"Surgeons Warn Against Buccal Fat Removal Amid Celebrity Controversies and Aging Concerns"
Plastic surgeons have highlighted a decline in buccal fat removal procedures, once popular for achieving a sculpted facial look. Surgeons like Dr. Gary Linkov in New York City have ceased offering this procedure, citing long-term aesthetic concerns as patients age. High-profile celebrities, including Chrissy Teigen, Bella Hadid, and Lea Michele, are rumored to have undergone this surgery, which can lead to undesirable hollow cheeks over time. Despite its initial allure, surgeons are now advising against the procedure due to risks of nerve damage and facial aging effects.
Recent insights from plastic surgeons highlight the ongoing trend of buccal fat removal among celebrities. While this cosmetic procedure aims to provide a more sculpted facial appearance, experts suggest that its popularity may be waning due to long-term consequences that become evident with age.
Surgeons Express Concerns Over Buccal Fat Removal
Dr. Gary Linkov, a New York City-based plastic surgeon, has ceased offering buccal fat removal to clients, citing concerns about its long-term implications. He noted that as individuals age or lose weight, the removal of fat from the cheeks often results in a hollowed-out appearance, giving off a gaunt or unhealthy look. The procedure, which permanently extracts fat from the face, can also pose risks to the facial nerves, potentially leading to complications such as weakness or numbness.
Celebrities Linked to Buccal Fat Removal
Among the prominent figures rumored or confirmed to have undergone this procedure is model Chrissy Teigen, who openly discussed her experience with buccal fat removal and shared insights into her eyebrow hair transplant. Other high-profile individuals, including Lea Michele, Bella Hadid, and Anya Taylor-Joy, are also believed to have sought this surgery to enhance their facial contours. The surgery takes about an hour and typically costs between $5,000 to over $40,000, depending on the surgeon and complexity of the case.
The Trend's Rise and Potential Drawbacks
Buccal fat removal gained traction in recent years, fueled by social media and the influence of celebrities. While the immediate effects may appear desirable, experts warn that the removal of facial fat pads can lead to an aged appearance over time. Dr. Linkov emphasized that as volume decreases in the face, the hollowness becomes progressively more pronounced. Though procedures exist to restore volume, the outcomes are not guaranteed to be satisfactory.
Celebrity Examples and Their Transformations
Bella Hadid has often been referenced in discussions surrounding buccal fat removal due to her distinct facial contours. Despite her denials regarding the procedure, expert opinions suggest that the changes in her facial structure align with the outcomes associated with buccal fat extraction. Similarly, Lady Gaga has been mentioned as a celebrity who may have opted for this procedure, as noted by Dr. Joel Kopelman, suggesting her facial structure has become more defined over time.
A Growing Number of Rumored Candidates
Other celebrities speculated to have undergone buccal fat removal include Emily Ratajkowski, Lea Michele, and the late Liam Payne, whose more chiseled appearance sparked numerous comments. Notably, statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicate an increase in the popularity of this surgery, with 4,866 individuals having the procedure in 2023, marking a seven percent rise from the previous year. However, many surgeons are now reconsidering their recommendations for the procedure, urging clients to evaluate potential long-term effects on aging and surgical safety.
