We have covered the details of buccal fat removal in a previous blog. Remember that buccal means cheek. Therefore, the buccal fat is a golf-ball-size fat compartment below the cheekbone on either side of the face. Removal can reduce the fullness and roundness of the mid-face giving a more heart-shape appearance.
The incision is in the inside of the mouth on each side. The fat is taken out, and two stitches close the incision. It’s very possible that this procedure can be done at the same time as other facial procedures. So, the answer is yes. The sequence of performing is important and I would always do the buccal fat removal last.
We often do this with rhinoplasty which will add more time to the operation. Also, this may exacerbate the cheek swelling or bruising that is normal with rhinoplasty. You should avoid large particulate food until the inside of the mouth incisions heal. This may take a week.
This cheek fat removal procedure should not interfere with the rhinoplasty result. Also, with a facelift, a buccal fat removal can be helpful. The facelift will tighten the neck and cheeks and the buccal fat volume reduction will improve the midfacial contour if preoperatively a fullness reduction is the desirable outcome.
It can also be done with upper lower blepharoplasty or even an otoplasty. Therefore, with any other facial procedure, buccal fat removal can be taken care of without necessarily interfering with the other primary procedure.
THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
