Triangular Face Aesthetics (V-Shape Face Contouring)
People with a naturally triangular face shape are often perceived as looking younger. In contrast, individuals with a square facial structure or full cheeks may appear older than their actual age. For this reason, the number of patients seeking procedures to achieve a more V-shaped, defined facial contour has increased significantly in recent years.
This procedure is also popularly known as Hollywood Cheeks and has become especially common among women. However, interest among men has also been steadily rising.
Triangular face aesthetics is primarily based on cheek slimming and can deliver a noticeable improvement in overall facial harmony, creating a more youthful and refined appearance. Patients with naturally chubby or rounded cheeks may benefit from this technique. The surgery aims to sharpen the transition between the cheek area and the cheekbones, creating a more defined midface. Since the main goal is to reduce cheek fullness, the intervention generally focuses more on the lower-mid face.
Advantages of Triangular Face Aesthetics
Having a triangular facial line is often considered aesthetically advantageous because it can help the face appear younger and more balanced. Reducing cheek volume may also create a slimmer and fitter overall look.
During the operation, the plastic surgeon may perform minor adjustments where appropriate. In some cases, this procedure can be combined with other facial aesthetic surgeries. It is particularly suitable for patients who have fat accumulation in the jowl area or prominent fullness in the cheek region.
Another benefit is that, as the cheeks become slimmer, the cheekbones may appear more prominent. Until recently, this effect was often achieved using cheek implants or dermal fillers. With triangular face aesthetics, a naturally contoured result may be obtained without the need for such additional procedures. Patients with excessive cheek fullness may achieve both a leaner midface and more pronounced cheekbone definition at the same time.
In appropriate cases, it may also be possible to achieve a facial proportion close to what is often described as the golden ratio. Another important advantage is that recovery is usually relatively comfortable, and patients are typically informed in advance about what to expect during the healing period.
Are the Results Permanent?
One of the most common questions is whether the results are long-lasting. The changes achieved with triangular face aesthetics are generally permanent. However, it is important to note that the final result may take 3 to 6 months to fully settle.
This does not mean the face will look concerning during this period. Post-operative swelling typically improves within 7 to 10 days, but additional time is required for tissue healing and for the facial contour to fully stabilize.
If a patient gains a significant amount of weight in the future, fat may accumulate again in the cheek area. In such cases, it is possible to consider a second intervention, although this is rare. Most patients do not require repeat surgery.
Is the Procedure Risky?
As with any surgical procedure, triangular face aesthetics carries certain risks, so it cannot be described as completely risk-free. However, when performed by an experienced surgeon, these risks can be reduced to a minimal level. Potential risks include bleeding and infection, but standard preventive measures are taken.
For example, surgeons may prescribe antibiotics and recommend antiseptic mouth rinses to help reduce infection risk. Therefore, most patients do not need to be overly concerned. Following the surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully can support a smooth recovery. Temporary effects such as swelling, mild bruising, or edema are expected and generally resolve naturally.
Preparation Before Surgery
Stopping smoking and alcohol at least one week before surgery may support faster and healthier healing after the procedure. Patients should also inform the doctor about any medical conditions, current medications, and how often those medications are used. If blood-thinning medications are being taken, they usually need to be discontinued prior to surgery under medical guidance.
No extensive preparation is typically required beyond this. However, the surgeon may request a few basic tests before the operation. Since the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, patients are usually instructed not to eat breakfast on the day of surgery. Your doctor will provide detailed, personalized preparation instructions during the consultation.
Patients who want a more defined and attractive facial contour often achieve highly satisfying results with Triangular Face Aesthetics, also widely known as Hollywood Cheeks or cheek slimming surgery. Naturally, one of the most frequently asked questions is how the procedure is performed and what the surgical process involves.
In general, the following steps are typically followed in triangular face surgery (buccal fat reduction / cheek contouring):
- The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
- Thanks to anesthesia, patients do not feel pain or discomfort during the operation.
- During surgery, a small incision is made inside the mouth, and through this approach a portion of the fat tissue in the cheeks is removed. When the cheek fat pads are reduced, the face can appear slimmer and more elongated, contributing to a more V-shaped facial profile.
- If the cheeks are extremely full, removing a small amount of excess tissue may be considered; however, in most cases this is not necessary and only the fat tissue is removed.
- The duration of the surgery may vary from patient to patient, but the procedure is usually completed within approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
- No implants or dermal fillers are used during this surgery. Therefore, patients do not experience a "tissue adaptation" process related to foreign materials.
- At the end of the operation, the incision area is closed with sutures. Since the sutures are placed inside the mouth, visible scarring on the face is not expected.
Recovery After Surgery (Post-Operative Period)
Patients who choose Triangular Face Aesthetics (Hollywood Cheeks / buccal fat reduction) to achieve a more defined and youthful facial appearance may also want to learn what to expect during the recovery period. The post-operative process generally includes the following:
- After triangular face surgery, stitches usually do not need to be removed. This is because the sutures used at the end of the procedure are typically dissolvable and are absorbed by the body over time.
- The incisions made during the operation are very small, so the healing process is not as long or challenging as many people assume.
- Mild pain and swelling (edema) are expected after surgery. Discomfort can usually be managed with pain relief medication; however, it is important to use only the medications prescribed by your doctor.
- Swelling often decreases within a few days and resolves on its own, although in some patients it may take longer depending on individual tissue healing.
- After the procedure, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic and a mouthwash (gargle solution) to reduce the risk of infection.
- To see the final facial contour clearly, it may take 3 to 6 months after surgery. In some cases, this period can be slightly longer.
- Oral hygiene is especially important. Since the sutures are located inside the mouth, the risk of infection must be minimized. Rinsing the mouth thoroughly with plenty of water after meals and using the recommended mouthwash as instructed can help keep the area clean and reduce bacterial load.
If you would like to achieve more refined facial contours and reduce excess cheek fullness, you may consider Triangular Face Aesthetics (Hollywood Cheeks). To ask questions or request an appointment, you can contact our clinic directly.
