Just like in fashion, plastic surgery also sees various trends emerge, with their popularity often fading quite quickly. However, one trend seems to be here to stay, as it has been consistently favored by major celebrities. This is the buccal fat pad removal, the ultimate trend for those who desire a more sculpted, well-defined face. It is a procedure that accentuates the cheekbones and facial angles like never before, delivering results that essentially represent the “permanent” version of the face contouring typically achieved with makeup.
What is buccal fat removal;
Buccal fat removal is a plastic surgery procedure aimed at removing fat pads from the area just below the cheeks. When fat distribution in this region is more pronounced, it can make the lower part of the face appear rounder, larger, or even drooping. By reducing the fat in this area, the cheekbones and facial angles are dramatically highlighted. The remarkable aspect of this technique is that facial sculpting is not achieved through injectable hyaluronic acid or the introduction of material but through the careful removal of excess fat in the cheeks.
The procedure is generally simple with a short recovery time, offering impressive and long-lasting results. In the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon, it can uniquely enhance the appearance of the face, creating a face-contouring effect that was previously only possible through makeup. By reducing the fullness of the face, the surgery enhances the definition of the cheekbones and jawline, resulting in a more sculpted and aesthetically refined look.
Why do many resort to facial fat removal?
As we have mentioned before, facial fat is often our “friend” in the fight against aging. However, some individuals may perceive their face as particularly round and full, lacking the desired angles. Specifically, the buccal fat pad, located in the mid-face area between the jaw and cheekbones, contributes to a fuller appearance. This fullness is often associated with more childlike, youthful features, commonly referred to as the “baby face.” While some people find this cute and appealing, others wish to reduce it.
Especially when the allure of maturity is often seen in sharp angles and prominent cheekbones, it’s easy to understand why procedures like buccal fat pad removal are so popular. This surgery is an ideal option for individuals who not only have round or oval faces but also have large cheeks and significant fat accumulation beneath the cheekbone arch.
Process and advantages of the procedure
Buccal fat pad removal can even be performed in a clinic setting, using only local anesthesia. The fat is removed through a small incision of just a few centimeters, which is made inside the mouth, leaving no visible scar. The stitches used are absorbable. During the procedure, excess fat beneath the cheeks that contributes to the unwanted “baby face” is carefully removed. This enhances the facial angles, sculpts the cheekbones and lower jaw, and highlights a slimmer face. The result is a permanent and incredibly natural face contouring! With this procedure, we achieve:
- Facial sculpting painlessly and without external incisions
- Impressive prominence of the cheekbones combined with accentuation of the angle of the lower jaw
- Long-term results, as the fat that is reduced does not reappear unless extensive weight gain follows.
- High degree of personalization, so that the final result perfectly fits the overall image of the face.
When buccal fat removal is not indicated
Although buccal fat removal is an ideal choice in many cases, it also has its own contraindications. Specifically, it is not recommended for very young individuals, as these fat pads under the cheeks increase until the age of 20 and gradually decrease by the age of 50. Additionally, people with elongated faces are not considered ideal candidates for this procedure. In such cases, enhancing the cheekbones and jawline with hyaluronic acid fillers may be a more suitable option.
The Plastic Surgeon in Athens and more specifically in Kolonaki Dr. Maria Skolarikou can guide you appropriately, so that you can achieve facial sculpting with the appropriate technique for each case.
