Author: Dr Yannis Alexandrides

Beautifully defined and sculpted cheeks have long been associated with youth. That is because they make your face look slimmer. They also help create a more lifted, V-shaped appearance. And these prominent cheekbones can be achieved with buccal fat removal surgery. 

If you have never heard of this surgery before, you may not be alone. This procedure has only recently gained attention. However, it has become one of the most talked-about aesthetic treatments of recent years. 

Its popularity can be attributed to celebrities and social media influencers. Notably, online searches for the procedure increased by over 130% between 2020 and 2023. On TikTok, the hashtag #buccalfatremoval has even attracted over 200 million views.

When considering buccal fat removal, it is essential to understand that it is a cosmetic surgery procedure aimed at removing fat from the lower cheeks. However, when performed by our triple board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr Yannis Alexandrides, the procedure is designed to reduce the amount of buccal fat in your cheeks, rather than remove it completely. 

The purpose of these fat pads is to provide a natural cushion for your facial muscles during chewing. They also act as a buffer between your muscles and bones, helping to protect your overall facial structure. Even though having some fat in your cheeks is normal, it can contribute to a rounder or fuller face.

What can the chiselled cheek look mean for you? That is what we will be talking about today.

A Quick Look At Buccal Fat Pad Extraction 

The surgery was originally developed in the mid-20th century. It was primarily used to treat medical conditions such as buccal space infections, tumours, and congenital birth defects, or to correct facial asymmetry.

Over time, it gained popularity as a cosmetic procedure, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s when facial contouring became a trend. During the 2020s, it became a go-to option for many individuals seeking a naturally sculpted look without the need for fillers. 

The biggest difference between buccal fat removal and dermal fillers or anti-wrinkle injections is that it is a one-time procedure. This means that it comes with permanent results. When performed correctly, the changes are subtle yet striking. 

According to recent statistics circulating in the cosmetic surgery world, women accounted for approximately 92.89% of all buccal fat removal procedures globally in 2022. However, while the surgery has traditionally been more common among women, it is rapidly gaining traction among men seeking a more contoured and defined facial structure. According to a London-based clinic, between 2020 and 2022, approximately 67% of its 99 buccal fat removal procedures were performed on female patients. That means that approximately 33% of the procedures during that period were performed on male patients.

Do not be fooled, buccal fat removal is suitable for both men and women to help each gender reach their aesthetic goals effectively, effortlessly, and successfully.

The procedure is also quick and minimally invasive. It typically involves a small incision made inside the mouth. This method reduces the likelihood of any visible scars being left behind. Recovery time is relatively short as well, and while some swelling may persist for a few weeks, pain is typically minimal. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the number of facial cosmetic procedures has increased by 67% from 2019 to 2023. Buccal fat removal has become a popular choice for many, offering a chance to look and feel younger and more vibrant in a relatively short amount of time.

Suitability, In General

Despite its suitability for both genders, buccal fat removal may not be suitable for everyone.  If you have a naturally narrow face, you may find that fat removal in this area could make your cheeks look gaunt over time, especially as natural ageing causes a loss of facial volume.

This is why expert consultation is essential. An experienced surgeon will assess factors such as your facial balance, age, and long-term aesthetic goals before recommending this procedure, or any other procedure for that matter.

Here Is What You Need To Remember Before Booking A Consultation

Buccal fat removal is more than just a passing beauty trend. It is an advanced, yet straightforward, facial contouring technique that delivers real, lasting results. Whether your decision to undergo surgery is inspired by celebrity transformations or you are simply seeking a more harmonious balance of your facial features, more and more people are opting for this subtle yet effective procedure to enhance their appearance.

Of course, as with all cosmetic surgery, the key to success is choosing a qualified, experienced professional who understands the nuances of facial anatomy. When performed thoughtfully and on the right candidate, it can be a subtle yet transformative enhancement that elevates your natural features for years to come.

Many famous people have openly admitted, or are widely believed, to have had rhinoplasty, often to enhance facial symmetry or for medical reasons. And it should come as no surprise, as rhinoplasty is consistently one of the top 5 cosmetic surgeries worldwide. It currently ranks number 3 after breast augmentation and liposuction. 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) data for 2023, over 200,000 rhinoplasty procedures were performed in the US alone. Multiple surveys estimate that 30 to 40% of actresses in Hollywood may have undergone some form of nose surgery.

But who has had it done and why? Let’s explore the motivations behind celebrity rhinoplasties and reveal some of the most famous faces who have been rumoured to have gone under the knife.

