Am I candidate for buccal removal? Does everyone have buccal in their cheeks? Don't want to open & see little fat inside (Photo)

Question

I am not fat and have a slim face but when I smile my cheeks bulge.. Excercise doesn't cut it and I've been looking into buccal fat. I know the risks, it's not reversible. But I have serious chipmunk cheeks. Are all people born with buccal fat? And what's recovery/ what helps swelling?

John Mesa, MD · Answer

When patients who are not fat ( normal body weight) who have a "slim face" that when smiles looks chubby, usually have enlarged buccal fat pads. Buccal fat pads is the cause of fullness of the lower anterior cheeks ( chipmunk cheeks). These epads tend to be enlarged in some patients with normal weight. They also are quite resistant do decrease in size with diet, exercise and/or aging. Buccal fat removal is the plastic surgery procedure that permanently removes the excess of buccal fat removal. This allows patients to have a thinner face that doesn't look fat or chubby when smiling. The video below helps to understand who could be a candidate for buccal fat removal. 
John Mesa, MD
Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon 
New York City - New Jersey - Miami

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Only a comprehensive evaluation will help determine if you may or may not be a candidate for buccal fat reduction. The photographs suggest that you may be a candidate for buccal fat reduction. Everyone has buccal fat, just some have more or less depending on many factors. Buccal fat does not vary much with regular exercise or diet, and often surgery is required to reduce this cheek fat. Recovery after buccal fat reduction is relatively minor, with patients often returning to work/school quickly. Other options to consider is jaw muscle reduction, chin augmentation, or upper cheek augmentation to help create better facial proportion and not just reducing the cheek fat. If you haven't already, then speak with a plastic surgeon to discuss buccal fat reduction.Best,Dr. Chaboki

Am I candidate for buccal removal? Does everyone have buccal in their cheeks? Don't want to open & see little fat inside (Photo)

Answers (2)

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