I have fat along the side of my mouth that runs from my cheek to jaw. What can I do? (photos)

You have classic signs of the ageing face, with midface laxity and jowl fat of the superior, superior inferior, and submandibular areas. The way to correct these issues is with a mid- and lower-face suspension along with a neck lift. I often perform these two procedures at the same time, because while in the English language “face” and “neck” are separate entities, when it comes to anatomy, these two are not mutually exclusive, and when dealt with as one entity, the result is much smoother and more elegant without any odd or fake “bunching” of the skin. The mid- and lower-face lift will resuspend the SMAS layer which provides the “heavy lifting” that corrects the laxity, and the neck lift with help with the jowling and submandibular excess. Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience neck- and facelifts.  

Thank you for your question and pictures.  What I see in your pictures is commonly refer as jowls.  This condition is attribute to the lost of elasticity in the skin but also in the tissues (mainly fat ) under your skin.   The best way to treat this condition is with a lower face lift with the support of SMAS that elevates the fat along with the skin

From the photographs it looks as though you'd be best served by a composite rhytidectomy. Buccal fat pad reduction might be a portion of that operation but by itself would not solve the problems demonstrated in the photograph

Hi,Thank you for your question! A facelift procedure, especially a SMAS facelift, is a powerful
Procedure designed to address the jowls, mid face and malar fat. You can expect to see great improvement of the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. The buccal fat can also be removed to give better contouring of the lower face in experiences hands.

Based on the amount of skin laxity I am seeing in your photos, I believe a surgical facelift would provide the best results for you. This procedure would excise the loose skin and allow me to reposition the underlying tissue to create a more defined jawline and a naturally youthful appearance. When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, the procedure can be customized to the precise needs of each patient for an optimal outcome. I would also suggest adding a neck lift to the treatment, as the loose skin on the neck could also be firmed up for a smooth contour from the face to the chest. 

Thank you for your question! Judging by your pictures, it appears that one of the fat pads you are referring to is the buccal fat pad and the other is the jowl. Although the buccal fat pad is not directly reduced with a face lift procedure, a deep plane lower face/neck lift should be able to address the jowling and midfacial fat pads to restore a more youthful look. We occasionally will remove the buccal fat pads at the time of the surgery for certain patients, but I cannot say this would be necessary given your facial structure. If it bothers you, the best specific recommendations come from an in-person exam with a standardized set of photographs. It may be in your interest to schedule some consults with Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons to get additional perspectives and discuss options in greater detail.  Best of luck!

Thank you for your pictures. Yes, your concerns should be corrected with a facelift procedure. Repositioning you own tissue is the real key. This will allow you to reposition the normal facial fat that has moved down your face. You may also consider a chin augmentation to help define your neckline. 
There are manny versions of a facelift. Having a face to face consultation will help you with your next step. 
Sincerely,
Michael Kulick MD 
ASPS, ASAPS member
San Francisco, Ca

The fat you are referring to is difficult to evaluate from a photograph. It can sometimes be herniated buccal fat, and other times its just fat under the skin, and yet other times its really part of a jowl. If its the jowl, it should lift and be improved with a minilift or facelift. If it's buccal fat or fat under the skin, it can be treated with micro-liposuction. That's liposuction with a very small cannula. It's very effective at improving fullness that remains after a facelift or minilift.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa

what you are referring to are called jowls.  These are one of the main things that are addressed with a facelift.   Your neck skin could also use some tightening too to give you a sharper more youthful profile.   A necklift is usually done with a facelift.   You would look great with these options.   Best wishes.

You seem to be good candidate for face and neck lift. Beside lifting and tightening SMAS and platysma muscle and removing redundant skin, good face lift will also address your fat deposits in the neck, along jawline and jowls. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in face lift is recommended. Good luck.