New York City is known for its influence on trends, especially in fashion, art, culture, and even buccal fat removal. This face-slimming surgery has sparked many people’s attention, primarily due to social media.
Although buccal fat removal isn’t a new procedure, having been around for nearly 40 years, once well-known celebs and public figures began posting their transformative before and after photos online, it gained significant traction.
Since then, thousands of men and women have contacted Dr. John Mesa’s NYC, Miami, and New Jersey offices, interested in this trending cosmetic procedure. He’s helped hundreds of people achieve their dream facial appearance and gain their desired confidence.
Below, we’ll explore the top 5 trends that explain why people are interested in buccal fat removal in NYC.
1. To Achieve Defined Cheekbones
One of the top reasons people consider buccal fat removal is to help balance their face if they have chubby cheeks. Some people naturally have larger buccal fat pads (e.g., individuals with an Asian background), which are the fatty tissues that sit between the cheekbones and jawbones.
This gives their face a more rounded appearance to the point that some people may describe it as a “moon face.” For some, this particular facial structure negatively impacts their self-esteem, causing them to desire a sleeker facial aesthetic.
Some people try to lose weight to achieve a slimmer face, even if they already have a healthy body weight. In fact, it’s not uncommon for individuals to visit one of Dr. John Mesa’s clinics after several unsuccessful attempts to reduce buccal fat pads on their own. They’ve often tried every diet under the sun and various workout regimens, all to experience no change to their face.
During these consultations, Dr. Mesa explains to frustrated patients that losing weight isn’t going to shrink their prominent cheeks. In fact, research shows that buccal fat pads maintain a consistent volume throughout life, even when people lose or gain weight. Therefore, the only way to change this is to undergo cheek reduction surgery.
Who is a Good Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?
The ideal candidate for this particular facial contouring surgery is someone with prominent cheekbones that are masked due to their fuller cheeks.
By trimming their buccal fat pads, these individuals can achieve a more precise, contoured aesthetic, which is trending right now.
Before, gaining volume in the face was considered “in,” with people seeking fillers and/or implants for a fuller-face look. However, today, many individuals are seeking less volume in the face, especially in the lower face.
Dr. Mesa, a board-certified, triple fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, explains that this procedure isn’t for everyone, though. Trends often create unrealistic expectations, so it’s crucial to ensure that this procedure is suitable for you.
Usually, individuals with weak cheekbones won’t have the most desirable outcomes with buccal fat excision, unless they enhance their non-prominent cheekbones with cheekbone fillers.
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2. To Gain a More Dominant, Professional Appearance
Have you always been told you have a baby face? Do you feel like it might be hindering your career goals?
Evidence shows that looking too young can be seen as a negative for authority and status in the workplace, particularly among women. To help combat this, many women in the study mentioned above tried to dress in a way that made them look more mature. However, altering your style alone doesn’t necessarily change how certain facial features influence people’s perceptions.
Full, plump cheeks, for instance, are often associated with youth because they give individuals a softer appearance. On the other hand, high cheekbones are viewed as an attractive feature tied to maturity. For men, specifically, prominent cheekbones and a defined jawline are linked to many positive social outcomes, including significant wealth, career advancement, romantic appeal, and political success.
Buccal fat removal surgery helps highlight the cheekbones and emphasize the jawline, making it trendy among those who want a more dominant, mature allure.
Yet, as Dr. Mesa explains, the procedure isn’t meant to age you. When performed correctly, and on those who fit a particular facial profile, it should simply enhance their underlying bone structure making you look more attractive, chiseled, and less childish facial appearance-wise.
3. To Experience a Subtle Change in Facial Appearance
Buccal fat pad removal is considered a low-key facial procedure because it doesn’t cause a dramatic change. It’s not meant to make people look completely different. Instead, it just amplifies what someone already has, so it’s no longer overshadowed by their fuller cheeks.
In a study reviewing the top predictive factors influencing patient satisfaction, researchers discovered that aesthetic appearance was the most important. They also noted that buccal fat removal had the highest satisfaction rate, at almost 99%.
Most people are very happy with their buccal fat pad excision results, likely because it looks natural. The surgery isn’t meant to make you look unrecognizable. Instead, it’s demure and nearly undetectable, causing people to wonder, “They look better, but I can’t figure out why”.
Finding the right surgeon is crucial to achieving subtle, attractive results. They’ll know how much of your buccal fat pad to remove to achieve facial balance.
Occasionally, people have different expectations and believe this procedure will substantially change their facial anatomy. Therefore, surgeons must explain upfront what’s considered the most realistic outcome.
RELATED: Dr. John Mesa – Your Trusted Source for Buccal Fat Removal
4. To Avoid Having an Invasive Procedure
Procedures like buccal fat removal are considered minimally invasive because they only require small incisions. There are benefits associated with this, such as:
- Less pain
- No external skin scarring
- Decreased risk of infection
- Reduced risk of bleeding and/or complications during or following surgery
Patients also appreciate that this face-slimming surgery doesn’t take long to perform. Dr. Mesa usually completes them in 30 to 45 minutes and is one of just a few surgeons specializing in Buccal fat removal under local anesthesia.
This technique doesn’t require sedation or general anesthesia, allowing patients to go home within a few hours. Some patients fly in for the surgery and return on the day it’s done.
5. Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Requires Little Downtime
Another major appeal of buccal fat surgery is its relatively simple recovery process. Some procedures require more involved aftercare and extended time off work. However, most patients who’ve undergone a buccal fat procedure were able to bounce back into their routine within a week or two.
- It’s not uncommon for patients to experience some swelling for a couple of days, but it’s rare for them to report significant discomfort. While there might be some soreness at the incision site, most people can manage their symptoms with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs.
Yet, even though recovery is easier, patients shouldn’t be lax about following their surgeons’ instructions. For instance, it’s essential to take the medications prescribed to them, as something like antibiotics is meant to reduce your risk of infection.
- You may also be directed to use a special mouthwash and follow refrain from vigorous exercise to decrease the post-surgical swelling.
So, although it’s partially trendy because post-op is pretty straightforward, how well it goes still depends on you. A good recovery requires having realistic expectations and being proactive before surgery.
Ultimately, the key to seamless healing largely depends on following your surgeon’s recommendations, attending your follow-up visits, and being patient.
RELATED: How Long Does Buccal Fat Removal Recovery Take?
Schedule Your Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Consultation
Cheek reduction surgery is steadily gaining popularity, mainly due to the five reasons mentioned above. However, it’s also important to emphasize that this trending plastic surgery procedure isn’t suitable or safe for everyone. The only way to know if it’s right for you is to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon in New York City, like Dr. John Mesa.
- During your consultation, you’ll have an opportunity to share your goals and discuss your expectations. From there, Dr. Mesa would carefully assess your facial anatomy and determine the best course of action based on what he observes, learns about your medical history, and more.
A qualified surgeon isn’t performing buccal fat removal by relying solely on what’s trending, as trends are often fleeting. Instead, they assess your needs and whether a sculpted, contoured facial aesthetic suits you.
Ready to see if buccal fat removal surgery is right for you? Schedule your appointment at either our NYC ( Manhattan), Miami, or New Jersey office, so our skilled and compassionate team can help you along your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Buccal Fat Removal Surgery Trending?
Celebrities and public figures are finally sharing their experiences and results using visual social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This increase in awareness, along with the amazing before-and-after photos, ignites the public’s interest.
What If I Don’t Qualify for Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?
If a surgeon doesn’t recommend this cheek reduction surgery, they’ll share other potential options with you. For instance, they might be able to insert dermal fillers to define your cheekbones and jawline better.