Face Shape and Cheeks. Too Round and Flat. Options?

Hi Lyn,

 

Thank you for sharing your photographs.

 

I recommend that you seek consultation with experienced surgeons especially that you have had buccal fat pad removal 10 years ago.

 

It is important to consider the fact that with aging, the buccal fat pad will undergo natural atrophy, so it is risky to over-excise the buccal fat pad.

 

Based on your photograph, it looks like you could best benefit from specific procedures to add the appropriate volume to your jaw, chin and cheeks while preserving a natural appearance and enhancing your facial beauty.

 

Best of wishes to you.

Dr. Sajjadian

Buccal fat pad reduction is a procedure that is not commonly performed but can make sense in the right patient.  It is important to understand the anatomy before undergoing the surgery so that you are well informed.  Normal aging reduces the buccal fat pad volume.  It is true that some people have more volume in their cheeks than others.  However, it is also universally true that that volume will decrease and descend over time.  Removing too much buccal fat can cause premature aging.  It is also important to remember that replacing fat that has been removed is extraordinarily difficult if not impossible.  The main reason is the location of the buccal fat pad.  It usually resides underneath a large muscle that is responsible for majority of the power motions of your chewing.  Once that fat is removed that space collapses.  Once collapsed it is very difficult to find the exact space and to reinsert a substance such as a filler or better yet fat.  One potential solution is to use something like Sculptra.  While I generally do not advocate buccal fat pad removal, I understand why somewhat would want procedures such as this.  I tried to choose my patients very carefully and I also tried to be conservative in the amount of fat that is removed.  Surgeons who trivialized this procedure simply don’t understand how difficult it is to correct deformities that may occur.  The cost of the procedure can run anywhere from $3000-$7000, depending upon your geographic locale.  Please visit with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.  My best advice is to always be conservative with any buccal fat pad reduction.