Why Are My Cheeks So Chubby But I‘m Skinny?

As a slender guy with naturally rounded, full cheeks in my 20s, I‘ve spent plenty of time researching those pesky buccal fat pads that give me a "baby face". If you can relate to having a slim body but noticeably chubby cheeks, read on for expert insight on why this happens and what you can do about it if desired.

Cheek Anatomy – Where Exactly is That Chub?

Before we dive in, let‘s quickly cover the facial anatomy related to chubby cheeks:

Image: Where buccal fat pads are located

• Buccal fat pads – These fat deposits deep under the cheek skin cause fullness along the midface.

• Masseter muscle – The main chewing muscle that attaches the jawbone to the cheekbone can also protrude under some facial shapes.

Now that we know where the issue lies, what causes this fat to be so pronounced in some skinny people?

What Causes Chubby Cheeks in Skinny People?

Genetics play a major role in how buccal fat is distributed on your face:

• Up to 70% of facial structure is determined by hereditary factors according to research.

• Those with rounder facial bone structure tend to have more visible buccal fat pads.

But fat distribution, age and lifestyle habits also impact cheek fullness:

Buccal Fat Over Time

• Childhood – Buccal fat grows steadily through adolescence before peaking around ages 18-24. Chubby cheeks in youth are very normal.

• Adulthood – The buccal fat pad gradually descends and shrinks starting in your 30s. But some retain fuller cheeks.

• Old Age – Significant cheek hollowness and wrinkles occur as we lose facial fat, collagen and elasticity.

Fat Distribution Differences

• Females – Tend to carry more fat in the hips, thighs and cheeks due to estrogen effects.

• Males – Testosterone promotes fat storage around the belly and less in the face once past puberty.

Lifestyle Factors

• Weight gain – Added body fat overall means excess fat could accumulate in the cheeks.

• Dehydration – Water retention from not drinking enough can cause puffiness in the face.

• Salt intake – Consuming too much sodium leads to swelling and bloating.

• Allergies – Seasonal allergies or food sensitivities can trigger inflammation in the cheeks.

How Much Buccal Fat is Normal?

Studies show around half of Caucasian adults have significant buccal fat pads still visible in their mature faces.

However other ethnicities like Africans and Asians tend to retain more midface fat through adulthood.

Here is a breakdown by population:

Data from a maxillofacial surgery study on facial fat distribution

So if you‘re on the slender side but still have round, full cheeks – you‘re not alone! For many adults, this is just part of your genetic facial structure.

Can I Get Rid of My Chubby Cheeks?

If your buccal fat pads bother you, there are options to reduce cheek fullness both surgically and non-surgically. But be aware – removing too much facial fat can lead to premature wrinkling and gauntness later in life.

Non-Surgical Options

• Facial exercises – Daily facial yoga and muscular resistance training can tone the cheeks.
• Buccal massage – Massaging the buccal fat can break up adhesions and increase lymphatic drainage.
• Facial contouring – Injectable fillers like Sculptra Aesthetic strategically restore volume along the cheekbones to visually slim the face.
• Ultherapy – This ultrasound skin tightening treatment can lift the deep cheek tissues over time.
• Healthy lifestyle – Losing excess body fat through diet, exercise and hydration helps create facial definition.

"I advise my patients seeking a slimmer face to start with non-invasive treatments first before considering buccal fat removal surgery," says Dr. Michelle Yagoda, a facial plastic surgeon in New York City.

"Combination therapies like facial massage, injectable fillers and muscle stimulation provide moderate cheek contouring with little downtime."

Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

This procedure sculpts the midface by removing the buccal fat pads through an incision inside the mouth. Buccal fat removal results include:

• More defined cheekbones and jawline
• Hollowed upper cheeks
• Visible cheekbones

Possible side effects involve facial muscle weakness, sunken cheeks years later as facial fat loss continues, and a "skeletal" look. Maintaining some buccal fat is important for a youthful face as we age.

"I only recommend buccal fat removal for patients with extraordinarily large fat pads that exercise and injectables can‘t adequately reduce," advises Dr. Julius Few, a plastic surgeon in Chicago.

"The ideal candidate has thick skin and strong cheekbones to support a slimming of the cheeks."

The Pros and Cons of Chubby Cheeks

Fuller cheeks aren‘t inherently bad, so consider the pros and cons before attempting to reduce buccal fat:

Pros

• Considered more youthful looking
• Hides fine lines and wrinkles
• Provides facial fullness as we age

Cons

• Less facial definition
• Less prominent cheekbones
• Rounder facial shape

Personally, I‘ve embraced my naturally rounder face. But with the advice here, hopefully you can make the most informed decision about your buccal fat!