Top Reasons Celebrities Get Rhinoplasties

Enhancing Facial Harmony

Approximately 50% of rhinoplasty surgeries are performed for cosmetic reasons. Since the nose sits at the centre of the face and plays an important role in your overall facial balance.

Therefore, cosmetic improvement is a significant reason why celebrities opt for a nose job. Some want to make their nose smaller, narrower, or more proportionate to their face. 

American singer-songwriter and actress Ashlee Simpson, for instance, reportedly sought rhinoplasty to create a more defined and sophisticated appearance, and actress Lisa Kudrow reportedly underwent rhinoplasty to reshape her nose, making it shorter and smaller.

The model, Bella Hadid, is also believed to have had a nose job to achieve a more defined and smaller nose, while Blake Lively allegedly underwent rhinoplasty to achieve a nose more in harmony with her facial features. 

For many celebrities, even minor imperfections in nasal shape or size can seem exaggerated under bright lights and high-definition cameras. Rhinoplasty enables them to achieve a nose that complements their other facial features more effectively, thereby enhancing their natural beauty and, in many cases, is considered a way to refine their overall appearance.

Comedian Roseanne Barr said in an interview with People magazine in 2003 that she was proud of her rhinoplasty that made her round nose narrower and, in her words, “perfect”.

American model and TV personality Tyra Banks has also openly discussed having rhinoplasty, expressing a desire for people to be more accepting of cosmetic procedures.

The Big Bang Theory star, Kaley Cuoco, admitted in a 2016 interview with Women’s Health that she has had a nose job and breast augmentation procedures, and they were the “best thing she ever did”. She also said, “I don’t think you should do it for a man or anyone else, but if it makes you feel confident, that’s amazing.”

Correcting Breathing Problems

As established, not all rhinoplasties are purely for aesthetics. Some celebrities undergo the procedure to address functional issues, such as a deviated septum, which can cause difficulty breathing or chronic sinus problems. This type of rhinoplasty improves quality of life by enhancing nasal airflow, which is especially important for stars who need to perform, sing, or act. Functional rhinoplasty is both a health necessity and a cosmetic opportunity.

Jennifer Aniston has publicly stated that she underwent rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum in her twenties. The Friends star admitted in 2007 that the best thing she ever did was to get a rhinoplasty, which helped her “sleep like a baby”.

The actress and singer, Ashley Tisdale, has also publicly discussed undergoing surgery for a deviated septum.

Career Longevity And Relevance

In industries where youth and beauty are highly valued, rhinoplasty can be a strategic move to stay competitive. Many celebrities often face cultural expectations regarding beauty that vary depending on their geographical location and background. The “ideal” nose shape varies widely across cultures, and some celebrities undergo rhinoplasty to better align with these ideals or to appeal to a broader audience.

The Idea Of You actress, Anne Hathaway, admitted that she felt pressure from Hollywood culture to look more beautiful; therefore, she opted for a rhinoplasty early in her career.

A refreshed and refined appearance can help celebrities reinvent themselves or sustain their career momentum. Sometimes a new nose is part of a broader makeover that helps them align with current beauty trends. Although women currently account for about 70% of rhinoplasty patients, male celebrity nose jobs are on the rise. Tom Cruise and Ryan Gosling have been speculated to have had nose jobs, but neither has confirmed nor denied the rumours.

Robert Pattinson, known for his performance in the Twilight series, has reportedly had a rhinoplasty prior to landing the role of Edward Cullen in Twilight, to adjust both the bridge and tip of his nose. 

Whereas actor Zac Efron is believed to have undergone a rhinoplasty to achieve more symmetrical facial features and appear better on screen. 

Repair After Trauma Or Injury

Charlie’s Angels star Cameron Diaz broke her nose in a surfing accident in 2003 for the 4th time and was forced to undergo plastic surgery. She told W Magazine that the accident had shattered one side of her nose, and her septum was like a train derailed that did not let her breathe at all. 

The Takeaway

Rhinoplasty remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries among celebrities for several reasons, including enhancing facial harmony and correcting functional issues. Whether subtle or more dramatic, these transformations often play a key role in shaping a celebrity’s image and also their career.

The list of stars who have undergone rhinoplasties is long and diverse, demonstrating that the procedure transcends genres, ages, and cultures. As society continues to embrace personal choice in beauty, rhinoplasty will likely remain a go-to option for celebrities seeking to put their best face forward.