Candidate for buccal fat removal - alternatives? (photo)

Question

What I've learned from my research about buccal fat removal is that it basically removes fat from the 'lower cheeks' and therefore slims that part of the face down. I'm not sure if this would be the right procedure for me, as my 'upper cheeks' are even chubbier than the lower ones and they would probably stick out even more afterwards? However I can't find any alternatives and would appreciate some opinions.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Chubby cheeks are usually genetically determined and resistant to decrease in size with diet and exercise. Therefore surgery is usually the only solution to address the fullness of the lower anterior cheeks. 
Buccal fat removal is the plastic surgery procedure that corrects chubby cheeks. By removing the fat that causes the chubby cheeks ( buccal fat) patients could achieve a slimmer V shape more chiseled face. The video bellow helps to understand if buccal fat removal plastic surgery would be the right procedure for you. To decrease the fullness of the upper cheeks, the safest option is weight loss.

Omar Lazos, MD · Answer

You are a good candidate for 
BFPR (Buccal Fat Pad Removal)
When a patient has a full and round face and despite weight loss the 
fullness persist or if the patient is in his normal weight and the 
chipmunk faces has stayed all the time, a bichectomy or buccal fat pad 
removal is useful. It´s true that with aging the buccal fat pad tends to
 diminish in volume do to atrophy, but if the volume is excessive a 
bichectomy will not hollow the cheek overtime. Many patients are happy 
with the results, a proper selection is a very important manner. Usually
 the procedure takes less than 10 min and you can go homethe same day. 
You'll be able to go back to work on the 3rd day post-op but 1 week off 
would be more comfortable.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Buccal fat excision is an appropriate surgical procedure for patients that of overly full and wide cheek areas. In common terms, it is good for patients who have chipmunk cheeks. Liposuction can be used to further slim the face. In reviewing your pictures, is difficult to tell if you're a good candidate because your cheek area is slightly full but not overly full. A chin implant could provide more definition and projection. You are a patient that would need and in person consultation for a complete evaluation and explanation of the positives and negatives of these procedures in your situation.
I hope this helps.

Ali Gurlek, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and Pictures

The buccal fat pad is a rounded mass of fat in the middle of your cheek. It’s located between facial muscles, in the hollow area beneath your cheekbone. 
The size of your buccal fat pads affects your face shape. Everyone has buccal fat pads. However, the size of buccal fat pads can vary greatly. If you have larger buccal fat pads, you might feel like your face is too round or full. You can be a candidate for a Buccal Pad removal surgery.

Best of Luck

Candidate for buccal fat removal - alternatives? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Buccal Pad

Answer: Buccal Pad

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Candidate for buccal fat removal - alternatives? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Buccal Pad

Answer: Buccal Pad

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Buccal Fat Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.