The Chrissy Teigen Effect: 5 Shocking Truths About Buccal Fat Removal And Its Long-Term Risks
Chrissy Teigen’s decision to publicly share her cosmetic procedure—specifically, her buccal fat removal—ignited one of the biggest and most controversial plastic surgery trends of the decade. As of the end of 2025, the procedure remains a hot topic, with countless people seeking the same sculpted, defined cheekbones the model showcased on her social media. This candid admission, made back in 2021, didn't just normalize a niche surgery; it turned it into a celebrity phenomenon.
The conversation surrounding buccal fat removal has since shifted from initial curiosity to a deeper, more critical examination of its long-term consequences. While Teigen's results were subtle and successful, plastic surgeons are now issuing urgent warnings about the irreversible nature of removing this structural fat, particularly as the face naturally ages. This article dives into the full story, the procedure's mechanics, and the crucial facts everyone needs to know before considering this permanent change.
Chrissy Teigen: Full Biography and Cosmetic Transparency Timeline
Chrissy Teigen, born Christine Diane Teigen, is an American model, television personality, author, and entrepreneur known for her outspoken and candid approach to life, including her experiences with cosmetic procedures.
- Full Name: Christine Diane Teigen
- Date of Birth: November 30, 1985
- Place of Birth: Delta, Utah, United States
- Spouse: John Legend (m. 2013)
- Profession: Model, Television Personality, Author, Entrepreneur, Producer
- Career Highlights: Appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (2010); co-hosted Lip Sync Battle; authored the Cravings cookbook series.
- Cosmetic Transparency Timeline (Notable Procedures):
- 2019: Admitted to having breast implants removed (a procedure known as explant surgery).
- 2021 (Late): Revealed on Instagram that she had undergone buccal fat removal by Dr. Jason Diamond.
- Ongoing: Has been consistently open about her use of Botox and various cosmetic fillers.
The Procedure Explained: How Chrissy Teigen Achieved Her Contoured Look
The procedure Chrissy Teigen underwent is formally known as buccal fat pad removal (BFR) or cheek reduction surgery. It is a surgical procedure designed to permanently reduce the volume in the lower part of the cheeks, resulting in a more sculpted, V-shaped, or defined facial contour.
What Exactly is Buccal Fat?
The buccal fat pad is a naturally occurring mass of fat located deep within the hollow area of the cheek, between the facial muscles. Everyone has them, but their size varies significantly. For some, large buccal fat pads contribute to a "chubby cheek" or "baby face" appearance, even at a healthy weight.
The Surgical Technique
The procedure is surprisingly straightforward and minimally invasive.
- The surgeon administers local anesthesia.
- A small incision (typically less than a centimeter) is made inside the mouth, on the inner lining of the cheek.
- The surgeon gently presses on the outside of the cheek, causing the buccal fat pad to protrude through the incision.
- A portion of the fat pad is carefully removed. The entire pad is rarely removed, as this can lead to an overly gaunt look.
- The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures.
Because the incisions are entirely hidden inside the mouth, there is no visible external scarring. This feature, combined with the dramatic yet subtle results, made it an appealing choice for celebrities like Teigen seeking a more chiseled look.
The Chrissy Teigen Effect: Why the Trend Exploded
Chrissy Teigen’s openness about her surgery was a watershed moment for the procedure. While buccal fat removal had been performed for decades, it was relatively obscure compared to breast augmentation or rhinoplasty. Her candid Instagram story, where she showed off her results and credited her surgeon, Dr. Jason Diamond, instantly propelled the procedure into the mainstream consciousness.
Her transparency was a refreshing contrast to the many other celebrities—such as Bella Hadid, Khloé Kardashian, and Lea Michele, who have been speculated to have had the procedure—who remain silent.
The Rise of the Sculpted Face
The BFR trend aligns perfectly with the current aesthetic obsession with facial definition, a look popularized by social media filters and contouring makeup.
- Enhanced Cheekbones: The removal of fat creates a hollow beneath the cheekbones, making them appear higher and more prominent.
- Defined Jawline: The reduction in lower-cheek volume sharpens the transition between the cheek and the jawline.
- Viral Popularity: By 2025, social media platforms are saturated with "before and after" videos, further fueling demand for the procedure.
5 Critical Warnings About Buccal Fat Removal in 2025
While Chrissy Teigen's results are widely considered a success, plastic surgeons are increasingly vocal about the significant, irreversible risks associated with BFR, especially for young patients who may not fully understand the long-term consequences. This is the crucial, current information that defines the discussion in 2025.
1. Accelerated Facial Aging is the Main Concern
This is the most significant warning. Fat is a crucial component of a youthful face. As people age, they naturally lose facial volume, leading to a gaunt or hollow appearance. Removing the buccal fat pad prematurely can accelerate this process, making a person look significantly older or more hollowed-out in their 40s and 50s.
2. The Procedure is Irreversible
Unlike dermal fillers, which can be dissolved, or fat grafting, which can add volume, the removal of the buccal fat pad is a permanent procedure. Once the fat is gone, it is extremely difficult to restore the original volume. Patients who regret the procedure later in life may require complex and expensive fat grafting to correct the hollow look.
3. Potential for an Unnatural, Gaunt Appearance
The procedure is highly dependent on the surgeon's skill in removing the correct amount of fat. Over-resection—removing too much fat—can lead to an overly skeletal or gaunt look that is difficult to fix and may not suit the patient's overall facial structure.
4. Rare but Serious Complications
While BFR is generally safe, like any surgery, it carries risks. Rare but serious complications can include:
- Damage to the facial nerve (buccal branch), which can lead to temporary or permanent changes in facial expressions, such as an asymmetrical smile.
- Bleeding, infection, and hematoma.
- Uneven fat removal, resulting in facial asymmetry.
5. It's Not For Everyone
The ideal candidate is someone with genuinely large buccal fat pads who is seeking minimal contouring. People who already have thin, narrow faces or are older are generally advised against the procedure, as it will likely lead to premature facial sagging and an aged look. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine suitability.
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