Unusual face fat around the cheek area. How can I treat this? (Photo)

Question

I have this unusual face fat around the cheek area. I havent seen many people with this type of face fat. My eldest brother also has it.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

The area you circled may not be simple "fat." In that cheek region, fullness can come from the malar fat pad, buccal fat, thicker skin/subcutaneous fat, the masseter muscle, the parotid gland area, or normal inherited facial structure. The fact that your brother has a similar shape makes a genetic facial contour very possible.

From the photos, the fullness appears to be in the lateral cheek/midface area, not just the lower cheek. That distinction matters because buccal fat removal only treats deeper lower-cheek fullness and can make some faces look hollow or older if used for the wrong problem. Facial liposuction is also limited in this area and can create irregularities if the fullness is not in a safe, superficial fat layer.

The best first step is an in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, or dermatologist who does facial contouring. They can determine whether the fullness is fat, muscle, gland, swelling, or bone structure. If there is one-sided enlargement, pain, firmness, rapid growth, dry mouth, or swelling that changes with eating, you should also be evaluated medically to rule out a salivary gland issue.

Treatment depends on the cause. Options may include doing nothing, weight stabilization, very conservative facial liposuction in selected cases, buccal fat removal only if the lower cheek is the issue, masseter Botox if jaw muscle bulk is contributing, or filler/contouring in surrounding areas to improve facial balance. The wrong treatment can make the cheek look uneven or hollow, so diagnosis matters more than choosing a procedure name.

Jason Emer, MD (license on probation) · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not uncommon for people to store fat in different areas of their face, and it's possible that genetics could play a role in this.

Liposuction/Liposculpture of the face could benefit you. Of course, an “in person” exam is necessary. It is best to consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon for the best results.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The area that concerns you is likely genetically related.  You can consider facial liposuction to help contour the area.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Facial contour, especially and younger people is primarily determined by facial bone structure. Well, that is part of the make up of the soft tissue coverage on the face fat distribution tends to be fairly consistent from person to person. There are also tissues that contribute to contour such as tension on the skin from muscles of facial expression.
I don’t think your contour is directly related to having excess subcutaneous fat in this area.
Plastic surgeons will have different views, including on the appropriateness of facial Liposuction. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Unusual face fat around the cheek area. How can I treat this? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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