Should I get buccal fat removal or Ultherapy for my chubby cheeks? (Photos)

Question

I would like input on how to address my chubby cheeks. I was introduced to buccal fat removal during my research on chin/submental lipo, and the surgeon who carried out my chin lipo also recommended buccal fat removal (this was over a year ago). Earlier this year, my injector (Botox) recommended ultherapy to address the lower face chubbiness. And I’m having a hard time understanding which is the best option to achieve the results I’m looking for. Can you advise or make a 3rd rec?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Removal of buccal fat pads will certainly improve the contour of the lower face, and I believe you are a great candidate. Ultherapy may not be the biggest bang for your buck, because faces that are rounder could be attributed to bulk of the masseter muscle. Maintaining facial volume is very important in the long-term aging process, so I would suggest masseter reduction with Botox first to reduce the bulk of the muscle. I do strongly advise an in-person evaluation, preferably with a facial plastics surgeon because they have the adequate knowledge of facial anatomy and prospective treatments that will help you meet your goals.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Patients with fullness of the lower anterior cheek ( chubby cheeks ) that become more prominent specially when smiling are usually candidates for buccal fat removal.Buccal fat removal is the plastic surgery procedure that permanently removes the fullness of the lower anterior cheeks. Ultheraphy is a non-invasive radio frequency treatment for skin tightening. Since it target's only the skin, it is unlikely to have any effect in the buccal fat pads, which are located deep in the anterior lower cheeks. The video below helps to understand who could be a candidate for buccal fat removal

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you seem like you can be a good candidate for a buccal fat removal procedure as it looks like you have full lower cheeks. Buccal fat removal procedure can help slim the lower cheeks and improve the definition in that area. I recommend consulting a board certified plastic surgeon in person to discuss your options.Hope this helps,Ali Rıza Öreroğlu, MD FEBOPRASEuropean and Turkish Board Certified Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeonIstanbul, Turkey

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mm2727,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. You appear to be a good candidate for a buccal fat pad resection. A buccal fat pad resection is a good option to lean the lower portion on the face in order for it to appear less round.  It is performed through tiny incisions inside the mouth with no external scarring and can give very nice results.

Timothy A. Janiga, MD, FACS · Answer

Buccal fat pad removal can give more definition to the lower portion of your face but the surgeon has to be conservative with removal.  As you age you will continue to lose facial fat volume and this will make you look older.  I do not think Ultherapy will offer you much improvement.  Timothy A. Janiga MD, FACS

Should I get buccal fat removal or Ultherapy for my chubby cheeks? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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