time and time again when seeing patients in consultation for lower facial sculpting. My approach is to use a combined protocol that redefines aesthetic contours of the face. This includes the following: 
  
 
  
Buccal Fat Pad Removal 
  Non-surgical Muscle-Fascia Tightening
  Venus Legacy or Venus Viva
  Ultherapy
  Submental Liposuction or Coolsculpting
   
  
The combined approach is ideal. Buccal fat pad removal is a exceptional procedure that can remove excess fat from the cheek pads. Using an intraoral approach, a small incision is carried through the mucosa to remove a small fat pad within the cheek. Closure of the incisions is minimal with an absorbable suture and patients will experience some swelling post-operatively. We use SwellX tablets post treatment. Once healed, the contour of the cheek is improved and we begin Non-invasive tissue tightening to further enhance results. 
  
 
  
Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian
  
Realself100 Surgeon

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Patients with fillers fo the lower cheeks (chubby cheeks) that become more prominent when smiling could be candidates for buccal fat removal. However it is important to know that buccal far removal only addresses the fullness of the lower ANTERIOR cheeks. In order to improve the fillers of the lower POSTERIOR cheek, Botox treatment of the masseter muscle might be necessary. 
The video below helps to understand who could be a candidate for buccal fat removal. It is important to know that the results of buccal fat removal depends on the cheek bones. If the cheek bones are weak, thus the face skin tends to sag in he lower face, specially around the mouth and jaw line. Buccal fat removal could make this physical finding worst if done without enhancing the cheek bones ( usually with fillers)

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Buccal fat removal and masseter reduction slim the face, but work in different areas of the face.  The buccal fat works along the central portion of the face (mimic by sucking in cheeks), while the masseter muscle slims along the angle of the jaw (feel by biting down along the jawline).  In your case buccal fat removal is more of a priority (based on photos) than masseter reduction. Key steps to consider:-make sure you are a good candidate- check your genetic history of fat loss and your current/ideal weight to see
-chose a facial expert- in experienced hands, buccal fat removal can be done efficiently in an office setting with minimal downtime.  buccal fat is surrounded by critical anatomical structures of the face- choose a facial expert.
Best Dr. Anil Shah

Regina M. Fearmonti, MD · Answer

Great question. I compare buccal Fat reduction (I don’t remove the whole pad, as I feel there is no need) adds similar effects to those you’d appreciate with facial contouring makeup. This effects the fullness below your cheekbone. Masseteric botox treats any fullness along your jawline. I offer these procedures TOGETHER to enhance the contour of the lower third of the face

Buccal fat removal, lift or Botox to masseter to slim my face?

Answers (5)

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