28 y/o hoping to achieve a more structured appearance, which procedure would be most effective for me? (photo)

Question

I ahave always been skinny and have always had chubby cheeks. My skin is very stretchy as well. I hate the roundness of my face and wish I looked more structured. I’m 28. Thinking about masseter Botox, chin lipo, kybella, or buccal fat removal

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

When considering facial contouring procedures to achieve a more structured appearance, it's important to understand the benefits and limitations of each option. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist is crucial to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific anatomy and goals. Here’s a brief overview of the procedures you mentioned:

1. **Masseter Botox**:
   - **Purpose**: Reduces the size of the masseter muscles, which can slim the jawline and create a more V-shaped face.
   - **Best For**: Individuals with hypertrophic (enlarged) masseter muscles due to teeth grinding or clenching.
   - **Pros**: Minimally invasive, quick procedure, no downtime, results in a more tapered lower face.
   - **Cons**: Temporary results (lasting 3-6 months), requires repeated treatments.

2. **Chin Liposuction**:
   - **Purpose**: Removes excess fat under the chin to improve the contour of the jawline and neck.
   - **Best For**: Individuals with submental fat (double chin) and good skin elasticity.
   - **Pros**: Permanent fat removal, can provide significant contouring.
   - **Cons**: Invasive, requires some downtime for recovery, potential for swelling and bruising.

3. **Kybella (Deoxycholic Acid Injections)**:
   - **Purpose**: Non-surgical injectable treatment to reduce submental fat (double chin).
   - **Best For**: Individuals with mild to moderate submental fat.
   - **Pros**: Non-surgical, minimal downtime, gradual improvement.
   - **Cons**: Multiple treatments may be needed, potential for swelling and discomfort post-injection.

4. **Buccal Fat Removal**:
   - **Purpose**: Surgical removal of the buccal fat pads in the cheeks to create a more contoured, hollowed-out cheek appearance.
   - **Best For**: Individuals with fuller cheeks desiring a more chiseled look.
   - **Pros**: Permanent results, can significantly change facial contour.
   - **Cons**: Invasive, requires downtime for recovery, potential for over-removal leading to a gaunt appearance over time as the face naturally loses fat with aging.

Given your concerns about chubby cheeks and stretchy skin, **buccal fat removal** might be a strong option if your primary goal is to reduce cheek fullness. However, if your goal is more focused on the jawline and lower face, **masseter Botox** or **chin lipo** could be beneficial. If you have a double chin, **Kybella** or **chin lipo** might be more appropriate.

Here are some next steps:
1. **Consultation**: Schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who can assess your facial structure, skin elasticity, and overall goals.
2. **Discussion of Options**: Discuss all the options, including potential risks, benefits, and recovery times.
3. **Personalized Plan**: Develop a personalized treatment plan based on the professional’s recommendations and your preferences.

Remember, a professional consultation will provide the most tailored advice for your specific situation.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your singular photo, you appear to have a pleasing facial appearance. Since your jawline appears to be well defined, the feasibility of neck liposuction is unclear. I'm not a big fan of buccal fat removal since people do not age well with this procedure, and you are young. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

28 y/o hoping to achieve a more structured appearance, which procedure would be most effective for me? (photo)

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28 y/o hoping to achieve a more structured appearance, which procedure would be most effective for me? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Chin Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.