Do you gain buccal fat as you age?

While it's a common belief that we gain buccal fat as we get older, experts say the opposite is true for the most part. During middle age, most people experience a natural decrease in buccal fat volume, with further reduction continuing into later years.

Quick Summary

This article explores how buccal fat pads change throughout the aging process, dispelling the myth of gaining this facial fat. It details the natural reduction of buccal fat and other facial fat pads, discusses key differences between buccal fat and jowls, and reviews important considerations for those contemplating cosmetic procedures like buccal fat removal.

Key Points

• Buccal fat often decreases, not increases, with age: Contrary to the common assumption, most people experience a gradual reduction in the size of their buccal fat pads over time, especially after middle age.

• Facial sagging is caused by multiple aging factors: The appearance of a fuller lower face is more likely due to the downward shift of other facial fat pads, loss of skin elasticity, and bone resorption, rather than the buccal fat pad growing.

• Buccal fat and jowls are different: Buccal fat is located deep in the central cheek, while jowls are superficial fat and sagging skin along the jawline, caused by different aging processes.

• Buccal fat removal is permanent: The procedure, though effective for some, is irreversible. Removing this fat too aggressively can potentially lead to a gaunt or hollowed-out look later in life.

• Non-surgical methods can help slim the face: Lifestyle adjustments like weight management, hydration, and reduced sodium can minimize facial puffiness, while Masseter Botox can reduce fullness from muscle enlargement.

• Genetics and BMI play a role: The size of your buccal fat pads is primarily determined by genetics and body mass index, which can influence your facial structure regardless of age.

Understanding the Aging Face and Buccal Fat

As the face ages, it undergoes numerous changes, many of which involve the shifting and decreasing volume of facial fat. The buccal fat pad is a deep, distinct pocket of fat located between the cheekbones and jawline, and its behavior over time is a subject of popular myth. Contrary to the idea that it increases with age, most evidence points toward a gradual decrease in its volume. A 2024 study in PubMed found that buccal fat volume significantly increased from young adulthood (18-29 years) to middle age (30-49 and over 50), suggesting a more complex picture where genetics and BMI also play a large role. However, the key takeaway is that the face loses overall volume and elasticity, which often creates a perception of more prominent lower-cheek fat, even if the buccal pad itself is not significantly growing.

The Shifting Fat Pads

One of the primary drivers of facial aging is the deflation and descent of facial fat pads. These fat pads, which give the face its youthful plumpness, shrink and shift downwards. This process creates hollows and shadows that are often misinterpreted as the buccal fat growing larger. Additionally, the craniofacial skeleton also changes, with bone resorption thinning the facial structure and removing support for overlying tissues. This causes sagging and droopiness, and with it, the appearance of jowls and a less defined jawline. The combination of these factors is why faces can look fuller in certain areas, even as volume is being lost in others.

Buccal Fat vs. Jowls: Knowing the Difference

Understanding the distinction between buccal fat pads and jowls is crucial when assessing facial fullness. While buccal fat resides in the central cheek area, jowls are loose, sagging skin and fat that form along the jawline.

Feature	Buccal Fat	Jowls
Location	Deep in the lower central cheek.	Along the lower jawline, below the mouth corners.
Primary Cause	Genetics, can fluctuate slightly with weight.	Aging, with the descent of superficial facial fat and loss of skin elasticity.
Effect on Face	Contributes to a rounded, “chipmunk cheek” appearance.	Creates a less defined jawline and a squared-off face shape.
Solution	Surgical removal (buccal fat removal).	Facelift, neck lift, or skin-tightening procedures.
Long-Term Change	Generally shrinks with age, though some sources debate this.	Increases with age as skin and fat descend due to gravity.

Can Buccal Fat Removal Accelerate Aging?

For those considering a more defined facial contour, buccal fat removal is an option. However, it's a permanent procedure, and many plastic surgeons express caution. As the face naturally loses volume in later life, removing the buccal fat pad too aggressively in younger years can potentially lead to a gaunt or prematurely hollowed-out appearance in the 40s and 50s. The procedure's permanent nature means there's no going back once the fat is removed. While alternatives like fat grafting can add volume back later, they may not perfectly replicate the natural look.

Non-Surgical Options for a Slimmer Face

If surgery isn't the right choice, several non-invasive options can help create a slimmer-looking face:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Overall body fat reduction will also reduce some facial fat, but it's not possible to target fat loss in just one area.
• Minimize sodium intake: Excess sodium can cause fluid retention and facial puffiness.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps flush out toxins and reduce bloating.
• Cardio exercise: Regular aerobic exercise burns fat throughout the body, including the face.
• Facial exercises: While not proven to reduce fat directly, some exercises may help strengthen facial muscles, contributing to a more toned appearance.
• Masseter Botox: For individuals with enlarged masseter (chewing) muscles, Botox injections can slim the lower posterior face, giving it a more V-line shape.

Conclusion

While the popular belief is that we gain buccal fat as we age, the reality is more complex. The buccal fat pad is a deep structure that, for many, gradually decreases in volume as part of the natural aging process. The appearance of facial fullness or sagging is often caused by the loss of other facial fat pads, decreasing skin elasticity, and downward shifting of tissues, which can also include the buccal fat pad itself. For those with genetically prominent buccal fat, removal can be a permanent solution. However, it's a decision that requires careful consideration of long-term facial volume loss to avoid a prematurely gaunt appearance. Non-surgical options offer alternatives for those seeking a subtly slimmer facial profile without the commitment of surgery.

[Optional link: The Science of Aging]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my face look fuller as I get older if buccal fat decreases?

The appearance of a fuller or heavier lower face is often caused by a combination of factors, including the natural descent of other facial fat pads and the loss of skin elasticity, which can cause skin to sag and form jowls. These changes can make the lower face appear less contoured, even as the buccal fat pad is shrinking.

Can buccal fat be lost with weight loss?

Yes, but the effect is limited. The buccal fat pad is a deep facial fat deposit that does not fluctuate significantly with weight gain or loss, unlike superficial facial fat. While overall weight loss will cause some reduction, it is not a direct way to target the buccal fat specifically.

What is the primary cause of jowls?

Jowls are primarily caused by the natural aging process. As you get older, your skin loses elasticity, and the superficial fat pads in your cheeks descend due to gravity, accumulating along the jawline and creating a sagging appearance.

Is buccal fat removal a permanent solution?

Yes, buccal fat removal is a permanent surgical procedure. The fat pads, once removed, do not grow back. This is why careful consideration and consultation with a qualified surgeon are essential to ensure the results will remain desirable throughout your life.

What are the risks of getting buccal fat removal at a young age?

Removing buccal fat at a young age can be risky because the face naturally loses volume later in life. An overly aggressive removal in your 20s or 30s could lead to a hollow, prematurely aged appearance in your 40s and beyond, as the remaining facial fat diminishes.

How can I tell if I have large buccal fat pads?

If you have prominent roundness in your lower cheeks that persists even at a stable, healthy weight, you may have larger buccal fat pads. A good way to check is to suck in your cheeks; the natural hollow created will show the approximate location of the pad.

What is the difference between buccal fat and an enlarged masseter muscle?

Buccal fat contributes to fullness in the central part of the lower cheek. In contrast, an enlarged masseter muscle, which can be treated with Botox, adds width and fullness to the lower posterior (back) portion of the jawline.