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Equinox
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I see a lot of advice of "just lose face fat", "just get a leaner face", but there are several ways to do so. If you've been on here for more than like a week, this won't be a lot of news for you, but if you're not as knowledgeable, here's an introduction to different face slimming methods. I recommend finding threads in BotB for more information on all of these. All of these methods have been studied in much further depth than this thread will go into.
Dieting + Cardio
ALWAYS START WITH THIS. Most well known choice for losing fat, simply and safe. There are practically no risks (as long as you aren't starving yourself), but there are some other drawbacks. Fat loss cannot be targeted, so instead of losing face fat, you might lose a lot of visceral fat. If you're obese, this is likely the best method for you, as you should try to get your whole body to a decent bodyfat. Another drawback is that almost everyone naturally loses subcutaneous facial fat before buccal fat. This essentially means that hollow cheeks usually come last.
Overall: 9/10 Completely safe, only drawbacks being that it's very slow and can't target areas. Losing general bodyfat is very good too though.
<-- 2 years
Ultrasound Cavitation (UC)
UC machines produce ultrasound waves which create bubbles that disrupt fat cell membranes, the body then clears debris via lymph. It's pretty safe, as long as you're following the instructions. UC is great, when it works. UC is inconsistent though, sometimes it will work perfectly, other times it will leave your cheeks swelling. It's a pretty decent softmax though, if you're finding it hard to lose fat after dieting. Method should be used AFTER dieting. It isn't permanent, and requires many sessions.
Overall: 6/10 Results vary A LOT, and inconsistency is a big factor for a lot of people. If you find it works well for you, then use it to your heart's content
<-- ~3 months of sessions
Aqualyx (And Other Deoxycholic Acid-Based Injections)
Starting to get slightly more invasive. Aqualyx (or other products based in the same acid) is typically self-injected deoxycholate, which dissolves fat cell membanes and your body disposes the rest for you. Typically used for cheeks. Since it's an injection, and since usually the injector is not a professional, swelling, bruising, and redness are common. If you know how to handle needles, you should be okay though. It is VERY effective. Consistently works to dissolve any face fat. Repeat sessions can get expensive though, so be mindful of your income. Another drawback is swelling from poor injection practices, so be aware of your skill level before trying to inject yourself. It's not very effective for deep buccal fat though.
Overall: 8/10 If you're good with needles and have a wealthy income, then this is definitely a good choice.
<-- ~3 sessions
Buccal Fat Removal (BFR) Surgery
Surgeon removes your buccal fat pads. Won't do much if the rest of your face is fat, but if you prepped correctly, can be very effective. It creates the illusion of more prominent zygos, and more hollow cheeks. BFR done cheap can lead to infections, asymmetry, and over hollowing. I wouldn't recommend getting surgery done cheap, but I know most people here can't afford a $4K surgery. Another thing to note is that it's irreversible. Your Buccal Fat pads won't magically grow back after they're removed, so shitty surgery can lead to permanent damage.
Overall: 4-8/10 Bad surgery will ruin you, good surgery will ascend you.
IMPORTANT MENTIONS:
Debloating and Lymphatic Drainage
These are NOT losing any fat. Bloat is water retention, typically caused by sodium concentration. Lymphatic drainage (jade rollers, gua sha, etc.) is just pushing that water to a different part of your face TEMPORARILY. Good for if you're taking a picture, but don't count on it in the long run.
Masseter Botox:
Makes the illusion of a slimmer face by slimming a wide jaw. This changes muscle, not fat.
GLP-1 Drugs (Like Reta)
Injection appetite-suppression drugs. Best used if you're obese to rapidly lose whole body fat. Sometimes incurs vomiting, nausea, and other things. Can be a HUGE game changer if you're fat.
This is my first guide so lmk how I did
Dieting + Cardio
ALWAYS START WITH THIS. Most well known choice for losing fat, simply and safe. There are practically no risks (as long as you aren't starving yourself), but there are some other drawbacks. Fat loss cannot be targeted, so instead of losing face fat, you might lose a lot of visceral fat. If you're obese, this is likely the best method for you, as you should try to get your whole body to a decent bodyfat. Another drawback is that almost everyone naturally loses subcutaneous facial fat before buccal fat. This essentially means that hollow cheeks usually come last.
Overall: 9/10 Completely safe, only drawbacks being that it's very slow and can't target areas. Losing general bodyfat is very good too though.
Ultrasound Cavitation (UC)
UC machines produce ultrasound waves which create bubbles that disrupt fat cell membranes, the body then clears debris via lymph. It's pretty safe, as long as you're following the instructions. UC is great, when it works. UC is inconsistent though, sometimes it will work perfectly, other times it will leave your cheeks swelling. It's a pretty decent softmax though, if you're finding it hard to lose fat after dieting. Method should be used AFTER dieting. It isn't permanent, and requires many sessions.
Overall: 6/10 Results vary A LOT, and inconsistency is a big factor for a lot of people. If you find it works well for you, then use it to your heart's content
Aqualyx (And Other Deoxycholic Acid-Based Injections)
Starting to get slightly more invasive. Aqualyx (or other products based in the same acid) is typically self-injected deoxycholate, which dissolves fat cell membanes and your body disposes the rest for you. Typically used for cheeks. Since it's an injection, and since usually the injector is not a professional, swelling, bruising, and redness are common. If you know how to handle needles, you should be okay though. It is VERY effective. Consistently works to dissolve any face fat. Repeat sessions can get expensive though, so be mindful of your income. Another drawback is swelling from poor injection practices, so be aware of your skill level before trying to inject yourself. It's not very effective for deep buccal fat though.
Overall: 8/10 If you're good with needles and have a wealthy income, then this is definitely a good choice.
Buccal Fat Removal (BFR) Surgery
Surgeon removes your buccal fat pads. Won't do much if the rest of your face is fat, but if you prepped correctly, can be very effective. It creates the illusion of more prominent zygos, and more hollow cheeks. BFR done cheap can lead to infections, asymmetry, and over hollowing. I wouldn't recommend getting surgery done cheap, but I know most people here can't afford a $4K surgery. Another thing to note is that it's irreversible. Your Buccal Fat pads won't magically grow back after they're removed, so shitty surgery can lead to permanent damage.
Overall: 4-8/10 Bad surgery will ruin you, good surgery will ascend you.
IMPORTANT MENTIONS:
Debloating and Lymphatic Drainage
These are NOT losing any fat. Bloat is water retention, typically caused by sodium concentration. Lymphatic drainage (jade rollers, gua sha, etc.) is just pushing that water to a different part of your face TEMPORARILY. Good for if you're taking a picture, but don't count on it in the long run.
Masseter Botox:
Makes the illusion of a slimmer face by slimming a wide jaw. This changes muscle, not fat.
GLP-1 Drugs (Like Reta)
Injection appetite-suppression drugs. Best used if you're obese to rapidly lose whole body fat. Sometimes incurs vomiting, nausea, and other things. Can be a HUGE game changer if you're fat.
This is my first guide so lmk how I did
