Is it possible to remove buccal fat/cheek fat using Kybella or is buccal fat surgery the only option?

Thank you for your question. Facial sculpting and contouring of the face can be created with well-placed fillers (Voluma, Radiesse, Bellafill) and Sculptra, which would give improvement in facial balance. Fat or implants are alternatives. Kybella is unsafe in some areas of the face but this has been used in my practice with results.  Buccal fat pad removal is very easy to do surgically with minimal downtime, so I suggest seeing an expert for consult.   I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. 
Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your question. Facial sculpting and contouring of the face can be created with well-placed fillers (Voluma, Radiesse, Bellafill) and Sculptra, which would give improvement in facial balance. Fat or implants are alternatives. Kybella is unsafe in some areas of the face but this has been used in my practice with results.  Buccal fat pad removal is very easy to do surgically with minimal downtime, so I suggest seeing an expert for consult.   I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert.

Kybella is FDA approved for treatment of submental fat. It is commonly used "off-label" on other parts of the body. With regards to the face, it may be used off label to treat the jowl fat. However, I do not believe it is safe to treat the buccal fat using Kybella. This is a deep fat compartment which when treated is usually done so surgically. 

Kybella is not FDA approved for the buccal fat pad. The buccal fat pads are also deep within the cheek closer to the inside of the mouth. Buccal Fat surgery is a quick and easy way to remove exactly the amount of fat that you would like removed without any visible scarring. This can also be done awake. Kybella is less specific and the amount of fat dissolved cannot be accurately controlled. The recovery for both procedures is relatively similar. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Hi SRVE143, Kybella is FDA-cleared for  submental fat. Off-label use includes parts where the fat is superficially located and where the likelihood of hitting blood vessels or nerves is nil. Definitely for buccal fat, the fat is more deeply located. There is also a big chance of producing uneven results.Best to go for surgery.All the best, Justin Harper, M.D.