I would like to know what procedure would best help remove face fat and get a more defined jaw line? (photos)

Question

I am 20 yrs old. I have always had chubby cheeks and a double chin although my body is slim. My family on my mothmother's side all of excess double chin although they are also slim. I basically just want my face to be slimmer and more defined as it is in my 'selfies'

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Chubby cheeks are not rarely present in patients with slim body /normal weight. Chubby cheeks very commonly run in the families and are resistant to decrease in size with diet and exercise. Double chin has similar story.
Patients with chubby cheeks could benefit from buccal fat removal. This cosmetic plastic surgery procedure permanently removes the chubby cheeks to achieve a more defined, V shaped, chiseled facial look in patient candidates. When combined with chin liposuction (that removes the double chin), patients achieve a more defined jaw and thinner lower face. I routinely perform both procedures as a combo under local anesthesia. Out State patients usually fly in and out the same day of the procedure.

The video below helps to understand who could be a candidate for buccal fat removal.

Thomas P. Sterry, MD · Answer

Based on your photos and your filtered selfies, I think some buccal fat reduction, chin AND cheek liposuction is probably going to get you what you are looking for.In my experience, despite some of what you read to the contrary, buccal fat removal is an underpowered operation.  There is typically not very much fat to be removed from that area without risk of injury to the facial nerves.  For this reason, I started using microcannula liposuction on the cheeks and jowls in combination - or sometimes separately to sculpt the look that patients are asking me for.I've written a little blog on my experience and attached it here.  Please have a look.Good Luck!

Stephen H. Fink, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Adding definition to the face can be accomplished using a variety of minor surgical techniques. The importance of each one can vary depending on the anatomy. The first thing is to check for structural defining points like the chin projection, the malar or cheek bone projection and the width of the lateral jaw. These areas can be enhanced with either solid surgically placed implants or liquid injectable implants(fillers). The next thing is to consider removal or fat below the chin, over the jawline or in the mid cheek to further enhance the definition. This can be accomplished with either Kybella to dissolve fat, liposuction to surgically remove it, buccal or cheek fat removal from inside the mouth and in some cases even shrinking the muscle over the lateral jaw with Botox. The most appropriate combination of these procedures would need to be determined by consultation with an experienced surgeon.

Best to you,
Dr. Fink

Best to you,
Dr. Fink

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Jawline slimming is very popular lately and can be done by adding botox or disport to the masseter muscle. The area under your chin or “double chin” is a different product we use called Kybella, where it destroys the fat cells, but can take anywhere from 3-4 treatments to achieve fully desired results. Hope this information helps you in your search!

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Buccal fat reduction helps to remove unwanted volume in the middle to lower central portion of the cheeks. This helps many patients achieve a more sculpted facial appearance. I commonly combine this procedure with other facial reshaping techniques such as filler injections to the upper/lateral cheeks, Botox injections to the masseter muscles, chin augmentation with fillers or implants, and neck or submental liposuction. The combination of these various procedures is customized for each patient depending on their goals.Be sure to see an expert in facial aesthetic procedures to review all of the options in detail.All the best,

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  The best procedure for you would be a buccal lipectomy where the fatty tissue in the lower cheeks are removed through a hidden incision inside the mouth.  It is very quick procedure that takes about 30 minutes to perform with minimal downtime.  This will provide you with the sculpted look you desire.  Best of luck and hope this information helps!- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsaiBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello estrellamaria,
It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! Based on your picture and description, you seem to be a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal combined with NeckTite and Botox injections to masseter muscle, for a more sculpted facial appearance. Buccal fat pad removal, also known as bichectomy or check reduction, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excessive fat pads from the cheeks to create a more contoured and sculpted facial appearance. It is generally used to reduce chubby cheeks (“chipmunk cheeks”) that can be due to genetics or weight gain. This procedure can be safely performed in-office, under local anesthesia with sedation. Downtime is typically 24-48 hours, which make this facial plastic surgery very convenient to most patients. It’s also recommended combining buccal fat removal surgery with neurotoxin injections (Botox, Dysport or Xeomin) to masseter muscle to achieve slimmer, more contoured cheeks plus a chiseled jaw line. Injecting botulinum toxin into the masseter muscle is an excellent and safe nonsurgical option to reduce the size of the muscle, resulting in a desirable oval face. Furthermore, buccal fat removal may be combined with other aesthetic procedures, such as FaceTite and NeckTite, in which case the treatment time will be longer, depending on each patient’s particular needs and cosmetic goals. NeckTite is a minimally-invasive, advanced contouring device, FDA-approved and readily available nowadays. With NeckTite, patients who would prefer to avoid surgery and general anesthesia, can remove excess neck fat without leaving behind saggy, wrinkly skin. Using radio-frequency (RF) technology, the plastic surgeon places a small probe beneath the skin that heats the tissues causing them to contract and tighten. Consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to assess your candidacy for buccal fat removal, NeckTite and Botox injections and discuss your specific needs and cosmetic goals. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz.

John A. Standefer Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Estrella, and thanks for the question. Correction of the submental fat pad and the fat in the upper neck with neck liposuction will give you the sharpest natural jaw line. Removal of the buccal fat pads will help the puffiness in the lower cheeks and around the mouth. Regular liposuction is not indicated in the face. If enough contour cannot be obtained with the simple solutions, fillers to the mandible and/or neuromodulators to the Masseter muscles can further define the jawline. You are so young, I would be conservative and build up if necessary. The simpler procedures will likely get you the results that your desire. My Best!John Standefer MD