Buccal fat or masseter Botox? (Photo)

When considering whether buccal fat removal or masseter Botox is more suitable for addressing facial concerns like a chubby appearance, several factors need to be considered:

Buccal Fat Removal:

Purpose: This procedure involves surgically removing fat pads from the cheeks to create a more contoured and sculpted facial appearance.
Best For: Individuals with fuller cheeks due to excess buccal fat, not related to muscle size.
Considerations: This is a permanent procedure, so it’s crucial to ensure it aligns with your long-term aesthetic goals.
Masseter Botox:

Purpose: Botox injections in the masseter muscles can slim the jawline by relaxing these muscles, which may be hypertrophied (enlarged) due to activities like teeth grinding or clenching.
Best For: Individuals whose facial fullness is due to prominent masseter muscles rather than fat.
Considerations: This is a temporary solution, requiring maintenance treatments every 4-6 months for sustained results.
Consultation with a Specialist:

A thorough consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon is essential. They can assess your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your individual anatomy and preferences.

Finding the right specialist is crucial. Look for professionals with extensive experience in facial aesthetics, and consider seeking recommendations or reviews from previous patients to ensure you choose a qualified and skilled practitioner.

When considering these two options it makes sense to begin with Botox. The treatment is nonsurgical and temporary. If you like the results, they are easily repeated. If they do not give you the look you want you can then consider other treatments such as buccal fat removal.

You should try Botox first as it is a temporary treatment and may be sufficient to treat your concerns. If after treatment, you feel unsatisfied then you may then explore more permanent options like buccal fat removal. Just be aware, with buccal fat removal it may look good initially but as you age it may make you look older, sooner in life. Fat in our face keeps us looking youthful and healthy. Another treatment you may want to consider that is less invasive would be Morpheus8. Not only can this be used to contour the lower face and target areas where there is undesirable fat, but you will also get the benefit of skin resurfacing, collagen production and lifting and tightening of the skin.