Buccal fat removal or masseter Botox? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I am 22, I will have rhinoplasty next month. In addition to my nose job, I want to have a slimmer face with more obvious contours. Am I a good candidate for buccal fat removal or is masseter botox would be enough? Additionally, since I have limited time for resting after operation, (like one and a half month) is it possible to have the rhinoplasty and buccal fat removal operations at the same time or simultaneously? Thanks.

Miguel Mascaro, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures! The best way to tell what would benefit you would be through a consultation, obviously.  This is something that should be discussed with your surgeon prior to your rhinoplasty as you may be able to do both at the same time and then not worry about it! However I'm going to try and give you my thoughts on this. First of all, the buccal fat helps reduce the size of the cheeks "chipmunk cheeks" as we call them. In order to get an idea of where the fat is, gently suck your cheeks in such that the lining of your mouth just touches your teeth.  That will give you an idea of where the fat is.  The masseter muscle is directly behind that.  Such that if you want to slim the jawline, botox to the masseter muscle will do that.  Downside is that it only lasts about 3 months or so. In my mind, if what youd like to do is slim the jawline, botox to the masseter is the way to go.  Its simple, and if you don't like it or it doesn't give you the desired effect, its not permanent.  However, if what you are looking for is improving the contour of your cheeks and giving a more "slim" look, then buccal fat pad reduction will do it.  I hope some of this helps! Best of luck on your upcoming surgery!

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

Buccal fat removal is often combined with masseter botox, if the patient has overly developed masseter muscles as well as full cheeks. You might benefit from either or both, however the best way to know this is through an examination in person. You should consult your surgeon about this. Administeration of masseter botox is very simple so you can easily have it done after even if you don't get it during the surgery.

Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Buccal fat removal is a plastic surgery procedure that decreases the fullness of the lower ANTERIOR cheeks. Botox to masseter is a plastic surgery procedure that addresses the fullness of the lower POSTERIOR cheeks.In patients with fullness of the entire lower face, very common need to treat with both buccal fat removal and botox to the masetter since they address different areas of the lower face.

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. 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. Botox can be used to slim the masseter. You are a patient that would need an in person consultation for a complete evaluation and explanation of the positives and negatives of these procedures in your situation. I hope this helps.

Philip K. Robb Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, Buccal fat can be done with a rhinoplasty- no problem with that. The botox to the masseter can also be done without issues. Regarding your candidacy for the procedure, if you're bothered by your cheeks, then yes, you'd be a candidate for the procedure as it can slim down the cheek area nicely. Regarding the masseter muscle, botox can slim that for 3-5 months on average. Hope this helps and God Bless!Dr. Robb Jr.

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

Buccal fat removal or masseter Botox? (Photo)

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