Do I need Buccal fat removal? (photos)

Question

Hello there, I'm a really slim person- 5"5 and 108-110lbs. I'm 32 years old. However, my cheeks don't seem to slim down. Is Buccal fat removal right for me? Will it make me look old, sunken and haggard? I don't look chubby when I'm not smiling. But when I do I have a very full face. I've been watching so many scary videos- is there a high risk of facial paralysis? Thanks

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! Buccal fat removal, if done correctly, is a very safe procedure. In office, we go through the mouth via a small incision and remove specifically the buccal fat pad. The instances of facial paralysis occur when surgeons move too far laterally and remove fat which is not that of the buccal pad. The results from removal can be quite nice. I often emphasize to my patients that the results are subtle - some shadowing near the mid-cheek and a better flow from cheek bones to jawline. I would not expect in your case to be hollowed or sunken. Meet with a facial plastic surgeon who performs buccal fat removal to learn more. Hope this helps you out!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing photos. If you are unsure about surgery, you may want to consider Botox for slenderizing the jawline. When injected into the masseter muscle, it reduces the size of the muscle to provide a slimming effect to the lower third portion of the face. 
Results from Botox generally last 3-4 months. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, injector who can assess your concerns and aesthetic goals and help you decide on the best course of action.

Mansher Singh, MD, FACS · Answer

It would be extremely challenging to get facial nerve palsy with buccal fat reduction as long as it's done right. The key with buccal fat reduction is to not remove too much to prevent hollowing of face. It's a fenace but almost all patients are happy with the final outcome

Gurkan Kayabasoglu, MD · Answer

Hello. In my opinion, you are not a suitable candidate for buccal fat removal. You have a very beautiful face and you do not have an exaggerated cheek volume. Do not have any surgery.

Do I need Buccal fat removal? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: No need for surgery.

Answer: No need for surgery.

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.

Do I need Buccal fat removal? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: No need for surgery.

Answer: No need for surgery.

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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.