6 Ways To Achieve A Slimmer Face Without Buccal Fat Removal

Aesthetic trends come and go. Not long ago, breast augmentations and BBLs were key to achieving the body type du jour. Now, it seems like ultra-curvy bodies are falling out of vogue, only to be replaced by slim figures and chiseled bone structures.  

Enter Ozempic (a topic for another time) and buccal fat removal surgery. While buccal fat removal surgery – which involves removing the natural fat pad in the hollow area of the cheek for a slimmer look – isn’t necessarily new, the procedure has gained momentum over the past few years as more and more celebrities are going under the knife for a more angular appearance. 

That being said, a softer, fuller face is often considered to be more youthful. Numerous skeptics have pointed out that while the surgery certainly does make the cheekbones pop, you’ll pay the price in the long run since your slimmer face will likely age more quickly. And since aesthetic trends are fleeting by nature, it’s hard to justify dishing out stacks of cash for a permanent transformation simply to obtain the current look. 

But that doesn’t mean a slim face and defined bone structure aren’t beautiful. It’s easy to see why slim, angular facial features are desirable. The look evokes elegance and refinement, making it understandable why someone would want the chiseled cheekbone look of beauties like Bella Hadid and Zoë Kravitz. 

If it’s a more defined facial structure you’re after, there are ways to achieve it without any nips or tucks. Here are some ways to maintain a sculpted face without undergoing buccal fat removal surgery. 

Mechanical Skincare Techniques

Mechanical skincare techniques like gua sha, face massages, lymphatic drainage, facial cupping, and facial rollers have been growing in popularity over the last several years, and if you’re a skincare girly, you’ve likely tried at least one. Each modality is slightly different, but they all have the common goal of reducing inflammation, draining lymph, and releasing tension held in the face. The result is a look that’s more sculpted and less puffy – which is good news if you want your jawline and cheekbones to pop. 

Not sure which technique to try? Since there’s so much overlap, a lot of it comes down to personal preference. The key to each of these techniques is consistency, but typically gua sha and face massages take more time per session than facial rollers. For best results, techniques like gua sha, face massage, and especially lymphatic drainage require you to slow down and be mindful as you relieve tension from your face muscles. In contrast, rollers involve a quicker motion, so you can complete your routine in less time. 

Side note: Did you know that improper tongue posture can cause a sagging jawline? (Neither did I!) Massaging your tongue in order to relax and realign it might just give you the more sculpted look you’re craving. 

Facial Yoga 

We all know that yoga tones muscles, encourages circulation and lymphatic flow, and eases tension throughout the body. Now apply those same benefits of yoga to your face, and you have a perfect, natural way to achieve a slimmer facial structure.

Just like the mechanical skincare techniques, consistency is key when it comes to facial yoga, so don’t expect miracle results overnight. But if you stick with it, you’ll be sure to see more defined cheekbones and jawline, as well as fewer signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Buccal fat removal surgery could never!

Beat the Bloat 

Ever looked in the mirror after a weekend of drinking or eating junk and wondered how your cheekbones and jawline disappeared? If your face isn’t as sculpted as it was mere days ago, chances are your diet is to blame. We typically think of bloating in the midsection, but puffiness and bloat can sneak their way into your face as well.

Some women have underlying health issues that make them more susceptible to bloat, but rest assured that in most cases, your face can return to its radiant, more angular self fairly quickly with just a few dietary tweaks. That means cutting out processed foods, and avoiding alcohol, added sugars, and refined carbs. It also wouldn’t hurt to steer clear of carbonated beverages and legumes for a few days, too. 

Instead of these bloaty foods, opt for a variety of hydrating fruits and veggies along with a substantial amount of protein to keep you satisfied. To decrease the bloat even more quickly, add ginger to your diet. Whether fresh, as a tea, or in capsule form, ginger is one of the best ways to bring down puffiness and get your digestive system back on track. 

To prevent bloating over time, nourish your gut! Take a probiotic and eat a diet that’s rich in fermented foods for a happy and healthy flora.  

Reduce Your Cortisol Levels 

A puffy face could be a sign that you need to regulate your cortisol levels. Cortisol, which is a stress hormone released by the adrenal glands, helps you deal with stressful situations when your body is in “fight or flight” mode. While this is necessary when you’re actually in a dicey situation, for many of us, the problem is that “fight or flight” mode is our constant state of being. This prolonged stress response releases too much cortisol, which can lead to weight gain, brain fog, trouble sleeping, and, yes, a bloated looking face due to fluid retention. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to reducing your cortisol levels. This means getting restful sleep, exercising regularly, and finding ways to cope with your stress. And don’t forget the importance of having fun! When it comes to reducing stress, laughter really can be the best medicine. 

Sipping on an adrenal cocktail can also help you reduce your cortisol levels. Typically made with juice, coconut milk, and high-quality salt, adrenal cocktails replenish necessary vitamins and minerals, which can help your body regulate stress hormones. I typically add a scoop of collagen to mine for a protein boost and even more nutrients.  

Body Composition

For many women, the face is the first area where weight changes become apparent. If you’re looking at pictures from a few months ago and wondering how your facial structure rounded out so quickly, it might be a sign to reevaluate your diet and exercise habits. Optimizing your body composition (not necessarily “losing weight,” but rather losing fat and gaining muscle) will naturally give you a slimmer, more defined face. 

Not sure where to start? Download the 28 app for diet and workout plans based on your menstrual cycle. Following 28’s guidelines will also help to balance your hormones and cortisol levels, so you’ll achieve results even more quickly. 

Cold Rinse

This one’s easy: Splashing cold water can reduce puffiness and swelling, giving you a slimmer appearance. The cool water briefly constricts your blood vessels, thereby improving circulation and drainage. The same principle can be applied to your whole body, too, so go ahead and finish your shower with a refreshing cold rinse. 

Closing Thoughts 

Instead of chasing the current aesthetic trends by undergoing permanent treatments, opt for less invasive alternatives like face massage, removing bloating foods from your diet, and regulating your stress hormones. Aside from being easier on your bank account, your natural results will be softer, more youthful, and more feminine. 

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