Cheek Liposuction: Define Your 2025 Profile

Showing Your Ideal Profile: A Look at Cheek Liposuction

If you’re exploring options to slim your face and achieve a more defined look, understanding cheek liposuction is key. It’s a precise cosmetic procedure designed to refine your facial contours by removing excess fat from the mid-face, creating a slimmer appearance and a more defined jawline.

Here’s a quick overview:

• What it is: A surgical method to remove excess fat from the mid-face.
• What it does: Creates a slimmer facial appearance and a more defined jawline.
• Permanence: The fat cells removed are gone for good.
• Procedure time: Typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

This guide will help you understand if this procedure is right for you.

I’m Dr. Sarah Yovino, leading the nonsurgical side at Ideal Face & Body. My extensive training in cosmetic procedures, gained under the mentorship of Dr. Justin Yovino, provides deep insight into facial contouring, including procedures like cheek liposuction, to help you achieve natural-looking results.

Cheek Liposuction vs. Buccal Fat Removal: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to slimming your face, you might hear about two popular options: cheek liposuction and buccal fat removal. While both aim for a more refined facial contour, they target different types of fat. Understanding these differences is crucial to determining which path is best for your unique goals.

Cheek liposuction gently removes the more superficial fat that sits just under your skin, which often contributes to a generally rounder or “chubby” facial appearance. Buccal fat removal, on the other hand, targets a very specific, deeper pocket of fat nestled inside your cheeks. This deeper fat pad is often what gives some people a persistent “baby face” look, regardless of their weight.

Let’s break down the key differences:

If you’re curious to dive deeper into how buccal fat removal works, we have a helpful guide on how is buccal fat removal done.

Understanding Buccal Fat

The buccal fat pad is a natural cushion of fat deep inside your lower cheek. Its size is often genetic and may not change with diet or exercise, which is why some people retain a “baby face” or fuller lower cheeks even at a healthy weight. Removing a portion of this fat can create a more sculpted, angled look, helping your cheekbones and jawline stand out. Many of our patients find this procedure helps them finally get the facial definition they’ve always wanted. To learn more, check out our detailed guide on the benefits of buccal fat removal.

Understanding Subcutaneous Cheek Fat

Subcutaneous fat is the layer just beneath your skin. In the cheeks, this superficial fat can contribute to overall facial roundness and may even lead to the appearance of jowls along the jawline. This type of fat can be stubborn, resisting diet and exercise. Cheek liposuction is specifically designed to target and gently remove this subcutaneous fat. By carefully sculpting this layer, our experts, Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino, can help reveal a slimmer, more defined facial structure that highlights your natural beauty.

The Cheek Liposuction Procedure: From Consultation to Contouring

Your journey with cheek liposuction begins with a personalized consultation at Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, CA. This initial meeting is crucial for us to understand your goals, analyze your facial features, and determine if this procedure is right for you. Our expert team, led by Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino, will perform a detailed facial analysis and explain how the procedure can help you achieve your desired look.

We’ll walk you through every step, including anesthesia options and what to expect during and after the procedure. Cheek liposuction is an outpatient procedure, so you can return home the same day. The surgery itself is quick, often taking just 30 minutes to 1 hour. We are proud to offer advanced techniques like our “Precision Sculpt” awake liposuction, designed for a comfortable and precise experience. You can find more details on our awake buccal fat removal page.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Cheek Liposuction?

Successful cosmetic procedures start with choosing the right candidates. For cheek liposuction, ideal candidates are generally:

• In good overall health, with no serious medical conditions that could complicate surgery or recovery.
• At a stable weight, as this procedure is for contouring, not weight loss. Maintaining a steady weight helps ensure long-lasting results.
• Have good skin elasticity, which allows the skin to retract smoothly over the new, slimmer contour after fat removal.
• Have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Our goal is natural-looking improvements that boost your confidence.
• Non-smokers, as smoking can impede healing and increase the risk of complications.

If you have stubborn facial fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise and you meet these guidelines, you may be an excellent candidate.

