How Can I Make My Fat Face Thinner?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am 25 years old and have a chubby face. I am slightly overweight but not as fat as my face makes me look. I am very self concious about my oversized cheeks. I also have a double chin which is very noticeable and unattractive. Do you think a buccal fat pad removal would help me? I have read on the internet that removing it may make your face look too thin down the road. However, I feel that I  will always be stuck with a fat face and chubby cheeks as both my parents look the same way. Please advise on what you think would be the best way to help reduce the fatness in my face. Also, are there any less aggressive or non-surgical ways to lessen the fullness of my cheeks and chin? I have attached some pictures of me for your review.

A: In looking at your pictures, I can assure you that nothing short of surgery will help reduce the fullness in your face. I would recommend buccal fat  removal, submental/neck liposuction and maybe even a small chin implant. These are some standard techniques in faces such as yours to make a visible difference. While these will not necessarily make your face, they will go a long way to reducing some fullness. It is also important to realize that buccal fat removal does not address all areas of the cheek region in reducing fullness. You will also benefit from liposuction of the perioral mounds and above the nasolabial fold, two areas that are full but lie outside  any effects of buccal fat pad removal.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana