Should I get buccal fat removal at 20?

Author: Furman Blanda  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Most doctors recommend people wait until ages 18-20 before removing buccal fat because the face shape and buccal fat pads change as the face matures.

Do you lose buccal fat in your 20s?

You produce buccal fat (the fat in your face) from ages 10-20 and spend the rest of your life losing it. Depending on your genetics you'll start to notice the fat loss in your face in early to mid-20's. Some people don't lose much, some a ton.

At what age should you get buccal fat removal?

You can have buccal fat removal done as soon as your features finish developing, which is typically in the late teens or early 20s. Removing buccal fat too early can affect the way your face looks once it finishes growing.

Am I good candidate for buccal fat removal?

Candidates must be in good health and have a stable body weight. A thorough review of the medical history is necessary to avoid any complications during or after the surgery. Candidates should disclose all health-related information, such as medications or supplements they are taking.

Will I regret getting buccal fat removal?

Despite the potential benefits, some patients experience buccal fat removal regret. Understanding these causes can help individuals make more informed decisions about the procedure. Overcorrection: Removing too much fat can lead to an excessively gaunt appearance, particularly as the patient ages.

Should You Get Buccal Fat Removal?

What are the downsides of buccal fat removal?

Buccal Fat Removal Risks and Side Effects
  • Excessive bleeding.
  • Problems associated with general anesthesia.
  • Infection at the incision site.
  • Injury to facial nerves that can cause numbness or facial drooping.
  • Injury to salivary glands or ducts.

Does anyone look good with buccal fat removal?

The ideal candidate for a buccal fat removal procedure is someone who naturally has higher and wider cheekbones. If your cheekbones are naturally more narrow, then buccal fat removal won't give you that sleek look with high cheekbones that we often see in the media.

How expensive is buccal fat removal?

The average cost can range between $2,000 and $5,000, and in some cases can be as much as $20,000. Some people don't enjoy having a “baby face" or full cheeks in adulthood and opt for a more streamlined or mature look through a procedure known as buccal fat removal.

Why are so many celebrities getting buccal fat removal?

Why have buccal fat removed? Antell said buccal fat removal is gaining popularity for a good reason and can be "a great enhancement for a person's appearance." "It gives you a little bit more pop to your face," said Antell. "It makes your cheekbone look stronger.

Can buccal fat be reduced naturally?

By focusing on a balanced diet and making informed food choices, individuals can effectively reduce buccal fat and achieve a more contoured facial appearance. Combining these dietary tips with other lifestyle changes can lead to significant improvements in reducing face fat.

Who is not a candidate for buccal fat removal?

You may not be a good candidate for buccal fat removal if your face is narrow or if you're over a certain age, as buccal fat naturally diminishes with age. Buccal fat removal surgery is usually performed by a healthcare provider with special training in plastic surgery procedures such as a licensed plastic surgeon.

How do I know if I need buccal fat removal?

If you have excess fat in your cheek area, you might be a good candidate for this procedure. Evaluation by an expert can help you determine if that is the case. While body fat wanes and ebbs throughout life, for some patients the buccal fat pads are larger than average and will always be, regardless of weight.

What age do chubby cheeks go away?

Different fat pads start shrinking at different ages. The fat under our eyes starts to decrease the earliest, beginning in our twenties, and is followed in our thirties by the beginning of the loss of fat in the temples and parts of the cheeks. The superficial fat tends to persist unless there's major weight loss.

Does your face get fuller in your 20s?

Face shape in the twenties is typically fuller, more of a baby face and will empty in the area just under the cheek, what we call the submalar area over the next decade.

Does buccal fat removal look bad as you age?

Does buccal fat removal look bad as you age? Not if performed on an ideal candidate. Patients who are not good candidates for the procedure may see their results not age well. This is why it is important to go to an experienced surgeon who can gauge whether buccal fat removal is ideal for you in the long term.

Does buccal fat go away with exercise?

Buccal fat pads do not naturally go away with diet and exercise, which is why many people who want to define their cheekbones opt for buccal fat surgery.

Do people regret buccal fat removal?

Many individuals who have undergone an aggressive buccal fat removal find themselves dissatisfied with their results, especially as they age. Some have expressed regret online, sharing that they feel their faces now look older and less youthful than they would have liked.

What makes a good candidate for buccal fat removal?

If you are considering this procedure, be sure to do it for yourself, not for someone else or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. In general, you may be a good buccal fat removal candidate if: You are physically healthy and at a stable weight. You have realistic expectations.

Why is buccal fat removal controversial?

If it hasn't already been made clear, buccal fat removal has become a controversial cosmetic procedure that many experts are warning against, not to mention the following risks a patient may experience resulting from the procedure, including: Infection. Bleeding/hemorrhaging. Scarring.

What is the disadvantage of buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat pad removal, like all cosmetic surgeries, has inherent risks. Patients should be aware that there is a chance of complications such as infection, bleeding, or an adverse reaction to anesthesia.

How painful is buccal fat removal?

Does buccal fat removal hurt? Answer: Buccal fat removal is a simple procedure that's done in the office under local and IV anesthesia. You won't feel any pain during the process, except for a slight prick when the anesthetic is administered. In the days after your surgery, you may feel a little sore.

Is buccal fat removal better than jaw Botox?

A buccal fat reduction is a surgical approach targeting cheek fat pads for a more defined facial contour. Masseter Botox is a non-surgical procedure that releases jaw muscles often helping to reduce the appearance of a broad jaw.

What face shape is best for buccal fat removal?

Slimmer Facial Profile: The removal of buccal fat pads can create a slimmer and more chiseled look, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with naturally round or fuller faces.

How to naturally get rid of buccal fat?

Natural Methods To Cheek Reduction
  1. Stay Away From Alcohol. Avoiding alcohol can help you to achieve your desired cheek reduction. ...
  2. Drink Water. Two third of our body is composed of water. ...
  3. Take Less Salt. ...
  4. Take More Nutritious Foods. ...
  5. Choose Good Hairstyles. ...
  6. Exercise. ...
  7. Exercises for Chubby Cheeks. ...
  8. Blow Balloons.

Can you smile after buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal will not impact your smile or your ability to make other facial expressions. The before and after effects of buccal fat removal surgery are actually quite subtle in most people, affecting very little of their face.

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