Show I go for buccal fat removal or masseter Botox jaw injections? (photo)

Question

I’ve always had a really round face and I would like to hear feedback on which option is better to slim my face shape. Please see the attached pictures. I’ve also heard from my dentist that I have severe TMJ and my masseter muscles are large. But then I look in the mirror and also see chubby cheeks What do you see? Thanks in advanced.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  Depending on your goals, a buccal lipectomy can help improve your facial shape by shrinking down the lower cheek region.  By doing this, the jawline and the cheeks become more defined and contoured.  Another treatment to think about is Botox to the posterior jawline as this will also help slim the face from a more squared to a more oval appearance on the frontal views.  However, it is always best to have an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon so that your goals are reviewed and the best treatment recommended
Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Buccal fat removal is an effective way to slim the face by removing the collection of fat underneath the cheekbone. This procedure does not involve any visible incisions and the recovery time is usually just a few days.This procedure can be performed alone or in conjunction with Botox injections to the masseter muscle to further narrow the jawline. I encourage you to schedule an in-person assessment with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can perform a comprehensive evaluation and create a treatment plan based on your precise concerns and aesthetic goals.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

You have beautiful and full cheeks and the roundness of the lower portion of your cheeks can be improved with buccal fat pad removal. In the photos that you provided, I don't see significant masseter muscle hypertrophy. However, Botox injections to the masseter muscle can alleviate some TMJ symptoms and provide some slimming along the jawline.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

The results of buccal fat removal and botox to the masseter are NOT interchangeable. It means that if you do Botox to the masseter to correct chubby cheeks, it won't spare from undergoing buccal fat removal. 
Botox to the masseter only corrects the fillers of the lower POSTERIOR cheeks.  Usually if performed before buccal fat removal the results are not seeing .
Buccal fat removal corrects the fullness of the lower ANTERIOR cheeks. 
Asian background patients to correct chubby cheeks and achieve a more V shape facial look frequently require both buccal fat removal and Botox to the Masseter. 
The video below helps to understand who could be a candidate for buccal fat removal.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. We often see patients who request treatment for a "round face" and want slimming of the face. The general options include nonsurgical jaw reduction or cheek fat (buccal) reduction. Based on photograph, one can consider for nonsurgical treatment, then advance to surgery as needed. We treat similar patient very frequently in our office. Read more in blog post on this topic below. potomacplasticsurgery.com/blog/botox-square-jaw/Best, Dr. Chaboki

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

Both do not have a drastic effect but in my opinion the cost and neccessity to repeat masseter Botox makes it a not so valuable procedure. Its 20 units on each side in general and 40 units at an average of $10 a unit would mean $1200 a year. That is almost the price of a buccal lipectomy ($2000). Choose smart!

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Beautiful3971, You are an excellent candidate for buccal pad reduction and this should provide you with a lasting result versus the botox injections.  The buccal fat pad reduction will provide you with a more defined facial aesthetic. Seek some consultations with experts in the field. For further information see the link and video attached. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Show I go for buccal fat removal or masseter Botox jaw injections? (photo)

Answers (7)

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