I want to reduce the fat in my lower cheeks and jawline and overall slim my face, what are my options?

Question

I have been on a journey to reduce my lower cheek fat. I have considered buccal removal, but I was told to not do this as I may look sunken in and I need the fat for when I become older. I have always had this fat and a round face, even at my skinniest. I’m still slim, and I’m now 31, and I’m done with it! I was going to do KyBella in the lower cheeks but my doctor told me no.. So I only did KyBella in my jowls and my double chin. I want that very slim tight jawline and heart shaped face. Lipo?

Ryan Mitchell, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Hello,     Thank you for your question.  I understand that you would like the best option to thin your younger, “fuller” face. There are honestly not that many options because liposuction of the face itself is not a common procedure, a safe procedure or even an effective procedure, unless it is performed in a very, very carefully selected patient. I’m not speaking of liposuction of the neck. Liposuction of the neck is very commonly performed for individuals with fullness in the submental region. What I just spoke of was liposuction of the cheeks below the skin. That is not a common procedure. I think you are on the right track. The best option by far to nicely, subtly but noticeably thin your face would be buccal fat removal.  The result is subtle and you will certainly notice the result and your before and after photographs will also demonstrate the thinning effect from the buccal fat removal.  The result however is not going to be drastic. I do understand and agree that surgeons need to mention to you there is a possibility of having volume loss in your face ad you get older, as a result of having buccal fat removed when you were younger. I think what’s important in your case however is that your overall body habitus is thin and you still have a full face. So it’s not like you can lose a bunch of weight to thin your face.  if a patient is significantly overweight then obviously the best way to thin the face would be generalized weight loss. I see frequently people that are in good physical condition and have a normal BMI.  They have a nice body habitus but they have a full face. If having a thinner face is important to you at this point in your life, I recommend having your buccal fat removed. The amount of buccal fat removed is not necessarily large. The buccal fat pad varies from individual to individual but you’re only going to most likely have removed about four cracked almond sizes from each side. If you want to say this is the size of a walnut, I think that a walnut is the largest fat pad anybody owns. In the patients I have performed the surgery on, most have been young, one was an absolutely stunning model and all of my patients have been satisfied with the procedure. Finally, It is important to choose your surgeon carefully. Just like any surgery you are choosing to undergo, it is important to find a surgeon that is confident to perform this procedure on you. While identifying the buccal fat pad is not that difficult, sometimes it does require greater skill and there is certainly important anatomy in the vicinity of the buccal fat pad.  also, this surgery does not require general anesthesia. It can be performed using local anesthesia with or without oral anxiety reducing medication.      I hope my information helps Guide you in your journey to obtain your most ideal appearance. Please also remember there are absolute limitations and you always have to have reasonable expectations. Trust your surgeon!   We are all accountable for our work

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. It seems like you can benefit from Buccal fat removal, this is a good option to contour the face. Buccal fat excision can be done comfortably, awake, under local anesthesia in under an hour. The results are long lasting and the recover is quick. I recommend you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon for proper evaluation.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Reduction of the buccal fat pad is a common cosmetic procedure that is performed in order to slim the lower third of the face. Patients who are concerned about chubby “chipmunk cheeks” often elect to undergo this procedure in order to accentuate the cheek bones and create a more sculpted appearance. This procedure is commonly performed under a light sedation.  I would advise speaking with a facial plastic surgeon to review the risks, benefits, and alternatives in detail. Buccal fat reduction results are usually fairly subtle.  Any patient looking into this procedure needs to be evaluated by a surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate.  All the best,

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

You are a candidate for buccal fat pad removal and it won't cause a problem for you later in life. In addition to removal of the buccal fat pad, I would recommend chin, jawline and jowl liposuction. In order to provide skin tightening, minimally invasive treatment like Ultherapy or Facetite may be helpful.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a second, board-certified facial plastic surgeon for further assessment. From your photos it appears you would indeed benefit from buccal fat pad removal. While this procedure can affect the aging process for some patients, most patients that have the surgery do not experience adverse effects of the fat pad removal over time. Buccal fat pad removal is a straightforward procedure that can be done using local anesthesia. Incisions are placed inside the mouth so there is no visible scarring after the surgery.

I want to reduce the fat in my lower cheeks and jawline and overall slim my face, what are my options?

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Answer: Buccal fat pad removal

Answer: Buccal fat pad removal

Answer: Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal

Answer: Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal

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Everything you need to know about Buccal Fat Removal

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I want to reduce the fat in my lower cheeks and jawline and overall slim my face, what are my options?

Answers (8)

Answer: Buccal fat pad removal

Answer: Buccal fat pad removal

Answer: Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal

Answer: Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal

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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.