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2024.08.13
Is it true that buccal fat removal makes your cheeks sunken? A doctor explains the risks and suitability [Bianca Clinic]
With deep medical insight cultivated as an internal medicine specialist, I bridge aesthetic surgery, dermatology, and internal medicine. Having spent my childhood in China, I communicate fluently in Japanese, Chinese, English, and Korean. Possessing an international perspective—evidenced by invitations to present at overseas conferences—I actively promote techniques as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for GOURI and REJURAN®. My specialty procedures include double eyelid surgery, skin-nurturing boosters, and body hyaluronic acid treatments. My approach leverages the holistic understanding of the body cultivated through internal medicine to guide patients toward natural, healthy beauty.
Hello!
Dr. Hime of BIANCA CLINIC, also known as Senki Akashi.
Today is a day when we receive many inquiries.Bacal Fat RemovalRegarding.
I imagine many people feel anxious, thinking, "I hear it makes your cheeks look slimmer, but I also read it can make you look sunken and aged..."
Let me explain from a doctor's perspective how things actually stand.
What is buccal fat?

Buccal fat is,The lump of fat deep within the cheekIt's an organization that exists within everyone.
Medically known as the "buccal fat pad," it sits high on the cheeks in youth but gradually descends with age, making nasolabial folds and marionette lines (sagging around the mouth) more noticeable.
When this buccal fat sags, it can cause what's known as a "bulldog face" or a loss of definition in the jawline.
Buccal fatRemove only the appropriate amountThis makes the face area look more defined,Facial slimming effect and prevention of future saggingis said to be connected to.
The incision is made inside the mouth, requiring only a very small wound of about 5mm,A key feature is that scars are less visible from the outside.Furthermore, compared to cheek liposuction,Short downtime with minimal swelling and bruisingTreatment.
The reason why people say "Removing buccal fat makes your cheeks sunken"

There are several reasons why you may feel "sunken" after buccal fat removal.
If you consume too much fat
Buccal fat acts as a cushion that supports the volume of the cheeks.
If you remove more than the appropriate amount,The center of the cheeks appear sunken.Therefore, determining the appropriate amount to remove is crucial.
People who naturally have thin cheeks
Individuals who are naturally lean tend to experienceVolume loss occurs in the central part of the face, making it appear sunken.There are times when...
Those with naturally sharp facial contours should be especially cautious, as removing too much buccal fat can easily lead to loss of cheek fullness. To maintain a natural balance, it's more important to focus on "how much to leave" rather than "how much to remove."
Age-related volume loss
As we age, fat and skin elasticity gradually decrease.
Therefore, if you consume too much buccal fat during your younger years,The risk of developing sunken cheeks in the future, making you appear olderThere is.
Determining whether buccal fat removal is appropriate requires considering not only your current facial appearance but also anticipating future changes.
Candidates for buccal fat removal
So, who is a good candidate for buccal fat removal?
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When I grin, the inside of my cheeksThe one that puffs up big and round
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When you pinch that bulge with your fingersThose who feel a slight pain in the back area
In such cases, it is highly likely that the buccal fat pad has substantial volume,Removing the appropriate amount reduces the puffiness under the face.There is a tendency.
However, excessive use may also carry the risk of causing sunken cheeks,The experience of adjusting the appropriate amount while monitoring the volume during surgery is extremely important.is.
There are also cases where the cause of cheek fullness was subcutaneous fat rather than buccal fat.
In reality, it's not uncommon for subcutaneous fat (the fat just beneath the skin) to be the cause of fullness rather than buccal fat.
In this case, removing buccal fat may result in little visible change or, conversely, cause the face to appear sunken.
For those concerned about cheek volume due to subcutaneous fat,Combination treatments such as liposuction and Embrace RF (FaceTite)In many cases, considering this will result in a more beautiful finish.
What I can say from having actually undergone buccal fat removal
Actually, I myself have undergone buccal fat removal in the past.A person whose cheeks have sunken inis.
Back then, I was young and didn't think deeply about the balance of adjustment and volume.
Looking back now,Determining whether it's better to take it is more important than whether you can take it.Even with the same goal of “slimming the face,” the optimal solution varies completely depending on the individual's bone structure and fat distribution.
Summary|To prevent sunken cheeks after buccal fat removal, careful assessment is crucial!
Buccal fat removal is a highly satisfying procedure when performed with accurate diagnosis and precise dose adjustment.
However, it's not a matter of anyone being able to take it; there is a clear distinction between those who should take it and those who should not.
If you're concerned about puffy cheeks, don't rush—first get a consultation to determine the cause of the swelling.
Proper adaptation judgment is the shortcut to a beautiful finish.