Will past maxillofacial surgery and orthodontic treatment increase buccal fat removal (bichectomy) complications?

Question

I am a 39 year old woman and I would like a buccal fat removal (cheek reduction). In 2009, I have receive maxillofacial surgery with my orthodontic treatment, does that bother or increase the risk of complications? Thank.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Treatment of ‘chubby cheeks’ cannot be achieved alone with buccal fat pad removal; a fact that I encounter time and time again when seeing patients in consultation for lower facial sculpting. My approach is to use a combined protocol that redefines aesthetic contours of the face. This includes the following: 
  
 
  
Buccal Fat Pad Removal 
  Non-surgical Muscle-Fascia Tightening
  Venus Legacy or Venus Viva
  Ultherapy
  Submental Liposuction or Coolsculpting
   
  
The combined approach is ideal. Buccal fat pad removal is a exceptional procedure that can remove excess fat from the cheek pads. Using an intraoral approach, a small incision is carried through the mucosa to remove a small fat pad within the cheek. Closure of the incisions is minimal with an absorbable suture and patients will experience some swelling post-operatively. We use SwellX tablets post treatment. Once healed, the contour of the cheek is improved and we begin Non-invasive tissue tightening to further enhance results. 
  
 
  
Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian
  
Realself100 Surgeon

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Past orthognatic surgery may affect the performance and complication rate of buccal fat removal surgery depending of what jaw was involved in the former procedure.Orthognatic surgery of the jaw won't affect the performance or complication rate of buccal fat removalOrthogantic surgery of the upper jaw ( maxilla) could affect the performance of buccal fat removal and the complication rate. The reason is that since surgery was performed in that are, then scar tissue cold be on the area where the buccal fat pads are located, which could potentially contribute to a more difficult buccal fat removal procedure and increased complication rate.

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD · Answer

Hello,The most accurate answer would be to say, "yes", having had orthognathic surgery will increase the potential for complication.  This really only applies to having had upper orthognathic surgery.  However, the increase in risk is going to be very small.  The potential issue lies in the fact that there is already an incision and some scar tissue where the incision for the buccal fat removal will be made.  But again, I think this issue is very minimal.Regards,Dr. A

Will past maxillofacial surgery and orthodontic treatment increase buccal fat removal (bichectomy) complications?

Answers (3)

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