The Buccal Fat Removal meme rose to prominence in late 2022 and early 2023 as internet users began noticing a sudden shift in celebrity facial structures, characterized by extremely hollowed-out cheeks and sharp jawlines. The procedure, which involves removing fat pads from the mid-face, became a focal point for commentary on unattainable beauty standards and the 'Instagram Face' aesthetic. Memes often compare celebrities who have undergone the procedure to the 'Handsome Squidward' character from SpongeBob SquarePants or portray the look as a slightly uncanny, skeletal transformation. It is widely used to satirize the lengths people go to for the 'perfect' facial contour.