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How to Get Thinner Cheeks and a Slimmer Face – Many Options

May 2, 2025

Surgical and Non-Surgical Options for a Slim Face

Do you want thinner, more defined cheeks that highlight your natural facial features? You’re not alone. Many people desire a slimmer, more contoured face that radiates confidence and beauty. Fortunately, there are various surgical and non-surgical options available to help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted.

As a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Joe has helped countless patients sculpt their cheeks and achieve a more balanced, harmonious facial profile. In this blog post, Dr. Joe will explore the different methods available for slimming your cheeks, including Buccal Fat Removal surgery, cheek liposuction, and non-surgical treatments. He’ll discuss the benefits, procedures, and ideal candidates for each option, helping you make a decision about which treatment might be best for you.

Buccal Fat Removal Surgery to Get Rid of Cheek Fat

Buccal Fat Removal, also known as cheek reduction surgery, is a popular surgical procedure designed to slim and contour the cheeks by removing excess buccal fat pads. These fat pads are located in the mid-cheek area, between the facial muscles, and can contribute to a rounded, “baby face” appearance.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your preference and the extent of the surgery. During the procedure, small incisions are made inside the mouth, near the targeted fat pads. Through these incisions, the surgeon carefully removes the excess buccal fat, sculpting a slimmer, more defined cheek contour. The incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures, leaving no visible scars on the face.

One of the main benefits of Buccal Fat Removal is that it provides permanent results. Once the excess fat is removed, it will not return, allowing you to enjoy your newly contoured cheeks for years to come. Additionally, the procedure can help to enhance facial harmony, balance, and symmetry, creating a more aesthetically pleasing profile.

Ideal candidates for Buccal Fat Removal are generally healthy adults who have excess fullness in their cheeks and desire a slimmer, more defined facial contour. It is important to note that the procedure is not suitable for everyone, as removing too much buccal fat can result in a gaunt or hollow appearance, particularly as the face naturally loses volume with age.

Recovery after Buccal Fat Removal typically takes about a week, during which time you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These side effects can be managed with prescribed pain medication and cold compresses. You are advised to follow a soft food diet for several days after the surgery to minimize strain on the incision sites.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with Buccal Fat Removal, including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. However, these risks are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Joe.

Cheek Liposuction to Get Rid of Chubby Cheeks

Cheek liposuction, also known as buccal lipectomy, is another surgical option for reducing excess fat in the cheeks and achieving a slimmer facial profile. This procedure involves the use of liposuction techniques to remove stubborn fat deposits that contribute to a rounded or “chubby” appearance.

During cheek liposuction, small incisions are made inside the mouth, near the targeted fat pockets. A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is then inserted through the incisions and used to gently suction out the excess fat. Dr. Joe carefully sculpts the cheek area, creating a more contoured and defined appearance. Once the desired amount of fat has been removed, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.

One of the main benefits of cheek liposuction is that it allows for precise targeting of specific fat deposits, enabling Dr. Joe to create a customized, natural-looking result. Additionally, the procedure can be combined with other facial contouring treatments, such as chin liposuction or jawline enhancement, to achieve a more dramatic facial transformation.

Ideal candidates for cheek liposuction are generally healthy adults who have good skin elasticity and excess fat deposits in the cheek area that have not responded to diet and exercise. As with Buccal Fat Removal, it is important to have realistic expectations and understand that the procedure is designed to improve facial contours, not to drastically change one’s appearance.

Recovery after cheek liposuction is similar to that of Buccal Fat Removal, with most patients experiencing some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days. These side effects can be managed with prescribed pain medication and cold compresses. Patients are typically able to return to work and other normal activities within a week, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks.

Buccal Fat Removal vs. Cheek Liposuction

When considering surgical options for achieving slimmer, more contoured cheeks, both Buccal Fat Removal and cheek liposuction are popular choices. While these procedures share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that may make one more suitable than the other, depending on your needs and goals.

