When a patient walks into my rooms with a specific concern, I look at the overall picture instead of focusing solely on his or her demands. When it concerns the face specifically, the proportions need to be right, as this balance results in an aesthetically pleasing face. Often I have advised my patients to contour their cheeks and bring more definition to their faces. This can sometimes be achieved by a buccal fat pad removal surgery, certainly when the cheeks are too full, too round or when there is asymmetry.
Buccal fat pad removal surgery has become more and more popular. In this blog, I’d like to dig a bit deeper into the matter of a buccal fat pad removal procedure.
What is buccal fat pad removal?
Different terms are used to refer to buccal fat pad removal. A Bichectomy or Bichatectomy, a more correct term, or simply cheek surgery in a lay term is a surgical procedure that removes a structure known as Bichat fat pad (buccal fat pad), which in some cases makes a person look overweight and not in harmony with the facial contour/balance. However, sometimes buccal fat pad removal is also called it is a Buccal Lipectomy. A lipectomy is a surgical operation to remove fatty tissue
The goal of buccal fat pad removal or buccal lipectomy / bichectomy is to thin the cheeks, specifically in the area of the cheek hollows. Although a face that is naturally soft and filled out is considered youthful, some people find that their face feels too full, even chubby.
A buccal fat pad surgery removes the buccal fat pad, a naturally-occurring pad of fat in the cheek hollow area. The size of the buccal fat pad varies with each individual patient, and the buccal fat pad in each cheek may be different sizes. Buccal fat pad extraction surgery is typically not performed in people with thin, narrow faces as removal of the fat may cause the face to look more gaunt with age. However, there are no age restrictions, as young and old can benefit from this procedure if the buccal fat pad is out of proportion to the rest of the face.
Are you the right candidate?
Buccal fat pad removal surgery is a highly individualized procedure. It can address concerns for patients who are worried about full or chubby cheeks. If you are considering this procedure, be sure to do it for yourself, not for someone else or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
In general, you may be a good buccal fat pad removal candidate if:
- You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- You have realistic expectations
- You are a non-smoker
- You are bothered by the appearance of your chubby cheeks
If you think you are a suited candidate, the next step is to have a consultation with me. During this consultation, we’ll discuss your surgical goals, medical conditions, current medications and supplements and your surgery history. I will also evaluate your general health, examine your face, take pictures, discuss possible risks and possible outcomes with you.
The success and safety of your buccal fat pad removal surgery procedure depend very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with me or my team.
What are the risks?
As with any surgery, there are risks involved. You’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of buccal fat pad removal surgery are acceptable.
My staff and I will explain to you in detail the risks associated with this surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.
All this information will be given to you in a procedure folder. Make sure you read and understand it fully. The consent forms must be sent back to us prior to the procedure.
The possible risks of buccal fat pad removal surgery include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor healing of incisions
- Hematoma
- Anesthesia risks
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with me.
The procedure
Buccal fat pad removal can be performed in my rooms or in theatre, with conscious sedation or general anesthesia. I will recommend the best choice for you.
The typical approach for removing the buccal fat pad is through an incision in the mouth, towards the back of the oral cavity, near the second upper molar. The buccinator muscle is then encountered and without making an incision, the fibers are separated until the buccal fat pad is seen.
Sutures close the incisions inside your mouth. Typically, these sutures are absorbable. Be sure to avoid playing with the sutures with your tongue until cleared by your surgeon.
Your buccal fat removal surgery will result in a slimmer, more contoured cheek, specifically in the cheek hollow area.
The recovery
Follow the post-operative instructions in your procedure manual as this will speed up the healing process. Be sure to be compliant and listen to my advice given to you.
In general, many people assert that recovering from buccal fat removal is almost pain-free. Most people experience no serious or permanent side effects from having it done. Recovering after the surgery typically takes only about one week but can take several months in some patients
The results
The final results of buccal fat pad removal surgery may be initially obscured by swelling. It may take several months for you to see the final results, as your cheeks gradually contour to their new appearance. The cheeks will appear less full or chubby in post-op results.
The results are permanent as the fat pad has been removed. If you haven’t achieved the desired result in one surgery, a follow-up surgery might be needed.
I trust I have given you a good breakdown of this procedure, which has become very popular in my practice, with patients ranging from young to old, men and women alike.
If you have further questions or want to come for a consultation, send us an email at info@seanmoodley.co.za or call 021 205 1117.
I look forward to attending to you.
Have a blessed day,
Dr Sean Moodley
