If you're feeling self-conscious about your cheeks, buccal fat removal might be the solution you're looking for. This procedure, often called “chubby cheek reduction,” is minimally invasive and can help achieve a more defined, V-shaped facial contour. However, many individuals contemplating this surgery worry about whether it will age them.
That largely depends on the surgeon’s expertise and the individual's unique facial structure. Dr. John Mesa, a board-certified plastic surgeon in NYC with triple fellowship training and a Harvard education, is leading the charge in facial contouring techniques. In this blog, he will explore the key aspects of buccal fat removal and share tips on maintaining a youthful look post-procedure.
What is Buccal Fat Removal?
The buccal fat pad is a distinct area of facial fat that plays a crucial role in shaping your overall appearance. When this fat pad is larger than desired, it can result in a round, flat, or fuller face. By removing this fat pad, you can achieve a more refined look, enhancing your facial contours and creating a more defined and appealing appearance that highlights your natural features.
Will Buccal Fat Removal Age You?
Let’s look at the two main ways buccal fat removal can impact aging:
- Volume Loss: The natural loss of facial fat can cause your face to appear more gaunt or hollow. Removing the buccal fat can exacerbate this effect, making you look older than you would with your natural fat.
- Skin Elasticity: As skin loses elasticity with age, reducing buccal fat can lead to more noticeable sagging or drooping in the cheek area. This is because the underlying fat that once helped support and lift the skin is no longer present.
How to Avoid Unwanted Buccal Fat Removal Results
While reducing cheek fat may create a more mature look, collaborating with a skilled plastic surgeon who can accurately determine the appropriate amount of fat to remove can help you maintain a youthful appearance.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, surgeons must be careful and precise in their approach to buccal fat removal, considering the long-term effects. If too much fat is removed, patients may end up looking older than their actual age as they naturally lose facial fat over the years.
Individual circumstances also play a significant role. While we often associate a hollowed appearance with aging, there is a clear distinction between removing just enough fat to enhance cheek definition and taking away too much, which can lead to a loss of youthful vitality. Ideal candidates typically have prominent buccal fat deposits, ensuring they retain a healthy amount of fat after the procedure.
To minimize the risk of appearing older after buccal fat removal, consider the following:
- Combine with Other Treatments: Complement buccal fat removal with other treatments that address aging signs. For instance, dermal fillers or fat grafting can be considered to restore volume and maintain a youthful appearance. Skin tightening treatments and injectables can also help maintain facial support.
- Maintain Skin Health: Proper skincare keeps your skin healthy and elastic. Use sunscreen, moisturizers, and products that promote collagen production to help maintain skin firmness and reduce sagging.
- Monitor Changes: Regular follow-up with your surgeon can help track how your face evolves over time. If you notice changes that concern you, discuss options like non-surgical treatments to address any issues early on.
Achieve a Youthful Look with Dr. Mesa’s Buccal Fat Removal
Who you choose to perform your buccal fat removal influences whether it will age you. When you select a surgeon of Dr. John Mesa’s caliber, you can expect results that help maintain a youthful contour.
Dr. Mesa’s technique is designed to sculpt your cheeks into a more elegant shape, avoiding excessive removal that could lead to an aged appearance. He evaluates your facial structure and tailors the procedure to ensure that the fat removal enhances your features without creating an overly hollow or gaunt look.
With extensive experience and a reputation for excellence, Dr. Mesa’s Harvard-trained expertise and commitment to patient care set him apart. His approach focuses on achieving natural, age-appropriate results, ensuring that your buccal fat removal enhances rather than ages your appearance.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mesa!