11 Treatments to Help You Reduce Facial Fat

Facial fat can be a source of concern for many individuals, affecting their self-esteem and confidence. While a balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, you may still struggle with excess facial fat. However, there are various treatments available to help reduce it and achieve a more sculpted look.

Here are 11 treatments to reduce facial fat that you may want to consider.

1. Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that can remove excess fat from various parts of the body, including the face.¹ Facial liposuction involves using a cannula — a thin tube — to suction out fat deposits.¹ This method is most effective for individuals with larger, localized deposits in areas like the neck, chin and cheeks.²

Pros:

• Long-lasting fat reduction when combined with a healthy lifestyle²
• Quick procedure, usually lasts around 30 minutes to an hour¹
• Minimal scarring²

Cons:

• Downtime and recovery period required²
• Invasive procedure that, for some, can result in bruising and infection²
• Other general and procedure-specific outcomes that can happen may include bleeding, anesthesia complications, nerve damage and/or loss of sensation²

2. Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal, also known as cheek reduction surgery, focuses on reducing the fat in the cheeks to create a more contoured appearance.³ Those with genetically fuller cheeks tend to choose this procedure once diet and exercise have proved ineffective.

Pros:

• Targeted approach to cheek fat reduction⁴
• Quick procedure, usually lasts around 45 minutes⁴
• The fat cells removed do not come back⁴

Cons:

• Potential for over-reduction, leading to a gaunt appearance⁵
• Requires the skills of an experienced surgeon⁴
• Results may take several months to fully show⁴

3. Non-Surgical Face Slimming

Non-surgical face-slimming treatments have gained popularity, as they offer less invasive options to reduce facial fat. These methods typically involve cosmetic injectables and laser and radiofrequency therapy.⁶

For example, Dysport®, a face-slimming solution, is a way to reshape the masseter muscles (the muscles in the lower jawline and cheeks) without needing surgery. Face shapes change as people age — often becoming squarer — due to overworking their jaw muscles. Procedures like Dysport can reshape these muscles, producing a more oval appearance.⁷

Pros:

• Minimally invasive⁶
• Little to no recovery time⁷
• Natural-looking results⁶
• Quick procedures⁶

Cons:

• Temporary effects requiring costly maintenance⁶
• May not be effective for everyone
• Results depend on the practitioner's skills

4. BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX Cosmetic, a purified form of botulinum toxin, is commonly used to treat wrinkles and fine lines, but can also be used to achieve a slimmer face by targeting specific facial muscles that contribute to a rounded appearance.⁸

Pros:

• Minimally invasive, quick procedure⁸
• No downtime required⁸
• You can see noticeable results within as little as three days, with the best results seen one to two weeks post-treatment.⁸

Cons:

• Temporary effects that require maintenance treatments⁸
• May not be as effective for those with excessive fat deposits

5. Jawline Fillers

Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products, can be strategically injected into the jawline to create a more defined appearance. This technique is ideal for those looking to enhance jawline structure and reduce the appearance of jowls.⁹

The procedure involves reshaping the jawline to give the face more definition, reducing the appearance of loose skin around the neck and chin. People's faces lose shape as they age — which is why many turn to makeup to contour their cheeks and jawlines. Jawline fillers have become a common facial contouring procedure, giving patients a chiseled jawline without the need for cosmetics.⁹

Pros:

• Noninvasive and quick¹⁰
• Minimal to no downtime¹⁰
• Natural-looking results⁹

Cons:

• Temporary effect that requires periodic maintenance, which can be costly⁹
• The need for an experienced injector to achieve optimal results⁹
• Possible side effects, including redness, swelling and bruising¹⁰
• Chance of overfilling by inexperienced practitioners¹⁰
• Discomfort during the procedure⁹

6. CoolSculpting®

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction technique. This method uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells, making it a noninvasive alternative to surgical options.¹¹

Pros:

• Non-surgical and minimally invasive¹¹
• Little recovery time, with most individuals returning to activities immediately¹¹
• Precisely targets and reduces localized fat deposits¹¹
• Little to no pain or discomfort during the procedure¹¹

Cons:

• Gradual results, often taking weeks or months to fully appear¹¹
• Potential side effects, including intense cold, a pinching sensation and tenderness¹¹
• Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired effect¹¹
• May not provide as significant fat reduction as surgical alternatives¹¹

7. Facial Contouring

Facial contouring involves various surgical and non-surgical procedures aimed at sculpting and shaping the face for a more defined and balanced appearance by reducing excess fat deposits. Individuals often use it to reduce double chins and jowls.¹²

