15 Celebrities Who Allegedly Got Buccal Fat Removal: The Controversial Hollywood Trend Of 2024

Buccal fat removal (BFR), a once-niche cosmetic procedure, has exploded into a mainstream Hollywood phenomenon, defining the "sculpted" and "hollow cheek" aesthetic that dominates red carpets and social media feeds in late 2024. This surgical trend, also known as a bichectomy, involves the permanent excision of the buccal fat pads—a naturally occurring pocket of fat in the lower cheek—to create a more defined, angular facial contour, often likened to the "Bella Hadid look."

The procedure’s popularity has been fueled by dramatic celebrity transformations, though most stars remain secretive about the work they have had done. However, public speculation and side-by-side comparisons have created a definitive list of high-profile figures whose suddenly chiseled jawlines and sunken cheeks suggest they have embraced this permanent facial slimming technique. The intense curiosity surrounding these transformations is matched only by the growing controversy among plastic surgeons who warn about the long-term risks of premature aging and a "gaunt appearance."

The A-List Transformations: 15 Celebrities Linked to Buccal Fat Removal

While only a few celebrities have openly confirmed undergoing the procedure, the following list represents the most talked-about and speculated-upon transformations in Hollywood, whose changes in facial volume have become viral topics of discussion and debate.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Chrissy Teigen: One of the few stars to openly confirm the procedure. Teigen spoke candidly about having her buccal fat removed, stating she loved the results and the newly defined look. Her openness helped destigmatize the procedure, but also brought it into the mainstream spotlight.
• Bella Hadid: Often cited as the ultimate inspiration for the "snatched" look, Bella Hadid’s dramatic facial transformation over the years has led many fans and experts to speculate that she is one of the key figures who underwent buccal fat removal to achieve her highly-contoured cheekbones.
• Lea Michele: Rumors surged after photos of the actress showed a strikingly more defined and angular face, leading to widespread speculation that she is the "latest celebrity" to have had her cheek fat removed.
• Jenna Ortega: The young star sparked significant fan debate and "buccal fat removal backlash" after red-carpet appearances showed a noticeable change in her mid-face, suggesting a slimmer, more hollowed-out look.
• Miley Cyrus: The singer’s transformation, particularly noticeable in recent magazine spreads, has led fans to comment on her alleged buccal fat removal, which contributes to a more severe and sculpted facial structure.
• Anya Taylor-Joy: Known for her striking, unique features, the actress’s increasingly defined cheeks have led to her inclusion in lists of celebrities believed to have had the procedure to enhance her already sharp bone structure.
• Demi Moore: Her appearance at a fashion show sparked intense debate, with many believing her dramatically altered face, particularly the hollowed cheeks, was a result of buccal fat excision.
• Khloé Kardashian: As a member of a family known for their influence on beauty standards, Khloé’s noticeably slimmer cheeks have long been rumored to be the result of a bichectomy.
• Zac Efron: While some speculate about different procedures, the male star's facial changes have also put him on the list of celebrities rumored to have sought a more chiseled and less rounded face.
• Zoe Kravitz: Her naturally defined features have been cited as an example of the kind of facial structure that buccal fat removal aims to achieve, leading to speculation that she may have enhanced her look with the procedure.
• Jennifer Aniston: Even seasoned Hollywood veterans are not immune to the trend, with some sources linking Aniston to the procedure, though this remains highly speculative.
• Dove Cameron: The actress is among the younger generation of stars whose facial slimming has led to public discussion about the growing trend.
• Megan Fox: Known for her dramatic cosmetic transformations, Fox's increasingly angular jawline and cheeks have frequently been attributed to the removal of her buccal fat pads.
• Lauren Sanchez: The television personality's significant facial changes have placed her on the list of public figures believed to have had the buccal fat pads removed.
• Janet Jackson: The iconic singer is also mentioned in discussions about celebrities who may have undergone the procedure to achieve a more contoured look.

The Science of the Snatch: What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a surgical procedure designed to permanently reduce the fullness in the lower part of the cheeks, often referred to as "chubby cheeks" or "cherub cheeks."

The procedure itself is relatively straightforward and minimally invasive. It is typically performed under local anesthesia, sometimes with sedation.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

A plastic surgeon makes a small incision—usually less than an inch—inside the mouth, near the upper second molar.

The surgeon then gently eases out and excises a portion of the patient's buccal fat pad, a naturally occurring, encapsulated mass of fat.

The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures, leaving no visible external scarring.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

The primary goal is to create a more sculpted appearance, accentuating the cheekbones and giving the face a slimmer, V-shaped contour.

The Long-Term Controversy: Risks, Aging, and Surgeon's Caution

Despite its popularity, the BFR trend is highly controversial, with many board-certified plastic surgeons urging extreme caution. The primary concern is the procedure's irreversible nature and its profound impact on the long-term aging process.

The Problem of Premature Aging

One of the most significant drawbacks of buccal fat removal is its potential to cause a "gaunt appearance" or "hollow cheeks" as a person ages.

Facial volume loss is a natural and inevitable part of aging. The fat pads in the face, including the buccal fat pads, naturally diminish over time.

By removing the buccal fat pads at a young age, especially in patients who are not ideal candidates, the procedure can accelerate this natural process, leading to a prematurely aged appearance in their 30s and 40s.

Unlike many other cosmetic procedures that can be reversed or tweaked, once the buccal fat is gone, it is gone for good.

Surgeons caution that the desire for a sharp, angular look today may result in regret later when the face needs that natural fat to maintain a youthful fullness.

Risks and Recovery

While recovery time is relatively quick—with initial swelling resolving in about three weeks—the final, contoured results can take several months to fully appear.

The procedure is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries potential risks and side effects.

Key risks include:

• Facial Nerve Injury: The buccal fat pads are located near branches of the facial nerves, and injury can lead to temporary or permanent changes in facial expressions or numbness.
• Salivary Duct Injury: Damage to the parotid duct, which carries saliva, is another potential risk.
• Infection: As with any incision, there is a risk of infection at the surgical site.
• Uneven Results: Asymmetry or uneven fat removal can lead to a lopsided appearance.

The average buccal fat removal cost typically ranges between $3,000 and $5,000, but this can vary widely based on the surgeon's experience and geographic location.

For those seeking a less permanent option, some cosmetic experts suggest alternatives like cheek liposuction or injectable fillers, which offer a middle ground for facial contouring without the irreversible consequences of a bichectomy.