Similarities:

Both procedures aim to reduce fullness in the cheeks and create a more sculpted facial appearance
Both involve making small incisions inside the mouth to access the targeted fat deposits
Both procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
Recovery time for both procedures is usually about a week, with some swelling, bruising, and discomfort expected

Differences:

Targeted fat: Buccal Fat Removal specifically targets the buccal fat pads, which are distinct fat compartments located in the mid-cheek area. Cheek liposuction, on the other hand, can address excess fat deposits throughout the cheek area, including the buccal fat pads and other pockets of fat.
Technique: Buccal Fat Removal involves directly excising the buccal fat pads through incisions inside the mouth. Cheek liposuction uses a thin cannula to suction out excess fat through small incisions, allowing for more precise sculpting of the cheek contours.
Permanence: Buccal Fat Removal results are considered permanent, as the removed fat pads will not regenerate. While the results of cheek liposuction are long-lasting, some fat cells may remain and can potentially enlarge with future weight gain.
Ideal candidates: Buccal Fat Removal is best suited for patients who have genetically full or “chubby” cheeks due to prominent buccal fat pads. Cheek liposuction may be more appropriate for patients with excess fat deposits throughout the cheek area, or for those who have already undergone Buccal Fat Removal and desire further contouring.
Potential risks: Both surgical procedures carry some risks, such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. However, cheek liposuction may have a slightly higher risk of asymmetry or contour irregularities, as it involves more extensive fat removal and sculpting.

During a consultation with Dr. Joe, he will carefully assess your unique needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to help you achieve your goals safely and effectively.

Non-Surgical Options for Thinner Cheeks and a Slim Face

For those who prefer to avoid surgical procedures or are not suitable candidates for Buccal Fat Removal or cheek liposuction, several non-surgical options can help slim and contour the cheeks. These methods typically involve less downtime and lower risks compared to surgery, although the results may be less dramatic and require ongoing maintenance.

One popular non-surgical approach is facial exercises, which target the cheek muscles to help tone and slim the face over time. Exercises such as cheek lifts, fish face, and cheekbone massages can be performed regularly to improve facial contours gradually. Proper diet and hydration also play a role in maintaining a slimmer face, as they help to reduce facial bloating and water retention. Avoiding high-sodium and processed foods can minimize puffiness and contribute to a more defined facial appearance.

Makeup techniques, such as contouring and highlighting, can create the illusion of thinner, more sculpted cheeks. By using a matte contour powder or cream to shade the hollows of the cheeks and highlighting the high points, you can achieve a more chiseled look. Facial massage is another non-surgical method that can help improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote lymphatic drainage. Using gentle upward and outward motions, focusing on the cheek area, can help to de-puff and sculpt the face.

Facial tools, such as jade rollers and gua sha stones, have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to help slim and contour the face. When incorporated into a regular skincare routine, these tools can help to de-puff, sculpt, and define the cheeks by promoting circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Injectable treatments, such as dermal fillers and BOTOX, can also be used to enhance and reshape the cheeks without surgery. Dermal fillers can be strategically placed to lift and contour the cheekbones, creating a more defined and youthful appearance. Botox injections in the masseter muscles can help to slim the lower face and soften a square jawline, contributing to a more oval-shaped face.

Radiofrequency treatments, such as Thermage and Ultherapy, use non-invasive technology to tighten and contour the face by stimulating collagen production. These treatments can help to lift and define the cheeks, reducing sagging and improving overall facial contours.

While non-surgical options can provide noticeable improvements in cheek contours, it is essential to have realistic expectations and understand that the results may be more subtle and temporary compared to surgical procedures. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Joe can help you determine which non-surgical treatments may be most effective for your specific concerns and goals.

Comparing Surgical and Non-Surgical Methods

When considering options for achieving slimmer, more contoured cheeks, it’s important to understand the differences between surgical and non-surgical methods. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on your individual needs, goals, and preferences.

