Buccal fat removal may be the latest cosmetic surgery trend on ...
TikTok's latest cosmetic surgery trend is buccal fat removal—a procedure that removes fat padding from a person's face, in turn removing some of its roundness.
medicalxpress.comHere’s a concise update on the latest news about buccal fat removal.
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What it is: Buccal fat removal is a cosmetic surgery that reduces cheek fat to create a more defined jawline and cheekbone contour. It is typically performed through an incision inside the mouth and is marketed as a permanent change. The procedure is usually outpatient, with recovery often within about a week, and may have a visible but internal scar is avoided since the incision is inside the mouth.[1][3]
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Current era of popularity: Interest surged in late 2022–early 2023 due to social media and celebrity chatter, with major outlets noting viral videos and celebrity mentions driving inquiries and perceived trends. Coverage also highlighted debates about permanency, risks, and whether the trend represents a broader move toward more defined facial aesthetics.[3][4][6]
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Risks and considerations: Professionals emphasize that while the result can be permanent, the procedure is not without risks (nerve, asymmetry, altered facial expression, and the permanence of changes). Comments from medical associations note the need for thorough evaluation of whether it aligns with long-term facial aging and personal goals. Non-surgical alternatives like fillers exist but yield different outcomes and longevity.[4][6][3]
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Public discourse and media: News coverage has included explainer pieces detailing why the trend gained momentum, as well as cautions about making irreversible changes based on online hype. Some outlets have profiled patients and surgeons to illustrate diverse outcomes and perspectives.[5][1][3]
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Practical takeaways if you’re considering it: If you’re curious about this trend, consult board-certified plastic surgeons, discuss your facial fat distribution and aging plan, and consider trying non-surgical options first to gauge comfort with changes before any irreversible steps.[6]
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- Example: A typical buccal fat removal involves removing a grape-sized fat pad from inside the cheek, with dissolvable stitches and a recovery period around a week; costs commonly range from a few thousand to over ten thousand dollars depending on location and surgeon, and insurance usually doesn’t cover cosmetic gains.[1]
If you’d like, I can pull the most recent updates from reputable outlets or summarize risks, benefits, and costs for a quick side-by-side comparison. I can also tailor the info to Buffalo, NY, or a nearby city if you’re evaluating local providers.[3][6][1]