Techniques for Facial Fat Removal

At Ideal Face & Body, we use advanced techniques for safe and effective cheek liposuction results. The choice of technique depends on your individual needs, the amount of fat to be removed, and your skin quality.

• Tumescent Liposuction: A special solution is injected to numb the area, swell the fat cells for easier removal, and minimize bleeding and bruising.
• Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL): Laser energy melts fat cells before they are removed. This can also encourage collagen production, helping to tighten the skin.
• Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL): Ultrasonic energy breaks down fat cells, which is useful for denser fat.
• Manual Liposuction: A surgeon uses a thin cannula to manually break up and suction out fat, allowing for a high degree of artistic control.
• Precision Sculpt: Our signature technique, often performed under local anesthesia while you are awake and comfortable. This method focuses on meticulous sculpting to achieve natural, refined results customized to your facial structure.

Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino will discuss the best option for you during your consultation.

The Step-by-Step Surgical Process

Your cheek liposuction procedure at Ideal Face & Body is a carefully planned process designed for your safety and to achieve optimal results.

1. Marking the Area: Before the procedure, your surgeon will precisely mark the treatment areas on your cheeks to ensure symmetrical and balanced sculpting.
2. Anesthesia Administration: You will receive either local or general anesthesia, based on the plan discussed. Many patients choose local anesthesia with our “Precision Sculpt” approach, remaining awake but comfortable.
3. Incision Placement: Tiny, discreet incisions are made in inconspicuous spots, such as inside the mouth or within natural skin creases, to ensure minimal to no visible scarring.
4. Fat Aspiration: A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions. Using the chosen technique, fat cells are broken up and gently suctioned out to create a smoother, more defined contour.
5. Closing Incisions: The small incisions are closed with fine sutures or sometimes left to heal naturally. A compression garment may be applied to reduce swelling and support healing.

The entire outpatient procedure is usually completed within 30 minutes to an hour, and you can begin your recovery at home shortly after.

Recovery and Long-Term Results

After your cheek liposuction at Ideal Face & Body, your recovery phase begins. Most patients find the process manageable by following our post-surgery care guidelines. It’s normal to experience some soreness, swelling, and bruising, which are part of the body’s natural healing response. We will provide instructions for managing discomfort and recommend using cold compresses to minimize swelling.

A crucial part of your recovery is wearing a specialized compression garment. This facial wrap applies gentle, consistent pressure to reduce swelling and support your skin as it adjusts to its new, slimmer contour. Patients who diligently wear their compression garment tend to have the most satisfying outcomes.

We will monitor your progress through scheduled follow-up appointments. For more insights into the recovery process, our page on buccal fat removal recovery offers helpful information.

The Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

While every patient heals differently, a general timeline can help you prepare for your cheek liposuction recovery.

• First Week: Swelling and bruising will be at their peak. Discomfort should be mild and easily managed. Wearing your compression garment consistently is essential. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, but we recommend a soft food diet to avoid straining the jaw.
• First Month: Significant swelling will have subsided, and you’ll begin to see your new facial contours emerge. You will continue to wear the compression garment as directed. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least four to six weeks to ensure proper healing.
• Final Results: While you’ll see significant improvement within a month, final results typically appear after three to four months as all residual swelling resolves. The outcome is a slimmer, more sculpted mid-face that beautifully complements your natural features.

For more information on recovery timelines, you might find our guide on buccal fat removal downtime useful.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While cheek liposuction is a safe procedure, especially with experienced surgeons like Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino, it’s important to be aware of potential risks.

Common, temporary side effects include swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are normal parts of healing. Less common possibilities include asymmetry, temporary numbness or altered sensation, and a small risk of infection. Skin irregularities like dimpling or looseness can occur, particularly in patients with poor skin elasticity. Rarely, a fluid collection (seroma) may form and require drainage. Choosing a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial procedures is the best way to minimize these risks. For those interested in learning more about safety, this research article on the safety of cosmetic liposuction provides a valuable scientific perspective.

