Chubby Cheeks/Teeth Grinding
Causes of Chubby Cheeks:
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Muscle Hypertrophy: Enlargement of the masseter muscle (used in chewing) can create a broader, fuller face.
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Genetics: Some people naturally have more subcutaneous fat in the cheek area, giving them fuller cheeks.
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Weight Gain: An increase in body weight can lead to fat accumulation in the face, especially in the cheeks.
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Water Retention: Retention of fluid due to high salt intake, dehydration, or hormonal changes can cause cheeks to appear puffier.
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Hormonal Factors: Hormones can play a role in fat distribution and water retention, affecting cheek fullness.
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Aging: Aging can cause fat pads in the cheeks to sag, creating a "chubby" or rounder appearance, even in lean individuals.
Symptoms of Chubby Cheeks:
Chubby cheeks may present in several forms depending on the underlying cause:​
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Enlarged Masseter Muscle Type: If the fullness is due to masseter hypertrophy, the area around the jaw can feel firmer and appear wider, giving a more square-shaped face.
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Subcutaneous Fat Type: The cheeks feel soft and rounded due to extra fat beneath the skin.
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Sagging Cheeks Type: Loss of elasticity and sagging of fat pads in the mid-face can cause the cheeks to droop, contributing to a fuller or "jowly" appearance.
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Bony Face Structure Type: For some, a naturally wider or more prominent cheekbone structure can make the face appear fuller even without excessive fat or muscle hypertrophy.
How do we examine which type of Chubby Cheeks we are?
Grit your teeth and apply a light pressure on the cheek beneath your earlobe. You have an enlarged masseter muscle that can be addressed with a masseter botulinum toxin injection if you feel or see noticeable muscular bulges when you clench your teeth.
Fat dissolving injections can help if you have a subcutaneous fat type and do not see or feel any muscular bulges but feel a grasp of soft tissue.
You have a sagging cheeks type if your face exhibits obvious symptoms of age and drooping. Face lifting procedures can be used to correct sagging cheeks.
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You have a bony face shape if your primary sensation is bone.
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(If you are unsure of your type, seek expert advice by booking a free consultation with us.)
Chubby Face/Teeth Grinding Treatment Options:
Option 1: Bocouture is a type of botulinum toxin type A product that temporarily relaxes muscles and can be used to reduce the appearance of chubby cheeks if enlarged masseter muscles is the cause. Bocouture is injected directly into the masseter muscles, causing them to relax and atrophy slightly over time. This can reduce the width of the lower face, giving a slimmer appearance. By decreasing the bulk of the masseter, Bocouture can help create a more defined and V-shaped facial structure, especially for those with a square or broad jawline due to muscle enlargement. The effects of Bocouture usually lasts about 4-6 months.
Option 2: Lemon Bottle or DesoFace can help by breaking down fat cells if your chubby cheeks are caused by subcutaneous fat. These injections contain a deoxycholic acid-based formula, which dissolves fat cells when injected into the target area. Once broken down, the body naturally removes the fat cells over time (you can see results in 2 weeks).
By reducing fat in the cheeks, these injections can help define the cheekbones and create a slimmer appearance. Lemon Bottle or DesoFace provide a non-surgical method for localized fat reduction permanently, suitable for people with stubborn fat in the cheek area.
