Cheek fat, more specifically known as buccal fat, is located below the zygoma (cheekbone) and in front of the ramus of the mandible (jawbone). It surrounds the medial pterygoid and masseter muscles, which are involved in chewing. This fat pad contributes to the fullness and roundness of the cheeks.
Understanding Cheek Fat Location and its Impact
The location and volume of buccal fat significantly influence the overall facial appearance. Several factors affect the amount of cheek fat an individual possesses, including genetics and age.
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Buccal Fat Removal: As detailed by Johns Hopkins Medicine (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/cosmetic-procedures/buccal-fat-removal), this surgical procedure targets the buccal fat pad to reduce cheek fullness and enhance bone structure. Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23396-buccal-fat-removal) also describes this procedure.
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Aging and Cheek Fat: The aging process affects cheek fat distribution. Studies (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18520902/) indicate that loss of volume in the deep medial cheek fat contributes to changes in facial appearance, including the development of nasolabial folds.
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Facial Fat Grafting: Conversely, facial fat grafting (https://med.stanford.edu/cosmeticsurgery/aestheticservices/face/facial-fat-grafting.html) utilizes fat harvested from other areas of the body to restore volume to the cheeks, addressing age-related fat loss.
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Other Factors: Weight loss, genetics, and individual anatomical variations also play a role in cheek fat distribution. There are even non-surgical methods to alter the appearance of facial fat, as noted by Harvard Health (https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/buccal-fat-removal-what-to-know-about-cheek-reduction-surgery-and-nonsurgical-ways-to-lose-facial-fat).
