Buccal fat removal is one of the newest buzzworthy cosmetic procedures, but what is it really? This blog explains what buccal fat is and how it's removed. It will also address why you might regret the procedure years down the road and how injectable fillers can help restore shape to your cheeks.
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Buccal fat removal is one of the newest buzzworthy cosmetic procedures gaining traction across social media. Model and media personality Chrissy Teigen has been open about undergoing the procedure, while armchair plastic surgery watchers speculate that many other celebs have also gotten it done. But what exactly is buccal fat removal, and why is it suddenly so popular? Below, we delve into what buccal fat is, how it is removed, and whether buccal fat removal is a decision you might regret down the line.
What Is Buccal Fat?
Buccal fat (pronounced like “buckle”) is the fat pad located in the lower part of your cheeks, between your cheekbone and jawbone. Besides giving your face a rounder appearance, the function of the buccal fat pad is to provide structural support. In fact, buccal fat is the reason babies have such chubby cheeks—buccal fat pads are designed to help with suckling so they have an easier time eating as infants.
What Does Buccal Fat Removal Do?
While a softer, rounder face typically gives you a youthful look, some people dislike the appearance of “baby fat.” Buccal fat removal slims the lower face, emphasizing cheekbones and sharpening the jawline. They choose buccal fat removal because they desire a more contoured, angular appearance.
How Is Buccal Fat Removal Done?
Your surgeon will make a small incision on the inside of your cheek and remove the buccal fat pad through the incision. Depending on your desired results, the surgeon may remove the entire buccal fat pad or only a portion. More commonly only a portion is remove to mitigate a hollow appearance in the future. The incision will be closed with dissolvable sutures, and the process will be repeated on your other cheek. Buccal fat removal is an outpatient procedure that usually takes under an hour.
Why Would I Ever Regret Buccal Fat Removal?
While a sharper jaw and more defined cheekbones might be the aesthetic ideal in one’s 20s, some may eventually regret excessive removal of the buccal fat pads. As you age, the fat and muscle in your face diminish and change, so you naturally lose volume in your cheeks. By removing your buccal fat pads, you immediately make yourself look older. So, while you may think you’re giving yourself a more elegant, mature look, what you might be doing is aging yourself prematurely. If performed incorrectly, the result may be an over-correction and gaunt, hollowed-out cheeks.
Can I Reverse Buccal Fat Removal?
In the case of most cosmetic surgeries, permanent results are the goal. However, since aging will naturally intensify the slenderizing effects of buccal fat removal, you may decide to restore volume to the area. The problem is that once buccal fat is removed, it never comes back.
If the loss of volume and associated laxity in the skin of your cheeks is making you wish for a more supple, smoother look, you’re in luck. While buccal fat removal isn’t truly reversible, there are ways to restore a more youthful look to your face.
Injectable fillers are a great solution to revitalizing your face by counteracting the diminishing volume that comes with age. Some of the best options to give you back a rounder, softer facial contour include:
JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC
The premier dermal filler choice for restoring volume to your cheeks is JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC. This filler from the JUVÉDERM® family was the first hyaluronic acid filler to be FDA-approved specifically to replenish volume in the mid-face and cheeks. It is designed for a deeper injection and is a firmer, more structural gel than other dermal fillers. After your JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA® XC treatment, your face will have more youthful contours and lift lasting up to two years.
JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC
JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC also allows for a deeper injection. While it is typically used to correct nasolabial folds and other facial creases, it can also add volume to cheeks.
Learn More About Injectable Fillers in Shreveport
If you’re looking for a way to restore volume to your cheeks and midface, whether you’ve had buccal fat removal or not, Dr. Bridges can help. When you come in for a consultation, Dr. Bridges will examine and discuss your goals and desired results. He will then determine which filler treatment will refresh and rejuvenate your appearance. Call (318) 219-8555 to schedule an appointment or complete our online contact form.
