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Too much buccal fat or overdeveloped masseters? (Photo)

I have always had "fat" cheeks despite being very lean and athletic. People used to call me the Cabbage Patch Kid because of my cheeks, which has made me self-conscious about having photos taken or going on camera for anything. I'm 34, so apparently these cheeks aren't going anywhere with age. Would buccal fat removal or Botox in my masseters help me achieve a more sculpted look?

Doctor Answers 3

November 16th, 2015

Too much buccal fat or overdeveloped masseters?

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It does look like you have excess buccal fat but nothing replaces in an person examination. Ensure that if you have this procedure done that your surgeon has the necessary experience. Buccal fat removal, if overly aggressive, can come back to haunt you in the future as you age. It's a fine balance between giving you the look you desire now and maintaining adequate volume in your cheeks as you age. Best.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS
Denver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Learn more: http://weberfacialplasticsurgery.com/about

Stephen Weber, MD, FACS


Denver Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 138 reviews

November 16th, 2015

Buccal fat

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From your photos it appears you are a great candidate for the buccal fat removal procedure. You definitely have an excess of fat in the area of the buccal fat pads. You may have excess superficial fat as well which is why an examination is important. In cases like yours I prefer to start with buccal fat removal as the risks are extremely minimal and the recovery is rapid. It is a quick and easy office-based procedure and can be done under local anesthesia alone or with very mild sedation. Make sure you choose a surgeon with a lot of experience in this performing this particular procedure.  I hope this information helps!

Thomas Taylor, MD, FACS
Pasadena, CA

Learn more: http://doctortaylor.com

Thomas S. Taylor, MD, FACS

Thomas S. Taylor, MD, FACS
Pasadena Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 12 reviews

November 16th, 2015

Too much buccal fat or overdeveloped masseters? = very likely buccal fat pad #fb #buccalfatpad #cheeks #drmesa #doctormesa

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Prominent cheeks specially in the lower face could be secondary to relative excess of bucal fat pad.

Overdeveloped masseters usually don't cause a "fat" cheek.  They usually make the lower face/ jaw to look wider and or square. 

Buccal fat pad excision can decrease the fullness of the cheeks, but could cause the face to look a little bit aged if there is excess of skin. Buccal fat pad removal would be done simultaneously with cheek augmentation with fillers ( like voluma or radiesse) to accentuate the cheek, give a more chiseled appearance and improve any skin excess that could cause increase in jowls and or marionette lines.

Patients interested in cheek reduction with buccal fat pad excision should make a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon specialized in procedures on the face

John Mesa MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

New York City (#NYC) & New Jersey (#NJ)

Learn more: http://www.drmesa.com/face-procedures-new-jersey/buccal-fat-removal/

John Mesa, MD

John Mesa, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 141 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.