Long-Term Results of Cheek Liposuction

One of the most exciting aspects of cheek liposuction is that the results are permanent. The fat cells removed during the procedure do not grow back. This means the slimmer, more contoured facial profile you achieve is a long-term change.

However, maintaining your results depends on your lifestyle. A stable weight is crucial, as significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells in the face to expand, altering your new contours. The natural aging process will also continue, affecting skin elasticity and fat distribution over time. Despite this, many patients find that the improved facial structure from liposuction helps them age more gracefully.

Our patients consistently express high satisfaction with their lasting results for years after their procedure. To see the kind of transformative outcomes our patients achieve, we invite you to explore our before and after results gallery.

Finding a Qualified Surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA

When considering cheek liposuction, choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision you’ll make. Your face is unique, and refining its contours requires a surgeon with proven expertise, artistry, and a commitment to safety.

The foundation of a qualified plastic surgeon is board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification represents years of rigorous training, extensive surgical experience, and adherence to the highest ethical standards. Additionally, membership in professional societies like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows a commitment to staying current with the latest techniques and safety protocols.

Because cheek liposuction is a delicate procedure, you should seek a surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery. This requires a nuanced understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics. At Ideal Face & Body, Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino bring this specialized focus to every procedure, combining technical precision with an artistic eye for natural, harmonious results.

Ask about a surgeon’s specific experience with cheek liposuction. A surgeon who regularly performs facial contouring will have the refined skills to achieve beautiful, balanced results. Reviewing before and after photos and patient testimonials provides insight into a surgeon’s aesthetic approach and the quality of their work.

At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, CA, Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino are committed to providing exceptional, personalized care. We invite you to schedule a consultation to meet our team, discuss your vision, and experience the expertise and compassionate approach that sets us apart.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheek Fat Removal

Considering a procedure like cheek liposuction comes with many questions. At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, CA, we want you to feel completely informed. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear.

Is cheek liposuction permanent?

Yes, the results of cheek liposuction are permanent. The fat cells removed during the procedure are gone for good and do not regenerate. However, to maintain these results, it’s important to keep a stable weight, as significant weight gain can cause remaining fat cells to enlarge. While the natural aging process will continue, the fat reduction itself is permanent.

Will there be noticeable scars?

Scarring from cheek liposuction is typically minimal to non-existent. Our surgeons make tiny incisions, just a few millimeters long, and place them in discreet locations. Often, incisions are placed inside the mouth, leaving no external scar. When external incisions are needed, they are hidden in natural skin creases. As they heal, they fade and become virtually invisible.

How is this different from fillers?

This is an important distinction. Cheek liposuction and facial fillers work in opposite ways. Cheek liposuction is a procedure for volume reduction. It removes excess fat to slim and contour the face. It is a permanent solution.

Facial fillers, on the other hand, are for volume addition. They are injectable treatments used to add fullness to areas like the cheekbones or to fill hollows. Fillers are temporary, lasting several months to over a year, and require ongoing treatments to maintain results. In short, liposuction subtracts, while fillers add.

Achieve Your Ideal Facial Contour

We hope this guide has provided clarity on cheek liposuction. At Ideal Face & Body in Beverly Hills, CA, we are dedicated to helping you feel like the best version of yourself. If you desire a slimmer, more defined facial profile, this procedure can be a transformative step.

The benefits extend beyond the physical changes. While you’ll notice improved definition and a more sculpted mid-face, our patients often report that the greatest gift is the boost in confidence.

Dr. Sarah Yovino and Dr. Justin Yovino bring years of specialized training and a passion for facial aesthetics to every procedure. Their goal is to improve your natural features in a way that feels authentically you. With techniques like our signature Precision Sculpt awake liposuction, you are in expert hands.

We believe knowledge is empowering and encourage you to explore all your options, including natural cheek reduction options.

If you’re ready to take the next step or simply have more questions, we’d love to hear from you. Schedule a consultation with us at Ideal Face & Body to discuss what’s possible for your facial contour. Your ideal profile is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it.