How can I achieve a slimmer/more symmetrical/ model-esque face? (Photo)

Question

I'm 21 years old and have struggled with chipmun cheeks my entire life. No matter what weight I am, my cheeks always looks big. I was wondering what might best address the chubbiness of my cheeks as well as the width of my face. I seem t have cheekbones that stick out too far and make me face wide. I also dislike my chin shape and how it is almost square like when I smile. Would bone shaving be the way to address this? I'd also like more definition in the jawline, would lipo help?

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Young patients in their 20s with normal weight who struggle with chipmunk cheeks usually have genetically predetermined enlarged buccal fat pads. Buccal fat pads are specific pockets of fat in the lower anterior face that cause chubbiness, a round face, or chipmunk cheeks when they are big. They are typically resistant to diet and exercise (which is why skinny people can still have chubby cheeks).

Buccal fat removal can permanently correct this chubbiness by removing the excess fat pads. When patients have high cheekbones and most or all of the buccal fat pad is removed, they can achieve a model-esque facial look. However, buccal fat removal does not address the width of the face, as that is determined by the bone structure.

Additionally, buccal fat removal does not correct the square-shaped appearance of the chin. For those interested in changing a square chin to a more feminine look, chin fillers are the best, fastest, and easiest solution. In my practice, I perform chin augmentation and shape remodeling with hyaluronic acid fillers because they are 100% reversible. This provides patients with peace of mind since the fillers can be dissolved if they are not satisfied (though they usually love the results).

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

John Mesa, MD
Buccal Fat Removal Specialist
New York - New Jersey - Miami

How can I achieve a slimmer/more symmetrical/ model-esque face? (Photo)

Answers (1)