Am I a candidate for buccal fat removal? (photos)

Question

I'll be getting a chin/jawline lipo soon and was wondering if I should get a buccal fat removal also. I'm 19, 5'1, 122 pounds. On the left side of my cheek, there's a fat spot that forms when I smile ( shown on the last pictures ) on my left side and none on my right. I don't want a unsymmetrical nor hollow face. If I do get buccal removal, I'm planning on getting both procedures done at the same time. Help a girl out! Thanks.

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

The best candidates for Buccal Fat Pad have an overall attractive facial appearance with nice high cheek bones but with chubby cheeks (also referred to as “chipmunk cheeks” by some people) that do not go away despite diet and exercise. This can cause you to look heavier in the face than you really are. The overall size of the buccal fat pad is a little smaller than a ping pong ball and removing it can make a big improvement. Removal of the Buccal Fat Pad in these patients can make the cheeks look less full and highlight the cheek bones giving a more sculpted facial appearance.

The ideal candidate has fat in the cheeks that is above the border of the mandible or jawline and towards the front of your face. This is easily treated with buccal fat pad removal.

If the prominence or “chubbiness” is towards the back of the jaw (like under the ears), then this is actually an oversized masseter muscle which can easily be treated with Botox which will shrink the muscle. This typically requires 25 Units of Botox on each side.

If the fat is below the jaw then neck liposuction or a necklift may be required.

This quick surgery can enhance the appearance of high cheek bones and give a more sculpted and chiseled facial look. Best of all, buccal fat pad removal is a permanent procedure and the buccal fat does not come back.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes you can combine left only buccal fat removal with jawline surgery. I might do removal with diluted KyBella injections. Expect fees to be added in the $5,000 ranges.

Am I a candidate for buccal fat removal? (photos)

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Am I a candidate for buccal fat removal? (photos)

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