Episode 25

bonus
Published on:

21st May 2025

Bonus Episode: I Regret My Buccal Fat Removal: A Trend Gone Too Far?

A cosmetic trend took social media by storm, promising perfectly sculpted cheekbones and a high-fashion look -but the aftermath isn't all glitz and glam.

In this bonus episode, I dive into the rise and sharp fall of one of the most talked-about beauty procedures of the past few years. What started as a viral aesthetic has left many wondering: was it worth it?

Tune in as we explore the hype, the regret, and the deeper pressures behind the pursuit of the "perfect" face.

Are You Ready?

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Sources:

The Cut – “Is Everyone Getting Buccal Fat Removal?”

https://www.thecut.com

Vogue – “What Is Buccal Fat Removal and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?”

https://www.vogue.com

Allure – “Chrissy Teigen Got Buccal Fat Removal —Here’s What That Means”

https://www.allure.com

Insider – “Plastic Surgeons Are Warning Against Buccal Fat Removal”

https://www.insider.com

TikTok & Reddit – Testimonials and regret posts via user-generated content (2022–2024)

Dr. Steven Pearlman, Facial Plastic Surgeon – Interviews quoted in multiple articles

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2020) – “Aging and facial fat loss: The consequences of volume loss over time”

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https://open.spotify.com/show/37MLxC8eRob1D0ZcgcCorA

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INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC

By FASION '1-800-DIRTY'

Show artwork for Beauty Unlocked the podcast

About the Podcast

Beauty Unlocked the podcast
Buckle up and get ready as I delve into a variety of topics regarding physical beauty.

We'll take a look at our society's obsession with physical beauty and the consequences these impossible beauty standards have had on us.
Let's face it; this fascination regarding physical beauty and body image isn't a recent phenomenon; it has been around for centuries, crossing borders, and has affected men and women alike.
The realization of this podcast has come about by my own experiences having to deal with society's perverse notion of physical "perfection" and researching an array of topics that have intrigued me over the years.
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About your host

Profile picture for Carissa Vikis

Carissa Vikis

Hey there!
I'm Carissa, host, content creator, and producer of the indie podcast Beauty Unlocked.
Growing up, I was frequently compared and criticized for my looks and weight. This started the vicious cycle of being self-critical and loathing my body. I knew I wasn't the only one suffering from society's ridiculous notion of what "we should look like." I started digging deeper and researching various topics, and the rest is h(er)story!
Beauty Unlocked The Podcast aims to educate and bring awareness of our society's obsession with physical beauty and the emotional consequences these impossible beauty standards have. Beauty Unlocked's social media platform showcases not only my work but that of other artists, illustrators, and fellow podcasters that I admire and that share a similar message of inspiration, empowerment, positivity, and raising awareness on a variety of social issues.