Key Points:
- Losing facial fat, particularly buccal fat, can be challenging.
- The rise in popularity of facial tools, massages, and exercises offers alternative approaches.
- Experts recommend a holistic approach to effectively reduce facial fat.
Many individuals embark on a weight-loss journey targeting specific areas, whether it’s shedding a beer belly or reducing stubborn arm fat. However, one of the most difficult types of fat to lose is buccal fat, located in the lower cheeks. This fat pad shapes the face and facilitates facial movement, contributing to the demand for facial fat grafting, a popular cosmetic surgery globally, including in India.
The Viral Problem
The pandemic saw a surge in home workouts and a flood of social media content promising quick weight-loss tips. Influencers began sharing methods to lose buccal or facial fat through various home remedies, including massages, facial yoga, and tools like gua sha.
As buzzwords like lymphatic drainage and cortisol face gained traction, experts began to weigh in, offering insights on effectively reducing facial fat.
What’s the Best Way to Lose Face Fat?
Experts agree that while losing facial fat is challenging, it can be accomplished through a holistic approach. Pathik Patel, a fitness expert and founder of Fit and Flex (NIVA Nutrifoods LLP/Basil Group) in Ahmedabad, emphasizes that fat loss occurs throughout the body when individuals aim to lose weight. This can be achieved through proper diet and regular exercise.
Patel advises incorporating cardiovascular activities such as running or cycling to burn fat, boost metabolism, and aid in calorie expenditure. Additionally, he highlights the importance of staying hydrated and limiting sugar and sodium intake to decrease water retention and facial puffiness.
Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, a yoga expert and founder of Akshar Yoga Kendraa, advocates for facial yoga, which involves specific poses and pranayama techniques that apply gentle pressure to the face. This practice can help achieve a radiant glow and sculpted appearance without resorting to cosmetic procedures.
The Role of Facial Massages
Facial massages and exercises are often promoted for improving circulation, reducing tension, and promoting a healthy glow. However, Dr. Shyam Sundar Sharma, a general physician from Assam, cautions that improper or excessive facial exercises can lead to side effects. These may include:
- Increased Wrinkles: Repetitive movements can lead to the formation of wrinkles, particularly around areas prone to fine lines, such as the eyes and mouth.
- Headaches: Over-exercising facial muscles may cause fatigue or tightness, similar to overworking other muscle groups, resulting in discomfort and tension headaches.
- Jaw Pain: Exercises involving jaw movements can exacerbate conditions like TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), leading to discomfort or stiffness.
- Skin Irritation: Excessive pulling or stretching of the skin may lead to sensitivity, irritation, or redness, especially in individuals with delicate skin.
The Impact of Facial Tools
Facial tools like gua sha and jade rollers have become staples in the routines of beauty enthusiasts, endorsed by celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Deepika Padukone. The global skincare devices market was estimated at $14 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $15.3 billion in 2023.
While these tools are marketed as aids in losing facial fat, experts assert that their effects are often temporary. A 2018 study indicated that using a Pao device could increase facial muscle thickness, contributing to facial rejuvenation. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of facial tools in fat reduction.
Dr. Sharma warns of potential side effects associated with these tools, including:
- Irritation: Sensitive or acne-prone skin may experience irritation or breakouts if facial tools are used too aggressively.
- Broken Blood Vessels: Excessive pressure can lead to broken blood vessels, especially in individuals with delicate skin.
- Aggravation of Conditions: Individuals with rosacea or eczema may find that using facial tools exacerbates their symptoms.
Remember
The most effective strategy for reducing facial fat is to focus on overall body weight loss through consistent workouts and a healthy lifestyle. Avoid falling for fads involving facial tools or massages, as they may not deliver lasting results.
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