Some of these procedures include AccuTite™, a minimally invasive treatment that tightens small areas, providing a solution to baggy eyelids and loose skin. Ultherapy® is another noninvasive facial contouring treatment. This method uses ultrasound technology to tighten loose skin, giving the face a slimmer appearance. SculpSure® is typically used on the neck and jawline to tighten loose skin and minimize the appearance of a double chin.¹³

Pros:

• Improved facial aesthetics with a slimmer, contoured look¹²
• Various methods to cater to individual needs and preferences¹²
• Natural-looking results when done by a skilled professional¹²
• Non-surgical treatments offer quick results with minimal recovery time¹²

Cons:

• Surgical methods come with potential complications and recovery time¹²
• Non-surgical options require maintenance to sustain results¹²
• Costs can accumulate over time, especially with repeat treatments¹²
• Results are influenced by the practitioner's expertise and the patient's unique facial structure¹²
• Potential dissatisfaction if your expectations aren't aligned with achievable results¹²

8. Kybella®

Kybella is a non-surgical treatment approved by the FDA to eliminate submental fat, commonly known as a double chin. Your doctor will inject a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, which is naturally found in the body, to target and destroy fat cells.¹⁴

Pros:

• Non-surgical and minimally invasive¹⁴
• Effective at reducing submental fat and improving chin and jawline definition¹⁴
• Long-lasting results, as destroyed fat cells don't return¹⁴
• Gradual but noticeable improvements within a few treatment sessions¹⁴

Cons:

• Potential side effects, including swelling, bruising and discomfort at the injection site¹⁴
• Requires multiple sessions for optimal results¹⁴
• May not be suitable for addressing fat deposits in other facial areas¹⁴
• Results vary among individuals, and not everyone is an ideal candidate¹⁴

9. Evoke®

Evoke is another noninvasive facial contouring procedure that uses radiofrequency technology to target and reduce excess fat while tightening and sculpting the skin. It's designed to provide a non-surgical solution for facial fat reduction and skin rejuvenation.¹⁵

Pros:

• Non-surgical and noninvasive, avoiding the need for incisions or a lengthy recovery time¹⁵
• Refine and contour facial muscles for a rejuvenated, sculpted look¹⁵
• Precise and controlled treatment for customizable results¹⁵
• Quick and pain-free experience¹⁵
• Minimal side effects, with little to no post-treatment discomfort¹⁵

Cons:

• Gradual results that may require multiple sessions for maximum effect¹⁵
• Effectiveness varies among individuals, and not everyone may achieve the same results¹⁵
• Results may not be as long-lasting as surgical options¹⁵
• Limited to addressing excess fat and skin concerns in specific facial areas¹⁵

10. Facelift

A standard facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens facial muscles, lessens excess skin and removes fat to create a more even appearance. People most often get this surgery to reduce their jowls, deep creases, folds and sagging.¹⁶

Pros:

• Improved self-esteem for those unhappy with signs of aging on their face and neck¹⁶
• Can fix damage or smooth aging skin to create a refreshed appearance¹⁶
• Cuts occur along the hairline or natural lines, reducing the potential for noticeable scarring¹⁷
• Patients typically go back to their routine after 10 days¹⁷
• Extensive consultations for the best possible results¹⁷

Cons:

• Potential for undesired scarring, fluid buildup or blood pooling that requires surgical drainage¹⁶
• Possibility of numbness or changes in facial sensations, or temporary or permanent nerve damage¹⁶
• Some poor wound healing¹⁶
• Full recovery takes four to six weeks¹⁶
• General surgery concerns are present, such as reactions to medications or infection¹⁶

11. FaceTite®

FaceTite® is a minimally invasive, radiofrequency-assisted procedure used to target and reduce excess fat in the face while tightening the skin. It offers a non-surgical alternative to traditional facelifts to achieve a more contoured appearance.¹⁸

Pros:

• Minimally invasive and avoids extensive surgical incisions¹⁸
• Simultaneous fat reduction and skin tightening for a comprehensive result¹⁸
• Effective in enhancing facial features and reducing signs of aging¹⁸
• Reduced downtime and quicker recovery compared to traditional facelift surgery¹⁸

Cons:

• Potential for temporary side effects like bruising, swelling, and mild numbness¹⁹
• Individual responses may vary, and not everyone will achieve the same degree of fat reduction or skin tightening.¹⁹
• Because the cost of FaceTite varies, it can be a costly procedure.¹⁹

Financing Facial Fat Reduction Treatments With the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting facial fat reduction treatments or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Mia Barnes is a freelance writer and researcher with experience covering health, well-being and financial wellness. She is also the founder and editor-in-chief of Body+Mind Magazine. Her work has appeared on publications such as Science of People, SMSNA, Employee Benefit News and Austin Fit Magazine.