Are these bumps around my mouth buccal fat? (Photo)

Question

I've had this shadowy area around my mouth for a long time, but I feel that as I age it is becoming more and more obvious. Is this fat, or is it muscle? They seem to sit higher on my face than most photos I've seen of buccal fat or perioral mounds. What can I do to make the area seem more smooth?

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Facial bumps located around the mouth, specifically near the smile lines, are usually not due to enlarged buccal fat pads. The area around the mouth close to the smile lines and the corners of the mouth is where the orbicularis oris muscle is situated. This muscle, which encircles the mouth, is responsible for closing the mouth. In some cases, the orbicularis oris muscle may become enlarged or hypertrophic, causing bulging in this area. These enlarged areas are often mistaken for buccal fat pads. Therefore, buccal fat removal (bichectomía) will not address these specific physical findings.

I hope this helps!

Sincerely,

John Mesa, MD
Buccal Fat Removal Specialist Plastic Surgeon
New York - New Jersey - Miami.

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