It seems like every other week, a new trend in aesthetics emerges on social media. The newest trend to take centre stage is the face-slimming procedure, buccal fat removal.

Recently, the facial contouring procedure has swept across social channels after A-list celeb Chrissy Teigan openly admitted to having the surgery which resulted in a more chiselled, modelesque look. As more celebs are alleged to have undergone the procedure, searches for buccal fat removal and related queries have risen dramatically according to data from google trends. 

However, while the results of the procedure can be impressive, the high price tag and lengthy recovery process may not make it the most suitable option for everyone looking to achieve a slimline face shape. 

Despite buccal fat removal being the top trend of the week, we’re not here to hop on the bandwagon. We set the trends, we don’t follow them so, we’re here to reveal the secrets as to why you don’t need buccal fat removal for a model profile.

What Is Buccal Fat?

For those unsure of what buccal fat is or where it is found, buccal fat is the fat pad found between your cheek and jaw bones in the face. It is a naturally occurring pad of fat that is positioned in the hollows of the cheeks and varies in shape and size with each patient – even differing at each side of the face, 

Although everyone has buccal fat in their face, some people have a greater volume of it in comparison to others. Buccal fat is a deep fat pocket that is responsible for lower-third fullness in the cheek and is resistant to atrophy with weight loss.

Even with a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, buccal fat cannot be reduced naturally by weight loss alone. Equally, buccal fat does not shrink as we age and so, for buccal fat removal, patients must look towards other options when considering this procedure. 

How Does Buccal Fat Removal Work?

As the procedure name suggests, buccal fat removal, also known as cheek reduction, is a cosmetic procedure indicated for the extraction of unwanted buccal fat pads in the face. The removal procedure is intended to give a subtle contouring effect to the face for a more chiselled appearance; removing this fat can be beneficial for emphasising the cheekbones and adding more structure to the face.

The fat-removing procedure is often cited as a quick treatment often taking anywhere between 30-60 minutes to complete. For this procedure, patients are typically awake but are given local anaesthesia in the face to ensure no pain is felt; it’s been noted by many that buccal fat removal is a well-tolerated procedure when it comes to pain.

After the patient has been numbed, the surgeon will make a small incision on the inside of the mouth, on both sides, to expose the buccal fat and remove the fat pads. Once the buccal fat has been removed, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures, which are often dissolvable, to ensure the healing process begins immediately. 

What Are the Side-Effects of Buccal Fat Removal?

With any invasive procedure, there are risks associated that patients should take into consideration.

Some side-effects and risks may include, but are not limited to:

  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Infection at the incision site
  • Facial nerve damage
  • Facial asymmetry 
  • Lockjaw

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

In addition to the potential risks and side effects, it’s important to note that the buccal fat removal procedure is not suitable for everyone, as it has a strict set of ideal candidate specifications that must be met in order to ensure optimal results and minimise the risk of complications. It’s important to thoroughly discuss your medical history and aesthetic goals with a qualified healthcare professional before considering any type of cosmetic procedure, including buccal fat removal.

Typically, you are a good candidate, for fat removal if:

  • Your face shape is rounder and fuller
  • You’re in good physical health 
  • You’re unhappy with the fullness of your cheeks 
  • You’re at your optimum weight

Why Shouldn’t I Have Buccal Fat Removal?

Aside from the potential risks and side effects, the buccal fat removal procedure is known for its strict ideal candidate specifications, as well as its hefty price tag. Patients can expect to pay anywhere between £3000-£9000* for a simple procedure, although costs may vary between clinics. 

As such, buccal fat removal may not be a feasible option for everyone seeking facial contouring. However, there are less-invasive and more affordable alternatives available, such as dermal fillers like the REVOLAX range. 

These injectables are a great option for achieving a contoured appearance without the need for a lengthy and invasive procedure. Not only that, but the cost of dermal fillers may be more accessible to those seeking a facial contouring solution. Whilst it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss which treatment option is best suited to your needs and goals, dermal fillers are a popular alternative for creating sculpted cheekbones – without having your buccal fat removed.

How Can Dermal Fillers Give Me Sculpted Cheekbones?

Dermal fillers, more specifically thicker viscosity dermal fillers such as REVOLAX Sub-Q have been hailed in the aesthetics community for their ability to mimic bone structure with natural-looking results.

REVOLAX Sub-Q has the thickest properties within the REVOLAX range and has the advanced ability to mould, maintain and structure facial features with long-lasting longevity. Sub-Q is especially effective for moulding and adding dimension to the cheekbones that typically require a thicker substance to fill. 

For more about cheekbone augmentation with REVOLAX, enquire in your local clinic today. Alternatively, trained practitioners can purchase REVOLAX at Fox Pharma.