Factor	Surgical Methods (Buccal Fat Removal and Cheek Liposuction)	Non-Surgical Methods
Effectiveness and Longevity of Results	More dramatic and long-lasting results; can achieve significant cheek contouring that lasts for many years	Less dramatic and shorter-lasting results; require ongoing maintenance treatments to sustain the desired effects
Downtime and Recovery	Longer downtime and recovery period; typically involves 1-2 weeks of swelling, bruising, and discomfort	Minimal to no downtime; patients can usually resume normal activities immediately or within a few days
Cost Considerations	Higher upfront costs for the surgical procedure and associated fees; may provide better long-term value due to the longevity of results	Lower initial costs per treatment; cumulative expense of ongoing treatments can add up over time
Suitability for Different Individuals	Best suited for patients with moderate to significant cheek fullness, good skin elasticity, and realistic expectations; may not be appropriate for those with certain medical conditions or medications	Suitable for a wider range of patients, including those who prefer a less invasive approach or have mild to moderate cheek fullness; may not be as effective for those with significant excess fat or skin laxity
Risks and Side Effects	Higher risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and anesthesia complications; side effects such as swelling, bruising, and numbness are common but usually temporary	Lower risks and fewer side effects; may include temporary redness, swelling, or bruising, depending on the specific treatment
Personalization and Customization	Surgical methods allow for precise targeting and removal of excess fat; can be customized to the patient’s unique facial anatomy and goals	Non-surgical treatments can be tailored to the patient’s needs, but the level of personalization may be more limited compared to surgical methods

The best way to determine which option is right for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joe. During your consultation, Dr. Joe will carefully assess your facial structure, listen to your concerns and goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your needs and expectations. He will also discuss the potential risks, benefits, and costs associated with each option.

FAQs about Surgery for Thinner Cheeks

Can I undergo Buccal Fat Removal or cheek liposuction if I have a round face due to weight gain?

While Buccal Fat Removal and cheek liposuction can help to slim the cheeks, they are most effective for treating genetically-determined fullness or excess fat deposits that persist despite maintaining a healthy weight. If your round face is primarily due to weight gain, it’s best to focus on achieving a stable, healthy weight through diet and exercise before considering surgical options.

Is there a specific age range when Buccal Fat Removal or cheek liposuction is most effective?

The ideal age for these procedures varies depending on your facial anatomy and goals. Generally, patients in their 20s to 40s with good skin elasticity and moderate cheek fullness are the best candidates. Older patients may still benefit from these procedures, but the results may be less dramatic due to age-related changes in skin laxity and facial volume.

Can I combine cheek contouring procedures with other facial surgeries?

Yes, Buccal Fat Removal and cheek liposuction can often be combined with other facial surgeries, such as a facelift, neck lift, or rhinoplasty, to achieve more complex facial rejuvenation. Combining procedures can also help to minimize overall recovery time and costs compared to having separate surgeries.

How long does it take to see the final results after Buccal Fat Removal or cheek liposuction?

While initial improvements in cheek contours may be visible shortly after the procedure, it typically takes several weeks to a few months for swelling to fully subside and for the final results to emerge. Most patients can appreciate the full effects of their cheek contouring procedure within 3-6 months post-surgery.

Are there any dietary restrictions or lifestyle changes necessary after undergoing cheek contouring surgery?

In the initial days following Buccal Fat Removal or cheek liposuction, you will need to adhere to a soft food diet to minimize strain on the incision sites. As healing progresses, you can gradually return to your normal diet. Maintaining a stable weight and practicing good nutrition habits are essential for preserving the results of cheek contouring surgery over the long term. You should also avoid smoking and excessive sun exposure, which can accelerate aging and negatively impact skin quality.

Medical References About Surgery for Thinner Cheeks

This blog has been authored by “Dr. Joe” Gryskiewicz MD, FACS.

About Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz:

Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing aesthetic surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and belongs to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, The Rhinoplasty Society, and many other national institutions.

In addition to being in private practice, Dr. Joe is a writer and international speaker. He has traveled the world delivering over five hundred presentations to professional organizations on plastic surgery topics such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, hot topics, and ethics. He writes for a number of medical journals, society newsletters, and academic publications.

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About Dr. John Luck:

Dr. John Luck is a highly skilled plastic surgeon specializing in facial and neck rejuvenation, as well as breast enhancement and body contouring procedures. With a passion for precision and first-rate results, Dr. Luck combines cutting-edge techniques with a patient-focused approach to maintain unmatched levels of patient satisfaction in deep plane facelifts, deep neck lifts, and more. As a graduate of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Dr. Luck was one of only four graduates in the world selected to receive world-class plastic surgery training at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is heavily involved in research and has published numerous articles in the top academic journals in the country.