Would buccal fat removal help?

Question

I’m wondering if my problem is buccal fat. My surgeon can’t really say if it solve my problem or not. I’m a fit person with a low body fat (9%). Yet my face looks puffy. I have big cheeks and fat in the face. I was willing to do the buccal fat surgery but after consultation my surgeon left it to me. My fat in my face seems to be around my cheeks

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Male patients with low body fat (below 10%) who have a puffy face that looks more pronounced while smiling (chubby smile) usually have larger buccal fat pads. These enlarged buccal fat pads are often the cause of these symptoms, especially in patients with low body fat. Another contributing factor is the lack of high cheekbones. The combination of enlarged buccal fat pads and poor cheekbone definition makes the face look puffy and quite chubby when smiling.

Buccal fat removal can reduce facial fullness in such cases if the patient has high cheekbones. If the patient does not have high cheekbones, they must enhance their cheekbones before or at the same time as the surgery to achieve a chiseled masculine look while avoiding an aged appearance.

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

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

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photographs. If your body fat is 9%, the volume of superficial fatty tissue in the face is relatively low. The buccal fat can still contribute volume in the central part of the cheek, and you can see its effect mostly when the face muscles are relaxed. If you want to achieve more control of the volume of the cheeks when relaxed, buccal fat reduction could be the solution.

In terms of the expression, the smile that you demonstrate is very strong, and the corners of the mouth displace laterally, compressing the cheeks. It suggests that the buccinator muscles are relatively strong. These are the muscles that we use if we want to show the back teeth without significantly opening the mouth. It is also possible to reduce their strength with botulinum toxin. It is indeed a temporary solution, but the effect of reduction in the strength of such contractures means that the cheek tissue is not compressed so aggressively, and the spontaneous smile would still look like the face is slightly narrower.

Nhan Ho, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Dear pdickson,
Thanks for your question. Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size of the buccal fat pads in the cheeks, resulting in a more contoured and defined facial appearance. To determine if buccal fat removal is right for you, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your facial structure, discuss your goals, and provide personalized recommendations. The surgeon will also explain the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. 
Regards,Dr. Nhan Ho

Would buccal fat removal help?

Answers (3)