Best procedure to reduce very chubby cheeks when smiling? (photos)

Question

Hi doctors. I'm a 30 year old male, in shape and fit but used to have a very round face when I was young. As an adult, my face has thinned out when not smiling, but when I do smile I still have very chubby cheeks (you can see cheeks pretty much overlap my dimples). Any recommendations to fix? I'm aware of buccal fat removal but I heard I could potentially look gaunt in the future. What's the best option to have less chubby cheeks and more definition when smiling?

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Buccal fat removal is the plastic surgery procedure that removes the cheek fullness in the lower anterior face, specifically next to the corners of the mouth or around he smile dimples.It is a procedure that in my practice is performed under local anesthesia with minimal downtime. All my male patients go to work or school the next day with minimal swelling. The results start to be seeing in two weeks but are more evident after 2 to 3 months. Patients interested in buccal fat removal  should make a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon specialized in plastic surgery procedures of the face

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Facial contouring

Buccal fat pad removal is a great operation when performed in properly selected patients and not just utilized haphazardly to create enhanced definition in a face. If your lower cheeks or submalar area (the area below your cheekbones themselves) are somewhat thin or narrow, taking out the buccal fat will highlight your cheekbones but at the expense of an exaggeratedly sunken-in appearance.

An experienced plastic surgeon will be able to make that judgment call and advise you if you are an appropriate candidate for this operation and what your best treatment options are.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

If done right, buccal fat removal can help slim and contour your face without making you look gaunt in the future.   Many times, we also combine it with other minimally invasive procedures to contour the face and reduce chubby cheeks.  The best recommendation is to have an in-person consultation with a board certified specialist who can properly guide you as to the best options for your eyes and face to achieve the results you seek.  3-dimensional computer imaging can help you visualize what you may look like afterwards and serve as an important communication tool with your surgeon.

Best procedure to reduce very chubby cheeks when smiling? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Buccal Fat Removal

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Best procedure to reduce very chubby cheeks when smiling? (photos)

Answers (3)

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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.