Buccal Fat Pad Removal

Some patients have a very full and round face, in part from large buccal fat pads. The buccal fat pad is a large unit with mass in the temple region, the cheek region and the pterygoid region (back of the upper jaw). There is no indication to remove the entire buccal fat pad and it is the cheek region that is most frequently reduced. I always warn about total removal as it will slim the face, but a decade later can lead to a very gaunt and unhealthy appearance. Remember, you have to live with your face the rest of your live and all fat is not “bad fat”.

I most commonly see patients requesting buccal fat reduction that have chubby cheeks in relation to the rest of their face and body. It is frequently hereditary. Although you occasionally hear about liposuction of the buccal fat pads, I don’t ever do this for several reasons. Number one, these pads have heavy fibrous capsules that do not lend themselves to common liposuction. More importantly, facial nerve branches, the anterior facial vein and parotid duct are frequently in close approximation to these fat pads and could be injured producing facial paralysis or severe bleeding. For this reason, I always perform a magnification assisted precision surgical reduction of the fat pads. It is not an area for imprecise technique and it is important for patients to select a surgeon with lots of experience and expertise in facial surgery.

The fat is located by making several small incisions on the inside of the cheek. The surgeon then locates the buccal extension of the fat pad which is generally very plentiful and protrudes into the mouth . The amount of fat to be removed is determined and the fat pad is removed using a laser or radiowave device. This is important as it seals the blood vessels and prevents bleeding which can be problematic in that area. After the fat is removed the small incisions are closed with dissolving sutures