How Can I Slim My Puffy Cheeks?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I want a slimmer less round lower face, so a slight ogee curve is visible. How is that best done? Or can it even be done?

A: When it comes to  contouring the area between the cheek and the jawline, it is important to remember that this is an area not supported by bone. So any fullness is due to the thickness of the soft tissues. (skin, fat and muscle) To get any change in this area (a midfacial slimming effect), a combined buccal lipectomy with perioral liposuction (affects lower cheek area, buccal lipectomy does not) is needed to achieve the best facial contouring. The question for this procedure combination is how much of a change can it make. In my experience, most patients will experience a visible contouring effect but it may take up to six weeks after surgery to see the full result.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana