Buccal fat removal and ageing

As we get older we lose fat and muscle mass in the face – the face naturally takes on a more tapered appearance and the skin becomes loose and saggy. If the fat in the cheeks has been removed surgically, it can make the face look older and more sunken earlier than if the fat had remained and been allowed to disappear more gradually over the years.

A buccal fat removal can therefore give immediate results in the form of a more defined face, but it can also mean that the face ages faster, purely in terms of appearance.

This is what happens to the face

With age the muscles in the face thin out, the bone structure wears down and you lose facial volume. The result is a more pronounced and aged appearance, where the skin can look looser and the contours of the face lose their fullness and definition.

Loss of facial volume

The body's production of collagen and elastin decreases, and with that the skin loses its elasticity. This means that the cheeks can look hollow if there is no underlying fat.

The skin loses its elasticity

As the elasticity of the skin decreases, the skin starts to sag, particularly around the jawbone and the neck. In people who have had a buccal fat pad removal, sagging skin risks becoming even more prominent, as there is nothing to support the skin from within.

Wrinkles and fine lines

When the face has lost volume and the skin has started to sag, wrinkles and fine lines form more easily. This is particularly noticeable in people who already have sharp facial contours with less fat – whether that is down to a surgical procedure or is completely natural.

The skin becomes coarser

As you age, the skin's natural production of natural oils and its ability to retain moisture are affected. The skin therefore tends to become drier and can appear somewhat coarser.

Pigment changes

Age spots, hyperpigmentation and other discolouration become more common in later life. The pigment changes can be made worse by things like sun exposure, which affects the skin's ability to repair itself.

Meet an experienced plastic surgeon

Through Adoreal you get the chance to come into contact with some of Sweden's best clinics and plastic surgeons. Book a consultation to learn more about the long-term results of a buccal fat removal.

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