Buccal lipectomy - a candidate?

Question

I’ve always had facial asymmetry (who doesn’t?) in the form of one cheek being slightly fatter than the other. This has increased to such a degree in recent years (I’m 26) that it is now quite noticeable and makes my face look fatter than I am! My BMI is on the low side, and on my dads side of the family this cheek appearance seems to be quite common (yay!) Seeing as it’s only one cheek, could lipo to this cheek address the problem? It’s the cheek nearest the water in the picture Thanks :)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It is hard to tell without a physical examination. I recommend you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Treatment of ‘chubby cheeks’ cannot be achieved alone with buccal fat pad removal; a fact that I encounter time and time again when seeing patients in consultation for lower facial sculpting. My approach is to use a combined protocol that redefines aesthetic contours of the face. This includes the following: 
  
Buccal Fat Pad Removal Non-surgical Muscle-Fascia Tightening Venus Legacy or Venus Viva Ultherapy Submental Liposuction or Coolsculpting   
The combined approach is ideal. Buccal fat pad removal is a exceptional procedure that can remove excess fat from the cheek pads. Using an intraoral approach, a small incision is carried through the mucosa to remove a small fat pad within the cheek. Closure of the incisions is minimal with an absorbable suture and patients will experience some swelling post-operatively. We use SwellX tablets post treatment. Once healed, the contour of the cheek is improved and we begin Non-invasive tissue tightening to further enhance results. 
  
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Young patients with great prominent cheek bones and chubby cheeks are usually excellent candidates for buccal lipectomy ( also known as buccal fat removal or bichectomy).The procedure permanently removes the fullness of the lower anterior cheeks ( chubby cheeks). In patients with cheek asymmetry, it is possible to achieve a more symmetric look by removing more fat from the bigger side. The results are permantent. I young male patients with excellent facial bone structure it allows to achieve a very chiseled, masculine and model look-like facial appearance. The video below helps to understand who could be a candidate for buccal fat removal.

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

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Liposuction of the cheeks is not a good treatment for reduction of their fullness. A unilateral buccal lipectomy however may be an effective treatment for its improvement.

Buccal lipectomy - a candidate?

Answers (5)

Answer: Buccal Pad

Answer: Buccal Pad

Answer: Cheek Asymmetry

Answer: Cheek Asymmetry

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Buccal Fat Removal

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Buccal lipectomy - a candidate?

Answers (5)

Answer: Buccal Pad

Answer: Buccal Pad

Answer: Cheek Asymmetry

Answer: Cheek Asymmetry

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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.