Buccal fat removal on a 38 year old - will jowls drop more? (Photos)

Question

Do you recommend having this procedure at my age? I am subconscious of my round face, but i am starting to notice those horrible jowls ... and i am afraid removing the fat will make them drop even more, what would you recommend?

John Mesa, MD · Answer

In my practice I perform routinely buccal fat removal in patients of all ages: from young (21 years old) to middle age ( 30s to 50s) and mature (above 50s).The results of buccal fat removal removal depend on the structure of the cheek bones. When patients have good (UPPER)  Cheek bones the procedure neither makes the face look older or make the jowls to get worst. Therefore, before performing buccal fat removal I cheek the patient's cheek bones. If they are weak, they must be enhanced ( usually with soft tissue fillers like Voluma) or I won't perform the procedure.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

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 possibly, with a trade off-that, could result in a gaunt, older looking face. To get more customized approach to your concerns as well as find out the exact cost, it is best to have an in person consultation for a board certified plastic surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear elenacc79,without an examination it is hard to tell whether you are a good candidate for buccal fat removal. 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, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Lawrence Scott Ennis, MD, FACS · Answer

The buccal fat pads are an often-overlooked portion of the facial aging process.  The buccal fat pads naturally sit in the upper portion of the cheek and are designed to help us suckle as an infant.  As we get older, the buccal fat pad descends into the jowl, giving the face a tired look.  I often see patients from outside facilities who have had a facelift and they present stating “their jowls are back.”  Typically, in these patients, the jawline still looks nice, but they have the “chipmunk cheeks” or what appears to be a “walnut” in their jaw, which is this buccal fat pad. 
This can be identified by pushing up on this small area just above the jawline and then releasing.  The skin will fall rapidly back into place, but you will typically see the fat pad descend back into the jowl slowly over 2- or 3-seconds as it refills this area.  This is indicative of a sliding buccal fat pad.
These are removed through a small incision inside the mouth.  Recovery is typically quick with minimal bruising. This is often done for younger people with chubby cheeks and can help with the fullness so yes, a surgeon who is experienced in buccal fat pad removal can do this for you.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I do not think jowling would be an issue but an in person examination should clarify that very quickly. I think that buccal fat removal is a very safe and effective procedure but your surgeon must be conservative and avoid over reduction of the fat pad which can result in a gaunt look over time. Best.

Buccal fat removal on a 38 year old - will jowls drop more? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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