Which is More Dangerouse Buccal Fat Remover or Laser Liposucction for Face?

Question

I am 31 woman and I am slim but I have fat face and big checks Ireally dream of more defined face and checks, the problem is also i have big face as well, so it make it even worse , please help me with the safer procedure

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Sara1980,

	 

	Both procedures will give you permanent results.

	If irregularities are to take place with the Laser Facial Lipo, reversing the damage is very hard whereas the Buccal Fat Pad Removal is reversible to certain degree.

	This is why, I encourage you to seek a consultation with an extensively experienced surgeon who will provide you with the best advises so you will be making an informed decision.

	Unfortunately, without physical assessment it is hard to give you a definitive advise taking into consideration that you could be a great candidate for alternative facial contouring procedures that will give you commendable results and the "heart shaped" face you desire to enhance you facial beauty.

	
	Thank you for your question.

	Dr. Sajjadian

Benjamin Caughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

To be honest, if you go to a well trained and busy surgeon these procedures have a low complication rate. Both can be done while you are awake in clinic. They both are performed through very small incisions. Also many patients benefit from a combination of both treatments. This allows narrowing and sculpting. The real kicker is if you are able to add some fat grafting on top. That really gives us the tools to make happy patients. Fat grafting has many benefits even besides the obvious addition of volume to the upper 1/3 of the face. I focus solely on facial plastic surgery so I am very comfortable with the anatomy. There are ducts, nerves, arteries and veins that need to be avoided and treated throughout both procedures. So make sure you see someone who does a lot of these procedures and you will do well.This is a video about fat transfer to the face. Best of luck.DrC

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Patients in the early 30s who are slim but have chubby cheeks usually have enlarged buccal fat pads. Buccal fat removal, as the name describes, removes permanently the enlarged buccal fat pads thus giving the face a thinner more V shape facial appearance ( aka chubby cheek correction). This also allow to accentuate cheek bones in patients with good facial bone structure. Laser liposuction can remove the excess of fat that is located underneath the skin of the face and neck, but not the buccal fat pad pocket. Trying to remove the buccal fat pads with laser liposuction could potentially damage the nerves that control the facial expression. The view below helps to understand who could be a candidate for buccal fat removal.

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I find buccal fat pad reduction to be a great procedure in the properly selected patient. Fullness in the lower cheeks or "chipmunk cheeks" can be treated this way to give a more defined lower face. Liposuction or skin tightening technologies will not be the right choice when buccal fullness is apparent. The buccal fat pad sits deeper in the lower cheek area under muscle. This is different from skin fat that can be liposuctioned or laser lipo'd. Proper diagnosis is important to understand how to treat. Also, this fat pad may get smaller when we are elderly possibly giving a hollow look in this area.  Performed properly in the right patient buccal fat reduction is easily performed and gives a slimmer lower face that is difficult to achieve otherwise. I have many happy patients with this procedure. Careful selection and counseling are key. Results evolve nicely over a period of weeks to months. This is a safe procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia.  Recovery is minimal.  Please talk to a board certified surgeon experienced in buccal fat reduction to see if you are a candidate.

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Buccal Fat pad Removal and Liposuction are both quite safe. That being said there is always an element of uncertainty when undergoing any procedure. Fortunately, if you are seeing a qualified plastic surgeon with proper training then your chances of a complication is quite low.
It's hard to say without seeing photographs, but both of these can be good options in the correct patient. 
In young patients:
For fat below the jawline , like a fat neck - laser or regular liposuction can be a good option
For fat above the jawline, like chubby cheeks - buccal fat pad removal is an excellent option. 
These can be performed together.
Hope this helps!

This is one of my favorite facial contouring procedures which creates a slimming look and reduces the appearance of chubby cheeks or “chipmunk cheeks” in the lower part of the face. This quick surgery can enhance the appearance of high cheek bones and give a more sculpted and chiseled facial look. Best of all, buccal fat pad removal is a permanent procedure and the buccal fat does not come back.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Buccal fat pad reduction is a procedure that is not commonly performed but can make sense in the right patient. It is important to understand the anatomy before undergoing the surgery so that you are well informed. Normal aging reduces the buccal fat pad volume. It is true that some people have more volume in their cheeks than others. However, it is also universally true that that volume will decrease and descend over time. Removing too much buccal fat can cause premature aging. It is also important to remember that replacing fat that has been removed is extraordinarily difficult if not impossible. The main reason is the location of the buccal fat pad. It usually resides underneath a large muscle that is responsible for majority of the power motions of your chewing. Once that fat is removed that space collapses. Once collapsed it is very difficult to find the exact space and to reinsert a substance such as a filler or better yet fat. One potential solution is to use something like Sculptra. While I generally do not advocate buccal fat pad removal, I understand why somewhat would want procedures such as this. I tried to choose my patients very carefully and I also tried to be conservative in the amount of fat that is removed. Surgeons who trivialized this procedure simply don’t understand how difficult it is to correct deformities that may occur. The cost of the procedure can run anywhere from $3000-$7000, depending upon your geographic locale. Please visit with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon. My best advice is to always be conservative with any buccal fat pad reduction.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer is more dependent on the experience and expertise of your surgeon. While buccal fat removal involves working near nerves, laser liposuction can lead to thermal damage and scarring. While we have not had issues with either procedure, a patient should be informed of the potential risks. The patient's objectives will determine which approach is more advisable.

Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO · Answer

It all depends on the experience of your surgeon. Generally, the buccal fat removal involves manipulation of tissues close to facial nerves but liposuction is more superficial. Laser liposuction can cause thermal damage to the skin and visible scarring of the face.

Charles Virden, MD (retired) · Answer

I don't mean to be a grump but I am not a big fan of either. You state you are thin. Much of your "fat" face may be structural (bone, wide jaw structure etc.) In my experience Buccal fat pad removal is a fairly simple office procedure but results are best for people who have focal fullness above the jaw kind of under your cheek bone. Laser Lipo of your face is down right crazy and irresponsible in the face. Its a set up for permanent irregularities, potential areas of fibrosis and additional things that you will not like. Please really think hard about doing either of these two modalities and certainly get multiple opinions regarding why you may have a full face.

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