22 year old with chubby cheeks, baby fat. I am very skinny on my body, but my cheeks make me look like I'm fat.

Based on your concerns you would be a good candidate for buccal fat removal. I would highly recommend you consult with a Board-certified plastic surgeon for best results. 

Buccal fat removal will give you the gaunt look your describe. It does tend to age people a bit. I would do this on a young person if it is genetic - do your parents still have  chubby cheeks in later adulthood?Liposuction is also a good way to treat excess subcutaneous fat, but what you are describing sounds more like a buccal fat problem. 

Hello, and thank you for your question. It is in my opinion not based on your pictures you would be a better candidate for a buccal fat pad removal. This is where we make the incision on the inside of the cheek and the stitches dissolve within two weeks. This method is much more effective for the area of concern that you have in your face. Hope this helps!

Thank you for your question.Yes, it is possible to have this procedure done. But first, for safety reasons, to be a good candidate for the procedures you want at the same time, your labs and  cardiovascular preoperative evaluation must be optimal.
Kind Regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Thank you for your question!  I recommend having a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. Your results depend on your surgeon's experience and technique more than anything else. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
Oakbrook
Hoffman Estate
Orland Park

Yes you can do this but there is high risk of damaging nerves and blood vessels in the area. Plus, there is a number of people who look larger now but later lose the volume and want it back. So my suggestion is to keep the volume now and go to a facial contouring expert to evaluate you. Best, Dr. Emer.

Thanks for the question, the most predictable low complication procedure that will match your goal is a finesse buccal fat removal- no scars- simple healing and swift results

Great question!  A buccal lipectomy procedure will be your best option here, especially if you like the appearance of your face when you suck in your cheeks.  This is a volume issue so you need a volume procedure to get the results you desire - therefore facetite will not provide you with these results.  I don't recommend micro lipo as there are many nerves and structures in the lower facial regions that can be damaged with the trauma that comes from this, and the amount of volume removed is very minimal. The buccal fat pad is generally the size of half a golf ball and for most patients can give you a good aesthetic appearance.  The buccal fat pad will provide you with the biggest difference out of all the procedures availableBest of luck and hope this information helps!Dr. Roger Tsai   @DrRogerTsaiBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon  

Young patients should be very careful about removing their buccal fat pads or doing facial liposuction.  Typically, patients 'burn through' their fat during their 20's.  Premature removal of the buccal fat pads or liposuction of the face can lead to hollowness later.  That being said, this is a judgment call, and a hereditary tendency to excessive cheek fullness, gross maldistribution of fat and other factors may make surgery a viable option.

Helpful1570I appreciate your concern and agree with possible issues stemming from buccal fat pad removal. This may be an option, however I first would recommend simply micro liposuction, utilizing very small cannulas which would allow your surgeon to shape and refine your mid face. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with lots of experience. Good luck.