Overview
When cheeks stay full no matter what
Some people have round cheeks that stick around even at a healthy weight. It can make the face look younger or softer than you'd like, or hide the cheekbones you know are there. Often the reason is the buccal fat pads, deep pockets of fat in the lower cheek.
Why they don't slim down
Buccal fat pad size is mostly genetic, and it doesn't change much with weight loss. It isn't the only possible cause, though. A wide jaw or large chewing muscles can also make the lower face look round, and those call for different treatments.
How buccal fat removal works
Dr. Kim performs buccal fat removal through small incisions inside the mouth, so there are no visible scars. Removing a conservative amount of fat creates a little more contour below the cheekbones and a slimmer lower face. If jaw width or muscle is the bigger factor, facial bone reduction or Botox for the jaw muscles may be a better fit.
Why less is often more
Faces naturally lose volume as we age, so taking out too much fat now can leave the face looking hollow down the road. The best candidates have genuinely full cheeks, and Dr. Kim removes only what supports a balanced look for years to come.
Recommended Treatment
Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal Fat Removal is a specialized facial contouring procedure designed to slim the lower cheeks and enhance natural facial definition. By selectively reducing excess buccal fat pads, this procedure creates a more sculpted, refined appearance, particularly in the midface and jawline. At CK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Charles Kim performs Buccal Fat Removal using a conservative, anatomy-driven approach to preserve facial harmony and avoid over-hollowing. Through detailed facial analysis and personalized surgical planning, Dr. Kim ensures results that enhance bone structure while maintaining a natural, youthful balance.
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