Posted by Dr. Miguel Fernández Calderón: 09/02/2026
For various reasons, people may have a face that appears rounder or wider, which can cause dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. Creating a plan to lose weight or exercise doesn’t always mean your face will slim down as well. In this article, we share some effective advice and methods on how to slim down your face to help you achieve this goal.
Why do some people have a rounder or wider face?
Genetic factors and facial fat distribution
Based on genetics, some people may have a greater tendency for fat to accumulate in certain areas of the body, including the face. The buccal fat pads, located in the cheekbone area, are fat deposits that can naturally be large, making the face appear wider or rounder.
Age, loss of tone, and volume changes
Factors such as weight gain and lack of exercise can affect facial appearance and cause the face to look wider and rounder. Additionally, poor sleep and bad nutrition influence these facial characteristics.
As the years go by, skin begins to lose elasticity and firmness, causing both skin and fat to accumulate in the lower face, making the face appear squarer or heavier.
Effective methods to slim down your face
Most common aesthetic surgeries
As mentioned earlier, buccal fat pads tend to cause a wider face; therefore, a bichectomy or buccal fat removal surgery seeks to eliminate cheek fat and is an optimal and permanent solution for both men and women. It’s important to remember that these deposits do not reform.
You can also opt for facial liposuction, a procedure in which fat can be removed from areas such as the chin, neck, and cheeks using a very thin cannula. Candidates are those with large, localized fat deposits.
In other patients, facial fat transfer may be necessary, in which fat is extracted from other parts of the body and injected into facial points (cheekbones, chin, temples, nasolabial folds, and jawline) where volume loss affects the shape and appearance of the face.
Popular non-surgical treatments
- Injectable treatments (Kybella®, Botox®). The application of botulinum toxin to certain facial muscles can make the face appear less rounded; this procedure is effective, minimally invasive, and quick, with temporary effects. As for Kybella, it consists of synthetic deoxycholic acid injections that help the body naturally eliminate submental fat.
- Contouring techniques with fillers. The use of dermal fillers with hyaluronic acid helps better define the face, reducing sagging in the neck and chin.
- Ultrasonic/radiofrequency for skin tightening and volume reduction. High-frequency electric currents or ultrasound waves stimulate collagen and elastin production. Additionally, they promote fat breakdown, achieving mild facial slimming. Not recommended for large fat accumulations.
Comparison between surgical and non-surgical options
Expected results and recovery time
Surgical procedures require more recovery time, more than a week, and greater post-operative care due to their invasive nature. Meanwhile, Botox, dermal fillers, or ultrasound allow you to return to daily activities almost immediately.
If you choose procedures such as buccal fat removal or liposuction, results are more defined, while non-surgical options offer less dramatic results; additionally, they are recommended for patients with less facial fat accumulation.
Risks, side effects, and durability
Like any surgery, invasive procedures carry associated risks such as bleeding or infection; while non-surgical options are safer and have fewer side effects, but require regular maintenance.
Results after face slimming surgery are permanent in the case of bichectomy, and for liposuction or fat transfer are very long-lasting, but can be affected by the person’s lifestyle habits. As for non-surgical treatments, they tend to be temporary and can be maintained for several months.
Factors that influence the final result
Face shape and facial proportions
Patients with rounded faces achieve the best results, while angular or very thin faces can appear hollow and aged.
Age and skin quality
In younger, firm, and well-cared-for skin, facial slimming treatments typically produce better results, offering improved facial contour.
Lifestyle habits
To maintain results and keep your face slim and defined, it’s essential to maintain healthy habits, including drinking enough water (at least two liters daily) and a balanced diet. You should reduce consumption of salt, alcoholic beverages, and ultra-processed foods, which, in addition to reducing overall body fat, will also keep facial fat at bay.
It is recommended to avoid stress and ensure optimal rest at night. You should also try to sleep with your head elevated higher than your shoulders to prevent fluid retention in the neck and face area.
Those seeking ways to slim down the face should know that, before choosing between surgery or a non-surgical procedure, they should consider factors such as the amount of accumulated fat, face shape, age, skin type, and budget. Here you can review the cost of a facelift if that is the option you are looking for.
It is essential to determine whether you want more defined and lasting results by undergoing a more invasive procedure, or if you require something more subtle with faster recovery. Discuss with our surgeons the various options and your expectations to choose the best option for you.
References
- https://doctorcolombo.com/lipofilling-facial-rejuvenecimiento-natural-con-tu-propia-grasa/
- https://www.clinicadual.es/noticias/la-liposuccion-facial/
- https://rusinol.com/blog/5-consejos-para-adelgazar-la-cara/
- https://www.vinmec.com/eng/blog/8-effective-tips-to-reduce-facial-fat-en
