Buccal fat removal, can it cause facial drooping?

Question

I'm 22 years old and I was wondering if buccal fat removal was a bad idea. I once had a surgeon tell me it's a bad idea and the face would end up looking droopy in the long term because the buccal fat is what supports the face, such as the cheek bones. And on the other hand I had a surgeon that had no problem doing it. So I really want to know if the first surgeon is correct?

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Buccal far removal is a plastic surgery procedure that helps to achieve a chiseled, more defined, thinner face look.Buccal fat removal is not a bad idea when patients have good high cheek bones. Buccal fat removal does not technically support the face, but give it fullness. Many people and very inexperienced practitioners don't recommend buccal fat removal because "it could make the face drooping". That is because when performing buccal fat, the cheek bones are not analyzed and addressed if necessary. The support of the face is the facial skeleton (cheek bones) Therefore, when performing buccal fat removal, the cheek bones have to be evaluated. If the cheek bones are poor, face could "look droopy" after buccal fat removal alone. Therefore, in mu practice, if a patient has poor cheek bones and is a candidate for buccal fat removal, he or she must enhance his/her cheek bones with soft tissue fillers like volume (or cheek implants) or I won't perform the buccal fat removal.Patients interested in buccal fat removal  should make a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon specialized in plastic surgery procedures of the face

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. Buccal fat pad removal is a great operation when performed in properly selected patients and not just utilized haphazardly to create enhanced definition in a face. If your lower cheeks or submalar area (the area below your cheekbones themselves) are somewhat thin or narrow, taking out the buccal fat will highlight your cheekbones but possibly, with a trade off-that, could a gaunt, older looking face. To get more customized approach to your concerns, it is best to have an in person consultation for a board certified plastic surgeon.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  In the appropriate patient, a buccal fat pad removal can be very helpful in slimming the face and giving an angular, more youthful look.  Care must be taken to avoid removing too much fat as this will become more apparent with aging.  The buccal fat is distinctly different from the superficial and deep fat compartments that change with aging and contribute to signs of aging.  I would agree with your second surgeon.  Good luck.

Adam L. Basner, MD · Answer

Buccal fat pad removal is a beneficial procedure that can help you achieve a more youthful, chiseled facial look. Although buccal fat does give your cheeks a full appearance, it does not support the underlying structures. Patients that will see the best results from this procedure are those with excessive cheek fat and high cheek bones.However, every patient is unique and may experience different results. To help determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure, talk with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Together, you can discuss your cosmetic goals and needs and work to formulate your personalized treatment plan.Best of luck!

Buccal fat removal, can it cause facial drooping?

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Buccal fat removal, can it cause facial drooping?

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