Which is More Dangerouse Buccal Fat Remover or Laser Liposucction for Face?

Patients in the early 30s who are slim but have chubby cheeks usually have enlarged buccal fat pads. Buccal fat removal, as the name describes, removes permanently the enlarged buccal fat pads thus giving the face a thinner more V shape facial appearance ( aka chubby cheek correction). This also allow to accentuate cheek bones in patients with good facial bone structure. Laser liposuction can remove the excess of fat that is located underneath the skin of the face and neck, but not the buccal fat pad pocket. Trying to remove the buccal fat pads with laser liposuction could potentially damage the nerves that control the facial expression. The view below helps to understand who could be a candidate for buccal fat removal.

To be honest, if you go to a well trained and busy surgeon these procedures have a low complication rate. Both can be done while you are awake in clinic. They both are performed through very small incisions. Also many patients benefit from a combination of both treatments. This allows narrowing and sculpting. The real kicker is if you are able to add some fat grafting on top. That really gives us the tools to make happy patients. Fat grafting has many benefits even besides the obvious addition of volume to the upper 1/3 of the face. I focus solely on facial plastic surgery so I am very comfortable with the anatomy. There are ducts, nerves, arteries and veins that need to be avoided and treated throughout both procedures. So make sure you see someone who does a lot of these procedures and you will do well.This is a video about fat transfer to the face. Best of luck.DrC 

Thanks for your question. I find buccal fat pad reduction to be a great procedure in the properly selected patient. Fullness in the lower cheeks or "chipmunk cheeks" can be treated this way to give a more defined lower face. Liposuction or skin tightening technologies will not be the right choice when buccal fullness is apparent. The buccal fat pad sits deeper in the lower cheek area under muscle. This is different from skin fat that can be liposuctioned or laser lipo'd. Proper diagnosis is important to understand how to treat. Also, this fat pad may get smaller when we are elderly possibly giving a hollow look in this area. Performed properly in the right patient buccal fat reduction is easily performed and gives a slimmer lower face that is difficult to achieve otherwise. I have many happy patients with this procedure. Careful selection and counseling are key. Results evolve nicely over a period of weeks to months. This is a safe procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia.  Recovery is minimal.  Please talk to a board certified surgeon experienced in buccal fat reduction to see if you are a candidate.