Interested in buccal fat removal but afraid of sagging cheeks (Photo)

Buccal fat removal is a plastic surgery procedure that removes the chubby cheeks and gives a thin chiseled facial look in patient candidates. A patient is a good buccal fat removal candidate when she/her has good cheek bones. If the patient has NO good cheek bones, face could potentially sag after the procedure. That's why in my practice I always evaluate the cheek bones during a buccal fat removal consultation. If the cheek bones are not prominent ( not good) I usually recommend to enhance them with soft tissue fillers like Voluma ( a 100% resolvable filler that lasts for 2 years). If the patient refuses to enhance her/his weak cheek bones, I refuse to do the surgery because I won't allow patient not to look their best with their procedure. 

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 it is best to have an in person consultation for a board certified plastic surgeon.

Buccal fat pad reduction can be very helpful. You are young and appear to have minimal laxity so the risk of jowling should be very, very low. Consult with a surgeon that has extensive experience with buccal fat pad reduction. You don't want the entire fat pad removed because this can create a gaunt appearance over time. You can simulate the result by gently sucking your cheeks in. Best.

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.