How to Lose Face Fat
Many people are looking for ways to achieve a slimmer, more contoured face without the need for drastic weight loss or a complicated surgery. Facial fullness can be stubborn, remaining even as you work to shed overall body fat. Sometimes, this fullness is the result of genetic factors or areas of fat that are simply resistant to traditional weight-loss efforts. In the lower face and neck, factors like large buccal fat pads, jowls, and extra fat layers can contribute to a rounder look.
For patients who want to lose face fat or achieve a refined, sculpted look, there are a variety of treatments and approaches to consider. Let’s explore why some people retain fat in the lower face, and how a comprehensive approach—including both non-surgical and surgical options—can make a significant difference.
Why Some People Retain More Fat in the Face
Lower facial volume can be largely determined by genetics. People with fuller cheeks or jowls often have larger buccal fat pads, which are the fat pads situated in the middle of the cheeks. The neck can also hold onto excess fat, sometimes in multiple layers, like the subcutaneous (just under the skin) and subplatysmal (beneath the platysma muscle) planes. This combination can lead to a fuller face and neck contour, even in those who are naturally slim.
There are ways to address these areas that go beyond the basic “weight loss” strategy, providing a way to enhance your facial contours without drastic fat loss or invasive procedures. The goal of facial sculpting is to reduce or shift volume where necessary and tighten the skin for a natural, contoured look.
Non-Surgical Options
For patients who want to slim and contour their face without surgery, non-surgical treatments provide an effective solution. These options target specific fat pockets and can simultaneously tighten the skin.
Kybella
Kybella is an injectable treatment that utilizes deoxycholic acid to break down fat cells. This treatment is often used for reducing submental fat (the fat pad beneath the chin) and can create a more defined jawline.
- How it works: Kybella’s active ingredient breaks down fat cells in the treatment area, which the body then naturally flushes away over time.
- Pros: Non-invasive and offers permanent results once the fat cells are destroyed.
- Cons: Best for small, defined areas; significant swelling is common after treatment; fibrosis can be seen afterwards if surgical options are needed later
CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis)
CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to target and destroy fat cells. This non-invasive procedure is often used on the body but can be applied to the submental area as well.
- How it works: CoolSculpting uses a controlled cooling technique that freezes fat cells. Over the following weeks, these cells are naturally eliminated by the body.
- Pros: Non-surgical, minimal discomfort, and no downtime.
- Cons: Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) has been underreported and can be a devastating problem with increase in fat in the treatment area as well as scarring and pain.
Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments for Fat Reduction and Skin Tightening
Radiofrequency energy is an excellent option for those who want to both reduce fat and tighten skin, as it works by delivering controlled heat to deeper layers of the skin. There are a few different RF options available today:
- FaceTite: FaceTite is a minimally invasive treatment that melts fat and tightens skin in the lower face and neck. It’s especially effective for the jawline and can help redefine contours.
- Morpheus8: Morpheus8 combines RF energy with microneedling, allowing for deeper treatment that tightens skin and addresses fat at the same time.
- EmFace by BTL and Define Cheek and Chin by InMode: These targeted RF treatments can tighten and sculpt without affecting other surrounding tissues.
The Slim and Sculpt Package
For patients who want a defined lower face without invasive surgery, I offer my Slim and Sculpt Package—a combination of the most effective, minimally invasive treatments. This package includes:
- Buccal Fat Removal: This procedure removes excess fat from the buccal fat pads to create a slimmer midface.
- FaceTite: FaceTite provides additional contouring in the lower face by reducing fat along the jawline and under the chin while tightening skin.
- Masseter Injections: Botox or Jeuveau injections in the masseter muscles reduce the width of the lower face by softening the jawline and creating a more oval shape.
The Slim and Sculpt Package is performed in-office under local anesthesia, offering a minimally invasive approach to achieve a noticeable, balanced transformation with minimal downtime.
Surgical Options for Comprehensive Sculpting
For those seeking a more transformative outcome or addressing larger areas of fullness, surgical procedures like a structural neck lift and chin liposuction may be ideal. These options allow for precision in targeting fat and muscles, as well as providing skin tightening for a lasting, contoured look.
Buccal Fat Pad Excision
For patients with full cheeks or “chipmunk cheeks,” buccal fat pad excision is a highly effective option. This procedure can help create a leaner, more chiseled look by removing a portion of the buccal fat pads in the cheeks.
- How it works: The procedure is performed through an incision inside the mouth, allowing the surgeon to access and remove a portion of the buccal fat pads.
- Pros: Permanent results, and no visible scars since incisions are inside the mouth.
- Cons: Best suited for younger patients with good skin elasticity.
Structural Neck Lift with or Without Buccal Fat Removal
A structural neck lift is one of the most effective ways to create a defined neck contour, especially in patients with excess fat, muscle laxity, or loose skin. This procedure is often combined with chin liposuction or buccal fat removal for a cohesive, slim look.
- How it works: A structural neck lift involves removing excess fat in multiple layers, repositioning and tightening the platysma muscle, and removing any redundant skin. This comprehensive approach provides a defined neck and jawline, often erasing signs of fullness and aging.
- Pros: Dramatic and long-lasting results, improved muscle and skin tone, and a refined lower face.
- Cons: Involves surgery and requires recovery time.
Muscle Modification to Enhance Facial Contouring
In some cases, reducing the size of certain facial and neck muscles can improve contour. The following options are effective for sculpting through muscle modification:
Masseter Neuromodulator Injection
Neuromodulators like Botox or Jeuveau can help shrink and soften the masseter muscles, creating a narrower jawline and softer lower face shape.
- How it works: Neuromodulators relax the masseter muscles over time, leading to muscle atrophy and reducing bulk.
- Pros: Non-invasive, easy to perform, and provides a gradual reduction in jaw width.
- Cons: Temporary, so injections must be repeated every few months for maintenance.
MyEllevate in the Neck
For patients with mild-to-moderate neck fullness or muscle laxity, MyEllevate can be an effective way to lift and support the neck muscles without the need for a full neck lift. This minimally invasive procedure uses a suture-based system to provide structure and support to the neck.
- Pros: Minimally invasive, quick recovery.
- Cons: Best suited for younger patients or those with mild-to-moderate laxity.
Structural Neck Lift for Comprehensive Muscle Tightening
A structural neck lift goes beyond skin tightening and targets the platysma muscle, helping reduce muscle laxity that can cause sagging or fullness in the neck.
Finding Your Perfect Sculpting Plan
Achieving a slimmer, contoured face often requires a tailored approach that considers both fat reduction and skin tightening. For patients seeking a minimally invasive solution with noticeable results, my Slim and Sculpt Package is an ideal choice. For a more comprehensive transformation, a structural neck lift, with or without buccal fat removal, may be more suitable. Both options address the unique features and contours of your face and neck to achieve natural, long-lasting results.
Whether you’re interested in subtle changes or a more defined transformation, a consultation can help determine the approach that’s best suited to your needs and aesthetic goals. Together, we can craft a plan that balances all aspects of facial volume, muscle contour, and skin tone to achieve the refined, sculpted look you desire.
