Would Masseter Botox, FaceTite, or fillers help to contour cheeks? (Photos)

Question

Hi doctors, I had a buccal fat removal procedure 4 months ago. While the recovery went fine and fast, I’m not seeing the hollow cheek or high-contrast definition under my cheekbones that I was hoping for (a more defined Look). The results are very subtle. I'm trying to figure out if there’s any options I have to achieve more cheek contouring like Masseter Botox, FaceTite, Cheekbone Fillers, or something else. I’ve attached photos for reference. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you!

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos and for explaining your goal so clearly. Four months after buccal fat removal is still relatively early in the healing process, and one of the most common surprises is that the final “hollow” effect is often much more subtle than patients expect from social media photos.

Looking at your face, I would not describe it as lacking structure. The issue seems to be that you are looking for greater contrast between the cheekbone and the area beneath it, rather than simply less facial fat.

My thoughts on the options you mentioned
Masseter Botox

This can slim the lower face and jaw angle if the masseter muscles are enlarged. It is most helpful for people with a square or bulky jawline. In your photos, I do not see obvious masseter hypertrophy, so I would not expect Masseter Botox to create a significant hollow-cheek effect. It may make the lower face a little narrower, but it is unlikely to produce the dramatic cheekbone definition you’re hoping for.

FaceTite

FaceTite uses radiofrequency energy to tighten tissue and reduce small amounts of fat. It tends to work best for mild skin laxity or early jowling, not for creating a sculpted model-like midface. At your age and based on the photos, I do not see significant laxity that would make FaceTite my first choice.

Cheekbone Fillers

Ironically, adding volume can sometimes create more definition than removing volume. Strategic filler placed high on the zygomatic arch and lateral cheek can enhance the cheekbone and create a stronger shadow underneath it. The key is small, structural amounts placed high and laterally, not filling the mid-cheek broadly, which could make the face look rounder.

The timing matters

Because you are only 4 months post-op, I would be cautious about doing anything aggressive right now. Buccal fat removal can continue to settle and soften for 6–12 months as swelling resolves and the tissues adapt. Additional fat reduction too early can increase the risk of looking overly hollow or prematurely aged later on.

What I would consider most reasonable

For someone with your anatomy and goals, I would lean toward:

Waiting until at least 6–9 months after buccal fat removal before making a major contouring decision.
If you still want more definition at that point, conservative high-cheek structural filler is the option I would expect to give the most noticeable improvement in cheekbone projection and under-cheek shadowing.
I would place Masseter Botox and FaceTite much lower on the list for the specific result you are describing.

One important perspective: the very sharp, hollowed cheek look seen online is often influenced by lighting, makeup contouring, low body fat, facial anatomy, and photo editing, and it is not always achievable—or desirable—through buccal fat removal alone.

Your current result appears natural and balanced, which is actually a positive outcome from a long-term aging standpoint. The safest path is usually to enhance the cheekbone subtly rather than continue subtracting volume from the midface, especially at a young age.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Each of the treatments you mentioned can work to sculpt facial contours but they work in different ways.  Masseter Botox will help soften the look of the jaw muscles, giving a slimmer appearance to the jawline.  FaceTite uses RF technology to tighten the skin.  Fillers can be used to accentuate treated areas to give balance to facial features.  I encourage you to begin by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and learn more about your options.

Would Masseter Botox, FaceTite, or fillers help to contour cheeks? (Photos)

Answers (2)

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