How to get "sunken cheek" look?

Question

Whenever I suck in my cheeks slightly, I have that "sunken in"/hollow look. I was wondering if there is a procedure that can give me this look without having to suck in my cheeks. Would Buccal fat removal be a good way to go to achieve this look? Would losing fat in the face help? If the answer to both questions is no, then what can I have done?

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Achieving a thin, defined and chiseled sunken  face requires to address multiple factors, specially in patients with large faces that might have some over weight. The factors that need to be addressed to achieve a chiseled face generally are:-Overall body fat: weight loss to achieve a normal or low normal weight for the height ( normal BMI) is a must.-lower cheek fullness: these could be addressed surgically with buccal fat pad removal-anterior and lateral cheek bone projection: lack of cheek bone projection requires either cheek implants or soft tissue fillers like voluma-Saggy facial skin: young people usually doesn't have saggy facial skin However,Patients interested in achieving a chiseled facial appearance with plastic surgery including buccal fat pad removal  should make a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon specialized in plastic surgery procedures of the face

Benjamin Caughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

I actually ask patients to suck their cheeks in and make a fish face so that they can appreciate the area that will be narrowed. Buccal fat does not typically reduce this area to that degree but it is a good tool to appreciate the proper anatomical area. You have many options. It is all about fat (or volume) in the right places. In addition to facial cosmetic surgery I do feminization procedures in the transgender population and it applies to all sexes and orientations really. The key is Hot is HOT! Buccal fat removal and/or manipulation can be a great and transformational procedure in the right patient.  Oftentimes fat transfer or filler injection in conjunction with this procedure is able to give a more “ideal” heart shaped face. This can make a significant difference in patients as a combo. We are able to create shadows and sharpness where you want it.  It may seem counterintuitive to add fat when you say your problem is chubby cheeks but what we do is add volume to the highest and most projected point of the cheek bone and taper it to the lower face. This helps to create a shadow just under the malar area.  This is especially helpful in thin patients and in combination with buccal fat pad removal is a powerful maneuver. Liposuction of the jawline and sculpting is also helpful in some patients. It really depends on your specific anatomy. All of this can be done in clinic with some calming medications and local anesthesia.
I recommend getting a consult with a surgeon who does this procedure frequently to get a full facial analysis to make sure your specific goals are addressed. 
Hope this helps.
Best of luck.
DrC

Omar Lazos, MD · Answer

Yes the buccal fat pad removal can achive a more chiseled defined facial profile.When a patient has a full and round face and despite weight loss the fullness persist or if the patient is in his normal weight and the chipmunk faces has stayed all the time, a bichectomy or buccal fat pad 
removal is useful. Its true that with aging the buccal fat pad tends to diminish in volume do to atrophy, but if the volume is excessive a bichectomy will not hollow the cheek overtime. Many patients are happy with the results, a proper selection is a very important manner. Usually the procedure takes less than 30 min and you can go homethe same day. You'll be able to go back to work on the 3rd day post-op but 1 week off would be more comfortable. Best regards

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Buccal fat removal can be beneficial for patients seeking a "sunken" cheek look or defined appearance.  Buccal fat is a distinct fat pad found in the face and when present in excess can cause fuller looking cheeks.  Its removal, which can be done safely in an office setting, can help create a thinner looking face.

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting this question. Reduction of the buccal fat pad from inside of the mouth might be a good option for what you are describing. It is a pretty straight forward one day procedure. Just keep in mind, that the buccal fat pad will loose volume as we age, and often volume in form of lipofilling is being added exactly in that area later on.  Patients who have "full" cheeks in their twenties, often look much younger in their 30's and 40's, since they still have enough volume in that area, compared to some of their friends being at the same age. Keep that in mind when considering that procedure. best wishes

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for asking.  Sucking in one's cheek slightly can help approximate the results of buccal fat pad reduction.  Please consult with an experienced facial plastic surgeon in person to determine if you are in fact a candidate for this procedure.

Michael Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

Patients with a round full face can benefit from removal of fat from their cheeks or "Buccal Fat Pad". This surgery is aimed at removing the fullness from below the apex of the cheeks, giving a contoured appearance without fillers or makeup. The surgery can be done under local anesthesia awake with some oral relaxing medications and takes less than an hour. The incisions are hidden inside the mouth, and aside for swelling which lasts roughly  7-10 days, the results are immediate and long-lasting. The body does not readily store fat in the buccal fat pad, so once removed, it usually doesn't grow back. It is important to visit a doctor familiar with this procedure to avoid injury to salivary gland ducts in the area. Otherwise it generally a straightforward, high satisfaction procedure.

How to get "sunken cheek" look?

Answers (7)

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