Anya Taylor-Joy, known for her ethereal beauty and standout roles in “The Queen’s Gambit” and “The Witch,” has always had a unique appearance. Early in her career, her cheekbones were more subtle, giving her a softer look. As she has progressed in her career, her cheekbones have become more pronounced, adding a striking angularity to her face that enhances her dramatic roles.

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie, the Australian actress who took Hollywood by storm, has also seen a transformation in her facial features. Early photos show a rounder face with softer cheeks. Today, her defined cheekbones contribute to her striking beauty, making her stand out in roles from “The Wolf of Wall Street” to “I, Tonya.”

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner, famous for her role as Sansa Stark in “Game of Thrones,” started her career with a youthful, round face. Over the years, her cheekbones have become more prominent, giving her face a more sculpted and mature look that complements her evolving roles.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore has always been a beauty icon, but her cheekbones have certainly evolved over the years. Early in her career, her face had a softer, fuller look. As she matured, her cheekbones became more chiseled, enhancing her timeless beauty.

Renée Zellweger

Renée Zellweger’s facial features have undergone significant changes since her early days in Hollywood. Her cheeks were once fuller and more rounded. Today, her cheekbones are much more defined, giving her face a more angular and sophisticated look.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez has always been known for her beauty, but her cheekbones have become more defined over the years. Early in her career, her cheeks were fuller, contributing to her youthful look. Now, her chiseled cheekbones add to her glamorous and sophisticated appearance.

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Lea Michele

Lea Michele, star of “Glee,” started with a softer facial structure. As her career progressed, her cheekbones became more pronounced, adding definition to her face and enhancing her natural beauty.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker, best known for her role in “Sex and the City,” has always had a distinctive look. Early in her career, her cheeks were fuller. Now, her prominent cheekbones contribute to her iconic and fashionable appearance.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron, star of Disney’s “Descendants,” has undergone a noticeable change in her facial structure. Early in her career, her face was rounder and softer. Today, her chiseled cheekbones give her a more mature and striking look.

Sarah Hyland

Sarah Hyland, known for her role in “Modern Family,” has seen a transformation in her facial features. Initially, her face was rounder with softer cheeks. Over time, her cheekbones have become more prominent, adding definition and sophistication to her look.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, famous from a young age, have also seen changes in their facial structures. Early in their careers, their faces were rounder and softer. Today, their chiseled cheekbones add to their high-fashion, sophisticated appearances.

Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley, known for her roles in “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Atonement,” has always had a striking look. However, her cheekbones have become more defined over the years, enhancing her timeless and elegant beauty.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence’s early career features a more rounded facial structure. As she rose to fame with roles in “The Hunger Games” and “Silver Linings Playbook,” her cheekbones became more defined, adding to her striking Hollywood appearance.

What is Buccal Fat?

Buccal fat, a small pad located between the cheek and jawbone, contributes to the fullness of the cheeks. It’s about the size of a grape but shaped more like a pancake. “It’s what you see in babies with chubby cheeks,” explained Dr. Alan Matarasso, a New York City plastic surgeon and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Dr. Matarasso noted that removing buccal fat can create the appearance of gently sucking on a straw, enhancing the prominence of the bone structure. This aesthetic has long been favored by models, who often suck in their cheeks during photo shoots to achieve a similar look.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Plastic surgeons express concern that removing buccal fat from someone with an already strong bone structure could result in a skeletal appearance. Dr. Matarasso emphasizes that the procedure is not suitable for everyone. It is recommended for individuals with overly round faces or those seeking more angular facial features.

As people naturally lose facial fat with age, removing buccal fat from those who do not need the procedure could make their faces appear excessively bony in old age. However, Dr. Darrick Antell, another New York City plastic surgeon and ASPS member, has observed promising outcomes in appropriately selected patients. “I’ve seen people over time that have aged very well,” said Dr. Antell. He believes that removing some buccal fat can create scar tissue that may help support facial tissues and improve aging.

Why Have Buccal Fat Removed?

Dr. Antell highlights the growing popularity of buccal fat removal, calling it “a great enhancement for a person’s appearance.” The procedure adds definition to the face, making the cheekbones appear stronger and more striking. While makeup can create a similar effect, surgical removal ensures the look is permanent.

How is the Surgery Performed?

Buccal fat removal can be performed under local anesthesia, keeping the patient awake, or under general anesthesia if combined with other procedures such as a facelift or rhinoplasty. The surgeon makes small incisions inside the cheeks and removes the buccal fat. Some surgeons prefer not to remove the entire fat pad, tailoring the amount taken out to the patient’s unique anatomy.

“There’s an argument for not taking all of it out,” said Dr. Antell. “I’m very judicious when we do it. I only take out what easily comes out.”

What About Recovery Time?

Patients can expect bruising and swelling around the incision site. Healing from buccal fat removal surgery typically takes about three weeks, although some people may need a couple of months to see their final results.

Dr. Antell advises those considering the surgery to be aware of the risks, as with all surgical procedures. He recommends finding a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in buccal fat removal. “I think that you need to ask how many they do and how often they’ve done it. Maybe ask for some before and afters,” he suggested. The ASPS also recommends choosing a surgeon who is board-certified and a member of the society.