Logan Steele
The buccinator muscle is a thin, square-shaped facial muscle that sits on either side of the face near the cheeks. It is involved in blowing air from the mouth, as when blowing a trumpet, and is used by musicians playing wind instruments. The buccinator muscle can be targeted during cosmetic procedures to reduce its size and create a more defined look, but it is very rare for this muscle to be oversized. Oversized fat compartments underneath the muscle are usually the cause of bulk in the cheeks.
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What You'll Learn
Correct swallowing techniques
While there is little information on specific swallowing techniques to shrink the buccinator muscle, there are some general guidelines that can be followed.
Firstly, it is important to chew food properly and keep it contained within the bounds of your upper and lower jaw. This means not letting food get outside of your teeth and into the buccinator muscle. When chewing, bring the food out of that space to grind it between your teeth, and then swallow.
Secondly, the lips play an important role in the preparatory oral phase of swallowing. Lip closure is necessary to prevent food leakage and promote efficient swallowing. The lips are also active when taking food from a fork or spoon, drinking, and even when speaking.
Thirdly, the buccinator muscle itself works with the tongue to help position food between the molars for efficient chewing. The tongue should be used to manipulate food within the mouth, and during swallowing, the back third of the tongue should touch the roof of the mouth.
Finally, it is worth noting that results from proper swallowing may take some time to become observable. Within 4-6 months, some results may be noticeable, and within another 6 months, further progress may be seen. However, individual results may vary, and it is always a good idea to consult a medical professional for personalized advice.
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Facial exercises
The buccinator muscle is one of the 43 muscles that control our facial functions. It is the main muscle in our cheeks and is involved in blowing air from the mouth, whistling, smiling, and sucking. The muscle also aids in the closure of the mouth and prevents the cheeks from getting pinched.
To shrink the buccinator muscle, facial exercises can be done. Here are some examples:
- Form an "O" with your mouth while pressing your upper lip against your teeth. Hold the O shape and smile with the corners of your mouth. Repeat this 30 to 40 times.
- Attempt to smile as widely as possible to strengthen your cheek muscles.
- Stand by a sink and fill your mouth with water, allowing your cheeks to puff out. Then, use your fingers to gently press your cheeks and push the water out of your mouth. Focus on contracting your cheek muscles to achieve the same strong flow.
- Try the Lion pose. Inhale deeply and slowly open your mouth wide as if someone were trying to pin your cheeks to your ears. Tuck your chin, stick out your tongue, and fix your gaze between your eyebrows. Hold this pose for about 30 seconds, breathing through your mouth.
In addition to facial exercises, achieving a body fat percentage of 13% or lower can help reduce the appearance of the buccinator muscle. Building muscle mass in the face, particularly in the areas around the lips and cheekbones/chin, can also help tighten the skin and reduce the puffiness of the cheeks.
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Liposuction
Perioral liposuction is a good option for those seeking to reduce fullness in the lower cheek region, particularly below the cheek equator line. It can be performed as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with buccal lipectomy for a more comprehensive soft tissue cheek reduction. In some cases, liposuction may also be combined with buccinator myectomy, a procedure that involves the removal of a segment of the buccal mucosa and the underlying buccinator muscle, to achieve a more pronounced lower cheek contouring effect.
It is important to consult with experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs and goals. They will be able to provide a complete evaluation and advise on the safety and effectiveness of the procedure for your particular case.
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Kybella injections
Kybella is a brand name for a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid, a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down and absorb fat. When injected into the body, Kybella destroys fat cells by disrupting their membrane, causing them to burst and release their contents. This process is known as adipocytolysis.
When Kybella is injected into the buccinator muscle, it can help shrink the fat pad and contour the lower face. The procedure is relatively simple and can be performed in a doctor's office or medical spa. First, the doctor will mark the injection sites on the skin, typically along the laugh lines or near the corners of the mouth. Then, a series of small injections will be administered into the targeted area.
Most patients experience some swelling and bruising after the procedure, which can last for a few days to a week. It is important to choose a qualified and experienced healthcare provider to perform the injections, as there are important anatomical structures in the area, including nerves and blood vessels, that should be avoided to prevent complications.
The results of Kybella injections in the buccinator muscle area are typically visible within a few weeks, as the body starts to eliminate the destroyed fat cells. However, it may take multiple treatment sessions, spaced several months apart, to achieve the desired level of reduction. It is important to maintain a stable weight after the treatment, as significant weight gain can affect the results.
While Kybella injections can effectively reduce the size of the buccinator muscle and contour the face, it is important to remember that they are a medical procedure with potential risks and side effects. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your specific needs and determine if this treatment is suitable for you.
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Buccal fat pad removal
The procedure is performed to close oroantral communications and for aesthetic recontouring of the face. It involves making a small incision on the inside of the mouth to expose the buccal fat pads, which are then cut and removed. The removed fat cells do not grow back. The procedure can be done in a hospital or a healthcare provider's office, and patients can go home the same day. During the procedure, patients receive local anaesthesia, remaining awake throughout.
It is recommended that people wait until the ages of 18-20 before removing buccal fat, as the face shape and buccal fat pads change as the face matures. Older adults may experience sagging in the lower face if buccal fat is removed without other procedures such as a facelift. It is important to discuss health conditions, medications, and supplements with the surgeon before the procedure.
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Frequently asked questions
The buccinator muscle is a thin muscle located in the cheek area. While it is rare for the buccinator muscle to be oversized, some people seek cosmetic procedures to reduce its size. It is recommended that you consult with board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your options. Some possible procedures include liposuction, Kybella injections, and botulinum toxin treatment.
The recovery process for buccal fat pad removal varies depending on the specific procedure performed. It is important to consult with a medical professional to understand the risks and recovery timeline associated with any surgical procedure.
Some people believe that proper swallowing and chewing techniques can lead to atrophy of the buccinator muscle, resulting in a more hollow appearance of the cheeks. This involves keeping food between the upper and lower jaw while chewing and using the throat muscles to swallow. Facial exercises, such as those recommended for treating Bell's palsy, may also help tighten the face and reduce the prominence of the buccinator muscle.
