Fillers After Buccal Fat Removal

Question

I understand buccal fat removal is a problematic procedure as it may cause hollow/sunken cheeks in future due to aging hence its akin to pursuing a short term goal but with negative long term consequences. However, could one just not use fillers such as sculptra to fix this future issue as it is normally done? Or does sunken cheeks caused by buccal fat removal differ from sunken cheeks caused by regular aging?

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

As people age, there normally is some loss of fat in the face.  Whether fat loss in the face is due to normal aging or as a result of surgical buccal fat removal, fillers can be used to add more volume to the areas of lost fat.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

When buccal fat is performed, it is important to leave some fat remaining as to prevent hollowness with aging.  However, you are right, in that if it is hollow in the future, it could be augmented with dermal fillers or sculptra.  Please consult with a board certified specialist who can assist you with achieving the results you seek.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Aggressive or near complete buccal fat removal can lead to facial hollowing down the road in certain fat types as they age. The best way to avoid that problem is to do an incomplete or partial buccal lipectomy if the procedure had benefit for a patient's facial reshaping effort. You are correct in assuming that should it occur any type of injectable filler can be of benefit to re-establish volume including fat injections.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

You could use Sculptra every other year for the rest of your life but why have buccal fat pad removal in the first place.  It's like that procedure gives the best results for facial shaping or cheek augmentation.  Shaping the cheeks with fillers (I prefer Perlane) or cheek implants and if there is excess facial fat, micro-lipsuction.  In my opinion buccal fat removal is outdated and unwarranted.

Sheldon S. Kabaker, MD FACS (retired) · Answer

It would make sense that a deficiency of fat could be corrected  by an injectable filler, fat being amongst the filler choices.

Fillers After Buccal Fat Removal

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Fillers After Buccal Fat Removal

Answers (5)

Answer: Fillers After Buccal Fat Removal

Answer: Fillers After Buccal Fat Removal

Answer: Fillers After Buccal Fat Removal

Answer: Fillers After Buccal Fat Removal

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Everything you need to know about Cheek Fillers

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