Does it look like I have excess buccal fat? Would it be possible for me to get it treated with injections? (Photo)

Question

I recently just turned 21 and overall my face has been quite round for the most part of my life , but now that I'm 20 I still feel like nothing is changing in my appearance. I still appear to look the same as I did when I was 16 and a lot of people mistake me for a high schooler. I used this app called face app and I noticed that my face slimmer appears to look older than how I look right now

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Although it is often difficult to assess from pictures alone, at this stage in your life it does not appear that you have excess buccal fat. We tend to treat patients who are older and who have excess buccal fat that make them appear older and heavier than they are. Buccal fat is always treated by making an incision on the inside of your mouth and slowly pushing the buccal fat out, it cannot be treated with injections. That said, if there is still something that bothers you about your appearance  it never hurts to book an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss any questions or concerns that you might have and to get a proper assessment.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Fullness of the lower anterior cheeks (chubby cheeks) very often makes patients to look very young (childish, pre-adult) for their chronologic age. This is commonly caused by enlarged buccal fat pads. Enlarged buccal fat pads cannot be dissolved with injections. The reason is that they are very close to the facial nerves (that control the facial movement). Therefore if an injection to dissolve fat touches a nerve, the face could become paralyzed. Therefore, surgery (buccal fat removal) performed by an skilled surgeon can remove the excess of buccal fat removal thus reducing the risks of nerve injury.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

I appreciate your question. However, you are still very young to be considering permanent changes to your face like buccal fat pad removal. The problem in performing this procedure too early is that it could have negative effects on your appearance as you age. I would recommend you wait until you are closer to 30 to consider surgery and at that point, make sure you work with a board-certified plastic surgeon that can assess you in person and determine whether a surgical alteration would be appropriate for you.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is normal to have full, youthful face at your age. I do not see any access fat that would need surgical interpenetration. In person consultation and discussion about your goals and options with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon is recommended. Good luck.

Greg Bran, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your information and photos. Although it is difficult to make an assessment from the photos you have provided. I will say that you still quite young and although you have an attractive face, your face is still changing. I would advice allowing time to see how your face will change over the next few years. Otherwise, see an experienced facial plastic surgeon and make sure you think carefully before proceeding with any procedures. Wishing you all the best.
GB

Does it look like I have excess buccal fat? Would it be possible for me to get it treated with injections? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Buccal fat removal

Answer: Buccal fat removal

Answer: Face Changes

Answer: Face Changes

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.

Does it look like I have excess buccal fat? Would it be possible for me to get it treated with injections? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Buccal fat removal

Answer: Buccal fat removal

Answer: Face Changes

Answer: Face Changes

Browse related questions

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.