The Role of Buccal Fat Pad in Facial Aesthetic Surgery

Introduction

Women have engaged in lengthy, perhaps risky procedures throughout history to highlight their cheekbones, from the ancient Chinese face massage treatments to Marlene Dietrich's suspected removal of her upper teeth.

However, there has been a recent resurgence in the sculpted appearance, with cheekbones and jawlines becoming popular on instagram feeds, movie screens, and fashion runways. And although many famous people and influencers assert that their tight appearances result from cutting-edge rolling equipment or just decent contouring.

What Is the Role of Buccal Fat Pad in Facial Aesthetic Surgery?

Buccal fat, which helps mold the contour of the face, is the fat located between the jawlines and cheekbones. Although everyone has buccal fat, some people have more than others.

Surgery to reduce facial fat in this region is known as buccal fat reduction. The face's bone structure, particularly cheekbones and the recessed regions between cheeks and jawline, can be made more prominent by removing this fat. It is also named a cheek reduction treatment.

Who Is a Potential Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal Surgery?

Plastic surgery is done for the removal of buccal fat. Each person has a unique reason for choosing to get plastic surgery. It is essential to think about plastic surgery only if individuals want to change their appearance and not because somebody else wants them to. Because their face has an unsightly roundness because of the fullness of their cheeks, having the cheeks reduced might make them look less "chubby" or obese.

Individuals can opt for buccal fat pad removal for the following reasons:

• Dislike the way the cheeks look to be full.

• Are healthy and maintain a consistent weight.

• If the face is narrow or individuals are above a particular age, they might not be suitable for buccal fat removal because buccal fat normally decreases with age.

Who Performs the Buccal Fat Pad Surgery?

A medical professional with specialized expertise in surgical procedures, like those provided by a licensed plastic surgeon often performs buccal fat removal operations.

What Are the Preoperative Preparations Done Before Surgery?

• The healthcare professional will consult before the procedure to remove buccal fat.

• The surgeon will go through the surgical goals with individuals and what to anticipate before and after the treatment.

• The doctor will examine individuals on their first visit, and they will probably take pictures of their faces.

• Additionally, they will inquire about general health, including medical history and prior procedures.

• They will take basic health measurements like blood pressure and discuss any drugs individuals are taking.

• Individuals must inform doctors about their prescriptions, including herbal remedies and dietary supplements. They could advise on quitting smoking or using tobacco products before surgery to achieve the greatest results.

• Surgeons will take preoperative photographs of the cheeks to determine and assess the change.

• After the physical examination, the surgeon will explain the surgical technique and the surgery's outcome.

• The patient can talk about their expectations, and the surgeon will explain the surgical procedure, the risks, and recovery.

How Is Surgical Procedure Done?

Anesthesia:

• Removal of the buccal fat pad is done as an outpatient operation carried out under general anesthesia or with a local anesthetic combined with sedation.

Surgical Procedure:

• The face structures and the buccal fat pad (Bichat's fat pad) have a complicated interaction. The facial nerve, vein, and parotid duct split its four components into anterior and posterior regions.

• Lidocaine and the Epinephrine-containing solution are injected (bilaterally) into the gingivobuccal gap between the first and second upper molars.

• With Caldwell Luc retractors, the cheek is lateralized, and a 2.5 centimeter mucosal incision is done while leaving a cuff of mucosa for closure.

• While exerting external pressure on the skin in the area of the buccal fat pad, the incision is made through the muscle and mucosa. The fascia is cut using scissors, exposing the buccal fat pad.

• The surgeon manipulates the fat pad into the incision while applying external pressure to the cheek with a long hemostat to disseminate the fat.

• Use a finger to move the lips during electrocoagulation to prevent accidentally cauterizing them.

Sutures:

• After the procedure, incisions are closed with sutures or skin glue.

• Usually, resorbable sutures are placed, but sometimes surgeons will place sutures that need to be removed after one week.

What Are the Postoperative Instructions Given to Patients?

• For the first two days, patients can anticipate some mild discomfort and soreness where the stitches were placed within the patient's mouth.

• There is a slight chance that some or all of the lips could be permanently paralyzed, and there is a small chance that one or more of the muscles surrounding the mouth could become weak.

• The recovery time is usually three to four weeks.

• The most crucial thing to remember is to treat the face gently and refrain from touching it.

• While the stitches dissolve, keep the mouth clean and rinse after meals.

• Be cautious not to damage the scars while brushing with a toothbrush.

• Patients need to take at least a week off after the surgery.

What Are the Complications of the Surgical Procedure?

One must consider the dangers of having any operation against any possible advantages. The healthcare practitioner will discuss any hazards with individuals so they may make an educated choice.

The following are a few dangers related to surgery to remove buccal fat:

• Infection at the location of the cut.

• Harm to the salivary ducts or the facial nerves.

• Numbness or altered sensations.

• Asymmetry.

• Hematoma.

When Should One Consider Visiting the Doctor?

The excision of buccal fat is often a secure technique. But, if one notices any of the following, they should contact the doctor straight away:

• Bleeding too much.

• Any indications of infection, such as fever, hot skin to the touch, redness, or pustules on the skin.

• If the outcomes are uneven or healing is not proper.

• If one has an unusual tongue taste or believes salivary glands may be damaged.

It is uncommon, but if one notices any of the following, contact emergency services straight away.

• Respiration difficulty.

• Ache in the chest.

• Irregular heartbeat.

Conclusion

The buccal fat pads are surgically removed to attain a thinner face. Individuals should be good candidates if they have a larger face and satisfy certain health requirements. The method is generally regarded as secure. It takes several weeks to recover. There is a chance for problems, just like with any surgery. Work with a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon for the greatest outcomes.