Why do people regret buccal fat removal?

Author: Katrina Kilback  |  Last update: Saturday, August 23, 2025

Regret following buccal fat removal often stems from the procedure being too aggressive, resulting in an excessively thin face that may look gaunt or aged. Aging naturally depletes the facial fat, and when combined with a prior aggressive buccal fat removal, it can lead to a pronounced, skeletonized appearance.

Why you shouldn't get buccal fat removal?

This is because as you grow older, your buccal fat pad naturally decreases and the shape of your face begins to change. If too much buccal fat is removed, you could end up with “saggy” or “deflated” cheeks decades from now. For this reason, it is best to approach your surgery conservatively.

What is the controversy with buccal fat removal?

For people who already have a narrow face, buccal fat removal may accentuate the narrow appearance and result in an overly gaunt look. On the other hand, the procedure's effects may be less noticeable for someone who is overweight or obese.

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.

Does buccal fat removal age badly?

Multiple studies by board-certified facial plastic surgeons have shown that buccal fat removal, when performed by a skilled professional, doesn't lead to premature aging. In fact, for some patients, it can achieve the opposite!

Plastic Surgeon Supports Buccal Fat Removal | Perspective | Stephanie Lange

Will I regret 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.

At what age do you start losing buccal fat?

At What Age Do You Start Losing Buccal Fat Naturally? Typically, we accumulate facial fat between the ages of 10 and 20 and then gradually lose some every year until we reach about 50 years of age. Some people don't start losing this fat until they're closer to 30.

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.

Who is not a good 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 can you tell if someone has had buccal fat removal?

“Buccal fat removal surgery should lead to a subtle change, and you should not really be able to notice that patients have had it done unless a surgeon removed too much buccal fat,” Dr.

Can you reduce buccal fat naturally?

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce overall fat, including in the face. Keep in mind, however, that you can't spot-reduce fat from specific areas of the body. Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential for your health and can be helpful if you're trying to reduce facial fat.

What celebrities have buccal fat removal?

Kendall Jenner: The supermodel and reality TV star's sharp cheekbones have led to speculation that she may have had the procedure to accentuate her facial structure. Chrissy Teigen: The model and cookbook author is open about her experiences with cosmetic procedures, and she has confirmed buccal fat pad removal.

Why is buccal fat removal so expensive?

Buccal fat removal costs may include:

Hospital or surgical facility costs. Anesthesia fees. Prescriptions for medication. Medical tests and x-rays.

How much does buccal fat removal cost?

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.

What should I avoid after buccal fat removal?

Avoid crunchy or solid meals to avoid discomfort and problems after buccal fat reduction. Alcohol and spicy foods are among the dietary limitations since they aggravate swelling and hinder recovery.

How intense is buccal fat removal?

The Buccal Fat Removal Process: What to Expect

Buccal fat surgery is fairly straightforward and is typically completed in under an hour. Depending on the preferences of your medical provider, you'll be put under general anesthesia or local anesthesia throughout the surgery.

What are the downsides of buccal fat removal?

The possible risks of buccal fat removal surgery include, but are not limited to:
  • Anesthesia risks.
  • Asymmetry.
  • Bleeding.
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications.
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Hematoma.
  • Infection.
  • Injury to a salivary duct.

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.

Is there a non surgical way to remove buccal fat?

Kybella. Kybella is an FDA-approved injectable specifically designed to target and dissolve fat cells beneath the chin. While it's primarily known for addressing submental fullness (double chin), Kybella can also be strategically used to reduce excess fat in the buccal area.

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.

Which supermodel had buccal fat removal?

The buccal fat pad was first described by Lorenz Heister in 1732 as a glandular tissue. In 1802, Xavier Bichat correctly defined the structure as fat tissue and popularized awareness of it. In 2021, Chrissy Teigen revealed that she had undergone buccal fat removal.

Does buccal fat ever go away?

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.

At what age does your face change most?

In your 40s, your ageing skin can become drier, making lines and wrinkles more pronounced. You continue to lose subcutaneous fat, but not equally from all areas. Fat pads around the cheeks and above the mouth are generally the first to go, followed by fat from around the sides of the mouth, chin and jawline.

How can I slim my buccal fat naturally?

There are natural ways of achieving the right cheek reduction so that you will be able to enhance your look.
  1. Stay Away From Alcohol. ...
  2. Drink Water. ...
  3. Take Less Salt. ...
  4. Take More Nutritious Foods. ...
  5. Choose Good Hairstyles. ...
  6. Exercise. ...
  7. Exercises for Chubby Cheeks. ...
  8. Blow Balloons.

Why is my face still fat after buccal fat removal?

Buccal fat removal surgery typically delivers long-lasting results as buccal fat pads do not grow back. However, buccal fat removal surgery does not address other fat cells in the face. With significant weight gain, these remaining fat cells may expand, impacting the facial contour.

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