Am I a good candidate for buccal fat removal and chin fat grafting? (Photos)

Question

I’m in my forties and am seeing some serious drooping in my cheeks… almost as if they have dropped and formed little pouches that hang at my jawline. I have been recommended to have buccal fat removal, a lower facelift, and fat grafting to the chin. I am concerned about the buccal fat removal, because I don’t want to end up looking to hollow as I get older. I’m also concerned, because I don’t have a good chin… it’s small and very narrow. Am I a good candidate?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question and photos. You would likely benefit most from a facelift to lift fallen tissue and define your overall face shape. During this procedure, excess fat and skin can be removed and your neckline angulated to create a smooth and sculpted appearance. You don’t appear to require buccal fat removal, but if you have a weak or recessed chin, fat grafting or a custom-fit implant can increase its projection and further define your jawline.

I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. They will be able to discuss your concerns with you and help you decide on the best combination of treatment options.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello !

Based on your pictures, it looks like you could benefit from a facelift - to smoothe out and improve the most visible signs of aging on lower two-thirds of the face. This includes the jowls, the “drawn out” sagging midface, jawline and neck.

The procedure rejuvenates the face and neck by removing selected localized fat bulges (e.g. jowls) while resuspending others (the malar fat pads along with the nasolabial folds) and tightening deeper sagging structures (e.g. muscle and connective tissue-SMAS), concluded by a skillful redraping of the skin.

I don’t think that you are a good candidate for buccal fat pad removal from what I can see on your pictures. You face is not round enough to need some buccal fat removed. This procedure would make you look gaunt and look older.

Of course, an « in person » exam is necessary. It is best to consult with a facelift expert for the best results.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Though the posted photos are not great in the view because you did not post full front and side views. I think you need more a mini face/neck lift with SMAS plication and HA fillers (like Juvederm's Vollux 3 syringes) to your chin over buccal fat removal. Fees from $10,000. Best to virtual consult with....

Am I a good candidate for buccal fat removal and chin fat grafting? (Photos)

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Am I a good candidate for buccal fat removal and chin fat grafting? (Photos)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Buccal Fat Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.