Is Buccal Fat Removal or Mandible Reduction Right For Me? (photo)

Hi Sleepie_angel,

 

Thank you for uploading your photographs.

 

Buccal fat removal and Mandible reduction are permanent procedures. Yes they could be reversed but with high risks. Therefore, it is best to have a conservative approach first. This is where consulting an extensively experienced surgeon comes handy.

 

Buccal fat pads will undergo atrophy as age progresses; which makes the buccal fat removal delicate and precise.

As for the Mandible reduction, it could be approached non-surgically (Botox) if you are looking for the least invasive procedure.

 

Best of luck to you.

Dr. Sajjadian

Young female asian background patients with chubby cheeks and wide jaw who would like to achieve a more V shape facial appearance could benefit from several plastic surgery procedures.
Buccal fat removal addresses the fullness of only the lower ANTERIOR cheeks. The fullness of the lower POSTERIOR face is usually caused by either enlarged masetter muscle or enlarged jaw bone or both. Although mandible reduction is a permanent solution, it is very invasive and requires a lot of downtime. Another effective option, that is not permanent, is Botox treatment of the masetter muscle. When the lower portion of the masetter is "shrank" with botox injections, it could mimmic the result of mandible bone shaving in selected patient candidates. 

A lot of your buccal fat will resolve with aging. If you do remove it, leave enough behind so it doesn't get hollowed out. For the jawline, you might want to try Botox first. You seem to have mainly a muscle component to your width - a profile picture with the hair pulled back would give a better view for analysis.

Patients are often confused about appropriate options for facial enhancement. Buccal fat reduction is permanent removal of excess fat from the cheek or middle face area. Jaw reduction often requires reducing jaw muscle and/or bone. Each cosmetic procedure deals with different areas of the face.

Botox or similar neuromodulators have been used to gradually reduce jaw or mandible size without surgery. Treatment is performed in the office. Nonsurgical approach may be a first step, then consider surgery afterward. Generally, plastic surgeons will prefer to more conservative approach first. 

Without a comprehensive evaluation, it's difficult to determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki