We can always count on the internet to make us analyze and question things about ourselves we didn’t even know existed. One such concept that has had users everywhere up in arms is that of buccal fat. With weight loss drugs gaining traction as the thin, ballet-body aesthetic unfortunately begins to reign supreme again, people everywhere are noticing changes in the size and shape of our favorite celebrities—and not just on their bodies.
For me, the first time I remember hearing about buccal fat was when the internet started speculating that Glee star Lea Michele had hers removed, leading to her slim, snatched appearance. Since then, surgical procedures like buccal fat removal and noninvasive treatments like buccal fat facials and massages have continued to gain popularity as ways to tone and tighten one’s face. But, while we’ve been focussing so much on getting rid of our buccal fat, have we failed to consider that maybe the infamous face fat actually makes us look younger?
Featured Experts:
- Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD is a facial plastic surgeon in New York
- B. Aviva Preminger, MD is a plastic surgeon in New York
- Kelly Bomer, MD is a facial plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ and owner of Rejuvent Medical Spa and Surgery for 20 years
Does Buccal Fat Make You Look Younger?
For the past several months, all things Bridgerton have been at the top of our minds, specifically that of the season three star Nicola Coughlan. I vividly remember the moment the internet collectively freaked out upon discovering that the Derry Girls actress is 37, despite convincingly playing a teen on TV. While we immediately started researching her skin-care routine, one TikTok user commented on the star’s countenance, noting that the buccal fat in her face is what makes her look so youthful. And it got me thinking, does buccal fat actually make you look younger?
According to New York facial plastic surgeon Konstantin Vasyukevich, “The appearance of facial aging could be exacerbated by the loss of volume in the cheeks.” He notes that, “Prominent buccal fat pads could contribute to one’s youthful appearance by helping to maintain healthy facial volume in the lower cheek area.” In terms of our Bridgerton baddie, Dr. Vasyukevich explains that, “Nicola Coughlan does have prominent cheeks that contribute to her youthful appearance. However, in her case, it is the upper part of the cheek that looks most prominent and not the lower cheek area where the buccal fat pad would be.”
Buccal Fat and Buccal Fat Removal: What Is it and How Does it Work?
So, if Coughlan’s prominent cheeks are not related to the buccal fat in her face, the question remains: What exactly is buccal fat, and how does it contribute to the aging of our face? As New York plastic surgeon B. Aviva Preminger, MD explains, “Buccal fat is a normal pad of fat found in the cheeks between the cheekbones and jaw bone. The amount and shape of this fat varies from person to person.”
In terms of how these unique fat pads relate to the youthfulness of our faces, Dr. Preminger notes that, “[Buccal fat] can make the face look rounder in shape, but some people prefer a more sculpted look. This fat pad can be surgically removed as a cosmetic procedure that involves making a small incision inside the cheek so that the scar is never visible, and the results of surgical removal are permanent because the fat cells don’t grow back once removed. It is important to keep in mind, however, that extra facial fat tends to make people look younger, so overly aggressive removal can cause a prematurely aged appearance.”
Why Is Buccal Fat Important?
While it’s clear that buccal fat can in fact make you look younger, understanding the role of our buccal fat is important. As Scottsdale, AZ facial plastic surgeon Kelly Bomer, MD explains, “Buccal Fat is an essential part of facial beauty. It is very full when we are babies, still full when we are in grade school and starts to thin out at puberty. Some faces hold on to buccal fat pad volume more than others as aging occurs. When adolescents feel they still have a ‘baby face’ it is because they have full buccal fat pads. These fat pads are essential for facial youthfulness, a healthy look, and promoting an ageless look as we mature. If the buccal fat is surgically removed or is has regressed due to extreme weight loss the face will start to look hollow and old. Athletes who are engaged with extreme fitness often burn away their buccal fat pads. Most often when buccal fat regresses, it does not return. I strongly believe it is dangerous to facial health and beauty to remove buccal fat from peoples faces. If a more contoured look is desired, learn how to contour with makeup!”
