Cosmetic Question: I hate my fat cheeks. What is involved with buccal fat removal?
Cosmetic Answer:
Buccal fat removal removes excess fat in the cheeks. An incision is made inside the cheek, excess fat is gently removed, avoiding nearby nerves. It is a minor procedure that can be done in the office.
Your cheeks will swell quite a lot – in 2-6 weeks, you will see the result – hollower cheeks.
The main risk is damage to nearby facial nerves.
Research shows that women start to lose facial fat by our mid-twenties. This is one reason that we age earlier than men. Fillers and fat transplants are all aimed at restoring fullness to areas that have lost this fat. So if you are under age 25 – I suggest you postpone buccal fat removal at least to then.
If you have heavy cheeks because you are overweight, try vigorous swimming, running, dancing or other aerobic exercises. They often rapidly slim the face. You may also want to have your thyroid checked – a chubby face is a common early sign of hypothyroidism.