Buccal fat removal ruined my facial harmony. Is it possible to get my smile back with fat transfer or filler? (Photo)

Question

I got buccal fat removal one month ago however I was misunderstood what part of the face it slims. My buccal fat pads were quite small(3cc) the entire thing was removed. However my face has changed dramatically and not in a good way. Now my upper cheeks look much bigger and my face looks super round when I smile. The procedure has ruined my face as what I needed was a chin implant. Is it possible to get my smile back with fat transfer or filler? my smile feels weak and like any other expression.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos.  Buccal fat removal has gotten very popular in the last 5 years.  For some people with very full "chipmunk cheeks", the procedure perfect -- it can reshape the face in wonderful ways.  However, in men and women who are not overly full in the buccal space, removing this fat can impart an aged look.  I see many women who are unhappy with their buccal fat removed.  Fortunately, it is rather easy to correct under local anesthesia.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear that your buccal fat removal displeased you.  As an objective observer, you have a lovely smile, and because we have no lateral view, we cannot confirm  your impression that a chin implant would be beneficial.  Getting your smile back is a subjective objective and does not have any particular surgical procedure attached to it.
   However, since the effects you do not like were caused by removal of at just below the malar prominence (the deep buccal fat pad), replacement  of  that contour by fat grafting or Renuva might  please you.
    Renuva is a fat graft in a syringe, and you might want to consider investigating it.  By injecting Renuva, which is an allograft matrix  derived from human fat, the fat cells adjacent will  reproduce and fill  the matrix, this producing  a localized increase in fat, similar to what would occur with fat grafting.
   Results are apparent over the next 3-5 months, and additional injections can be done as desired.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Yes, facial fat transfer would be the best option to add balance and harmony to your face.  Full correction is always possible with this modality.

Buccal fat removal ruined my facial harmony. Is it possible to get my smile back with fat transfer or filler? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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Buccal fat removal ruined my facial harmony. Is it possible to get my smile back with fat transfer or filler? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.